If you’re searching for a new or used luxury car, it’s likely you’ve seen air suspension on the standard or optional features list. It’s also likely you’ve heard negative remarks about the feature — especially concerning its long-term reliability. If you’re on the fence about whether or not to get a car with it, we’ve listed a few pros and cons to help you make the decision. Find a new car for sale near you
The Benefits
“Air ride” suspension, as it’s sometimes called, offers several important benefits that may be useful to drivers interested in luxury cars. The primary benefit is ride quality: Vehicles with air suspension are often said to “glide” over bumps, while traditional steel spring suspension can cause a harsher ride. Also, air suspension is often adjustable. That means drivers can select a cushy ride if they’re on a rough road or a harsh ride if they want to improve handling.
Another big benefit is that SUVs or trucks with the feature boast improved towing capabilities. In most of these SUVs or trucks, drivers can increase firmness when towing to account for heavier loads. That’s not true of SUVs or trucks with spring suspension, where large loads can weigh down the vehicle.
The Drawbacks
While air suspension may be tempting, there are two downsides, both relating to cost. One is the cost of buying it in the first place. In most vehicles — even luxury models — it comes at an extra cost. Only very high-end cars and SUVs such as the Mercedes S-Class and the Range Rover include it as standard. In other cars, it can be an expensive option.
The Chevrolet Tahoe, for instance, offers it, but you have to upgrade to the luxury-trimmed LTZ model to get it. That means spending more than $55,000 — $15,000 more than the Tahoe’s base price.
For shoppers interested in a used car, the bigger drawback of the feature is maintenance costs. While air suspension is great when it works, it can be expensive to fix. And it’s not a feature you can simply forget about: If it breaks, the car can tilt to one side while moving. That said, many drivers replace broken systems with more traditional steel springs — a cheaper fix, but one that removes an important feature from the vehicle. Find a used car for sale near you
Our Verdict
If you’re interested in a new car that offers optional air suspension, be sure to test drive models with the feature and without it. That way, you can decide if it’s worth the added cost. If you’re looking for a used car with it, be sure to get a mechanical inspection before signing the papers. Note, however, that even a well-inspected system can break as it ages, so you’ll want some room left in your budget for a repair if it’s necessary.
Related Car Articles:
- Want a Smoother Ride? Change Your Wheel and Tire Size
- Buying a Car: How Long Can You Expect a Car to Last?
Editor’s Note: This article has been updated for accuracy since it was originally published.
I drive a mark viii
I just replaced the air suspension with traditional springs in my 2002 Lincoln TC. Both air bags were leaking. My mechanic, who’ve I’ve trusted for over 20 years recommended the conversion kit if I was looking to spend $1,300 instead of $2,200. (was also having the steering rods replaced) I opted for the conversion kit. I am disappointed and regret my decision. It does not ride as well at all. I feel every bump and vibration now and that “float” feeling is nonexistent. I would not recommend anything other than the air suspension in cars designed with them. Conversion kits do not give the same luxurious ride.
Hey man I did my 04 for only $85. Brand New from Amazon. Loosen or take out mid to rear body mount bolts for best access. Separate body from frame one side at a time. Disconnect solenoid… Remove top nuts… Pry out the bottom…. Take them out. Put new bags in. MAKE SURE U DONE LET THE REAR BOTTOM OUT WHEN U REENERGIZE THE NEW BAGS. I drove TC across the country in the dead of winter and back. ONE YEAR NO PROBLEMS.
Would air bag suspension lift kit be a good idea for mudding if I installed it on a 97 geo tracker
NO NO NO NO NO, rocks can pop the air bags. It’s best to use air suspension for street and show cars only
Never replace you air suspension for conventional springs. I had a worn air pump in my Audi Allroad and ordered a new piston ring for only $25 and replaced it without taking the pump out of the car. Took me 1 hour and now I am a very happy air suspension driver. To avoid replacing the front air struts just always park your car in the highest setting will avoid cracking the rubber balloons over time.
I have a 2008 grand marquis and my pump went out for my air suspension need to see if I should fix the or put in springs
Springs. It will all but ensure a long, hassle-free driving experience.
I’m weary to seek it out considering the horror stories I’ve heard regarding repair cost. If cost is no issue though, then I say go for it. I have driven both Ford Expeditions and Lincoln Navigators of the same model years and the Navigators do, unquestionably, provide a better ride. They handle as well or better than the Expeditions AND offer a cushy ride as well.
If you ever drive a Lincoln Towncar (has air ride) its like having air conditioning… you can never go back to anything less. Who would think that a big heavy luxury car steers like a sports car but rides like a cream puff… nothing compares… nothing… simply the best ride out there… just one reason the Towncar is THE premier limousine.
After 120,000 miles the rubber boots on my system did wear out. But I simply bought new ones on ebay for about $80 a set. Paid $100 to have them installed then I was good for another 100k…. and rides like brand new. Never had another problem or issue with the air ride.
Hard to understand why the Towncar was discontinued from production… most everthing else is like driving a go kart.
I had a Lincoln Navigator with an air suspension system and loved it, especially when towing heavy loads. I had to replace the compressor once, an easy job. If I went back to owning a larger truck/SUV, this would be a must. The vehicle handled so much better.