MadMikeyL
Administrator
I think in the long run buying this bird will save you money. Especially if you consider having to buy another car for your kid in the near future.
Thinking about getting this 97
- Thread starter CDsDontBurn
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1997ThunderbirdLXV6
Seasoned PostWhore
I mostly agree with Mike. The car costs money, yes. But how much money, and compared to what?
- compared to not buying a car at all: sure, it costs more. $4,000+ is more than zero.
- compared to buying another car a little later: this is a complete unknown. You may run into an even better opportunity in two weeks from now; or you may not. What are the odds?
Remember that YES/NO chart that I posted earlier in this thread? We're back to that.
I think this forum is well suited to help answering whether or not this is a good car to buy for the money. But this forum is not well suited to advise what you should do with your money in the first place. That’s your decision.
For what it's worth, I personally have some level of buyer's remorse with anything I buy, simply because I miss my money.
I don't know the precise legal ramifications of a handshake agreement; however, if you decide you want to get out of the deal, I would think that you can. In that case, you should notify the seller asap.
- compared to not buying a car at all: sure, it costs more. $4,000+ is more than zero.
- compared to buying another car a little later: this is a complete unknown. You may run into an even better opportunity in two weeks from now; or you may not. What are the odds?
Remember that YES/NO chart that I posted earlier in this thread? We're back to that.
I think this forum is well suited to help answering whether or not this is a good car to buy for the money. But this forum is not well suited to advise what you should do with your money in the first place. That’s your decision.
For what it's worth, I personally have some level of buyer's remorse with anything I buy, simply because I miss my money.
I don't know the precise legal ramifications of a handshake agreement; however, if you decide you want to get out of the deal, I would think that you can. In that case, you should notify the seller asap.
MadMikeyL
Administrator
I would also add that if money issues come up, I don’t think you would have a hard time selling it to get your money back out of it. It still is ultimately a low mileage rust free California car, and there are people in other parts of the country who will pay a premium for that.
dDUBb
PostWhore
Buyers remorse ? Yeah .. every time I get Taco Bell. 
I think its been so long since your Tbird was drivable that you will soon realize how much more comfortable it is than the Honda.
Worst case you can sell it; so I wouldn't go about putting any money into anything just yet.
I think its been so long since your Tbird was drivable that you will soon realize how much more comfortable it is than the Honda.
Worst case you can sell it; so I wouldn't go about putting any money into anything just yet.
MadMikeyL
Administrator
Except the intake manifold. I would definitely replace that immediately, even if it is just with an aftermarket replacement one that you can get on Rockauto for $100.Buyers remorse ? Yeah .. every time I get Taco Bell.
I think its been so long since your Tbird was drivable that you will soon realize how much more comfortable it is than the Honda.
Worst case you can sell it; so I wouldn't go about putting any money into anything just yet.
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- 1991 Mercury Cougar LS 5.0
I wish I could find a good used car for my son for this money. Personally, I would drive the wheels off of this, if I had space for another car. Be thankful you love in Cali and can drive a car like this, year round
CDsDontBurn
Veteran Poster
Long run, sure, but the case about the money is right now.
True, but it's what the money was originally meant for is what I'm honestly hung up about. Instead of these home improvement projects, these funds are now being diverted to a car that wasn't even in the plans for said money.
I know. I might send him $100 for his time and his hopes.
Here in California, T-Birds are not a car that people normally want. The "rust free" thing means jack squat here too. I'm at least 1,600 miles from the nearest part of the Rust Belt and I don't see people coming out here for a car unless they have means or, more realistically, the desire to travel this far for a rust free car. Even then, a rust free car can be had as close as OK or KS and not as far as CA.
While yes, the possibility is there, in all likelihood, it probably won't happen unless I go to a rust belt region to sell.
