Your thoughts on Ford Thunderbird LX 4,6L

[DaFinn]

So,

I've been looking to buy a "second" car for my family. But this time not for my wife, but a fun ride for myself!

Anyways, this guy is offering me a Ford Thunderbird LX V8-4,6L. It's 1995 model, and... umm thats pretty much all I know of it yet. I've never looked at T-birds and just want to get your comments on this car before giving it more thought. I'll prolly go and see it tomorrow.


Thanks...

 

[shabby]

The v8 is more of a cruiser if you ask me, its the supercharged v6 that you want.
The supercharger whines when you punch it, and the 330 ft/lbs of torque at a mere 2000rpm allow you to color the concrete black with the rear wheels.
Thats what i call a fun ride

 

[Viper GTS]

You want affordable fun? Get a mid to late 90's (99 or newer if you have the $$$ for it) Z28.

Viper GTS

 

[CraigRT]

isn't the supercoupe an inline 6 supercharged?

anyways. he's right... the V8 is a waste of gas.. it's 2x as slow as the supecharged version.

Super Coupes are one of the only Fords I'd ever willingly purchase.

 

[Mr N8]

Its got a good engine in it. Same as my crown vic. Very reliable, and in a lighter car with tighter suspension, it should be sufficiently fast. I don't have acceleration times on my CV, but it gets up and goes with no hesitation. If I'm in the mood, I can lay rubber for an entire block.

 

[Quixfire]

Solid reliable car but it is weak on brakes and transmissions. Have the transmission service done every 30K and expect to put brake rotors on with every set of brake pads.

 

[slag]

That model of Thunderbird is known for having electrical issues. Just an FYI.

 

[Pacfanweb]

That's a good car. Gave very little trouble. We saw very few of them in for repairs.

4.6 is a great engine. Yes, the Super Coupe is faster, but so what. Not everybody wants a faster car. That's why they sold more with the regular V-6's and V-8's, and hardly any of the Super Coupes.

I remember after they stopped making the S/C's, we still had new ones on the lot over a year later. Don't know why they didn't sell well, but they just didn't.

 

[fenrir]

I currently have that year/model/engine car. I have really enjoyed it. It has plenty of acceleration to it. Unless you plan on racing the car, I don't understand people making comments about the supercoupe being better. Don't get me wrong, I think about those cars with tons of power also, but what is the point if you are not racing it? So you can go from one stoplight to the next quicker?

I get 26.5 MPG highway with mine. The one thing that does bug me is that the trunk seems so small. The car has been really reliable for me. I have had it for 5 years now, and I look at the newer cars and great deals, but I keep thinking about the money I am saving from not having car payments. Of course I would save more if I didn't keep buying other toys (Home Theater, computers, etc, etc).

Matt

 

[ElFenix]

isn't that same engine used in the mustang now?

if so it should be pretty simple to upgrade, if you want to

 

[notfred]

get a mustang instead.

 

[pac1085]

the v8 is slow, i was with a friend in his sunbird turbo the other day and this kid in one was messing with us, he didnt stand a chance

 

[ElFenix]

Originally posted by: notfred
get a mustang instead.

i bet insurance is damn near double

 

[notfred]

Originally posted by: ElFenix

Originally posted by: notfred
get a mustang instead.

i bet insurance is damn near double

I doubt it, they're both RWD, V8, 2Dr sport coupes.

 

[Quixfire]

Originally posted by: notfred
get a mustang instead.

Not everybody likes Mustangs, in fact I don't care for the styling since 1987. I am looking forward to the 2005 Model Year, that car look very sweet.

BTW, my personal favorite Mustangs are the 1971-73 model years.

 

[DaFinn]

Thanks for the repplies,

And no, I don't plan to "race" with it. We need a second car in the family, and I though I might aswell get something that's fun to ride (insteadt of a ...corolla?)

And, that "fun ride" has to be something my wife can handle too.

I am also lookin into other cars, this was just available near me...


Thanks again!

 

[thedarkwolf]

They super coupe is faster but is also way way way less reliable. Being my parents own both a 96 4.6l t-bird and an 02 mustang GT I can say the insurance is damn near double on the GT even for my dad. He does use them for work though.

The t-bird is a great cruiser and one of the best cars I have ever ridden in or driven for long trips. Even the back seat is pretty roomy. The transmissions do need to be serviced every 30k and they need the correct fluid or they will develop a shudder. The other big problem they have is the intakes are prone to cracking. That was covered under a recall but I think they are to old to get it anymore. May have already been fixed by now though. My parent's t-bird is up to around 280k miles yes 280k and has been the most reliable car they have ever owned. Very few problems with it and as far as I can remember the only big one was the intake cracking at around 80k. Its still on the original engine and trans and still runs and drives great. Think its still on the original shocks and struts too .