The Lincoln Continental, a name synonymous with American luxury, evokes images of spacious interiors, smooth rides, and a certain classic elegance. But nostalgia aside, is a used Lincoln Continental a good car in today's market? And perhaps even more importantly, how well do they hold their value? Understanding the answers to these questions is crucial before you consider purchasing one, whether you're drawn to its vintage charm or considering a more recent model. Let's dive into the realities of owning a Lincoln Continental, exploring its strengths, weaknesses, and ultimately, its resale value.
The Continental Comeback: A Brief History
The Lincoln Continental has a storied past, stretching back to the late 1930s. Iconic models like the 1961-1969 generation solidified its place in automotive history. However, the Continental went through periods of absence and reinvention. The most recent iteration, produced from 2017 to 2020, aimed to recapture that lost glory, offering a modern interpretation of the classic luxury sedan. While this revival was met with initial enthusiasm, its relatively short production run has implications for its current and future value. We will focus on this 2017-2020 model in this article.
What Makes a Continental a Continental (And What Doesn't)?
The 2017-2020 Lincoln Continental attempted to blend modern technology with classic Lincoln styling. It offered a range of powerful engines, including a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 producing up to 400 horsepower. Inside, you could find features like massaging seats, premium leather upholstery, and a host of driver-assistance technologies.
However, some critics pointed out that it shared its platform with the Ford Fusion, a significantly less expensive car. While Lincoln engineers worked to differentiate the Continental through suspension tuning and sound insulation, some felt it lacked the truly unique identity and craftsmanship associated with its legendary predecessors. This perception impacts its resale value.
Diving Deep: The Pros and Cons of Owning a Used Continental
Before we talk about money, let's get real about what it's actually like to own a used Continental.
The Good Stuff:
- Ride Quality: The Continental prioritizes comfort. The suspension is tuned for a smooth, quiet ride, making it excellent for long road trips.
- Spacious Interior: Plenty of legroom and headroom, both front and rear, provide a comfortable experience for all passengers.
- Luxury Features: Even base models come well-equipped, and higher trims offer a plethora of luxury features, often at a lower price point than comparable German or Japanese luxury cars.
- Powerful Engine Options: The available engines provide ample power for confident acceleration and highway cruising. The twin-turbo V6 is particularly impressive.
- Distinctive Styling: The Continental stands out from the crowd with its elegant and understated design. It's a classy alternative to the more aggressive styling of some competitors.
The Not-So-Good Stuff:
- Reliability Concerns: Some owners have reported issues with the Continental, particularly with the infotainment system and some of the more complex electronic features.
- Depreciation: As we'll discuss in detail, the Continental depreciates faster than some of its competitors.
- Ford Fusion Roots: The shared platform, while not inherently bad, can detract from the perceived exclusivity of the Continental.
- Discontinued Model: The fact that it's no longer in production can make finding parts and qualified service technicians slightly more challenging in the long run.
- Infotainment System: The SYNC 3 system, while functional, can feel dated compared to the latest infotainment systems in newer vehicles.
Resale Value Breakdown: The Numbers Don't Lie
Alright, let's get to the heart of the matter: how well do Lincoln Continentals hold their value? The answer, unfortunately, is not great, at least compared to other luxury sedans.
Several factors contribute to this:
- Depreciation Rate: Luxury cars, in general, tend to depreciate faster than mainstream models. However, the Continental depreciates even faster than some of its competitors in the luxury segment. Expect a significant drop in value within the first few years of ownership.
- Brand Perception: Lincoln, while a respected brand, doesn't have the same cachet as brands like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, or Lexus. This impacts resale value, as buyers are often willing to pay a premium for those brands.
- Production Run: The short production run of the 2017-2020 Continental means there are fewer of them on the used market. While scarcity can sometimes increase value, in this case, it seems to have the opposite effect, possibly due to concerns about long-term parts availability.
- Reliability Reputation: The aforementioned reliability concerns also contribute to lower resale values. Potential buyers are often wary of purchasing a car with a reputation for potential problems.