Driving this other T-Bird at length, the one thing that I came to notice nearly immediately was how heavy the T-Bird is. 3,200lbs vs 3,700lbs is quite significant. This particular T-Bird was quiet both inside and out and I had great appreciation for that. All the plastics being plush and the relatively new suspension not clunking was definitely a comfort to feel
That said, it was indeed a comfortable ride for sure, but nimble it was not! The T-Bird is definitely made for cruising and just going, but as far as maneuverability goes, my Honda beats it.
Don't forget the tires. Fluids too. PS fluid was dark and engine oil is 8mo old already.
Come buy it then. Visit your brother, buy this car and drive it back home!
This guy is selling because he's moving to FL and doesn't want to bring it with him. He wants to leave by early October at the latest he told me.
1997ThunderbirdLXV6
Seasoned PostWhore
The big plus for this 28-year-old car is the combination: rust-free AND good paint (garaged car). I lived in California for a short while, and even though rust-free isn't anything special there, good paint on an older car is special! Most cars of that vintage have been baked to a crisp by the California sun.
Well, who else wants to buy this car? Come on, people. Who's close by?
Well, who else wants to buy this car? Come on, people. Who's close by?
CDsDontBurn
Veteran Poster
This 100%. Even cars that are 10yrs old have paint issues.
But paint isn't rust, and paint won't make a car not be operable unlike rust.
@Chingon1 is close by
LukesCougar
3rd Gear Poster
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- Olney Illinois
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- 1997 Thunderbird LX 4.6 Limited edtion - 1996 Cougar Xr7 4.6
id say go for it, whatever small issues it may have are superseded by the lack of rust and beautiful leather seats! I bought my limited edition bird with 90k ish miles for 3500$ and those seats look better than mine. So does the paintBei Facebook anmelden
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1997 Ford Thunderbird
$4,800$6,500
Details
Rare find! Original owner family. Parked in garage for over 25 years so paint and interior in good condition. AC works great. V8 motor runs great. Transmission has been serviced. Over $3k spent to upgrade old suspension. 82,000 miles. Selling due to upcoming cross country move . Cash only. No trades.
- Condition
Used - Good
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- '95 Thunderbird with '18 TF 5.3L - SVO Engine
Hi. Sorry I haven't dropped an opinion on this one yet. I'd check and see what's under that steering wheel cover, and everything that everyone else has mentioned, otherwise ...
I think it's a beautiful car in better than the "Good" condition that you have it identified as in your OP. That interior is immaculate! Even the seat trim is in place and not broken, at least on the passenger's side that is shown.
I like the color. There are worse shades out there. Having said that, I'm not a fan of monochrome cars (same interior and exterior colors). I like to see a car have a difference in interior/exterior colors.
I think 4,800 is a very fair price. Especially if he, or you, can verify that he actually spent the "over 3K" in suspension work and where that money was spent. i.e. shocks, bushings, alignment, parts, etc? What did that money go into? Does he have the receipts? Can you visually verify that the parts are there and they're newish looking? Have you driven the car? How does it handle? Does the suspension feel tight? Does it track straight?
82K miles is really, really low for a '97. Does the ODO still work? Based on the condition of the car and the interior I'd say the mileage is accurate.
If I were in the market for a car, and definitely if I were looking for another Tbird, I'd scoop this one up. What are you waiting for?
CDsDontBurn
Veteran Poster
It's a personal dilemma of the money being used to purchase the vehicle. The dilemma is that this money was earmarked for home improvement projects and not a car. If I were to purchase this car I wouldn't be able to make the remaining projects happen.
My wife has already approved the purchase of the car, but I am still torn on this.
I already looked at the car on Saturday and ran a Carfax report and that checks out, and everything so far checks out to what the seller has posted; Current owner is 2nd owner, suspension is new, drives straight, runs healthy, etc. it does need new tires and I'll be replacing fluids and fees will be adding an extra $1000 outside of asking price as well. We have come to a negotiated price of $4,000 for the car itself.
I agree with you and everyone else here that this car in and of itself is a great car and a great purchase. My problem is moreso with what the money was supposed to be allocated for and it being deviated from that initial plan.
