Need Group's Help-please.

[donsturdy]

Hi Everyone,
New to this very informative forum.
I am a future prospective Tbird owner and need some direction on what to consider or factor out for a purchase.
Please excuse the "long windedness" of this post so here goes.

-is a 50th anniv model the most desirable to own?

-would you choose a 9k 2002(2 owner) over a 55k 2005 50th anniv for approx the same $$$? It would seem that a low mileage car is preferrable to one that isn't and yet an original 1 owner car could mean it wasn't a lemon although it is more likely to require work.

-Would a car having a history of multiple owners turn you off even a low mileage one.

-From what I have read, Ford extended warranties to the 2004-5 models. Is this transferrable and what about the other years?
Would this be something to consider?

-If you used Carfax was it factual and beneficial to you?

Thank you all for taking the time to read this long post and hopefully replying.

[2K2BIRD]

Re: Need Group's Help-please.

Hi Everyone, Welcome to TBN - it is a fun place!
New to this very informative forum.
I am a future prospective Tbird owner and need some direction on what to consider or factor out for a purchase.
Please excuse the "long windedness" of this post so here goes.

-is a 50th anniv model the most desirable to own? I think the one you like best is the most desirable to own, especially if you are going to drive it and enjoy it. Attempts to buy one as an "investment" haven't paid off for anyone that I know of. Even cars still in their original state with plastic on the seats don't bring more than they cost originally.

-would you choose a 9k 2002(2 owner) over a 55k 2005 50th anniv for approx the same $$$? It would seem that a low mileage car is preferrable to one that isn't and yet an original 1 owner car could mean it wasn't a lemon although it is more likely to require work. Same answer as above, buy the one you like best. One could say that low mileage cars may not have reached the point where they have had their problem yet while the higher mileage car may have all the bugs worked out.

-Would a car having a history of multiple owners turn you off even a low mileage one. Depends on why they sold it. CarFax isn't perfect but I'd still take a look at it.

-From what I have read, Ford extended warranties to the 2004-5 models. Is this transferrable and what about the other years? Ford extended the amount of time that they would replace COPs on 03-05 models, but they will only do them as they go out (usually one at a time). Nothing else is covered.
Would this be something to consider? Mileage and years in service affect whether you can purchase an extended warranty for a used vehicle or not and at what rate so you might want to check into that if you want to purchase a warranty.

-If you used Carfax was it factual and beneficial to you? Haven't bought a used car in several years so I really can't answer this. It is my understanding that the information is often hit and miss, but I'd still probably get one.

Thank you all for taking the time to read this long post and hopefully replying. You are welcome.

[DudleyM]

Re: Need Group's Help-please.

I saw the Cashmere 2005 at a show and loved it. When I decided I wanted to find one, I set a not to exceed price and started searching. I found a one owner with high mileage. The owner dearly loved the car, but had taken a real estate job and needed a 4-door car. I talked to her, the dealer where she regularly serviced the car, ordered the car fax and finally went to see the car. Bought it, love it and feel the mileage meant she worked out any problems, although there were none indicated in the records of service. A friend and Ford dealer had recommended 2004 or 2005 rather than one of the earlier years. Good luck with your research.

[jayred1]

Re: Need Group's Help-please.

Very good answers above, no disagreement here. Each year has some slight differences - check out Dot's "portholeauthority.com" for lots of good information. I would concur that if you see one that really catches your eye, buy it and don't look back. Lots of enjoyment with these cars ... so buy, ride, and enjoy!!

[Southern]

Re: Need Group's Help-please.

Did what you are doing, Came here and looked around. Had a basic understanding of the Model Years and less of an understanding of the special models.
Somebody came on and said there was a 12000 mile 02 at Galloway Ford that was super clean.
I ran down and looked at a beautiful 2002 white one with a red and white interior.
I am a sucker for two toned interiors.
Drove it for about 45 minutes. The salesman was getting nervous.....
I said lets go write it up!
We walked into the used car showroom to do the deal and I said....WHOA!
What is that?
It was an 04 (Has the more powerful motor and the Built in Homelink). Merlot w/black interior and back soft top w/Merlot Hardtop on the showroom floor.
THEN i knew what I wanted!
Took it for a short drive......don't know if this is universal, but these two were like night and day.
The 02 was soft. More lux than sport.
The 04 was firm. More sport than lux.
It had 32000 on it. I know 12 is less than 32...but in the realm of cars.......they are both low mileage. The 04 was in just as good a shape as the 02.
The Merlot Got me. LOTSA metallic......

