Why do we own these cars?

[V8 Cat]

Re: Why do we own these cars?

When I was in college, I always wanted one of the 1955-57 Tbirds and/or a Jaguar XKE, but could not afford either. When I retired, I got the modern equivalent of the XKE as a retirement gift to myself since the cost of a series 1 or 2 XKE in good shape would cost as much as a new Jag XK8. Then I saw the 2002 Tbird at the auto show and decided to get my other dream car, but held-off since the dealers were asking over $50,000 for them at the time. I figured I could buy one later at a lesser price anytime I wanted, but found out in late 2004 that production would cease so I bought a 2005 for the same reason I bought the Jaguar. At this time the price had dropped to about $6000 under sticker. In fact a good 55 - 57 Tbird would cost more than the 2005 one. The new cars drive so much better than the old ones, but if I had unlimited funds, I would go a buy the originals of both of those cars also.

[justjon]

Re: Why do we own these cars?

I just read all the C.O.P threads and am wondering why we do own these cars. I've had the car two weeks now and it's raining. Can i drive in the rain? will water come into the engine compartment thru the windshield seal, the washer assembly? Can I go to Palm Springs? will it be to hot? can I drive up hill? I feel like an idiot for letting my emotions guide this purchase. Does anybody get to 100,000 miles without COP failure? Are all the Lincoln LS and Jaguar S cars like this too? Buyers regret?

[BirdsAndBugs]

Re: Why do we own these cars?

I just read all the C.O.P threads and am wondering why we do own these cars. I've had the car two weeks now and it's raining. Can i drive in the rain? will water come into the engine compartment thru the windshield seal, the washer assembly? Can I go to Palm Springs? will it be to hot? can I drive up hill? I feel like an idiot for letting my emotions guide this purchase. Does anybody get to 100,000 miles without COP failure? Are all the Lincoln LS and Jaguar S cars like this too? Buyers regret?

1. Yes you can drive in the rain.
2. No, water won't come through the windshield seal or the washer assembly.
3. Yes you can go to Palm Springs. Just Mapquest the driving directions.
4. No, it won't be too hot. I drive my T-Bird in the desert all the time.
5. Yes, the car will go up hill. If it's really steep, down shift to a lower gear.
6. Who cares about COP failures. Ford is covering the cars for 10 years for that problem. Like all other cars I've owned in the past, if it breaks you fix it until the cost of repair starts exceeding the value of the vehicle.

[Ski]

Re: Why do we own these cars?

6. Who cares about COP failures. Ford is covering the cars for 10 years for that problem.

Except for the '02s B&B, at least for now.

[FUN X 3]

Re: Why do we own these cars?

It's been awhile since I told my story. I have always liked Thunderbirds. My brother had a beautiful '63 vert white with red int, gorgeous. He also had a late 80s[87?] 4cyl turbo, silver, nice. My mom had an old '62 [junker] she wanted to restore [LOL she never could have done it but we humored her and encouraged her, she never did, thank God she got rid of it before she passed].

I was mowing my lawn in May-02 when this strange-looking car came from the distance down the hill toward my house. I stopped and stared. It was beautiful. The first new retro Bird I had seen, it was TVB. I saw the familiar Thunderbird script on the side and was completely smitten. I watched it turn the corner and head up a side street. As soon as I was done mowing the lawn, I hopped in my Lincoln Town Car my wife had been bugging me to get rid of. I hadn't seen anything else on the road to motivate me to do it, but now I had! I drove by and saw it in the neighbor's driveway, drove by slowly and drooled.

Went home, logged onto Ford.com and spent 4 hours learning everything I could. Two months later, I had mine! Joined TBN two months later. It's been the best car I've ever owned and driven. It never gets old, I just washed it today, and it's all clean and shiny in the garage. I think I'll go take another look. Bye.

[V8 Cat]

Re: Why do we own these cars?

I just read all the C.O.P threads and am wondering why we do own these cars. I've had the car two weeks now and it's raining. Can i drive in the rain? will water come into the engine compartment thru the windshield seal, the washer assemblyLincoln LS and Jaguar S cars like this too?

Jon,
See TSB-05-06-2 concerning the windshield seal. You could probably get this work done (if the prior owner has not had it done already) for a minimal amount since your car is probably out of warranty, and it might give you some peace of mind.

[justjon]

Re: Why do we own these cars?

Thanks for the upbeat advice BnB, of course your right, I would feel more comfortable with 2003+ because of the warranty but what about those LS and S series, do they have warrantys? Do they have the same problems, if not, why not?

[BirdsAndBugs]

Re: Why do we own these cars?

Thanks for the upbeat advice BnB, of course your right, I would feel more comfortable with 2003+ because of the warranty but what about those LS and S series, do they have warrantys? Do they have the same problems, if not, why not?

I don't know. I would think that the Lincoln LS as well as other models in the Ford/Lincoln/Mercury lineup with V8's would possibly have some of the same issues too as this motor certainly wasn't unique to the Thunderbird I don't think. However I'm sure there are other members who are much more knowledgeable on Ford Motor Company products than I am who may know the answer.