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- 1994 Mercury Cougar XR7, 3.8L, all stock
Money comes and goes, projects can be put off till later, but a car like this won't come up too often. As mentioned before, I would find the money to purchase it and worry about the other projects later. Heck, it the wife says yes, that is a total GREEN LIGHT! Hope you decide to get the car, but if you don't... I have been there before and wish I would have made the "other decision".
First thing I would do is put leather cleaner and conditioner on those seats....
First thing I would do is put leather cleaner and conditioner on those seats....
1997ThunderbirdLXV6
Seasoned PostWhore
Great idea to request those receipts.
She seems to be the fun one in that relationship.
My thought exactly. But then, what do I know about women.
CDsDontBurn
Veteran Poster
Yes, he will be providing them to me.
She seems to be the fun one in that relationship.
She wants to see me in a new car. I don't blame her, I want to be in a new car as well. But because of my dilemma, I'm not sure if right now is the right time for that.
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- 1997 Thunderbird 4.6, 1998 Mark VIII LSC
Are any of the house projects time-sensitive? Will waiting a year (or however long it takes to save up for those projects again) have a dramatic impact on you or your family?
Do you plan to sell the Honda to recoup any of the cost of potentially buying the 2nd T-bird?
Sometimes I find myself in similar dilemmas as you - I plan things and set funds aside for specific tasks or goals. However, I have been known to shift money around and re-prioritize based on near-term needs vs. long-term gains.
Do you plan to sell the Honda to recoup any of the cost of potentially buying the 2nd T-bird?
Sometimes I find myself in similar dilemmas as you - I plan things and set funds aside for specific tasks or goals. However, I have been known to shift money around and re-prioritize based on near-term needs vs. long-term gains.
1997ThunderbirdLXV6
Seasoned PostWhore
So back to my chart. This is your situation now:
Imagine in a couple of mouths, your situation is this:
| Need a new car: | YES | NO |
| Great car is available: | ||
| YES | Great! | Now what? |
| NO | Damn! | Great! |
Imagine in a couple of mouths, your situation is this:
| Need a new car: | YES | NO |
| Great car is available: | ||
| YES | Great! | Now what? |
| NO | Damn! | Great! |
CDsDontBurn
Veteran Poster
The only project that is "time sensitive" would be the stucco work as when it rains, water does penetrate through and goes into the garage. It's been an ongoing issue and I'm sure the damage is worse than it is. I'd like to mitigate any damages that might have already happened.
The other work can be put off, but those have already been put of for several years. This money was our opportunity to get them fixed / attended to.
CDsDontBurn
Veteran Poster
This is a great table, lol.
What do you want out of this car, or your next one, and what is most important... Do you need a reliable daily driver? Or do you want an enthusiast car to mess with that can be used as a daily?
As much as we all love these cars, it's bias to think they are a great choice for a daily driver. Yes, they can do it and are generally very reliable. But for $4000 there are better daily driver options than a 90's Ford.
If you want a car that can be part of a hobby you enjoy, and something to spend time on, it sounds like the Thunderbird you found is a great choice! IMO if you are simply looking to get the most reliable vehicle you can afford, it's not the best option.
As much as we all love these cars, it's bias to think they are a great choice for a daily driver. Yes, they can do it and are generally very reliable. But for $4000 there are better daily driver options than a 90's Ford.
If you want a car that can be part of a hobby you enjoy, and something to spend time on, it sounds like the Thunderbird you found is a great choice! IMO if you are simply looking to get the most reliable vehicle you can afford, it's not the best option.
1997ThunderbirdLXV6
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I don't think I could find anything more reliable for $4k in the Midwest. Certainly things will come up due to age, but not anymore than anything else in the price range.
It's still not that hard these days to find a used Camry for 4K. They are all over craigslist. They don't have much soul, but even with 150,000+ miles they will have less go wrong than a MN12. Find one with a V6 and it will be faster than any stock MN12 
CDsDontBurn
Veteran Poster
What do I want? I want a different car than my Honda. I've been in my Honda for 18yrs already and am more than ready for a change. This car popped up about of nowhere and now I haven't been able to stop thinking about it. Unfortunately for me, the timing doesn't seem like it works for me based on what else I have going on.
