Thunderbird Values-

[marjo1966]

Re: Thunderbird Values-

Hey thanks so much for writing- I appreciate the price reference- I think I may just try Ebay-
have a great Thursday!
MJ

Mark,
For a price reference, I sold my VMG with 21,000 for $26k in May. Based on prospects and bidder's actions, the color drew a premium above what my sale price expectation was. However, more potential buyer's are now in financial stress so there's fewer prospects in the pool. I'm in a sunbelt area of 4 million people, so I also had a much larger pool than the Nampa-Boise market. Have you tried selling on ebay or cars.com? Obviously, they'll give you national exposure. Whatever you do, good luck. It's a terrible market to sell a cool car like a TB. However, someone, somewhere is thinking about buying a silver TB.

[marjo1966]

Re: Thunderbird Values-

You are so right on,I agree, I think alot of people are waiting to see who makes to the White House too before the day anything!
I also bought my 2004 in May, but in the back of my mind I was concerned about the economy- live and learn, but atleast I am loving the Thundberbird as long as I have it-
MJ

Earlier this summer when I bought my 2005 Thunderbird in May, I kind of felt that our economy would start coming out of it's doldrums by end of 3rd quarter or early in the 4th quarter this year. I think the impact of what started with the mortgage mess a little more than a year ago and has impacted other areas of credit now is going to take more time to work itself out before people and businesses really start to feel comfortable financially and economically again.

[blue731]

Re: Thunderbird Values-

I have continued to track the prices of T-Birds through Yahoo.cars, which is where I found mine (most all of them are dealer cars). Since I bought mine, I have noticed a sharp increase in prices, particularly Merlot. I've actually seen 2004 Deluxe models with 50,000 miles listed for 28k. Carmax is selling near or over 30k. I'm having trouble truly figuring this out, as I figured that the closer to winter we get, the prices should probably rocket down again, and probably will.

Anyways, I can't figure it out. I'm happy with the purchase no matter what the market does right now. I'm sure someone will come along and pick yours up... just keep listing it until it sells.

[LBPatt]

Re: Thunderbird Values-

Just did a search in S. Florida. Going price for 2005 with less than 20,000 was between $25 to $30K. Some of the prices were all over the place for those with high mileage such as a 2005 with over 66,000 miles being $15,000. You would think there has to be something wrong with this car.

[Leroy]

Re: Thunderbird Values-

In my opinion, the greatest thing to hold the value up on these cars is the warranty. If the cars original Ford warranty is still good or has been extended, it is a big value to the buyer. Ford warranties can transfer to the new owner as part of the sale. Low milage also is a big plus as well as a well cared for car with documented matainance records as well as original sales paperwork and original window sticker. And of course a car free of tabbaco use and with out any after market junk attached to it is a plus. To expect a fair return on your purchase price I believe you have to treat these cars as Classic Cars. A car that has been used as a daily driver can't be expected to bring the price of a car that has been pampered. There will always be a market for these cars, but it will flucuate with the economy becuase they are a luxury. Just my opinion. Leroy

[RMF1960]

Re: Thunderbird Values-

Hey thanks so much for writing- I appreciate the price reference- I think I may just try Ebay-
have a great Thursday!
MJ

You might also try a good specialty dealership which will work on a consignment basis. Your car will get the exposure in the dealership, and you mght end up getting nearer to what you want for it.
Based on my experiences with Corvettes, this newer Retro Bird has not seen the bottom of its depreciation cycle yet. It may be a few more years until the cycle bottoms out, and starts the appreciation upswing. With my 2002, I knew this going in, however, I plan to keep mine for many years. I really don't ever expect to make much money off it, but it's a fun car and gets attention.

If you look at the values of even the nicest, cleanest 55-57 Birds, you'll see that they're not super expensive (as collectible cars go), and that's why we TBird enthusiasts are not really in it for the money (like Corvette collectors tend to be).

Good luck, and try the consignment route!

