New here: WTB 2005 Cashmere or 2004 PCR - Which one?

[Leroy]

Re: New here: WTB 2005 Cashmere or 2004 PCR - Which one?

Although I like the PCR better only becuase I don't like the painted grill or the Cashmere color, I would suggest you stay focused on the Cashmere only becuase it's a year newer and might have better resale value as years go by, as it is the true 50th year Aniversery model. Any 05 would be better than the PCR as far as resale value. I would consider all the color choices and interior colors available on the other 05 models also besides low miles, mint condition and warranty avalability. Good Luck! Leroy

[texasbird]

Re: New here: WTB 2005 Cashmere or 2004 PCR - Which one?

Besides EB with the red interior trim, Cashmere would be my next choice if another retro bird is to be in my future, but don't let that sway you. It's strictly a matter of personal choice.

James

[maxg765]

Re: New here: WTB 2005 Cashmere or 2004 PCR - Which one?

Hello To All,

Thank you very much for the posts/opinions and "car's for sale" links. It is very much appreciated. Some I knew about and some I had not, such as the PCR for 21.5K. That price seems good.

I do like the extended warranty option however I do not believe that the warranty would be offered to a Canadian should the car get imported. I will check into that. Would be nice to have one though but I am not sure thats a deal breaker for me as I knew these cars are older and was not expecting to have one in the first place. In my mind its like buying a classic car with modern day creature comforts and safety to go along with it. I am selling off all my collection of classics. I have kids now ( a 3 year old and 2 month old) and to some extent my priorities have changed. I still want a car to enjoy but I also want to be sure I get home safe every day after work.

I do know that I want the select sport transmission (premium model) and from what I have learned both these editions were only available as premiums. Not that I will ever use the auto shift as I find no one really does unless its a "performance" car.

The most important to me aside from price will be that the car is truly accident and flood damage free. I don't want headaches in the future. I don't mind some miles as I do plan on driving it (I say that now) and enjoying it. I have had cars that I leave in a garage afraid to use them and its no fun.

Wish there were good cars in Canada east coast but thats slim to none. As an example I found a 2005 Silver non premium with 56000KMs or 34800 miles for an asking price of $33000 Canadian. It does have the extended warranty till June 2011 but its not the color or Model I want. Plus its too expensive in my opinion for a standard silver car.

Again, thanks to all for the replies and please keep them coming. My research has began.

I have to say I am still a little torn by which to go with. I have come to the realization that I will not be able to see them both before buying to it will have to remain an online decision.

Best regards

Max

[NRALifer]

Re: New here: WTB 2005 Cashmere or 2004 PCR - Which one?

I bet it wouldn't be too hard to find a TBN member to look at either of those cars I told you of. I had one member ready to look at the Naperville bird, but I found the one I bought just the day before he was to see it, so I called it off. Had I been ready to follow through with the Albuquerque PCR, I could have found someone to look at it for me too. I contacted a guy that works for the same company I do to look at the one I bought in Lafayette. There's always a way. And, IMHO anyone trying to sell a high-dollar item on the internet should have no problem with providing his out-of-town customers with all the hi-res pictures of the car they may want. Good digital cameras and broadband internet are both common and reasonably priced.

As far as an extended service plan, I think you could still get one on either of these cars, once you brought them back to Canada. You would probably have to pay a dealer to inspect them prior to the ESP being written. Talk to a local dealer though, to be sure.

:):)

[austx]

Re: New here: WTB 2005 Cashmere or 2004 PCR - Which one?

Hi Max,
If you could use some help getting your TB from the "lower 48" into your part of the world I have a retired airline pilot friend who has does that sort of thing. He can fly for free so he has repositioned "fine cars" before when the destination interested him. I suspect charges, if indeed any, would "out of pocket" only. Anyway, if you have any interest, I will provide contact info.

Good Luck,

Tom

[EmpTNest]

Re: New here: WTB 2005 Cashmere or 2004 PCR - Which one?