I still have my Pearl T-Bird to play with and that I've been building (or trying to, at least), but this tan T-Bird is just many moons more visually appealing and much better running than my Honda at the moment.
Like I've said already, the dilemma for me here is what is the better area to put this money into, my house or this car.
Can you buy this car and fix the stucco with the money you have? The fun of home ownership is the constant projects. The fun of old car ownership is fixing it. I daily drive my 96 cougar and I don’t want anything else to trudge to work in. Except maybe in some of the downpours we’ve had lately. White knuckling in traffic with limited visibility and pooling water is not fun, she’s got me home every time though.
dDUBb
PostWhore
Thats important when you have to swerve under a semi truck trailer ..
Seriously, I dont believe your honda would out perform any Tbird on a real race track. That's just the FWD over confidence.
If the honda is superior to the Tbird - you should sell your parts / car and buy another honda.
CDsDontBurn
Veteran Poster
I can do this, yes.
Thats important when you have to swerve under a semi truck trailer ..
Seriously, I dont believe your honda would out perform any Tbird on a real race track. That's just the FWD over confidence.
If the honda is superior to the Tbird - you should sell your parts / car and buy another honda.
Is it superior, I don't know. In reality, probably not, but my Honda is still fun to drive nonetheless. I know the T-Bird is a different kind of fun to drive though.
The advantage my 25yr old Honda has over the T-Bird is that parts are still readily available.
MadMikeyL
Administrator
From my experience, there is always something else the money can be spent on. The question is whether the money should be spent on those things. Some things are available all the time, like 10 year old Camrys, and Stucco. Other things only come up once in a blue moon, like pristine low mileage MN12s for under $5k. All else equal, assuming you want both, you should buy the scarce item when it is available. The other factor is what is the more immediate concern. To me, if I were driving around in a 400k mile Honda with clogged cats, I would say a better vehicle was more of a priority than cosmetic home improvement. If it was a situation where say your home AC crapped out, or you had a major plumbing issue, or something that made the house unlivable, then absolutely forget the car and fix the house. But you aren’t in that situation. You need a new daily driver, not necessarily next week, but certainly soon. Contrary to what others have said, for comfort and reliability, I don’t think there is a better option for a daily driver than this car for under $5k, with the possible exception of 03-11 Panther platform cars. Your house will always need something that you can use to justify not buying a car. So unless your plan is to never buy another vehicle as long as you live, I wouldn’t even go down that path. Really I think you know buying the car is the right choice, but what is bugging you is just an OCD thing about having earmarked the money for one thing and now changing plans to use it for something else. Well the point of money is that it is fungible. We save money because we don’t know what the future holds, and if circumstances change, having money gives you the most optionality. Well circumstances changed. At the same time your Honda started acting up, and this car came on your radar. Meanwhile the house is status quo. So buy the car, park the Honda, and start saving again for the house, and stop second guessing it. And if 6 months from now you regret your decision, then you can sell the bird and fix the house and the Honda.
dDUBb
PostWhore
I get what youre saying with the honda .. especially when its primary use is daily driving.
Best case you finish the 5 speed swap and use that tbird for a different kind of fun.
What parts ?? I haven't bought any parts for Tbirds since 2006. Apparently there are new Bilstein options available.
CDsDontBurn
Veteran Poster
While not wrong about the current issues with my Honda, it is cheap to fix. I've already priced out everything I need and it comes out to a hair under $1,000 to get fixed and she'll be running fine again no problem.
I wholeheartedly agree with you here.
THIS RIGHT HERE IS MY ISSUE 100%!!!
My house needs work done and I don't want to pull money away from getting that work done, but here I am.
I'll drive to the Rust Belt to get the most bang for my buck!
