“Lincoln’s interior theme for the MKS was guilt-free luxury as recycled wood (from reclaimed furniture) was used to make the decorative trim pieces inside the cabin.”

The MKS is not just another big Lincoln; it’s an slick ultra-modern full-sized sedan.

It was introduced for the 2009 model year and came with just about every new high-tech auto gadget. Unlike the big engine, gas-guzzling Lincolns of yore, a modern V6 engine powers MKS.

Both front-drive and all-wheel-drive (AWD) versions of MKS are available. The ‘09’s 3.7-litre V6 is a four-valve per cylinder engine with variable valve timing that can deliver 273 horsepower and 270 lb.-ft. of torque, on regular-grade gasoline. The front-drive version should consume about 14.0 /9.9 L/100 km (city /highway – new adjusted rating) and the AWD edition drinks an additional half-litre of gas every hundred kilometres.

The transmission is a six-speed automatic transmission with an auto sport-shift feature and it also has a sequential manual mode feature. The optional all-wheel-drive (AWD) system defaults to a front-drive mode in normal driving situations, but it can send up to 100 per cent of drive to either the front or rear axle, if needed.

The standard equipment list includes stuff like a front park assist system, intelligent start (a keyless ignition system), adaptive headlamps (that move with steering) and a power rear window sunshade that has an auto retract feature when the MKS is put in reverse. Options came in packages like the popular ($5,000) Vision package that included a navigation system plus adaptive cruise control, a rear back-up camera and a superb THX II 5.1 surround sound audio system.

Inside, the MKS has a roomy cabin. Rear seat head and legroom is excellent and they even come with electric heaters. The trunk is another extra-large offering with 521-litres (18.4 cubic feet) of cargo space.

Lincoln’s interior theme for the MKS was guilt-free luxury as recycled wood (from reclaimed furniture) was used to make the decorative trim pieces inside the cabin. An eco-friendly (chromium-free) tanning process is also used by the Scottish leather supplier to give its “Bridge of Weir” upholstery an extra soft feel.

A second engine choice was added for the 2010 model year, transmission shifter paddles come with a new steering wheel and a MyKey security system became standard. The new 3.5-litre “EcoBoost” turbocharged direct-injection V6 engine, offered more power, yet provides about the same fuel economy, as the base 3.7 litre V6 and came as part of a new GTDI trim level. No other running changes of significance were made to MKS for the 2011 or 2012 model years.

Higher than average repair problems, particularly with the braking system, show up on the Consumer Reports reliability surveys, but average to good ratings in most other areas has allowed the MKS achieve an overall “average” reliability history rating. Crash safety ratings for the MKS are excellent and it’s an overall “Top Pick” in its class, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

A pre-owned Lincoln MKS is an even more attractive purchase when you consider that it probably cost in excess of $50,000, when brand new, to put it on the road. A used MKS can be a good buy, especially if you plan to do some long distance driving.

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Price Check: 2009 to 2012 Lincoln MKS (Sept 2014)

Year                    Edition                                                 Expect to Pay Today

2009                     MKS                                                       $15,000 to $19,000

2010                     MKS                                                       $19,000 to $23,000

2011                     MKS                                                       $24,000 to $28,000

2012                     MKS                                                       $29,000 to $34,000

Prices vary depending on a used vehicle’s condition, mileage, usage and history. A complete mechanical check should always be performed by a reliable auto technician prior to purchase.

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Safety Recalls: 2009 to 2012 Lincoln MKS:

2012 – The fuel tank may have been manufactured incorrectly and may not provide the expected strength in the event of an impact, and may leak. A fuel leak may also occur even in the absence of an impact. Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the fuel tank.

Contact: bob [dot] mchugh [at] drivewaybc [dot] ca