Favorite/Least Favorite Features

[leftoverture]

This topic may have been done before but since I just started daily driving our MKZ (which we have owned for almost 3 years) a couple months ago after my wife got her BMW, I just wanted to hear what you like best vs what you like least about your MKZ.

 

For me my favorite thing is the overall comfort. I'm getting older and have some hip issues that make a lot of cars difficult for me to be in for any length of time so I truly appreciate the comfort. Last fall we actually did just over 16 hours in one day in the MKZ. There aren't many cars I can be in for that long.

 

My least favorite is the transmission. I dislike the pushbutton shifter immensely and the transmission shifts quite poor for a modern car. The Mazda 3 we traded in for the MKZ shifted far more smoothly as did the Volvo S60 we had and my wife's BMW (a 2016 228i) shifts far more smoothly as well. It seems Ford has yet to master the automatic transmission.

 

That would be my list....what about anyone else?

Edited November 10, 2020 by leftoverture

[Krasnaya]

Interesting post, Left.  I have a 2015 MKZ (metallic black) with the V6 engine.  Before I forget to say it, the paint on this car is absolutely sensational.  Ford/Lincoln really know how to paint a car.

My single favorite thing about the car is the power.  The car has a feeling of effortless power that enables me to glide in and out of traffic effortlessly.  It truly drives like a V8 engine.

I'll respectfully disagree with you about the transmission.  I find the transmission to be fine.  And in Sport Mode it is great fun!  Coupled with the powerful engine, the car is a lot of fun to drive.

Lastly, the tech on this car is definitely ahead of its time.  The instrument cluster would not be out of place on a 2020 car.  I really like the simplicity of the control layout.  It looks unique and futuristic, and definitely prevents the car from looking dated.  My only regret is that the Synch 2 system cannot manage Apple Car Play.  That is truly unfortunate.

I agree with you on the comfort.  While the seats in our Cadillac CT4-V are better, these seats have good lumbar support and enable me to handle relatively long drives with ease.

The MKZ really makes me regret that Lincoln has exited the sedan market.  I think that this was a shortsighted mistake, but beancounters will be beancounters, I suppose.

Edited November 12, 2020 by Krasnaya

[leftoverture]

Krasnaya, I do not know if the 4 cyl and V6 cars have the same transmission or not. (We have the 4 cyl.) But it might also be a case of what other cars you have driven lately. Our Volvo S60 (transmission made by Toyota) was so much smoother it really was no comparison. And our BMW (ZF transmission I believe) is also quite a bit smoother. The other thing about our MKZ, the paddle shifters are so slow to react they are pretty much worthless. But maybe the V6 has an upgraded transmission vs the 4? Overall we love our car, but the transmission is not and never has been a smooth shifter. Maybe I should upgrade to a V6 model!

Edited November 12, 2020 by leftoverture

[MKZMark]

You can definitely feel the shifts in the six speed tranny. They are not rough but you can feel them. My least favorite features are a cramped back seat and difficult ingress/egress. My friend has bad hips and can barely make it in and out.

 

My favorite features are everything else. After 3+ years it's still a pleasure every time I sit in the drivers seat.

[bbf2530]

4 hours ago, leftoverture said:

Krasnaya, I do not know if the 4 cyl and V6 cars have the same transmission or not. (We have the 4 cyl.) But it might also be a case of what other cars you have driven lately. Our Volvo S60 (transmission made by Toyota) was so much smoother it really was no comparison. And our BMW (ZF transmission I believe) is also quite a bit smoother. The other thing about our MKZ, the paddle shifters are so slow to react they are pretty much worthless. But maybe the V6 has an upgraded transmission vs the 4? Overall we love our car, but the transmission is not and never has been a smooth shifter. Maybe I should upgrade to a V6 model!

 

Hi leftoverture. Just concerning the paddle shifters: While I am not sure how pertinent this is anymore, Ford specifically stated to press and quickly release the shifter mechanism, since holding the shifter/paddle/button would delay the shift.

 

So try to pay attention to how long you hold the paddle shifters when you shift. And try to condition yourself to quickly "flick" the paddle shifter. Do not hold it pressed. perhaps it will help.

 

Good luck.

Edited November 12, 2020 by bbf2530

[leftoverture]

30 minutes ago, bbf2530 said:

 

Hi leftoverture. Just concerning the paddle shifters: While I am not sure how pertinent this is anymore, Ford specifically stated to press and quickly release the shifter mechanism, since holding the shifter/paddle/button would delay the shift.

 

So try to pay attention to how long you hold the paddle shifters when you shift. And try to condition yourself to quickly "flick" the paddle shifter. Do not hold it pressed. perhaps it will help.

