Which Years of Used Lincoln Aviators Are Most Reliable?
Lincoln Aviator by mr.Choppers - CC-BY-SA-4.0
The Lincoln Aviator is something of an old-school vehicle, having initially been manufactured in the early 2000s. After over a decade, it came back for a relaunch starting in 2020, leading many used car shoppers to wonder what the most reliable Lincoln Aviator year is and how they can get it. If that sounds like you, you’ve come to the right place; read on for more information and a breakdown of common Lincoln Aviator problems you should check for before buying a used car.
Most Reliable Years for the Lincoln Aviator
Fortunately, there are several highly reliable Lincoln Aviator years for you to check out. The most reliable Lincoln Aviator years include:
THE LINCOLN AVIATOR YEARS TO AVOID
But is it a reliable SUV when buying used? Today, we highlight the Lincoln Aviator years to avoid and explain why they’re not a good pick for used car buyers.
- 2020 Lincoln Aviator
- 2021 Lincoln Aviator
- 2022 Lincoln Aviator
Naturally, these are all part of the more recent relaunch of the Lincoln Aviator. These are generally seen as more reliable because Lincoln has better manufacturing processes and, crucially, has learned a lot from manufacturing errors from the earlier iteration of this vehicle type.
It’s certainly possible to find an older Lincoln Aviator in good condition, but the odds are much higher that you’ll face mechanical issues, wear and tear, and even problems finding the right replacement parts for things that need to be fixed.
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Are Lincoln Aviators Generally Reliable?
Whether you purchase one of the most reliable Lincoln Aviator years or not, you may wish to know whether the vehicle overall can be trusted. Carparts.com indicates that the Lincoln Aviator is a fairly reliable midsize SUV on average, although of course your mileage may vary depending on the model year you purchase.
Scores are usually 7 out of 10 or equivalent, depending on the review site you check. Enginepatrol.com also indicates that the Lincoln Aviator is pretty trustworthy and is very reliable, but keep in mind that this is a relatively new vehicle that was only relaunched in 2020. Because of this, it may be considered too soon to tell whether the Lincoln Aviator line overall can be trusted.
Still, certain databases indicate that modern Lincoln Aviators are more reliable than their much earlier counterparts. It’s fair to say that model year plays a bigger role in the reliability of this vehicle type compared to many other vehicles.
Which Lincoln Aviators Are the Least Reliable?
If the most reliable Lincoln Aviator years are those that are most recent, logic suggests that the older Lincoln Aviators are the least reliable. You should try to avoid:
- 2003 Lincoln Aviator
- 2004 Lincoln Aviator
- 2005 Lincoln Aviator
Each of these vehicle models is known to suffer from certain problems. For example, the 2003 Lincoln Aviator is well known for transmission issues, as well as exhaust leaks. The 2004 Lincoln Aviator has a bad reputation for cracks on the rear panel. Meanwhile, the 2005 Lincoln Aviator is a noisy vehicle, and its AC unit often has to be replaced shortly after purchase. Do yourself a favor and stay away from all of these vehicle models.
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Are Lincoln Aviators Expensive to Maintain?
Before you purchase any used Lincoln Aviator, you should keep in mind that you’ll need to pay regular fees to maintain it. Repairpal.com says that the average annual repair cost for a used Lincoln Aviator is $626; not exorbitant, but not exactly cheap, either.
Furthermore, some repairs for a used Lincoln Aviator can be quite pricey, like an AC evaporator replacement. Control arm replacements are also expensive. For the best value for money, have an experienced mechanic take a look at a used Lincoln Aviator before purchasing it so you don’t get a dud.
Which Lincoln Aviator is Most Reliable?
But what’s the most reliable Lincoln Aviator your overall? You’ll want to stick with the 2021 Lincoln Aviator, at least according to motorandwheels.com.
There are a few big reasons for this. It has good rankings in terms of quality and reliability, and it is also ranked as the number five upper midsize premium SUV. It has lots of storage space, plus an excellent infotainment system with high-tech, modern features.
Several trim options are available as well, and the 2021 Lincoln Aviator is known for its safety features on top of all that. Given all this information, a used 2021 Lincoln Aviator could be a great buy.
What Are the Most Common Lincoln Aviator Problems?
It’s still wise to pay attention to your used Lincoln Aviator and make sure it doesn’t display any of the most common mechanical faults or failures. According to miramarspeedcircuit.com, the most common Lincoln Aviator flaws and problems include:
- Issues with the engine and transmission
- Problems with the fuel system
- Spark plug mistakes
- Radio trouble
- Cracked tailgate glass
- Failed rear wheel bearing
Once more, be sure to ask for a vehicle accident and history report before purchasing it. That way, you can make sure you only buy a car that hasn’t already been marred by one or more big problems.
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Is the Lincoln Aviator Worth It?
With the above information, it’s clear that a used Lincoln Aviator is only worth it if you purchase one of the newer iterations of the car. Older Lincoln Aviators aren’t usually worth your time, even if they might be much cheaper than the competition.
The truth is, those older Lincoln Aviators were put out of production for a reason. There were lots of issues and owner complaints prior to the relaunch. If you’re really in love with the look of this car, stick with one of the newer relaunched Lincoln Aviators. You’ll be happy you did when your car doesn’t require you to take it into a repair shop right off the bat!
Final Thoughts
All in all, the Lincoln Aviators from 2020 to 2022 are well worth your time and money. If you’re in the market for a luxury sedan that looks and feels great to drive, this could be just the used car for you. To really enjoy peace of mind, have a mechanic inspect your used Lincoln Aviator before you finalize purchasing it. That way, you can drive it off the lot knowing that it’s a worthwhile buy.
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