Used Lincoln Continental for Sale nearDes Moines, IA

How much does the Lincoln Continental cost in today's market?

Used Lincoln Continental prices span a wide range depending on model year. Here's what the market looks like right now:

The Lincoln Continental's current nationwide average price is $20,191, and its year-round low is $18,363.87. That gives you a useful snapshot of where this model sits in today's used market. Recently, prices have come down for the 2018, 2019, and 2020 models, making now a good time to shop recent model years.

Is the Lincoln Continental a good car?

Yes — the Lincoln Continental stands out for its luxury-first character, smooth ride, spacious interior, and elegant styling. The all-generations owner rating is 4.6/5 across every model year in the data.

Owners consistently praise the Continental for its comfortable ride, roomy cabin, and classic luxury feel. Many also highlight its strong performance and overall ease of driving, especially on longer trips.

Expert reviews rate the 2017 model among the highest across all years.

The main trade-offs center on maintenance costs, trunk space, and some older-model performance and technology concerns.

22.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.

Are Lincoln Continental models reliable?

Owners consistently describe the Continental as a comfortable, refined luxury sedan with a smooth ride and spacious cabin. Expert feedback also points to a composed highway character and strong long-distance comfort.

• Owners rate the Lincoln Continental between 4.57 and 4.83 out of 5 stars across all model years in the data.

For used buyers, long-term ownership risk is most worth watching in older examples where maintenance costs and occasional performance concerns come up in owner feedback.

What should I look for when buying a used Lincoln Continental?

Across all model years, at 72.8% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

Key things to evaluate:

• Safety package: Technology Package with lane-keep assist, auto braking, pedestrian detection, automatic parallel and perpendicular parking, a head-up display, and adaptive cruise control.
• Infotainment: Sync 3 with voice control and navigation, plus the 19-speaker Revel Ultima stereo.

Which Lincoln Continental trim should I buy?

The 2017 Lincoln Continental offers these trims:

• Reserve AWD: This is the tested configuration and the best-value choice in the expert review, pairing the Continental’s luxury focus with all-wheel drive and the available driver-assist and comfort equipment.
• Black Label: This trim adds the most upscale interior treatment, including the richest materials and the lusher cabin presentation.

What Lincoln Continental do most buyers choose?

The Lincoln Continental years with the most listings are 2018, 2017, and 2019.

Higher-volume years usually give you more choices on trim, mileage, color, and price, which makes it easier to compare listings and find a setup that fits your budget. They also tend to be the years shoppers cross-shop most often, so you can use the larger pool to focus on condition and deal quality.

What is the Lincoln Continental's resale value?

Prices are moving down across every model year shown, which can work in your favor if you're shopping used. The larger drops on the newer years suggest more room for value, while the older years are changing more slowly. The 2017, 2019, and 2018 model years have held their value best, with the smallest year-over-year price changes.

Is the Lincoln Continental safe?

• 2017: 8/10

For the safest used buy, the 2017 model posts the highest confirmed score of 8/10.

Should I buy a used Lincoln Continental now or wait for the next model?

Buy now if:

• Price trend: The 2019 model is at −6.89% versus a year ago, and the 2018 model is at −7.17%.
• Deal availability: The 2019 model has 29.2% good and great deals, and the 2018 model has 27.6%.
• Sweet-spot year: The 2018 model has the most listings at a current average price of $19,934. The Lincoln Continental offers a long, elegant design and a spacious, luxury-first cabin that make it feel special from behind the wheel.

Consider waiting if:

• Powertrain/efficiency: Three V6 engines are available, including a base 3.7-liter with 305 horsepower, a turbocharged 2.7-liter with 335 horsepower, and a 3.0-liter twin-turbo with 400 horsepower; front-wheel drive is standard, all-wheel drive is optional on all trims, and the twin-turbo engine comes only with AWD.
• Tech: Sync 3 is fast and intuitive, and the Technology Package adds lane-keep assist, auto braking, pedestrian detection, automatic parallel and perpendicular parking, a head-up display, and adaptive cruise control.
• Safety: The latest model adds optional inflatable seat belts for rear passengers.
• Starting price: The Continental Reserve AWD tested at $72,055.

If you're buying used today, the 2018 model year offers the best mix of value and availability. If you want the latest tech and features, it may be worth waiting for 2021 inventory to mature.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 4, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.