They are both beautiful limited editions, but for obvious reasons, my not so objective advice would be PCR

[BigDJBird]

Re: New here: WTB 2005 Cashmere or 2004 PCR - Which one?

Check out the interiors of both. Although I had test driven several birds I went with the PCR because the first time I saw it I literally fell in love with it. I just had to have it. We had just bought my wife a car and had no business buying another. I kept hauling her to the dealership to check out the PCR. The first time was on a Sunday and it was closed. We went back and when I saw the interior it was all over. Although I liked the interior of the all the T-birds the PCR did not have the accent trim colors. I really liked the look. The PCR is also the only one with a contrasting hard top. That may not be a consideration for you but make sure you have seen it. I think you'll like it! Good luck!! I've had mine four years and still get complements and head turns everyday!

[maxg765]

Re: New here: WTB 2005 Cashmere or 2004 PCR - Which one?

Hello All,

First off, thank you all for the feedback and opinions. I have to say I am still a little lost to be able to make up my mind. I wish I never learned about the PCR's as before that I was considering a 2005 Cashmere or Bronze but leaning towards that Cashmere and also liked the Merlot's of 2004.

I wish I would be able to see both in person prior to making up my mind but that will never be a reality as there are just too few here in Montreal, Canada.

What I like about both is that they are Limited Production models


What I like about 2005 Cashmere:
-1500 made
-Color in very different and the heavy metal flaking paint.
-That its a 50th anniversary 2005 model year
-That its the last year of the TBird (until again)
-That its the newest of the years in terms of age (but 2004's are the same)
-The interior colors are very elegant

What I am not sure about on the Cashmere:
-I like the painted grill but not sure if I like a chrome grill better
-I notice in some lighting the color looks a little bland and void of metallic flakes but this could be the camera effects
-I am not sure how such a light interior will stand up against getting dirty


What I like about the 2004 PCR
-1000 made and that 500 less than the Cashmere
-Color is very different and I think very nice
-Like the different color contrasting Hard Top effect
-Chrome Grill

What I am not so sure about on about the PCR
-I am not sold on the ultra suede material on the seat inserts and wonder ---how they would age or how dirty it gets
-That its a 2004 vs 2005 year
-Not a anniversary edition


I was going to let the car I find dictate the final choice however I have located equal caliber cars with low equal miles in pristine condition. Both with the same asking price which are in my opinion a little on the high side. The PCR is closer to me distance wise but I will be having it transported any way thus need to see what the cost differences would be as well.

So my dilemma continues.

Anyone feel like driving up to Montreal with either car :) Diner is on me.

Again thank you VERY much to all of you for your posts and links to cars. I will keep everyone here updated to my final outcome and anymore opinions are still welcomed.

Regards

Max

[maxg765]

Re: New here: WTB 2005 Cashmere or 2004 PCR - Which one?

Welcome abourd Max. Why don't you come out to Ottawa on May 9th and see all the retro Birds and talk with the owners for some extra insight. You can read up on the event on the event list . If you wish, I can bring along a 2005 (and others) brochures so you can look at them as well. (If you havent bought one by that time, that is).
MartinB.

I just noticed you wrote Ottawa. Can anyone confirm if there will be both colors at this event? I will try posting there too.

Thanks

Max

[darsinewman]

Re: New here: WTB 2005 Cashmere or 2004 PCR - Which one?

Max,
Regarding the Cashmere color: I have never seen it look "bland" even in my garage with only the garage opener light on, so I'm guessing that's a camera effect. As far as the interior goes, I highly recommend a second set of floor mats if you can find them (that recommendation probably goes for all cars). My Dad's belt made a small smudge mark on my passenger seat the first day I had my Bird, but I got rid of it with Lexol leather cleaner. I'm afraid I'm not the best person to advise you on how hard the seats are to keep clean, though, because mine has just under 2,000 miles on her. Of course the seats still look new! I will say that the leather is soft as a baby's butt, though. Love it!

[ThunderBubba]

Re: New here: WTB 2005 Cashmere or 2004 PCR - Which one?

