MIGHT purchase - need some opinions.

[FrankPalmer]

Hello everyone,

Might purchase a 2003 TBird with 17,000 miles. It's white w/hardtop and two tone interior. We negotiated to $18,900. It's in very good condition. Any opinions on price? Looking around, I think this is a pretty good deal. Prices seem to be dropping rather quickly on "niche" market cars like these. Also, I"m 6'2" and I have driven a TBird before - briefly. It's a tight fit for sure, but I love the look of the car so much. Any opinions on this deal? And, any tall drivers out there can tell me how they feel driving this car long term? Are you still comfortable in it? Thanks in advance!

- Frank

[BADOS]

Re: MIGHT purchase - need some opinions.

Judging from my extensive study on autotrader.com, I'd say that was the average price for a 2003 Premium Bird with a hardtop and lower mileage.

[Gobird]

Re: MIGHT purchase - need some opinions.

Frank, As for price that doesn't sound bad and the miles are low. As for height you shouldn't have any problem. It's just a matter of getting the seat in the right setting for you. If you drove one briefly before you probable didn't take the time to play around with the seat controls. Many on here are of the same height and it isn't much of a problem for them.

[rdlinger]

Re: MIGHT purchase - need some opinions.

Frank, sounds like a pretty good deal to me. I am new the the Retro world, having
recently purchased a 03 red on red, having full Accent. It had 19,000 miles on it.
I gave $22,000 for it, but I am notorious for buy high, and selling low. So far I love the
car. It drives and performs like a dream. Good luck, and if you decide to buy, I am
sure you will enjoy it.
Roger

[Leroy]

Re: MIGHT purchase - need some opinions.

Frank, Before you buy the car, have them remove the hard top and check the condition and operation of the convertible top and make sure all of the components that go with the top are there. Like the stand, cover, boot, and the removal tool. Check for paint damage were the hard top rests on the back of the car. Some Sand colored tops can be badly stained. Also there is less head room with the soft top up than the hard top. The price is kind of high for an 03. I would be looking for an 05 that may possibly still be under warranty or one that the owner has extended the warranty from Ford and can be transfered to you. $18,900.00 is NOT a real good deal, you can do better if you shop around. It's a buyer's market out there. Compare prices with what T-Birds are going for on Ebay and you'll see what I mean. Leroy

[Ray]

Re: MIGHT purchase - need some opinions.

KBB for a 2003 Tbird in excellent condition with 17,000 miles:

TRADE: $15,475
PRIVATE PARTY: $17,995
RETAIL: $20,545

Looks like you're in the ballpark to me. You're right, the value of our Birds have dropped a lot this past year.

[FritsB]

Re: MIGHT purchase - need some opinions.

Welcome to TBN Frank. Hope to see 'Might purchase' turn into 'Did purchase' soon

[FrankPalmer]

Re: MIGHT purchase - need some opinions.

Again, thanks for all the info. I was also fortunate to find another white (must have) TBird at a local Cadillac dealer for $17,800 (after negotiating). This one is an 02 with 20,000 miles. Hardtop, one owner. I have yet to see this one. I'm heading up there on Saturday and then over to the other dealer. I understand there is some differences between the two years including engine, heated seats etc. I'll look at both carefully before I make any decision.

Thanks

Frank

[ScottyNeutron]

Re: MIGHT purchase - need some opinions.

Frank,

Regarding fitting in the car, I'm 6'2" and would prefer a little more legroom (I'm more leggy and less torso-y). With the seat all the way back, you can forget about reclining for a snooze or anything like that. For reference purposes, it's a much tighter fit than my Audi TT.

2002-vs. 2003. The 2003 will have the more powerful engine, as well as other features such as the updated Instrument Panel, aluminum trim style on the interior, etc.

[texasbird]

Re: MIGHT purchase - need some opinions.

One issue that may cause you to lean toward the newer one is the COP's issue that you can research here. As of yetm Ford has agree to cover COP's problems on all retro-birds EXCEPT the 2002 year model.

Buying an 03 to 05 may save you headaches down the road.

James

[Ray]

Re: MIGHT purchase - need some opinions.

Heated seats, especially in a convertible, are wonderful. On nights when it's a little nippy and the top is down, the heated seats make the ride much more enjoyable.

[fifty/fifty]

Re: MIGHT purchase - need some opinions.

Like the famous words from the movie "Tin Cup"
GO FOR IT!!!!!
You won't regret whichever you decide on
Come and join the gang and enjoy your new toy
Sheila & James

[04birdman]

Re: MIGHT purchase - need some opinions.

i bought my 04 in july for 21k it had 15k mi...dealer friend of mine just sold 02 with 10k no hardtop for 19k....price for both seems fair to me...given the choice and being a daily reader of the forums...the 03 over the 02 is a no brainer...see power? see cops? see resale in a couple o years..heated seats....select shift...etc. im 6ft 1 played with thee seat..found comfort..even on long trips.

[bgl]

Re: MIGHT purchase - need some opinions.

I am a bit new here, having just purchased an '02. I have never heard of the COPS problem. Is there a brief explanation of what that is?

Thanks for the info.

[EBird]

Re: MIGHT purchase - need some opinions.

Go for It ! If you take a Good look at the car and what it has to offer..

style,history.....V8...did I say V8.....


What a Steal !