Advice on buying a used 2005

[ajoy]

Hi, I'm brand new to this and I've had a love for the 2002 - 2005 Thunderbird for quite some time now. I'm currently 18 and don't know a single thing about cars. I want to buy a 2005 Thunderbird but I don't know how to tell if it's in good shape or the seller is scamming me. Is there any way I can make my future car a light pink colour? I love that 50's look to a car, even though this is a 2005 one.

All in all, my question is, how on earth would you know if the Thunderbird I'm hoping to buy is in good shape. Should I look for one with less miles on it or something like that?

Thank you!

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[JohnS]

Hi, I'm brand new to this and I've had a love for the 2002 - 2005 Thunderbird for quite some time now. I'm currently 18 and don't know a single thing about cars. I want to buy a 2005 Thunderbird but I don't know how to tell if it's in good shape or the seller is scamming me. Is there any way I can make my future car a light pink colour? I love that 50's look to a car, even though this is a 2005 one.

All in all, my question is, how on earth would you know if the Thunderbird I'm hoping to buy is in good shape. Should I look for one with less miles on it or something like that?

Thank you!

Do yourself a big favor. Plan on spending $12-15,000. Look for a car with less than 60,000 miles in the color you like (sorry no pink). It should be in excellent condition inside and out. If it isn't the most awesome car you have ever driven then there is something wrong with it. If you love it so far, get a carfax report. If all is still good, take it to a mechanic or someone who is an expert on everything for final approval.

Side notes;

Don't plan on financing the car with a normal car loan. It is too old and the bank won't do it.
Don't paint it. You have to spend more than $5000 for a good quality paint job and that still won't be as nice and durable as the original paint.
Try to get the premium model with heated seats and upgraded transmission.

 

[bobk250]

John is giving you all good advice. Might be worth connecting with a current owner of a TBird local to you who is not trying to sell you his/hers. We are all pretty friendly and love our TBird. BTW you can even get an extended Warranty on one from Ford. I have 94,000 and just got a 3 yr 36,000 bumper to bumper warranty. It does require it be inspected.

 

[Mike in Nashville]

You know I wanted one of these retro T Birds for years but was not in the financial position to afford one until a couple years back when I purchased a 2005 Cashmere which was in really good shape. I love the color of the Cashmere interior better than any of the other models. Before this little 2 seater I had a 1990 Buick Regatta for several years. I sold the Reatta due to all the maintenance issues. Now I am wondering if I should haven gotten a small Lexus, Infinity G37 or one of the other small convertibles with a retractable hard top. Lot to be said about the ability to push a button and the top disappear into the truck. Yes our T Birds have a hard top but you can't just take it off at anytime and leave it anywhere. Plus, like my Buick this sweet little ride has a lot of maintenance quirks. I wonder if the Mustang 5.0 engine, transmission, suspension and brakes might have been a better idea. I also think that for the price of this car when new it lacked a few pages of amenities. Just look before you leap would be my thoughts. Good hunting

 

[mcclaw]

Hi, I'm brand new to this and I've had a love for the 2002 - 2005 Thunderbird for quite some time now. I'm currently 18 and don't know a single thing about cars. I want to buy a 2005 Thunderbird but I don't know how to tell if it's in good shape or the seller is scamming me. Is there any way I can make my future car a light pink colour? I love that 50's look to a car, even though this is a 2005 one.

All in all, my question is, how on earth would you know if the Thunderbird I'm hoping to buy is in good shape. Should I look for one with less miles on it or something like that?

Thank you!

I would recommend a pre purchase inspection from an independent mechanic. You should be able to find one on line for your area. At 18, I am not sure a Thunderbird would make a good first and only car. Watch Scotty Kilmer on YouTube. Good luck. If you decide a Tbird is a must have, getting one from someone on this forum who has a good history on the car is probably better than from a dealer.

 

[biddle]

Hi, I'm brand new to this and I've had a love for the 2002 - 2005 Thunderbird for quite some time now. I'm currently 18 and don't know a single thing about cars.

Thank you!

My advice to you is to buy a newer car or an older one that cost much less and pay cash for it. Buying a 15 year old used car and paying that much money isn't a good idea IMHO.

