New Bird person

[jbradboy]

Doods,

My sister-in-law is hankering for a T-bird. I drive a Miata. She was looking for a Miata, but after driving mine decided she wanted a bird (didn't want to shift). I test rode a 03 with her this morning. It has the premium package with 11K. What is the going price for that about $28,000? Also, any mechanical problems that are typical for these cars that I should look for? Any buying hints you can give me?

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[George]

J First of all welcome!!
She should be able to make a pretty good deal. I just met a guy in Foxboro, MA who paid $24,000 last February for a 2002 with 5000 miles on it.
Right now $28k may be high for an '03 since they are discounting new '04's to around 30-32k and, "brand new".
That should force the sale lower, or just go for the extra 4k spread over 3-4 years isn't that much more for her. Good Luck 😎

 

[Quickdraw]

The biggest problem in common with these cars is the hardtop rubbing a groove in the paint where the back seal rests on the body. Ford has clear plastic strips that must be applied before putting the hardtop on but a surprising number of people don't know about it.

 

[Sam Lemon]

Tell more about the tape

Quickdraw can you tell me more about your info below? I have read a little about it and it sounds like the tape should have come with my car when I bought it...but it didn't. Is the instillation of the tape difficult? look good? etc. And thank you so much for the info about the production numbers. I had been looking all over the net and couldn't find it until I came across you.

The biggest problem in common with these cars is the hardtop rubbing a groove in the paint where the back seal rests on the body. Ford has clear plastic strips that must be applied before putting the hardtop on but a surprising number of people don't know about it.

 

[Quickdraw]

Quickdraw can you tell me more about your info below? I have read a little about it and it sounds like the tape should have come with my car when I bought it...but it didn't. Is the instillation of the tape difficult? look good? etc. And thank you so much for the info about the production numbers. I had been looking all over the net and couldn't find it until I came across you.

The biggest problem in common with these cars is the hardtop rubbing a groove in the paint where the back seal rests on the body. Ford has clear plastic strips that must be applied before putting the hardtop on but a surprising number of people don't know about it.

Sam, read this thread about the strips... it gives you the Ford part number and also a photo of the kit (new for 2004). If you bought the car new the strips should have been in the trunk stuck between two pieces of cardboard. If you got the car used, the previous owner either used them, or threw them away.

http://forums.thunderbirdforum.com/showthread.php?t=2461

I don't think Ill ever put my hardtop on back so its not an issue for me...

 

[Jeffn]

From an as yet "haven't made an offer" tbird wannabe, 28k should get you a NEW 03. Watch ebay for a no reserve auction, they happen. Lotsa dealer $$ coming back on these.