The point of all this is.........you will know it when you see it......just make sure you see several......

[Chuck]

Re: Need Group's Help-please.

Steve, there really is only 1 50th anniversary edition and that's the Inca Gold. There are many "special editions" which do bring a bit more money. In 2011 (& I'll probably get killed for this) I would expect to pay in the 15 - 20k range depending on mileage, condition & if it's a special edition. Maybe a little more for something special. To Jay's point, check out Dot's site for the nitty gritty details. Also if horse power means anything to you the 2003s --> 2005s have more horse power than the 2002s due to the introduction of variable valve timing in 2003. There are other mechanical differences between the 2002s and following years. Most painful is the hydraulic fan vs. the electric fan in the '03s - '05s. Bottom line; buy the one that turns you on at the price you can afford.

[Gobird]

Re: Need Group's Help-please.

Chuck, The Inca is not the official anniversary model/color. That is the Cashmere with the painted grill.

[4LOWBIRDS+7]

Re: Need Group's Help-please.

Chuck, The Inca gold is not the official anniversary model/color. That is the Cashmere with the painted grill.

WHO EVER HEARD OF A 50TH CASHMEREN ANNIVERSARY?

[Gobird]

Re: Need Group's Help-please.

Ron........ OFF!!

[BJHEN]

Re: Need Group's Help-please.

Welcome to TBN Steve! You've come to the right place. I didn't read the above posts in detail but if no one suggested the Porthole Authortity site it is one you will find a lot if info on. See here: http://www.portholeauthority.com/

Cliff

[T for 2]

Re: Need Group's Help-please.

When I knew I needed a retro, I first checked all the colors, and knew it had to be t-bird blue with the complete interior package,b&b. I wanted a 2005 but blue only came in 2002. I then went on every site I could find including E-Bay. I looked at every low milage 02 that I could drive to and back in a day. [consession to wife]. This would be a Sunday driver so condition and miles were Important. future sale as investment was not in the picture. We looked at more then twenty-five cars in a nine mo. period. we were side tracked a few times with other colors, mostly Merlot, but fought off the urge. Finaly last year, found our T-Bird blue, full accent, 14,000 mi. beauty .local owner, great price, and have been in awe ever since. By the way, I'm 78 yrs. young, so fight off the urge to act to fast and buy that first one that comes along. You have time. Good luck .Sorry to ramble on but it felt good talking about my blue-bird. Charles

[Canuck]

Re: Need Group's Help-please.

I just bought my Blue 2005, although it is not like the retro blues of the 02's. I found the best place for hunting birds was Lemonfree. They post up sales from all over but you can also specify what make, model, year car your looking for, in what area and they'll send you an email every time a new one pops up. I was interested in 2002 to 2005 (any and all birds) anywhere in the US or Canada and got emails daily with listings for 2 to 5 cars. A great way to get a feel for the market, prices and colours. Also tour the gallery here to see what colours are available for which year and which ones are attractive to you.
When buying a TBird its hard to go wrong but it is more of a love affair when you see the right car rather than a logical decision, best of luck in your search.

[Lonestar]

Re: Need Group's Help-please.

As has been accurately stated, the one you like is the one you want. If you are indeed seeking possible appreciation in value then in my opinion you need seek out one of the special editions that consists of:

2002 NM Edition
2003 007 Edition
2004 PCR Edition
2005 Cashmere THE 50th Anniversary

I would add to that list the 2002 Thunderbird Blue with full accent interior because of the iconic value and the 2005 Inca Gold due to very limited production.

Now having said all that, there is not a bad color in the bunch – I mean who cannot like a Whisper White with full accent or an 05 Med. Steel Blue and, and, and, and. However, going across an auction block with gazillion watts of lights shining down the Evening Black and Torch Red will kick all the other color’s ass.

[Ediron]

Re: Need Group's Help-please.

Look at photo's of past T-Bird cruises .There you will see a rainbow of colors in all light.There are a couple of nice Birds post to the site right now ,mine if buying would be the PCR .

[EmpTNest]

Re: Need Group's Help-please.

With the two posts above, I can no longer resist the temptation to provide this hopefully helpful link:

http://www.thunderbirdnest.com/forum...ad.php?t=30712

Best wishes in your search.