 

[suzukiridr]

If this is going to be your 1st,and only car, I would rather see you look at a Toyota Solara convertible, that said, due to the maintenance issues with the Thunderbird, like a BMW, the cost of repairs will make you loose your love for the car. Later on there will be a Thunderbird that you will find was meant for you. Don't lose the love for this car, just wait for the proper time to buy one.

 

[HML]

Hi, I'm brand new to this and I've had a love for the 2002 - 2005 Thunderbird for quite some time now. I'm currently 18 and don't know a single thing about cars. I want to buy a 2005 Thunderbird but I don't know how to tell if it's in good shape or the seller is scamming me. Is there any way I can make my future car a light pink colour? I love that 50's look to a car, even though this is a 2005 one.

All in all, my question is, how on earth would you know if the Thunderbird I'm hoping to buy is in good shape. Should I look for one with less miles on it or something like that?

Thank you!

I recently bought a used 2005 car with 41,000 miles. Depending on the seller's willingness - I would advise the following.

1. Get the Carfax report. If buying from a dealer they should provide free of charge. This will give you how many owners there were, where the car was registered and mileage at each registration which will help in verifying the actual mileage. It will also contain records of damage to the car provided such was reported.

2. Consider taking the car to a dealer and ask for a used car evaluation with estimated cost repair. My dealer report was reasonably comprehensive and contained $5,700 of needed repairs. The evaluation cost less than $150.

3. It is very common to need extensive suspension work on these cars. Ford quoted $2,200 just for rear suspension. Front had been redone by prior owner. After purchase, I took car to a reputable suspension specialist and total cost was $750. Lower control arms both front and rear are quite expensive for this car (over $1,000 for parts alone if all 4 need replacing). A reputable specialist can advise you if these truly need replacing.

4. My car had two coolant leaks - one at thermostat housing and one at heater control valve. Ford price was$2,200 including replacement of all hoses. This repair was done by a reputable independent mechanic for $500. All hoses were in very good condition and none needed replacement.

5. The paint on the hood and trunk lid looked like it had cat hairs all over it. This is due to flexing and/or minor cracking of the fiberglass. This car has fiberglass hood, front quarter panels, trunk lid and removable hard top. On my car to remove all existing paint and add fiberglass resin and repaint cost $1,300 for hood, both front quarter panels and trunk lid. This item was not included in the dealer quote.

6. An additional key from Ford cost $185 - I paid $80 at independent locksmith.

7. Make sure all fluids in car are proper and have bee serviced up to date. Coolant, Oil and filter, power steering.

8. Check A/C and heating operation - this car has some history of problems in this area.

9. Read as much as you can in this forum - it is really a great source of information

10. Be aware that some parts a very scarce and people who have the scarce parts are extremely proud of them and price accordingly.

I hope this is helpful to you

 

[HML]

I forgot to add that I generally agree the this car is not a good choice as a first car or , in my mind, even a primary daily driver. It is best suited as a toy for someone who has both the time and money required to keep it in nice shape.

 

[biddle]

I recently bought a used 2005 car with 41,000 miles. Depending on the seller's willingness - I would advise the following.

1. Get the Carfax report.

Caxfax is a joke and used by dealers to give buyers a false sense of security!

 

[donnyonee]

I put the kent brown retro fin kit on my 2003.
yes all the way.

 

[The Flash]

There where not many 05's built. so you may look for older models BUT do not get the 2002 model it has a lot of one and only parts used on that year plus the engine has less performance.
Any car you buy that is 15 years old is a great daily driver.
My 2003 has 66,000 miles and the wife drive it 6 miles a day.
many are driven this way or just on week ends.

 

[edward301]

There were more 2002’s made than any other year, you will see more of this year
for sale because of this. Nothing wrong with the 02’s. The 30 horse power
difference in the engine means nothing unless you are a drag racer. There is plenty
of parts for all years, you do not need Ford parts, most of the aftermarket parts
are just as good. I have two 2002 Birds, both with only 14,000 miles each. I have
not had any of the problems many have had, only changed out the suspension
on both cars with non Ford parts, with parts costing $730,00. Cars drive like
new now, and parts worked perfectly, when I had a four wheel alignment done,
everything aligned up perfectly.

I do suggest you get a good inspection by someone who knows T Birds well, and
knows what to look for. Every car out there has its particular problems, so
getting an inspection by some one knowledgable with that particular vehicle
is a must. What ever you pick, good luck.