[V8 Cat]

Re: Thunderbird Values-

To expect a fair return on your purchase price I believe you have to treat these cars as Classic Cars. A car that has been used as a daily driver can't be expected to bring the price of a car that has been pampered. There will always be a market for these cars, but it will flucuate with the economy becuase they are a luxury. Just my opinion. Leroy

Leroy, I think you are right. Most people on this site, if they had to replace their bird because of a wreck or another reason, would be looking for a pristine, low mileage example and would be willing to pay a premium for one. If it is a daily driver with high mileage, most of us "car nuts" would probably pass on those. Also I kind of look at them as luxury toys, and today after the financial market debacle, practicality of a major purchase is very important to a lot of the middle class and will depress the value somewhat. JMHO.

[jack37]

Re: Thunderbird Values-

Values are generally lower in Florida than in Tidewater Virginia. In Florida recent 05's as low as 16.9K and as high as 29.9K. In Virginia 04-05's if you can find one, as soon as they appear on the market are gone with pricing as high as 29.9K. Advertise it in the local here in Virginia (www.pilotonline.com), When you get a call provide pictutes and offer free shipping.
Jack37

[1Twistedsister]

Re: Thunderbird Values-

SOLD! for my asking price of $25,000. See good things do happen to those who wait...

[Leroy]

Re: Thunderbird Values-

The best way to find out what you can get for it is put it on Ebay. Put a reserve on it equal to what you would like to get for it, and see what happens. Be sure to include about 6 good pictures and a good discription of the remaining warranty and the fact that you have all of the accessories and documentation like the original window sticker and so on if you have all that. I think the last time I listed a car on Ebay it cost me just under $30.00 for a 7 day auction with a reserve. Or you can put it on Craigslist.com for free. Leroy

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[2FAST4U]

Re: Thunderbird Values-

I've been considering selling my '02 'Bird since I've had someone last fall who showed some interest in it. He said he'd get back to me next spring, but I haven't heard from him since. In the meantime, I've looked on "Ebay" and "Cars.com" just to see how much I can expect to get for my car and I'm quite dissappointed with the results. I was hoping to get $30,000 for it, but 1˚, there are a lot of '02's with asking prices much lower than that, and 2˚,there are too many of them available on the market, which makes it less likely that a potential buyer would choose mine over another, even if I added a lot of options to the car...
Claude.

[My Raven]

Re: Thunderbird Values-

Mark I am sorry you need to sell your PS but I totally agree with what Lou (Black Bird) stated. Perhaps your inability to sell is an omen that you can ride this out without having to lose her. GOOD LUCK and keep us posted.

[jerrym3]

Re: Thunderbird Values-

The retro Bird has been out of production for five years. If it wasn't a top seller five years ago, it's still too soon to become a top seller.

Maybe in another 5-10 years (or more), things will change, but to tell the truth, since I don't have to sell mine, it's not an issue to me.

Mine will just be part of my estate, because none of my daughters (or son-in-law) really want it. Right now, it's not a daily driver, but when my 94 TBird dies (just about to click 146,000 miles), it will be.

But, since I'm retired, being a daily driver takes on a whole new meaning. I still can't see taking the retro out to the shopping center instead of my LS.

Now my 64 Galaxie, that's another story. One daughter wants her, but she doesn't realize how bad the car is "underneath".

[mike02redbird]

Re: Thunderbird Values-

Sorry for your problems, I hope it works out well for you and any one that has to sell.
Boy talk about discouraging I just clicked on autotrader.com and did a search for 2002 Thunderbirds (my year), I arranged the search low to high.
Results
1 There are several listed for under $20,000.00
2 There are several for $11,900.00 +/-
3 There are some very nice yellow, red and even blue with 7000 miles +/- for under $24,000.00.
With that said I have no intentions of selling mine but this was an eye opener.

[MerlotBlue]

Re: Thunderbird Values-

280 HP in this relatively heavy car is weak by today's standards and there are just so many roadsters available today.

ALL cars built over the past 10 years now with this level of sophistication are pretty expensive to repair and maintain.

The T-Bird really never sold in big numbers when available........the lack of demand to keep prices high really shouldn't be much of a surprise anyone given these thoughts.

The one single thing the car does have in it's favor is the Retro-thing among the faithful.

But.......that only brings up yet another troubling thought......



........the age demographic of the average owner..............

You have to wonder........ does the car appeal to younger potential buyers with the same Retro-tug that can be inspired among those of us who can actually remember the original 2 seaters.