1987 Lincoln Town Car Reliability ReportCommon Problems, Repair Costs & Expert Verdict
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Quick Facts · 1987 Lincoln Town Car
- Has 6 NHTSA recalls on record — the most notable involves the equipment:other:labels.
- 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).
The 1987 Lincoln Town Car at a glance
- Is the 1987 Lincoln Town Car reliable?
- Autojunket rates the 1987 Lincoln Town Car 68/100 (grade C+), categorized as moderate risk. A comfortable, durable classic that requires vigilant attention to age-related component wear to remain reliable.
- Should I buy a used 1987 Lincoln Town Car?
- Autojunket recommends reading the full reliability report before buying a 1987 Lincoln Town Car. 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…
- Which Lincoln Town Car years are the most reliable?
- Best model years to buy: 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..
- What are the most common problems with the 1987 Lincoln Town Car?
- The top failure points on the 1987 Lincoln Town Car are Automatic Load Leveling Air Suspension (typically around 60,000-100,000 (lifespan, not failure point) miles), Electrical System Gremlins (typically around 80,000-120,000 (or simply due to age) miles), Fuel System Corrosion (typically around Varies significantly by climate; visible from 100,000+ miles). Autojunket's full report includes repair-cost ranges and inspection checklists for each.
- At what mileage do problems start on the 1987 Lincoln Town Car?
- The first major mileage danger zone for the 1987 Lincoln Town Car is around 30,000. 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).
Every answer is generated from real repair, recall, and ownership data — full breakdown in the report.
Read the full free reportShould You Buy the 1987 Lincoln Town Car?
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
Top Risk Areas
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)
NHTSA Recalls
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 by Year
Compare AutoScores across nearby years of the Lincoln Town Car. Click any year for its full report.
If You're Considering This, Also Look At
Similar class, similar year range — ranked by AutoScore.
Relevant Products for Your 1987 Lincoln Town Car
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Where the 1987 Lincoln Town Car report beats Carfax + CR
Carfax tells you if it crashed. Consumer Reports rates the whole nameplate. Autojunket tells you what will actually break on this specific year — and how to negotiate it.
Year-specific reliability score
Common problems + repair costs
Mileage danger zone map
AI negotiation script + walk-away price
Single report price
Frequently Asked Questions
Sell your 1987 Lincoln Town Car for what it's actually worth.
Log every service on your Lincoln Town Car. When it's time to sell, hand the buyer a signed PDF — every receipt, mileage-verified, close the deal at your price.
- OSC Transfer PDF — every receipt
- Snap-a-receipt AI log
- Fuel & mileage tracker
- Shareable buyer view link
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