Parts will always be available because the T Bird shares parts with the
Jaguar S Type, and the Lincoln LS. Many of these cars were produced.
Body parts are the only parts that get hard to find, but this is true for
any car. However if you look on line, there are many salvage yards
with T Bird body parts.

 

[biddle]

There were more 2002’s made than any other year

True 31,368 2002's vs 14,678 2003's

The 30 horse power
difference in the engine means nothing unless you are a drag racer.

Can definitely tell you own a 2002! lol Beginning with the 2003 model year, output was boosted to 280 horsepower by reprogramming the on-board computer and adding variable valve timing. It also featured a redesigned engine compartment with a different style engine cover and air filter configuration. In addition, there were changes to the design and configuration of the exhaust pipes.
The K&N Cold Air Intake will not fit the 2002, and the 2002 Borla Exhausts are often out of stock.

There is plenty of parts for all years

This is definitely not true! Many parts are obsolete and since they made less than 70,000 of these between 02-05 aftermarket parts industry doesn't see that as a large enough market. The Lincoln LS was not a big seller either. People often find themselves looking for parts at the junkyard or from a parts car or sending in components like the Front Electronic Module to have it rebuilt.

 

[Mach5]

IMHO a retrobird would be a poor choice for a first car - unless you or someone in your life is a mechanic. If you are looking for a used convertible would recommend a Toyota Solara - basically a near bulletproof Camry in convertible form. Although I had good luck with my 2001 Chrysler Sebring convertible, if I had it to do over again I would have gotten a Solara - back then at that stage of my life and finances.

You're young, there will be plenty of time to get your dream car.

Another thought. If you like retro and/or like Ford, how about a Mustang? There is a super wide variety (years, mileage, types, prices) to choose from. Parts and mods are plentiful and cheap. You can hang out with the Ford folks at the car shows and forums!

Baby steps to your Retrobird?

 

[Black T]

Do yourself a big favor. Plan on spending $12-15,000. Look for a car with less than 60,000 miles in the color you like (sorry no pink). It should be in excellent condition inside and out. If it isn't the most awesome car you have ever driven then there is something wrong with it. If you love it so far, get a carfax report. If all is still good, take it to a mechanic or someone who is an expert on everything for final approval.

Side notes;

Don't plan on financing the car with a normal car loan. It is too old and the bank won't do it.
Don't paint it. You have to spend more than $5000 for a good quality paint job and that still won't be as nice and durable as the original paint.
Try to get the premium model with heated seats and upgraded transmission.

Regarding your comment "Try to get the premium model with heated seats and upgraded transmission." can you explain the difference between the standard transmission and the upgraded version? Is it the Select-Shift you are referring to?

 

[Mach5]

Yes. He would be referring to the select-shift transmission.

 

[jrethorst]

I'm starting to look for a retrobird too. I can see there are maintenance issues but OMG what a beautiful car. When did traction control become standard? 04? If it was an option on 03, how can you tell if a car has it? Also, is there an explanation somewhere detailing how the select-shift option works? I know it shifts gears but in what range? In the photos I've seen, there are no labels.

This looks to be a great forum. Thank you.
John R.

 

[doug7740]

I'm starting to look for a retrobird too. I can see there are maintenance issues but OMG what a beautiful car. When did traction control become standard? 04? If it was an option on 03, how can you tell if a car has it? Also, is there an explanation somewhere detailing how the select-shift option works? I know it shifts gears but in what range? In the photos I've seen, there are no labels.

This looks to be a great forum. Thank you.
John R.

John,

Traction control was an option in 2002 and became standard equipment in 2003. You can tell if the vehicle has traction control by the traction control switch, located on the left-hand side of the instrument panel.

Below is an explanation of the Select Shift Transmission operation from the owner’s manual.

doug7740
1955 Thunderbird Blue

 

[Frankie the Fink]

The '02 had optional traction control but not the "shift selections" per se, more like the old automatics with the ability to select 1, 2 etc in addition to D)rive. These cars are prone to have some notable computer problems with the FEM (Front Electronics Module) being key among them. I advise people to always check that both the dash gauge lights AND shifter postiion center console lights work before purchase - those are nearly always indicative of FEM issues (along with heavy power steering). Its not a huge repair but an aggravation to pull, send off for a fix and then reinstall.

As to the asthetic appeal of the body design, its one of the more polarizing style statements I know of, my classic car buddies either hate it with a passion (looks like a catfish) or love it.