2011 MKZ AWD New Owner

[Joseph Park]

Two months ago got a CPO 2011 MKZ AWD, platinum white metallic tri coat, chrome package, moon roof. Had 38K on it.  Came with the chocolate interior.

Got it for $19k and change

 

Traded in my 2010 Accord Coupe EX-L V6.  Car was more striking compared to the MKZ but the coupe lacked practicality and the car was borderline useless in the snow since I live in NY.

 

Got the car at Wayne Motors NJ, which I would highly recommend

 

So far the car has been great besides:

 

Noticed one of the LED bulbs on the taillight strip was out.  Called thinking I could just pickup a bulb and have my mechanic do it, but he said the whole taillight is one module and it would cost $400!  I called the dealer and they said they would replace it.  2-3 days later brought it in and they fixed it.

 

Second problem was a bit more serious.  After long rides of 30 miles or more my girlfriend and I would notice the smell of gas.  After some quick web searching it came apparent this was probably the PTU.  Brought it in and they diagnosed it as a PTU problem.  I thought they would just replace the seal but they actually replaced the whole PTU.  So far no more gas smell

 

Overall pleased with the car.  Amazed how much quieter it is compared to my Accord.  While the seats don't have the bolstering a German or even Japanese luxury car would have, they are very comfortable and have very soft leather and are handsome looking with the tuxedo trim.  The car's steering has a nice heavy feel compared to my Accord or most Acura's but you defiantly don't want to power into turns with the MKZ since it is a bit soft.  Acceleration isn't top of its class but with a 3.5 V6 263 HP engine you will be able to make any pass and feel comfortable doing so.  The engine doesn't have the sweet sound of a Honda V6 and it can be a bit course at higher RPMs.  The MPG for the AWD version is 17-24 or 19 combined.  I live in NYC and I have been getting 20-21 overall MPG.  To best sum up the car I would say the 2010-2012 MKZ is a mix between a Chrysler 300 and a Lexus ES.  The MKZ has the bold American grill paired with gotti amounts of chrome similar to a Chrysler, but is like a Lexus ES in terms of comfort, reliability, and price.

 

I have driven 2013-2014 MKZs on two occasions.  Once before I bought my 2011, but decided to not go with a new gen 2013 because the price was 50% more and because every new model is filled with problems.  The second time I drove a new MKZ was when my car was in the shop.  This time I had the car for 24 hours and I really started to notice the differences in the new gen and previous gen.  First the 2.0 ecoboost is great and is just as good as the old 3.5 in terms of shifts and acceleration.  You only notice the difference between the 2.0 ecoboost and the 3.5 if you pound it or at high speeds.  Secondly I originally dismissed the Lincoln Mytouch system and while it still isn't practical since you have to take your eyes off the road most of the time to operate anything, the 2014 model seemed to have better response and having used the car for a full day I got used to the system.  The styling on the new version I was never in love with but after using the car for a day It really grew on me.  The lack of shifter and having a console that wraps around you makes you feel like your in a cockpit.  Plus the car itself looks like a spaceship, especially the rear.  The styling in the new gens look completely different compared to the 2010-2012 MKZ and Fusions which looked a tad too similar.   The new gen still kept the bridge of weir leather but stylized it more like modern day luxury car and really added a ton of cushioning.  The new gen kept the real wood accents but instead of just placing a line of wood across the console horizontally they actually shaped the wood and used it as stylized accents.  Overall the car feels more refined.  

 

Overall I am a Lincoln believer, but after the handful of recall the new MKZ faces I a not sure if I will be buying a new one for at least a couple generations.  If Lincoln can fix the MKZ problems which aren't minor such as improper passenger seat welding, Hybrid problems with the transmission shifting when in park, engine block heater electrical issues, and fuel delivery module cracking.  

 

 

 

 

[michaelinokc]

Welcome to the forum!

[JediBoyTJ]

Welcome! I picked up my 2012 MKZ Hybrid for similar reasons to yours, good price compared to the '13s or '14s, and more reliable. 

 

I had the same problem with the LED strips on the tailgate, one was out. Simple warranty repair. If you are still within the limited warranty (you should be), keep in mind that it covers everything, including interior trim, leather seats, headliners...etc. If you notice anything odd, they are usually pretty good about getting it fixed. I had all the leather seat covers in my old 07 MKZ replaced because they were cracking down on the side by the seat controls.