 

Good luck.

Thanks. I don't think I'm holding them, but I will pay more attention next time I try. It's really not that it doesn't shift, I just get really mushy shifts, not crisp quick shifts. But I will pay more attention to my part of the equation!

[leftoverture]

1 hour ago, MKZMark said:

You can definitely feel the shifts in the six speed tranny. They are not rough but you can feel them. My least favorite features are a cramped back seat and difficult ingress/egress. My friend has bad hips and can barely make it in and out.

 

My favorite features are everything else. After 3+ years it's still a pleasure every time I sit in the drivers seat.

We have the seat that moves backwards and the steering wheel that moves out of the way when you turn it off so that helps with ingress/egress. I never have to try and get in and out of the back seat though.

 

I agree about the "everything else". We do really like the MKZ. That's why when we bought the BMW for my wife we traded in the Volvo and not the Lincoln!

Edited November 12, 2020 by leftoverture

[17MKZ3.0TT]

7 hours ago, MKZMark said:

You can definitely feel the shifts in the six speed tranny. They are not rough but you can feel them. My least favorite features are a cramped back seat and difficult ingress/egress. My friend has bad hips and can barely make it in and out.

 

My favorite features are everything else. After 3+ years it's still a pleasure every time I sit in the drivers seat.

Not sure if this matters, but in Sport mode in my '17 3.0, downshifts harder when you're lightly braking for an upcoming event like  stop sign or red light. Is it the same for you in all 3 driving modes? I never use the paddle shifters ('cause I got an automatic car because I can shift to my heart's content on my motorcycles) but my understanding is the shift occurs when you release the paddle, not when you pull it in. I'll try and remember to check it sometime. 

Edited November 12, 2020 by 17MKZ3.0TT

[rubyinla]

2016 H...   Not leased, bought used with 24k on it. 

 

Pro's. 

Gas Mileage...  39 to 42 mpg average.  Gas cap has never gotten stuck.

Nice seats.  Actually like the leather and the a/c to the seats

Sunroof

Smooooth shifting transmission

It's been trouble free (knock on wood... probably should delete that statement)

Good brakes.  I think they are good at high speed too, if you could ever get to a high speed

Adaptive cruise control...  love it.  Just be ready for it to jam on the brakes for some idiot that jumps in front of you.

Lots of other features I'll never use or know I needed

OMG... The parallel parking button !!!!  PFM !!  Parks just as good as I did when I was 25!!

TOTALLY amazed at how there is no perceptible feel when it switches from gas to electric.  More PFM

 

Con's

Gawd awful CVT transmission, but it is smoooooth ...  no 6 speed bumps ?

Uproar from all the mice being whipped to accelerate onto the freeway

Cabin noise on cement freeways..  partly tires ...  can't hear the radio

Wind noise... Once you finally get to cruise speed.

did I mention lack of Acceleration?  Wear ear defenders if you really want to abuse the mice.

Push button everything.  Looks very cool though

No spare tire

Fear of having to replace the computer controlled shock absorbers

Retained resale value..  buy used!!

 

Overall, I knew what I was getting into (pardon the pun).  I came out of an ECOboost, 300hp Mustang.  0 to 85mph at the top of the freeway onramp, pabble shifters, nice seats, styling and no need for rear view mirrors cuz nothing was passing you ?  .  Now it's 0 to 85 sometime today.  I truly am disappointed in the sound level though because that was my main reason for downgrading.  It's sill a comfortable cruiser for my getting older every day bones.  Would I do it again?  Probably not.  Nothing against the MKZ or the hybrid, but I miss my Mustang.  And it got 31 / 32 mpg on the highway.

[leftoverture]

Rubyinla kinda sounds like you would be be happier with the V6, too. Thanks for sharing your experience?

[rubyinla]

1 hour ago, leftoverture said:

Rubyinla kinda sounds like you would be be happier with the V6, too. Thanks for sharing your experience?

 

Only if it's quieter.  I gave up the HP for a quiet cabin because of hearing malfunctions after 45 years around jet engines.  Basically, I feel short changed.  At least it's a good looking car and I love the color.  Plus +++ the damn thing will parallel park itself ?

[bbf2530]

2 hours ago, rubyinla said:

 

Only if it's quieter.  I gave up the HP for a quiet cabin because of hearing malfunctions after 45 years around jet engines.  Basically, I feel short changed.  At least it's a good looking car and I love the color.  Plus +++ the damn thing will parallel park itself ?

