1987 Lincoln Town Car Reliability ReportKeepScore 68/100 · top failure points · buy or avoid
Quick Facts · 1987 Lincoln Town Car
- Scores 14 points below the strongest nearby year — the 1986 Lincoln Town Car earns a 82.
- The system most likely to surface first: automatic load leveling air suspension (major severity).
- Has 6 NHTSA recalls on record — the most notable involves the equipment:other:labels.
1987 Lincoln Town Car: Buy or Avoid?
The 1987 Lincoln Town Car, a true relic of American luxury, offers surprisingly robust mechanicals but demands a watchful eye for age-related failures. Its body-on-frame construction and durable V8 engine ensure longevity, yet neglected maintenance can quickly turn a comfortable cruiser into a costly project, especially concerning electrical systems and air suspension. This is a car for the enthusiast willing to invest time, not necessarily for those seeking turn-key reliability.
The 1987 Lincoln Town Car can be a fantastic, comfortable classic for the right owner, but it is not for the faint of heart or those seeking a trouble-free daily driver. Its mechanical components are strong, but the age of the vehicle introduces a high likelihood of needing significant repairs to its electrical, sus…
Best Model Years
1990-1997 (Second generation Panther platform for improved design and reliability)
Years to Avoid
None explicitly, but pre-1988 models are more prone to carburetor issues and early electrical designs. Any year with neglected maintenance is to be avoided.
Biggest Strengths
- Robust 5.0L V8 engine with excellent longevity
- Durable body-on-frame construction, resistant to structural fatigue
- Simple, proven AOD automatic transmission when well-maintained
1987 Lincoln Town Car — Known Trouble Spots
The systems that tend to fail first on the 1987 Lincoln Town Car, with the typical mileage window when each becomes a concern. Detailed repair-cost ranges and exact what-to-check inspection notes are in the full report.
If equipped, the rear air springs, compressor, and height sensors are prone to failure due to age, leading to a sagging rear end. Neglecting these can cause premature tire wear and poor ride quality.
Aging wiring harnesses, brittle insulation, and worn switches lead to issues with power windows, door locks, cruise control, dashboard gauges, and blend door actuators, making troubleshooting complex.
Steel fuel lines, tanks, and sender units are highly susceptible to rust, especially in areas exposed to road salt. This can lead to leaks, fuel delivery issues, and potential fire hazards.
1987 Lincoln Town Car Mileage Danger Zones
The mileage windows when the 1987 Lincoln Town Car most commonly needs attention. Plan ahead, budget accordingly, and inspect before you cross each threshold.
Low Risk Zone
At this mileage, most issues are manufacturing defects or early component failures. For a 1987 model, finding one this low implies it's been stored, which can bring its own set of problems (dried seals, seized components).
Maintenance Zone
This mileage signifies the beginning of regular wear-and-tear items. Belts, hoses, fluids, and potential air suspension issues start to emerge due to age, even if mileage is low.
Elevated Risk Zone
Here, more significant component degradation begins. Suspension bushings, power steering components, and potential transmission wear become more prevalent. Electrical issues are almost guaranteed to surface.
High Risk Zone
Beyond this, you are entering territory where major systems like the engine (gaskets/seals), transmission (rebuild likelihood), and all electrical components are ripe for failure. Rust becomes a major structural concern. This is a restor…
1987 Lincoln Town Car Ownership Cost Outlook
What it typically costs to keep the 1987 Lincoln Town Car on the road. Full 5-year cost-of-ownership projection and major-failure-risk forecast are in the report.
Annual Maintenance
$600-1,000
Moderate Repairs
$500-1,500 annually (for age-related fixes)
How Long Does the 1987 Lincoln Town Car Last?
For a 1987 model, low mileage isn't necessarily better; a well-maintained higher mileage example (100k-150k) that has been regularly driven and serviced is often preferable to a very low mileage car that sat for decades.
What 1987 Lincoln Town Car Owners Actually Say
What Owners Love
- Exceptional ride comfort and quiet cabin, a true 'land yacht' experience.
- Reliable and powerful 5.0L V8 engine when maintained.
- Spacious interior and cavernous trunk capacity.
- Relatively simple mechanicals, making many repairs DIY-friendly.
Common Frustrations
- Constant battle with various electrical gremlins (windows, locks, cruise control).
- Poor fuel economy, especially by modern standards.
- The automatic load-leveling air suspension system is a frequent failure point.
- Significant rust accumulation, particularly on the frame and fuel/brake lines.
Who Should Buy the 1987 Lincoln Town Car?
Best For
- Classic car enthusiasts seeking an affordable entry point into American luxury.
- Individuals who enjoy DIY automotive repair and troubleshooting.
- Someone looking for a comfortable, spacious cruiser for occasional drives.
Not Ideal For
- Anyone seeking a low-maintenance, trouble-free daily driver.
- Individuals without a dedicated repair budget for age-related issues.
How the 1987 Lincoln Town Car Compares to Rivals
The Town Car stands out for its robust V8 and body-on-frame durability among its American peers, often outlasting them. However, Japanese and some European offerings of the same era generally surpass it in electrical and overall age-related reliability.
More Reliable Than
- Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham (late 80s, due to simpler drivetrain)
- Chrysler Fifth Avenue (late 80s, due to more robust V8)
- Mercedes-Benz W123/W124 (simpler maintenance, lower parts cost for common items)
Comparable To
- Mercury Grand Marquis (Panther platform twin)
- Ford LTD Crown Victoria (Panther platform twin)
Safety Recalls on the 1987 Lincoln Town Car
6 recalls on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIMOUSINES BUILT BY EMPIRE COACH. VEHICLE ALTERERS LABEL MAY BE MISSING OR INCOMPLETE.
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
SAFETY BELTS (TYPE 1 LAP BELTS) FOR REAR FACING SEATS WERE NOT INSTALLED.
What breaks on the 1987 Lincoln Town Car?
Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.
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Lincoln Town Car — Year-by-Year Comparison
Compare KeepScores across nearby years of the Lincoln Town Car. Click any year for its full report.
Competing 1987s Worth a Look
Similar class, similar year range — ranked by KeepScore.
Relevant Products for Your 1987 Lincoln Town Car
Parts and accessories matched to your 1987 Lincoln Town Car
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Frequently Asked Questions
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