Bird troubles

[Ski]

Re: Bird troubles

In fact, if that were true, they would certainly have included the 2002 as well as the later ones.

They did it because they wanted to.

I agree. It was an economic decision not to include the 2002, there were more of them and were older therefore more likely to experience the problem. Still, a small vocal minority can make things happen and what they offered is better than nothing. JMHO.

[MerlotBlue]

Re: Bird troubles

I agree. It was an economic decision not to include the 2002, there were more of them and were older therefore more likely to experience the problem. Still, a small vocal minority can make things happen and what they offered is better than nothing. JMHO.

The '02s are now old enough that I'd imagine Ford feels no obligation to 'em at all.

At this point I've given up any hope that they'll ever step up.

If Ford had ever seen an advantage to taking the financial hit in making things right with the '02 owners I'd imagine they'd have already done so.

I think those of us with an '02 in the garage got our answer on this when the '04 and '05 model years got their own extended warranty that acknowledged the '03 coil problems were not a one year thing and yet the '02 still wasn't included.

[Ol'Dave]

Re: Bird troubles

Sooooo, when is a 3.9L not a 3.9L when it comes to warrantee issues? The correct answer lies somewhere in between the Engineering and Cost Accounting Departments at FORD. The old 3.9L, used in the 02 T-Birds and as an option on the LS's, is a different beast that the 03+ version. Had they included the 02 version, it would have opened up more can of worms for them. They stuck with the fix for the newer version of the 3.9L, NOT because they "wanted to". Because they had too.
Also for the nay sayer's out there. Look at the "Hit's" the Thunderbird Sites and the LS Sites get. Compare that to the actual same vehicles out there. FORD needed to pay attention to the consumers on this issue. If not, Lincoln and Thunderbird Customers would be lost to the GM Caddy fleet. Thus the "economic" decision, to quell any thought of departure of customer base.

[twhiller]

Re: Bird troubles

We too have had both the COP and "E" Code issues on our 03 and both were fixed under warranty with no further problems. Thankfully this site gave me the knowledge to face the service manager and tell him how to fix the car. I have owned many new cars over the years and not one has been trouble free. I must say that our bird has been and will always be a pleasure to own and we enjoy every moment we drive it. We need to remember that it is a CAR and at times the car will need attention. There are new posts addressing new issues as they arrise and it is good to have somewhere to ask for help. Thanks TBN.....

[Leroy]

Re: Bird troubles

The Lincoln LS with the 3.9 V8 sold in 04 was about the same MSRP as the 04 Tbird. And today a 04 Tbird, with comparable mileage, will sell for, in some cases, twice as much. Our Birds are holding thier value alot better than the Lincoln LSs. Leroy

[ChromeDome]

Re: Bird troubles

How times have changed. The first new car I bought came with a 90 day or 3000 mile warranty. No extended warranty was offered.

[Ol'Dave]

Re: Bird troubles

WOW!! They had Warranties back then.............(LOL)

[V8 Cat]

Re: Bird troubles

The Lincoln LS with the 3.9 V8 sold in 04 was about the same MSRP as the 04 Tbird. And today a 04 Tbird, with comparable mileage, will sell for, in some cases, twice as much. Our Birds are holding thier value alot better than the Lincoln LSs. Leroy

A friend of mine was thinking about buying a used 2005 Chrysler Crossfire roadster. I looked up the Kelly Blue Book price for him and was amazed the value (retail, trade-in) was so low. So just for interest I looked-up a 2005 TBird. It's values were about $10,000 more that the Crossfire and as I remember it, the retail price was bout the same when they were new (correct me if I am wrong).

[EBird]

Re: Bird troubles

I think we can All agree..This site has Helped each and every one of us,

in One way or another!! It is a Great source of REAL information and the people are Great!!

Thanks!

[cobrar1339]

Re: Bird troubles

I am new to the forum and it seams like a Great place with Great people helping others and having some Fun.

I do tend to agree that forums, not just this one, center on the fixes for a specific car. And it can get a little depressing for some, wondering if you are next.

And, it can make a new member or someone looking to buy, feel like they should look at another car.

I have had many cars and been on many forums. I have found all cars have querks. All forums work to solve them and dwell on them. The ones that scare me away are the ones they can't figure out how to fix. You have fixes that are fairly simple for all issues mentioned. We should be feeling good about that.

Below are some examples:
Vette Forum - ZO6 axle nut issue, Rod knock issues, oil temp, trans seal
RX8 - Too many to list
BMW - 335 fuel pump issue and limp mode issues
Ford GT - Axle bolt issue - Finally solved. But 5 years of threads.
Ferrari 360/430 - Too many to list
Maserati - New Gran Turismo - Elect issues galore.


It's also natural to wonder if the mfg. will support the cars long term. The aftermarket may not be sure what to do with this segment. But they will step up for the COP issues in the long run when they see demand. Right now, all the demand is at the dealer level. Someday, a mfg will provide a better part.

Forums have some pull when they stick together. Wading through the issues now, likely insures a fix down the road with the right connections. I am in the aftermarket and have been for 30 yrs. To be honest, the cars have not seen enough issues yet to be on the radar. They will by 2012 -2015.

Aftermarket Food for thought:

The other issue is the HOT ROD aftermarket does not see this segment as one to modify the cars like the Vette /Mustang/Viper/Porsche segment. Those folks spend lots of cash on Mods for looks and power.

Here I see few looking for more power , or there would be a nice blower kit everyone was talking about. This Lux Sport segment is a bit odd for the aftermarket. They want to sell stuff they are tooled to build, Headers, Blowers, Throttle bodies, Wheels, Spring Kits, Carbon fiber, Seats/ Int Upgrades/Chassis mod kits, bushings fit here.

My sources say there was not enough demand at the onset, so very little R&D on their part. The car owners were mostly satisfied with what they got, and were not hungry for more. Some mfg's spent some cash, but it never panned out. The maintenance aftermarket will be better, but it will take time and some effort by members here to send signal flares.

That says a lot for Ford hitting the target right.... and the fact that these cars are Fun and Unique as is, without mods. If that Saleen car was an overwhelming success or the Supercharged Bird met with huge appeal the story would be different. The TV ad really set the expect for the car IMO.

Even Ford designers have had some second thoughts on the choice of power plants. Had the car come with a 4.6 32v, the landscape would be vastly different as more parts interchange. I understand It was considered, but the LS/JAG chassis was the right dimension. The 3.9 is an odd duck, but still a fantastic power plant with a similar design.

The New Bird is in a Class all it's Own, a look all it's own. The closest is the SSR truck Chevy built ( IMO), but the powertrain is Corvette so you have some cross over in mods potential.

The Nest is thee place to be for Owners and Enthusiasts.

[Vintage Merlot]

Re: Bird troubles

I log on multiple times each day and it seems that the "non-problem" posts out number the "problems" at least three or four to one. Bonnie and I are members that have gotten involved and have attended multiple events. We have met some really wonderful people and had some GREAT times and fun capers. I know for sure that without event involvement I would view this site much differently. Many, many members treat TBN as an extended family. It is an attitude changer. Getting involved in events makes the car even more enjoyable. We're looking forward to Choo Choo and the 2010 Shack Up in event. We will never forget the Beach Boys, David and Jeanne"s wedding, Hot Springs and our first Shack Up. Without meeting Charlie and Margaret we would never have enjoyed warm open hospitality during our evacuation of Hurricane Gustav.

Log in to enjoy the people on this site. That's what its all about.

If I ever do have a cop problem or E problem or rattle or need a Borla I also know where to find it.