2002-2005 hold their value?

[lipster]

I am mulling over buying one of these for fun. Question I have is whether over the past 5 years or so, have they held their value pretty well, or do they depreciate like most other cars.
Not looking to make money, but would like to buy and enjoy one for a while and not lose $1500 per year. Would probably put 2k/year miles on it tooling around.
I have a nice '93 Miata that I bought in 2005 for $6k, and it is still worth about what I paid for it.
Love to have that be the case with a TBird, but maybe I am dreaming.

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[lipster]

Would anyone agree with this assessment?

Modern collectibles revealed: 11th Gen 2002-2005 Ford Thunderbird | TFLCar.comThe Fast Lane Car: Auto News, Views, and Reviews

 

[George]

If you are really interested in the Retro Birds, you can buy some low mileage ones at pretty fair pricing. Especially if not in a hurry.

 

[lipster]

But do they depreciate like most other cars, or hold their value pretty well?
Thanks for the input.

 

[George]

Yes they do depreciate (about the same?).
I've seen ads, locally here for them; a 2002 low mileage for $22k and a 2003 for $24K. These cars were $40K when new.
I have no idea if this is in line with other cars.😕

In Sept/Oct. there were a two down south 4 sale; a 2002 for $20k and a 2004 for 17K
'03 in mid west with 80k miles for $17K

 

[lipster]

Thanks, George.

 

[George]

Lipster: There is a 2004 in San Fran on craigs list for $16K. Now that seems like a great deal for someone😎

 

[lipster]

Thanks, nice looking ride!
But...any sense of what its value will be in 5 years?

 

[V8 Cat]

Unless they are extremely low mileage, they are just a used car. That's my opinion after buying one new in 2005 for $35,000, owning it for 9 years and selling it. I don't really base my car purchases on resale value. I'm happy when it holds-up, but if it doesn't so be it. I just want it to be exciting (got to only have 2 doors) and be reliable.

 

[lipster]

Great answer.
Thanks!

 

[Ron&Doris]

Depreciation

I think the price of all retro's has pretty well bottomed out. The price will depend on mileage, model, color. condition and location. I bought my '04 PCR
in 2012 for half it's cost new.It had 48K miles then and 62K now. I could probably get what I paid but enjoy it way more than that.