Used Lincoln buying guide
About Lincoln
Lincoln, Ford's luxury arm, has delivered American elegance and comfort since 1917. Best known for iconic models like the Town Car and the Mark Series, Lincoln built its reputation on smooth rides and refined styling. While it has since phased out sedans like the MKZ and Continental, the brand now focuses on premium SUVs, including the compact Corsair, midsize Nautilus, and flagship Navigator. Lincoln continues emphasizing quiet luxury and intuitive tech, blending timeless design with modern convenience in its current lineup.
What CarMax customers like
Ride and Handling
Technology and Entertainment
Fuel Economy
What CarMax customers don’t like
Fuel Economy
Technology and Entertainment
Interior Space
Lincoln FAQs
Lincolns have a RepairPal reliability rating of 3.0 out of 5.0, placing them 24th out of 32 car brands. They tend to make infrequent trips to the repair shop and have a moderate chance of serious issues, making them a reasonable option for used car buyers.
That depends on what you are looking for. If you're interested in a sedan, you'll have to look at 2020 and earlier models. For Lincolns with the latest tech, a newer model year Corsair, Navigator, or Nautilus is a good choice. But older used models also offer refined interiors, smooth driving dynamics, and well-equipped trims.
According to RepairPal, Lincolns have average maintenance costs. The brand’s average annual repair cost is $879, which is higher than the industry average but typical for a luxury vehicle. Lincolns visit the repair shop about 0.4 times per year, with a 15% chance of severe repairs.
The smallest Lincoln SUV is the Lincoln Corsair, a compact luxury SUV that replaced the Lincoln MKC. It offers a refined design, upscale features, and a smooth ride in a smaller footprint. The Nautilus is the next size up in Lincoln’s SUV lineup.
Lincoln discontinued the Continental and MKZ in 2020 and the MKS in 2016, marking the brand’s transition away from traditional passenger cars to focus entirely on SUVs and crossovers. However, you can still find used examples of these older models.
The most reliable Lincoln is the Town Car, with a RepairPal reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5.0, ranking second out of 30 luxury full-size cars. It has an average annual repair cost of $635, low repair frequency, and few major issues, making it a strong choice for dependable ownership.
1. Lincoln MKC
CarMax owner rating
Pros
Lots of standard features
User-friendly infotainment system
Comfortable and quiet ride on the highway
Cons
Small back seat and cargo area for a crossover SUV
Some common driver aids only available on top trims
Slower-than-average acceleration
2. Lincoln MKX
CarMax owner rating
Pros
Large back seat
Comfortable
Smooth ride
Cons
Limited visibility
Frustrating infotainment
Lackluster handling
Compare used Lincoln models
While both the Lincoln Aviator and Lincoln Navigator offer the luxurious Lincoln experience, they deliver it in different ways. The Aviator shares its platform with the Ford Explorer and offers Ford's turbocharged 3.0L V6 and a hybrid plug-in powertrain. It will seat six or seven passengers and offers up to an estimated 6700 pounds when properly equipped (2025 plug-in models).1 The Navigator is Lincoln's flagship vehicle, and is a much larger vehicle than the Aviator. It also offers seating for up to seven passengers and is available with nearly every imaginable luxury feature. The Navigator can tow up to an estimated 8700 pounds when properly equipped (2025 models with the 3.5L engine).
If towing is your priority, or you need to make an impression when you arrive, the Navigator is a great fit. If you are seeking Lincoln's luxury vehicles but don't want to drive a large one, the Aviator could be a better choice.If you are still torn, try out our model comparison tool to help you find the right fit for your needs.
Both the Lincoln Nautilus and Lincoln Aviator offer luxurious driving experiences you'd expect from a vehicle wearing the Lincoln badge, but they do have some differences, largely in size. The Aviator is based on the Ford Explorer platform and offers three rows of seats and a 400-hp turbocharged V6. It measures in at 199.3 inches. The Nautilus, on the other hand, offers two rows of seats and a turbocharged four-cylinder engine offering 250 horsepower. It measures in at 193.2 inches. Regarding reliability, check out our Most Reliable SUV Comparison to see how these two SUVs compare to others. If you need space for more than five adults, the Aviator might be a better fit for your needs. That said, if you don't need the space, the Nautilus will offer a luxurious, high-tech driving experience in a more manageable package.
Check out our model comparison tool to help you find the right fit for you.
If you are looking for a luxurious SUV, the Lincoln Corsair and Lincoln Aviator could fit the bill, but which is right for you? The Corsair is Lincoln's entry-level SUV, which shares a platform with the Ford Escape. Its compact size is great for commuting in cities and navigating tight parking lots. The available plug-in hybrid powertrain, offered from 2020-2025, is also useful for city driving. On the flip side, the Aviator is a much larger SUV with three rows of seats and a turbocharged V6. This luxurious road yacht is great for long road trips or hauling around extra passengers or cargo. For commuters, the Corsair's fuel economy and compact size might make it the smarter choice. If you do many road trips or frequently carry more than five passengers, the Aviator should be considered.
If you are still unsure, use our model comparison tool to help find the right fit for you.
The Lincoln Nautilus and Lincoln Navigator are two of Lincoln's most luxurious and tech-forward SUVs. The Nautilus's most recent redesign in 2024 introduced a tech-forward interior with an expansive 48-inch display. It offers a posh environment for passengers across its two rows and is motivated by a 250-horsepower, turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The Navigator, on the other hand, is Lincoln's flagship offering. It offers generous space in all three rows, a 440-horsepower, turbocharged V6 engine, and an impressive towing capacity. If you are after a luxurious ride but don't need to haul heavy loads or large groups of passengers, the Nautilus will likely tick most boxes. The Navigator is the right choice if you see yourself towing or frequently carrying extra passengers and their belongings.
Still unsure? Use our model comparison tool to help you choose.
Ready to find your used Lincoln?
RepairPal reliability ratings
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features. RepairPal Reliability Ratings are provided by RepairPal and CarMax is not responsible for their accuracy. These ratings are based on RepairPal Reliability data as of August 2023. Learn more about RepairPal reliability ratings.
Unless otherwise noted, information related to these featured vehicles comes from third-party sources, including manufacturer information. We make every effort to provide accurate information, but please verify before purchasing. Product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of third-party entities. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by these entities. We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are provided by RepairPal and CarMax is not responsible for their accuracy. These ratings are based on RepairPal Reliability data as of 3/18/2025. Learn more at repairpal.com/reliability.
***
Various factors may impact towing capacity, including weight of passengers, cargo, and options/accessories.
We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
Unless otherwise noted, information related to featured vehicles comes from third-party sources, including manufacturer information. Product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of third-party entities. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by these entities. By clicking on any video links, you will be taken to a third-party site maintained by YouTube, Inc.
We make every effort to provide accurate information, but please verify before purchasing.