 

Hi ruby. Going off of your complaint areas, the 3.0T is definitely quieter. At least partially due to using a 6 speed instead of the CVT. And definitely far more powerful.

 

Even the 2.0T is more powerful than the Hybrid. And again, quieter too, at least partially due to using a 6 speed instead of the CVT.

 

Good luck.

Edited November 15, 2020 by bbf2530

[rubyinla]

10 minutes ago, bbf2530 said:

 

Hi ruby. Going off of your complaint areas, the 3.0T is definitely quieter. At least partially due to using a 6 speed instead of the CVT. And definitely far more powerful.

 

Even the 2.0T is more powerful than the Hybrid. And again, quieter too, due to using a 6 speed instead of the CVT.

 

Good luck.

Thanks!  It is what it is.  My racing and canyon days in multiple Miata's, Mustangs and a Corvette are behind me. 

hehe.. At least I finally realized it after the Corvette went airborne incident !! 

I do think the parallel parking is PFM though ? 

Edited November 15, 2020 by rubyinla

[MKZMark]

On 11/12/2020 at 12:44 PM, leftoverture said:

We have the seat that moves backwards and the steering wheel that moves out of the way when you turn it off so that helps with ingress/egress. I never have to try and get in and out of the back seat though.

 

I agree about the "everything else". We do really like the MKZ. That's why when we bought the BMW for my wife we traded in the Volvo and not the Lincoln!

 

The seat moving back makes it harder to get out not easier. It should move forward and up. But this is just nitpicking. If I lost a few pounds it would also make it easier.?

[kramf411]

...or one could reassign one of the memory buttons (if not already in use) as a seat exit position.

[leftoverture]

4 hours ago, MKZMark said:

 

The seat moving back makes it harder to get out not easier. It should move forward and up. But this is just nitpicking. If I lost a few pounds it would also make it easier.?

You must have some really long legs or something. I can't see how having the seat move forward would make it easier to get out. But I guess everybody is different. 

Edited November 15, 2020 by leftoverture

[leftoverture]

14 hours ago, rubyinla said:

Thanks!  It is what it is.  My racing and canyon days in multiple Miata's, Mustangs and a Corvette are behind me. 

hehe.. At least I finally realized it after the Corvette went airborne incident !! 

I do think the parallel parking is PFM though ? 

Well, my Miata (I had one) and Corvette (I've had three) days are probably behind me, too. But I still like power. I have the 2.0 only because we originally bought the car for my wife. I am currently being tempted by a local dealer that has a V-6 on their lot. Either is plenty quiet for me. Though I used to work in the hearing aid business so I understand about hearing loss.

As for parallel parking.....sound like a neat feature but I'm still a do-it-yourselfer at heart so I'm not much for driving (or parking) aids.

[17MKZ3.0TT]

1 hour ago, leftoverture said:

Well, my Miata (I had one) and Corvette (I've had three) days are probably behind me, too. But I still like power. I have the 2.0 only because we originally bought the car for my wife. I am currently being tempted by a local dealer that has a V-6 on their lot. Either is plenty quiet for me. Though I used to work in the hearing aid business so I understand about hearing loss.

As for parallel parking.....sound like a neat feature but I'm still a do-it-yourselfer at heart so I'm not much for driving (or parking) aids.

If you seriously start to consider the 3.0 TT make sure you drive it first, and get down on it in a lane change like you were passing somebody like ya meant it. The power comes on nice and quick, but the torque steer may keep me from getting another one. It likes to yank to the left, and then as you're considering/starting a correction to the right, the torque affect goes away and it's way to easy to pull it to the right. Not a good thing if you're just up to the driver's door of the car you're passing. I love my Z, but it's not a track day car unless you're willing to get some suspension work done, and for that kind of money I'd have to start looking for a different car.

[bbf2530]

50 minutes ago, 17MKZ3.0TT said:

If you seriously start to consider the 3.0 TT make sure you drive it first, and get down on it in a lane change like you were passing somebody like ya meant it. The power comes on nice and quick, but the torque steer may keep me from getting another one. It likes to yank to the left, and then as you're considering/starting a correction to the right, the torque affect goes away and it's way to easy to pull it to the right. Not a good thing if you're just up to the driver's door of the car you're passing. I love my Z, but it's not a track day car unless you're willing to get some suspension work done, and for that kind of money I'd have to start looking for a different car.

 

Hi 17MKZ. Is your MKZ AWD or FWD? If you have an AWD 3.0T, you may want to have the Dealer look at it to see if there is an issue in the transmission or PTU unit. My 3.0T AWD has no discernible torque steer.

Of course, the FWD models, with 350 HP and only FWD, are an entirely different story as far as torque steer.

