Love relationship with car

[merlot4]

I had mentioned in another thread that the cars that I really enjoyed tended to be somewhat (to a lot) higher maintenance and certainly higher driver involvement. Those are the ones that I would glance back at as I left them parked. I didn't just get in an drive, it was more of an experience that involved me as a part of the car. The Tbird fits that category for me and thankfully the maintenance hasn't yet been bad at all. The others were foreign, memorable and fun, but this one has been the most satisfying overall.

[Guest]

Re: Love relationship with car

I agree with you Richard.... I glance at my car even now, and it's tucked away in my garage with a car cover on it ! And it still looks great... that's why our cars are iconic IMHO.

[Bradford]

Re: Love relationship with car

I agree, this has been a truly enjoyable car to own and drive. rarely do I keep a new car this long. I've had cars in the past that I've regretted trading or selling, and for that reason I have kept this one. A few times I have thought of selling simply because I do not drive it as frequently as I used to. However the friends here and TBN events keep me going. Several friends outside TBN have set me straight whenever I speak of selling and remind me how much I have enjoyed my trips, TBN and otherwise in this car. So, I paid cash almost 6 years ago (April 15, tax day will be 6 years)so as a result it has simply been insurance, tags, routine maintenance as cost. Thank goodness for a ESP warranty. I'm also pushing records with my 04 Acura TL, it will be 7 years for it, on again, April 15, another tax day. Simply can't find a reason to trade it, never had any trouble with it. The Thunderbird still gets comments, thumbs up whenever I do get out and drive it. When I reflect on if I've been totally satisfied with the car, I have to separate the love of the car and just how dependable it has been. Again, thanks to ESP and a good servicing dealer that understands me. It has not been the best in regards to troubles, nothing major, little annoyances, COPS, water control valve, rear bushings, windshield reveal moldings-2X so far, simple but aggravating, the things that would typically result in a trade, but since I do enjoy the car, I'm still driving it. Twice on separate trips had to go into a local Ford dealer for coil replacement, one trip a water control valve. I realize I have spent A LOT of money keeping this affair going, add new Chrome Rims, CAI, Borla Exhaust, SCT Tuner, Luggage Rack, Hard Tonneau, etc etc...It adds up. Looking at replacing the canvas top soon, the Light Stone canvas on the Cashmere Edition is hell to keep clean in Florida climate. Bottom line, if I got rid of this car, I know I would definately have sellers remorse.

[SixPac]

Re: Love relationship with car

Bradford, Does "friends here" include those who are "OLE MISS" (black bear) fans?

[merlot4]

Re: Love relationship with car

I kept my 1997 Acura CL for 13 years/200,000 miles, so I have to agree it was a very good car, although when things do happen, they tend to be pricey.

[Bradford]

Re: Love relationship with car

Bradford, Does "friends here" include those who are "OLE MISS" (black bear) fans?

Your the exception. Your definately one of the friends here. And what's with this Black Bear crap? Can you believe that! Was in Atlanta from about a week before Thanksgiving till after the first of the year, then back to Atlanta for about 10 days for Pappisitos, headed over to Mississippi both trips for a couple of days to visit Dad, actually thought about heading down to Natchez to visit some of my old friends there from the years we lived there. Didn't make it, but if I had, would have definately given you a call and stopped by. Hope all is going well.

[Bradford]

Re: Love relationship with car

I kept my 1997 Acura CL for 13 years/200,000 miles, so I have to agree it was a very good car, although when things do happen, they tend to be pricey.

My TL will soon be 7, but only has 60,000 miles, so plan on putting quite a few more on it. Have a list of neighbors hoping I'll sell. One actually washes it if I'm gone for a few weeks, she can't stand to see it in the drive dirty, she's convinced it will be "hers" some day soon.

[islandtime]

Re: Love relationship with car

I'm going to knock wood in saying that both of my '05 Birds have given me very few complaints. Most of the things that have been done are regular maintenance, with the exception of the EGR valve on MD and I can't remember what on Goldi...and, like Bradford, the friendships and trips that we've enjoyed just from owning retro Birds will long be worth the price of ownership. I never plan to get rid of my Birds, but then, I still have my 2000 Eddie Bauer Expedition that Charley ordered for my 50th birthday back in 2000...and with only 44K miles on it, I hope to keep it for a while longer, also. Then there's our '89 Bird that has been in the family since...'89 (w/ 52K miles on it), and...
...well, we won't talk about the Shelby. Suffice to say, Charley plans to keep it forever, but it's not my choice.

[V8 Cat]

Re: Love relationship with car

My TL will soon be 7, but only has 60,000 miles, so plan on putting quite a few more on it. Have a list of neighbors hoping I'll sell.

We have the same thing happening on the 1995 Lexus SC300 with 48,000 miles. There is a list of people we are to call if it is going to be for sale including three technicians in the Lexus dealer's service department. It does have sentimental value as it was a 30th wedding anniversary present for my wife. We do not plan to sell the Tbird either because it is a special car; however we can't keep them all forever. Well maybe we will because we are not too far from that "dirt nap".

[jerrym3]

Re: Love relationship with car

I put my Galaxie in the "love relationship" catagory.

But, recent mechanical issues are really starting to make me think about ending the relationship.