Impact of the economy and the gas price.

[keithwand]

Re: Impact of the economy and the gas price.

Like Spence we are retired and only require 1 car. This car was purchased as a toy.
Even our "daily" driver is barely driven as our neighborhood here in Orlando has its own restaurants, Publix, shopping, services etc. accessible by walking 10 minutes from our home or biking on the trail. Anything else one needs is a 10 minute drive.
Unbelievable even after 7 years of being here.

[Rdlagray]

Re: Impact of the economy and the gas price.

We have 6 vehicles tagged. Heck the Tbird is the best we have for fuel, except for the cost of the high test gas. Next would be a toss up between the Explorer and the 2010 F150 we just bought.

[V8 Cat]

Re: Impact of the economy and the gas price.

Plan on keeping it a while, but when maintenance problems/costs get too expensive or more importantly parts, whether they be mechanical or trim, are hard to get (I won't go through the aggrevation of chasing parts because Ford doesn't have them) I will look for a new performance coupe to take its place. Don't think there will be anymore convertibles for us. Gas price not that important - the Tbird is a toy and not a daily driver.

[bob andersen]

Re: Impact of the economy and the gas price.

Not a problem. I plan on keeping it. It's worth the enjoyment I get out of it.

[Peterfurlan]

Re: Impact of the economy and the gas price.

Another dumb poll. If you can afford to buy and maintain this car the price of gas
as we used say is chump change. If you need ninety nine cents to make a buck get
rid of the car.

[steelblue5505]

Re: Impact of the economy and the gas price.

I agree with peterfurlan. If the cost of gas is a reason not to drive the retro you better sell it NOW or it will always be a sore point for you.

Our 05 is our daily driver. I keep it as "new" as I possibly can so it is also our toy to use for across country drives like from here in WA State to this year's event in Texas and next year's 10th anniversary in Nashville, TN. Or to drive around the block, out to dinner or to shop. Its unique, its special & its all paid for.

Fun is driving our Retro and as the saying goes,You have to pay to play.

[jerrym3]

Re: Impact of the economy and the gas price.

Another dumb poll. If you can afford to buy and maintain this car the price of gas
as we used say is chump change. If you need ninety nine cents to make a buck get
rid of the car.

I'm willing to bet that you are not retired and on a fixed income.

[qruml23]

Re: Impact of the economy and the gas price.

Peterfurlan, it might be a dump poll for your case but it is not the case fo the average citizens living in USA seeing the existing economy. It might have an impact of a Tbird owner and we have seen recently an existing member who lost his job and his car.

So, be careful of what you said. The purpose of this poll is to have a better idea about the feeling of the Tbirs owners related to their existing economic situation that might have an impact on their cost of live situation for the years to come.

Thanks,
Alain

[merlot4]

Re: Impact of the economy and the gas price.

I have to agree with Jerry and Alain. Upon retirement I'll have to rethink the car, especially when it gets near the end of ESP, these are expensive to repair, and as gas goes up it will eat more into my limited wallet. As a second car, perhaps, but questionable as the primary one down the road. In terms of purchase price I paid less than a Toyota, the first owner took the beating. As for maintenance, I have ESP for the big stuff and other costs are no more than other cars I've had. And last, a poll is to gather information from those interested in the results. If you have no interest, simply don't respond to the poll.

[007Cruiser]

Re: Impact of the economy and the gas price.

If you compare my retro to my '75, the retro looks like a hybrid. The '75 goes through gas the way a frat house goes through beer. Since both are used sparingly gas prices are not an issue. Should circumstances force a sale the '75 would probably go first.

[Peterfurlan]

Re: Impact of the economy and the gas price.

I'm willing to bet that you are not retired and on a fixed income.

I could use the money how much are you willing to bet. I believe just
about all the posts reflect what I said but with a better choice of words.
Sorry if I offended anyone.

[merlot4]

Re: Impact of the economy and the gas price.

No problem here, Peter. TBN would be dull if no one spoke out, that's what makes it such an interesting forum.

[4Scargo]

Re: Impact of the economy and the gas price.

Skip, giving it to your kids, I did that and what a great deal. I bought a new (to me) 1976 Porsche in 1981. Played with it, polished it with my girls as they grew up. It was real special deal to them. I kept it and when my youngest daughter got unexpectedly pregnant between her junior & senior year in college, I told her that IF she finished college, I'd give it to her. She did & I did :) Good for her. Later I have found out that this car may be my legacy. My granddaughter loves it and knows that it was mine. It won't be sold.....ever....now how cool is that!

My new aquisition, an '02 Bird, is going to my 88 yr old dad and probably end up with another daughter.

As for keeping my "garage car?" You'll have to pry it out of.....well, why would I ever, for any amount of savings, drive an appliance?

[007Cruiser]

Re: Impact of the economy and the gas price.

What's in the garage, Stu?

[DaiUyTed]

Re: Impact of the economy and the gas price.

I have to agree with Jerry and Alain. Upon retirement I'll have to rethink the car, especially when it gets near the end of ESP, these are expensive to repair, and as gas goes up it will eat more into my limited wallet. As a second car, perhaps, but questionable as the primary one down the road. In terms of purchase price I paid less than a Toyota, the first owner took the beating. As for maintenance, I have ESP for the big stuff and other costs are no more than other cars I've had. And last, a poll is to gather information from those interested in the results. If you have no interest, simply don't respond to the poll.

I agree with Richard's sentiments, as I so often do. My perspective differs in that I was already retired and on a small, relatively fixed income, when I bought the Bird. I could never have bought one new, but at five years old, I paid about what a year-old Toyota Corolla cost. A no-brainer there. At 10-12 k miles a year as a daily and vacation driver, I don't notice the price of gas. I've not even checked my mileage. I had traded in a MINI S, modified to the point its mileage was not much better, also using premium. I have Lou's ESP and am not worried about repairs. Fifteen years from now there should be a better parts aftermarket for collectors as there is now for earlier cars. Or I may have finally grown up and bought that Corolla.