Lincoln Cuts Free Maintenance Program In Half

Derek Kreindler
by Derek Kreindler

Lincoln is cutting their free maintenance program in half, from 4 years/50,000 miles to 2 years/24,000 miles.

Automotive News reports that dealers were informed of the change last month.

In a May 6 memo sent to dealers, Lincoln said the revised program “complements short-term 24-month leases.” In a statement, Lincoln said the new program is “competitive with other luxury brands.” Jaguar and Volvo also recently cut back their complimentary maintenance programs.

Some dealers expressed disappointment over Lincoln’s decision, but Rhode Island dealer principal told AN that most Lincolns are leased for between 2-3 years, and the move wouldn’t have a great effect on his business. But given Lincoln’s supposed push for industry-leading customer service, it’s puzzling why Lincoln would decide to cut the program so drastically. It’s not just the Germans who offer 4 year maintenance packages either – Cadillac does it too.

Derek Kreindler
Derek Kreindler

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  • GoFaster58 GoFaster58 on Jun 04, 2013

    I saw a new Lincoln the other day and must say it looks much better in person than in the pictures. Remember, the new designer of new Lincols to come used to work for Cadillac. Look what he did for them.

    • See 1 previous
    • Kyree Kyree on Jun 04, 2013

      You're right; it does look better in person. But the styling is still very hit-or-miss. Since great styling can often make a car an instant success, Lincoln needs a design triumph...like the 2013 Ford Fusion or 2014 Chevrolet Impala.

  • Kyree Kyree on Jun 04, 2013

    That's definitely not going to boost sales. You get a better deal from snobby BMW (although the local Bimmer dealership where I live is very unhelpful---and won't provide a loaner---if you didn't buy the vehicle from them.)

  • Secret Hi5 Secret Hi5 on Jun 04, 2013

    Not to quibble, but if most leases are 2-3 years, then what is the cost of keeping the 4-yr maintenance program?

  • VenomV12 VenomV12 on Jun 05, 2013

    Ford is a crap company, I know this from personal experience with a family member with recent dealings with them. Their product is total crap and their corporate is run by monkeys. They had my family members 2 year old car in service for 2 months straight and would not lemon law it and only compensated him for one month worth of payments. He was going to buy a brand new MKZ, he just bought a brand new fully loaded Azera last week and is happy and still has another 2 new cars to buy before the end of the year. He will never touch Ford or Lincoln products ever again. So when Lincoln eventually dies, you will know why, it will be because of horrible customer service from Ford corporate and poor reliability of their cars.

    • Corntrollio Corntrollio on Jun 05, 2013

      Thanks for the specific details on why Ford is a crap company. Your post was very enlightening.

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