Max -- No offense but you are going about your search all wrong. You should let the car speak to you. It may be that you see a Vintage Mint Green or a Medium Steel Blue and just have to have it. Don't limit yourself to what you percieve as a limited edition. The VMG and DSB are rarer than the 2 colors on your list and have their own virtues to recommend them. Heck, you may even fall for one of the slow Torch Red Birds.

[EmpTNest]

Re: New here: WTB 2005 Cashmere or 2004 PCR - Which one?

Max

If all other factors are equal, one metric that I use for comparing similar cars is to add miles + price. The car with the lower score is the better value. If you value either factor more than the other (miles vs price), you can apply your own adjustment factor accordingly to the formula.

I also agree with the subjective approach of "just let the car speak to you". When you are near, it will call out your name, in an unmistakable and undeniable sweet song....

Happy hunting,
Tim

[BigDJBird]

Re: New here: WTB 2005 Cashmere or 2004 PCR - Which one?

I spent about thirty minutes cleaning up my PCR's interior plastic, leather, ultra suede, and carpet today. You guys inspired me.
In my case I have been able to restore all these items each time they look a little dirty:
The plastic is textured in many places and dirt tends to collect down in the groves. I use a carpet cleaner with a plastic brush attached. The foam and brush make very short order of the dirt in the textured plastic surfaces. Looks like new and the car is five years old w/63,000 miles.
I also recommend a second floor mat. I took my wife's clear mats when she got new ones. The just happen to fit fine. Same carpet cleaner (Prestone) works great every time. Be sure you carefully test whatever you use first on the material to be cleaned.
I have cleaned the suede and carpet several times and everything always cleans up completely. I was surprised when I found a rather large stain on the passenger side suede. It looked like Coke. Don't know when or where it came from but you can't see it at all. Just be carefull not to rub the suede too hard with any brush.

I worry about the leather in the driver's side where I get in and out so often but so far it has cleaned up fine every time. I don't know how much rubbing it can take. I think the leather color may be painted instead of dyed. Hopefully it's the latter. Although I haven't cleaned through the surface and I would suggest caution, and the lighter the color the more caution is probably needed.
Hope this helps. Good luck on your decision! Get what you want and you'll be happy!

[maxg765]

Re: New here: WTB 2005 Cashmere or 2004 PCR - Which one?

Max -- No offense but you are going about your search all wrong. You should let the car speak to you. It may be that you see a Vintage Mint Green or a Medium Steel Blue and just have to have it. Don't limit yourself to what you percieve as a limited edition. The VMG and DSB are rarer than the 2 colors on your list and have their own virtues to recommend them. Heck, you may even fall for one of the slow Torch Red Birds.

Hello
The one Tbird I always wanted was the original vintage model in the light baby blue. It has always caught my eye. That green they had also caught my eye.
With the new generation I loved the baby blue that had come out. But the Cashmere has been the one color and car that originally made me desire the car since 2005 and made me begin my search. I guess that would be the one that "called out to me". During my research I learned of the PCR and seen the pictures. That color also calls out to me but the original fling came from the Cashmere. The limited model does provide some interest however I am well aware that colors like 82 Inca Gold units and those you mentioned were produced in fewer numbers. What I like more about the Limited's is that they are essentially Premium models which is what I am looking for.
If I had to place the colors that interest me it looks like this
Cashmere
PCR
Bronze
Merlot
But most important to me is that the car has been pampered and have 100% of its original paint free of accidents. I want a clean car.
Below is what I am looking for.

The above car has been pampered beyond what I could have done. Its one of the two I am considering.
Regards
Max

[VABird05]

Re: New here: WTB 2005 Cashmere or 2004 PCR - Which one?

Max, I'm sure you'll made the right decision for you.

However, since Bronze is on your list ... someone once told me my Bronze looked like it was dipped in 24 karat gold ......

All of the 2005's have the 50th anniversary chevron on the front bumpers, but that should not be of importance.