Da-Je Vu all over again

[Sealy]

Re: Da-Je Vu all over again

Just for curriosity's sake, I did a Kelly Blue Book search for suggested retail for this platform. Figuring 2004, excellent condition, 30K miles, and well equipped:

• Jaguar S-Type came in at $16,005
• Lincoln LS came in at $12,955
• T-Bird came in at $22,655

Maybe the lowly Ford does have something going for it.

[merlot4]

Re: Da-Je Vu all over again

That's an interesting difference, Gene. I have only heard wistful stories of "I looked at one once (to buy)", or "I almost bought one". Perhaps some looked on Ebay, or other place later to find out more information.

[Sealy]

Re: Da-Je Vu all over again

Just looked at that and realized someone has to say it. Might as well be me as I'm always in trouble any how.

I suppose it's just like several other business situations where taking your top off is going to get you an extra 6 to 10 thousand dollars.

[Lindy]

Re: Da-Je Vu all over again

I suddenly feel like we had this debate in another forum.

[keithwand]

Re: Da-Je Vu all over again

We bought the car because we wanted a fun convertible that would hopefully maintain some value.

5 years and 2,500 miles later and KBB says we could get in the high 20's to 30K.

Not bad since we paid $32,500 new.

Per mile the car has cost a lot but it sure looks nice in the garage. Oh well.

[BirdsAndBugs]

Re: Da-Je Vu all over again

I plan on getting rid of mine when I can't extend the warranty anymore or I can't drive it anymore, what ever comes first. I wouldn't own one of these cars without a warranty, repairs are too expensive. Leroy

\ \ \ \ \_______________________________________

My wife and I have 4 cars (2001 Mercedes SLK, 2003 Ford Thunderbird, 2004 Volkswagen Passat, and a 2005 Ford Thunderbird). None are under warranty anymore nor are any of these vehicles cheap to maintain and repair. However it's almost always much less expensive to keep fixing them than to buy a new car.

[BirdsAndBugs]

Re: Da-Je Vu all over again

Ron, I think you're right about the Thunderbird. There's a pattern of past people behavior already showing for it, however it hasn't shown up on our Chrysler TC yet and that car is 21 years old now. Might take it 20 more years to realize and I may not be around then. Still in the dumps on values.
I'm seeing much better value hanging on with the Thunderbird and there's 10 times the amount of 'birds around than the TC.

Dot, I used to own a 1982 Chrysler LeBaron. In 1989 the husband of one of my coworkers sold Chryslers. He encouraged me to test drive one of the TC's which I did. It was a very nice car at the time, but I definitely understood why that vehicle never sold very well. From the outside, it didn't look that much different than the LeBaron convertible which was a lot less costly.

[dearborntbird]

Re: Da-Je Vu all over again

I am a retired car dealer. I just looked at the national Manheim auction values. The problem is the average Lincoln LS is used a lot more and is worth a lot less. The average 2002 Thunderbird has 47,000 miles and is worth $13,600 at the dealer only auction. The average Lincoln is worth $3840. This week, a 52,000 mile Lincoln V8 sold for $7300 but a 57,000 mile Tbird sold for $13,700. There were 15 2002 Thunderbirds sold at Manheim this week. The high price was $21,500 with 6300 miles. These are real cars sold this week.

[jerrym3]

Re: Da-Je Vu all over again

LS used values aren't very good, but when the car isn't in the service shop, it's a real joy to drive. Even surprised my son-in-law, who is a real BMW fanatic.

I sometimes wish the LS had made a convertible.

Another example of a good start that Ford failed to improve.

[Rondor]

Re: Da-Je Vu all over again

Interesting comments, even when a little oof track. To me it's not so much the money but the numbers of buyers compaired to sellers. I agree up-keep down the road may be an issue but try an old Mercedes on for size. Theese cars are so much better built and all around better cars with that great 50's fee,l for those who care. Maybe it will change but right now rhere sure isn't mnany of the 68K plus birds made for sale

[Rondor]

Re: Da-Je Vu all over again

Anothe BIG,,, BIG factor both now and back then is not very many people will actually buy a 2 seater car. I have chickened out many times over the years. Fortunately as few as there are who will,,,, the supply of desireable 2 seaters has never been a flooded market. And in our case We got the name " THUNDERBIRD " on ours and it don't hurt.

[Southern]

Re: Da-Je Vu all over again

Pauls auction info is interesting.
But of course, one shouldn't compare a convertible (of any kind) to a like automobile that is not a convertible.
Compare some old Tbirds that came both ways and you will see the convertibles are by and large, more valuable.

To be honest, I would have bought a Vette if I could still get in and out of one.........

[Rondor]

Re: Da-Je Vu all over again

Pauls auction info is interesting.
But of course, one shouldn't compare a convertible (of any kind) to a like automobile that is not a convertible.
Compare some old Tbirds that came both ways and you will see the convertibles are by and large, more valuable.

To be honest, I would have bought a Vette if I could still get in and out of one.........

Just curious what vette would you like

[pinkilee]

Re: Da-Je Vu all over again

Just looked at that and realized someone has to say it. Might as well be me as I'm always in trouble any how.

I suppose it's just like several other business situations where taking your top off is going to get you an extra 6 to 10 thousand dollars.

I'll come out of retirement for that kind of money.....sheesh!!

[Southern]

Re: Da-Je Vu all over again

Just curious what vette would you like

A $25,000 one.

Probably something like an 04 with low miles.

I had an 88 back in the 90s. Loved it.
But as I aged I got to where I could pull up at a nice place, looking COOL, and then I would roll out on the ground and pull myself up.......
Not so cool.