 

Good luck.

Edited November 15, 2020 by bbf2530

[leftoverture]

3 minutes ago, bbf2530 said:

 

Hi 17MKZ. Is your MKZ AWD or FWD? If you have an AWD 3.0T, you may want to have the Dealer look at it to see if there is an issue in the transmission or PTU unit. My 3.0T AWD has no discernible torque steer.

Of course, the FWD models, with 350 HP and only FWD, are an entirely different story as far as torque steer.

 

Good luck.

That was my question exactly. I would definitely get the AWD version. 

[bbf2530]

7 hours ago, MKZMark said:

 

The seat moving back makes it harder to get out not easier. It should move forward and up. But this is just nitpicking. If I lost a few pounds it would also make it easier.?

 

Hi MKZM. I'm not quite 6'1" and only weigh 200 pounds. If my seat moved forward and up when I turned off the car, I'd barely be able to get my legs (or me) out of the car. ??

[bbf2530]

1 minute ago, leftoverture said:

That was my question exactly. I would definitely get the AWD version. 

 

Hi leftoverture. I had a long string of Mustang GT's in my younger days and even not so distant past. No torque steer there, just heart pounding oversteer if you weren't careful in even moderately slippery conditions. In addition to my 2018 MKZ 3.0T AWD, I also have a 2007 FWD MKZ with the 3.5L V-6. Now...that FWD only car can have some torque steer, if you really press it hard.

 

However, I really get no torque steer in the 2018 3.0T AWD. Granted, I don't drive it like I used to drive my Mustang GT's (I've grown older and hopefully wiser), but the 2018 AWD is a very neutral handling car, for its purpose.

 

Just my own experiences, of course.

 

Good luck! ?

[drolds1]

2 hours ago, bbf2530 said:

 

Hi leftoverture. I had a long string of Mustang GT's in my younger days and even not so distant past. No torque steer there, just heart pounding oversteer if you weren't careful in even moderately slippery conditions. In addition to my 2018 MKZ 3.0T AWD, I also have a 2007 FWD MKZ with the 3.5L V-6. Now...that FWD only car can have some torque steer, if you really press it hard.

 

However, I really get no torque steer in the 2018 3.0T AWD. Granted, I don't drive it like I used to drive my Mustang GT's (I've grown older and hopefully wiser), but the 2018 AWD is a very neutral handling car, for its purpose.

 

Just my own experiences, of course.

 

Good luck! ?

Agreed.  I'm on my 2nd 3.0 AWD.  Absolutely no torque steer in either one.  The FWD version  is detuned to 350hp but still is rated at 400lb-ft of torque.  It must be a handful.  My 1989 Mercury Sable with the 3.8 V6 even had slight torque steer if you pushed it.

Edited November 15, 2020 by drolds1

[17MKZ3.0TT]

17 hours ago, bbf2530 said:

 

Hi 17MKZ. Is your MKZ AWD or FWD? If you have an AWD 3.0T, you may want to have the Dealer look at it to see if there is an issue in the transmission or PTU unit. My 3.0T AWD has no discernible torque steer.

Of course, the FWD models, with 350 HP and only FWD, are an entirely different story as far as torque steer.

 

Good luck.

Mine's the AWD 3.0T

[CDW6212R]

19 hours ago, 17MKZ3.0TT said:

If you seriously start to consider the 3.0 TT make sure you drive it first, and get down on it in a lane change like you were passing somebody like ya meant it. The power comes on nice and quick, but the torque steer may keep me from getting another one. It likes to yank to the left, and then as you're considering/starting a correction to the right, the torque affect goes away and it's way to easy to pull it to the right. Not a good thing if you're just up to the driver's door of the car you're passing. I love my Z, but it's not a track day car unless you're willing to get some suspension work done, and for that kind of money I'd have to start looking for a different car.

 

That torque steer you have, do you know if that car has the Driver's Package?

 

That one feature has been a sticking point for me as I started to hunt a 3.0 AWD MKZ. The one feature to reduce the torque steer, only came in the Driver's Package, for 2017 and 2018. It was made standard in all 3.0's in 2019 and 20. I was hunting a 2017, but don't want a black interior. The Driver's Package mandates a black interior(includes it), and the cost was $3400. On the black label MKZ's, that Torque Vectoring cost $1400 for their Driver's Package. That didn't affect the interior choice, or the wheels, or the calipers.

 

Those details took me a while and a couple of conversations with a local dealer manager to figure out. Bottom line is, you want the Driver's Package for sure in 2017 and 2018.

Edited November 16, 2020 by CDW6212R