aripley Posted November 30, 2020 Share Posted November 30, 2020 Hi everyone, I'm looking to buy a facelifted gen1 MKZ and would like some guidance. I'm a former owner of a much loved '07 Mazda6 V6S, so I know the platform pretty well. My main questions at this point: - Does the AWD system significantly improve performance, or is it mostly geared to winter driving - How significant are the upgrades offered with the Sport package - is it worth holding out for a car thus equipped - Do many light mods from other CD3 cars, most notably the Mazdaspeed6, swap in easily? I'm specifically thinking about a big brake kit. - Do they have the same suspension and rustproofing issues as the Mazdas? Cheers! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bbf2530 Posted November 30, 2020 Share Posted November 30, 2020 (edited) 1 hour ago, aripley said: Hi everyone, I'm looking to buy a facelifted gen1 MKZ and would like some guidance. I'm a former owner of a much loved '07 Mazda6 V6S, so I know the platform pretty well. My main questions at this point: - Does the AWD system significantly improve performance, or is it mostly geared to winter driving - How significant are the upgrades offered with the Sport package - is it worth holding out for a car thus equipped - Do many light mods from other CD3 cars, most notably the Mazdaspeed6, swap in easily? I'm specifically thinking about a big brake kit. - Do they have the same suspension and rustproofing issues as the Mazdas? Cheers! Hi aripley and welcome to the Lincoln MKZ Forum. I will answer what I can. - The AWD system is mainly "geared" towards improving traction in low traction situations. It is not a particularly performance oriented AWD system otherwise. In real world conditions, 0-60 mph on a dry road, the 2010-2012 AWD MKZ is actually a tick slower than the FWD version, if that is important to you. - The Sport model upgrades are mainly cosmetic. However, I would still recommend the Sport version if you can find one. But that is simply a personal opinion. - Been a while, so I do not remember which MazdaSpeed upgrades will work. If not, there are aftermarket brake kits for the MKZ (and Ford Fusion cousin). - No unusual suspension/rustproofing issues that I am aware of. Let us know how you make out and good luck. Edited November 30, 2020 by bbf2530 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aripley Posted November 30, 2020 Author Share Posted November 30, 2020 1 hour ago, bbf2530 said: Hi aripley and welcome to the Lincoln MKZ Forum. I will answer what I can. - The AWD system is mainly "geared" towards improving traction in low traction situations. It is not a particularly performance oriented AWD system otherwise. In real world conditions, 0-60 mph on a dry road, the 2010-2012 AWD MKZ is actually a tick slower than the FWD version, if that is important to you. - The Sport model upgrades are mainly cosmetic. However, I would still recommend the Sport version if you can find one. But that is simply a personal opinion. - Been a while, so I do not remember which MazdaSpeed upgrades will work. If not, there are aftermarket brake kits for the MKZ (and Ford Fusion cousin). - No unusual suspension/rustproofing issues that I am aware of. Let us know how you make out and good luck. Thanks! Very helpful. I'm looking at a red on black 2011 FWD with the Sport package. Very sharp. Also curious, how straightforward is it to swap in a nav unit on a car that didn't come with it originally? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drolds1 Posted November 30, 2020 Share Posted November 30, 2020 Welcome to the forum, aripley. bbf2530 has given you good information. I'd make just one addition. I had a 2010 and 2012 Sports so I'm quite familiar with these cars. The Sport Package was indeed basically an appearance package but there was one fundamental difference with non-Sports and that is the suspension. The Sport Package also included sport-tuned suspension and IMO, it transformed the car. It was a quite capable handler. In fact, at the time, one of the auto magazines reported that it was the best handling Lincoln since the late Lincoln LS. I had 3 LSes as well and I agree. This is from the 2011 MKZ brochure: Quote Sport Appearance Package: Chrome grille with black bars, darkened headlamps, 18-in. polished aluminum wheels, body-color door handles, sport-tuned suspension, Interior Aluminum Trim Package, unique floor mats with MKZ badge, and Bridge of WeirTM Dark Charcoal leather-trimmed seats with Cashmere-colored piping. You're lucky to find one. In the 5 years that I had my 2, I saw only 2 others in this area. Good luck in your search. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bbf2530 Posted November 30, 2020 Share Posted November 30, 2020 (edited) 18 hours ago, aripley said: Thanks! Very helpful. I'm looking at a red on black 2011 FWD with the Sport package. Very sharp. Also curious, how straightforward is it to swap in a nav unit on a car that didn't come with it originally? Hi aripley. It's a very nice car and I hope the one you are looking at works out for you to purchase. ? Others have swapped in the Navigation unit and stated it is not difficult. I forget whether the 2011 Navigation unit uses a disc or SD card (perhaps drolds1 or another member can help with that information). Just keep in mind you will also need that for the unit to work. Let us know how you make out and good luck. Edited December 1, 2020 by bbf2530 Typos. As usual. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drolds1 Posted December 1, 2020 Share Posted December 1, 2020 8 hours ago, bbf2530 said: Hi ari[pley. It's a very nice car and I hope the one you are looking at works out for you to purchase. ? Others have swapped in the Navigation unit and stated it is not difficult. I forget whether the 2011 Navigation unit uses a disc or SD card (perhaps drolds1 or another member can help with that information). Just keep in mind you will also need that for the unit to work. Let us know how you make out and good luck. They used a DVD for map updates. IDK if they're even available any longer. Used ones may be available. I don't recall if a license key was required, though. IMO, I'd just go for an aftermarket nav unit or use Waze on my phone. I'd also consider an aftermarket in-dash replacement unit altogether which would have more modern features such as Apple Car Play/Android Auto. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bbf2530 Posted December 1, 2020 Share Posted December 1, 2020 7 hours ago, drolds1 said: They used a DVD for map updates. IDK if they're even available any longer. Used ones may be available. I don't recall if a license key was required, though. IMO, I'd just go for an aftermarket nav unit or use Waze on my phone. I'd also consider an aftermarket in-dash replacement unit altogether which would have more modern features such as Apple Car Play/Android Auto. Hi aripley. Just to add to the good information and advice drolds1 offered: He is correct, the DVD's are no longer available for purchase from the OEM supplier. They have not been available for several years now. You can only obtain used ones online. So you will not be able to purchase updated DVD's with current, updated map versions. And I also am not sure if a license key is required. I vaguely recall others have been burned on this before. Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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