Looking for some information

[Steve Moran]

Well I finally talked my other half into getting another vehicle, after showing her the Villager and Navigator I am sure you can guess what I am pushing for.
I was wondering what realistic fuel mileage I can expect from these and what years I should stay away from.
I have looked in the archives and see very few problems that have had the need for a recall so I guess I will leave it up to you fine people in the know to help me.
We will keep the van with the wheelchair lift to transport to and from school and Dr Appointments and such, we just wanted something that was nice and was not going to need to take a beating like the van.

[megaforcer]

The official EPA numbers are 13/17mpg but we all know how that works. Realistically you will get 12, maybe less in the city and about 14 to 15 on the highway. If you drive really really nice and your car is all tuned up then you might get 13 in the city and 15 to 16 on the HWY. The 98s and 99s are starting to have air suspension failures so watch out for that. In my personal experience I think that 03-06 rides better than the 98-02. Air suspension really helps the gator, drive an expedition then drive a gator and you will see what I mean. Besides the air susp they have the same issues as all other Lincoln and Ford trucks so just look for the common stuff like leaks, rust, operation of electrical stuff etc. Good luck :D

[pro-five-oh]

You'll probably get 15-17mpg on the highway, but not much more.

Along with what Mega said, try to find a '99 or newer Navi, as those had the 32v motor which really makes for a fun vehicle. I doubt you'd lose much fuel economy, though they do take plus or premium to make their advertised HP and economy.

If you are on a tight budget, a minivan is still the best way to go. The Villager is very nice, though I don't know how expensive it is to fix since it is basically a Nissan Maxima.

[AZLincolnMercury]

I remember my 2001 consistently getting 13.9 avg (as per message center) before I sold it last yr. mixed highway/city....
My Town Car is getting 15.x (all city, and I’m not exactly easy on it) but considering the size difference...Navi ain't to bad.

[RDW]

I have NEVER gotten more than 13.2 mph on the hiway & and I average 8.5 around town. No - I don't keep my foot in it.

IMHO - If gas mileage is a consideration; you're buying the wrong vehicle.

[coletrain777]

I own a 01 gator with 24K on it and I average 13.5 to 14.5 mpg all around driving (and I do drive it hard). When I drove it to Nashville and back (800 miles roundtrip) and then Colorado Springs and back (1620 miles roundtrip) I averaged 16 to 17 mpg at 80 mph. Not back mileage at all in my opinion considering the weight and that mine is a 4wd model.
Cole

[94MGM]

Not to offend Anyone.. but why would you want to get a navigator? It doesnt go off road well or drive that well on the road. I really cant see rational point in these vehicles especially the 2wd versions. If you need 7/9 seats or wheelchair lift, get a van. If you need an offroad vehicle get a "proper" one, if you need a road going vehicle get a car (Townie maybe?).

Just my 2 cents...

[megaforcer]

Not to offend Anyone.. but why would you want to get a navigator? It doesnt go off road well or drive that well on the road. I really cant see rational point in these vehicles especially the 2wd versions. If you need 7/9 seats or wheelchair lift, get a van. If you need an offroad vehicle get a "proper" one, if you need a road going vehicle get a car (Townie maybe?).

Just my 2 cents...

New Navigators ride better than town cars. They can seat 7 people comfortably, maybe even 8. You have a lot of cargo room, and you can use it for off road if you want to, it will do just as well as any other SUV. And its cooler to ride in a Navigator than ride in some stinking van :D

[Dereck]

Well I finally talked my other half into getting another vehicle, after showing her the Villager and Navigator I am sure you can guess what I am pushing for.

So when do you pick up the Villager Steve? :D

Regards

Dereck

[94MGM]

Rides better than a towncar huh!?! Allso when you drive behind them you can tell that they have started using independent rear suspension, something that a TC could have used for a long time... The bling factor is of course out of this world. But a van is WAY more justifiable conserning other peoples health when invoved in a crash, enviromentally and economically.

[pro-five-oh]

New Navigators ride better than town cars. They can seat 7 people comfortably, maybe even 8. You have a lot of cargo room, and you can use it for off road if you want to, it will do just as well as any other SUV. And its cooler to ride in a Navigator than ride in some stinking van :D

Handling is about the same too, except the Navi has better steering. And a better stereo. And A/C seats. And a multi-valve engine...and the list kinda snowballs from there. :)

[megaforcer]

Handling is about the same too, except the Navi has better steering. And a better stereo. And A/C seats. And a multi-valve engine...and the list kinda snowballs from there. :)

Yeah the handling is great as well, all in all the new Gator is an amazing vehicle for the money. It shows that Lincoln can really make a car if they want to. Now if they would do that to the Town Car it would be priceless.