Here's a rough estimate of resale values based on model year and condition (as of late 2024):
- 2017 Lincoln Continental: Expect to find models ranging from ,000 to ,000, depending on mileage, condition, and trim level.
- 2018 Lincoln Continental: Prices typically range from ,000 to ,000.
- 2019 Lincoln Continental: Expect to pay between ,000 and ,000.
- 2020 Lincoln Continental: The final model year can range from ,000 to ,000, depending on the trim and options. The Black Label editions will command a premium.
Important Considerations:
- Trim Level: Higher trim levels, such as the Reserve and Black Label, will generally hold their value better than base models due to their added features and luxury appointments.
- Mileage: Lower mileage vehicles will always be worth more.
- Condition: A well-maintained Continental with a clean history report will command a higher price.
- Location: Prices can vary depending on your location. Markets with higher demand for luxury cars may see slightly higher resale values.
- Market Fluctuations: The used car market is constantly changing. Keep an eye on trends and adjust your expectations accordingly.
Comparing to the Competition:
To put things in perspective, consider that a comparable used Mercedes-Benz E-Class or BMW 5 Series from the same model years will typically command a higher price on the used market. A Lexus GS, known for its reliability, will also likely hold its value better.
Who is the Lincoln Continental Right For?
Despite the depreciation concerns, the Lincoln Continental can still be a good choice for certain buyers:
- Budget-Conscious Luxury Seekers: If you're looking for a lot of luxury for your money, a used Continental can be a great value. You can get a well-equipped model for significantly less than a comparable German or Japanese luxury car.
- Comfort-Focused Drivers: If ride quality and interior space are your top priorities, the Continental delivers in spades.
- Fans of Classic American Styling: If you appreciate the Continental's understated elegance and want a car that stands out from the crowd, it's a compelling choice.
- Those Who Don't Plan to Resell Soon: If you plan to keep the car for a long time and aren't overly concerned about resale value, the depreciation becomes less of a factor.
However, if resale value is a major concern, or if you prioritize cutting-edge technology and ultimate reliability, you might be better off considering other options.
Tips for Buying a Used Lincoln Continental
If you've decided that a used Continental is right for you, here are some tips to ensure you get a good one:
- Get a Pre-Purchase Inspection: This is crucial. Have a qualified mechanic inspect the car thoroughly, paying particular attention to the engine, transmission, and electrical systems.
- Check the Vehicle History Report: A Carfax or AutoCheck report can reveal any accidents, title issues, or other red flags.
- Test Drive Extensively: Take the car for a long test drive on various types of roads to assess its ride quality, handling, and performance.
- Negotiate the Price: Don't be afraid to negotiate. Given the Continental's depreciation, you may be able to get a good deal.
- Consider an Extended Warranty: Given the potential reliability concerns, an extended warranty can provide peace of mind. However, carefully review the terms and conditions to ensure it covers the components you're most concerned about.
- Research Common Problems: Before you buy, research common problems reported by other Continental owners. This will help you know what to look for during the inspection and test drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the Lincoln Continental reliable? Reliability is mixed. Some owners report no issues, while others have experienced problems with the infotainment system and other electronic components.
- Does the Continental share parts with other Ford vehicles? Yes, it shares its platform with the Ford Fusion, but Lincoln made efforts to differentiate it with unique styling, suspension tuning, and sound insulation.
- Is the Lincoln Continental a good value for the money? As a used car, yes. You can often find well-equipped models for less than comparable luxury cars from other brands.
- Are parts readily available for the Continental? Parts availability is generally good, but some specific components may be harder to find due to the relatively short production run.
- Is the Black Label trim worth the extra cost? If you value luxury features and premium materials, the Black Label trim offers a significant upgrade, but be prepared to pay a premium.
The Final Verdict
The Lincoln Continental offers a compelling blend of luxury, comfort, and distinctive styling. However, its faster-than-average depreciation and potential reliability concerns are important considerations. If you prioritize value and are willing to do your homework and find a well-maintained example, a used Continental can be a great choice. Just be realistic about its resale value and factor that into your buying decision.