Hi, I'm new. And I want a new T-Bird, too.

[Ruined]

Hey, new to this site, and it is exactly the resource I've been looking for. I currently have a '95 Thunderbird LX V8, and I've always been a fan of the 55-57 'birds. So when the 2002 T-Bird came out, I was all over it... Now I'm finally in the position where I might be able to get one, and I'm looking for some advice.

Basically, I have enough money to get either a low-mileage, used 2002 T-Bird, or a leftover new 2003 T-Bird. I've been reading through the forums and it seems the primary improvements in the 2003 model are more HP (252->280), better suspension, better boot, and different (better?) leather. Is this accurate? I'd probably go with the 2003 leftover, but I really love the Thunderbird Blue color with full accent, which wasn't available in 2003 (wasn't a fan of desert sky blue). If I get a 2003, it will likely be black.

A few questions:

A) How noticable are the HP/suspension improvements? Are they minor, or did the car have a major mechanical overhaul for 2003? Any difference in the way the transmission feels in either model year? (I'm not a fan of the tranny in my '95 bird)

B) I've read that the boot on the 2002 is harder than the '03 boot and more difficult to store. True?

C) I've read someone mention on here that when the hardtop is on, water can leak in the back and cause water stains. Is this true for all 2002 and 2003 models, or was it just a one time issue? Reason being that I plan to drive it in the rain with the hardtop on often.

D) I've read the issue with the hardtop scratching/scuffing the back of the car, which is one reason I'm hestitant to buy used. Even if I do find one that is like new, though, how often do the mylar strips need to be replaced? Do they really do the job, or is it just a patch-up that works poorly in the long term? How much of a pain is it to apply the strips properly?

E) How much do the hardtops cost to buy seperately? I've found it difficult finding either new leftovers or used cars with the hardtop color I really like (performance white.) On top of that, can I put a hardtop on a Thunderbird that was originally sold as a softtop-only model.

F) How does the leather compare on the 2002 vs 2003? Is it more durable, just a different texture, or what? Which do you prefer?

G) Aside from lowering the value of the car, is there anything that would prevent someone from using this car as an everyday driving car? It seems a lot of 2003 leftovers I have seen haven't fared too well in the weather (noticed a lot had small rust spots or chipped paint). How is the paint on this car?

Any other comments or suggestions re: getting a used, low miles Thunderbird Blue 2002 versus a new, leftover Black 2003 T-Bird - or any chronic problems people have had with the new T-Bird -would be appreciated. Thanks.

[Gobird]

Ruined, Lot of questions, will try to answer some of them. I have an 02 Blue with full interior trim and love it.
As far as I know the HP this is a little noticable. Suspension, no difference that I know of. I also had a 95 LX before this Bird and there is a big differance in them as far as the trainy. The Boot ,this is a matter of prefrence, I like the 02 cover better and not that hard to put on once you get the hang of it, the 03 cover is a little easier to put on but doesn't look quite as good. The water problem you have mentioned is NOT a problem with most. Some may have had a problem but it was taken care of no matter what year. The scuffing thing is a problem on any year Bird right now but Ford is working on this and will have a fix, we hope, sometime this fall.The hard top will fit any new Bird you buy as far a color thats a another story. The leather is no big deal between the 02 and the 03.

To sum up. If you like the Thunderbird Blue from 02 then try to fine one. There are still dealers out there with left over 02's and are ready to deal on them. Good Luck.

[jjaz]

:wavey:
Welcome to TBN. Obviously, you have already experienced the value of this site. I'm not qualified to answer all of your questions, but I'll help on 3 of them:
E. On ebay there have been new/almost new h/t's sold between $1200 - $2000. Hardtops will fit cars sold as convertibles only.
F. Leather is comparable for both years and wears fine.
G. My '02 is my everyday vehicle that has already logged 22k miles. It's been a terrific and reliable car. Other than the AM radio reception, this is one of the best engineered cars I've owned. It's certainly the most fun. The radio reception could be a local signal strength problem.
Enjoy!

[brd4jk]

i will have to agree with gobird on the 02 cover ......i too believe its better lookin and it isnt that hard to put on .........the only neg is that the cover takes up space on trips.......

ford recommends that the mylar tape is replaced every time that the hardtop is taken off and put back on........

if you can find an 02 thunderblue.....and thats what you want thats what i would get for sure:pbj: :pbj:

[SunLuvNBird]

Welcome to the nest, Ruined :wavey: What does your "handle" mean??

I think you'll be very happy with either a 2002, or a 2003. Just depends on how much you want to spend and what kind of deal you can get.

One other slight difference is that the gauges on the 2003 were updated for a different look, and the select shift transmission has a different look, also. These were the two things I noticed right away, as I test drove a 2002, but bought a 2003 because I wanted the grey. A lot of us have pictures posted in the Gallery section, showing the interiors if you need a closer look.

Mine shows the 2003 interior, and I know Winterm has a 2002, with some really good shots.

I have only had my car for about 7 weeks, but plan on driving it year round, no matter what mother nature has in store for us!:pink: :pink: :pink: :pink:

[winterm]

Welcome to "The Nest" Ruined! I know you are going to love it here!

FYI, there's an 02 Blue on Ebay for sale.

Here's the link: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2427298338&category=6240

BTW, SunLuvNBird has some awesome pics as well!

[joelja]

I would go with the color you prefer....the other differences are insignificant , in my opinion.

I, also, have an '02 Thunderbird Blue with the blue interior full accents...and I love it.

You can find a low mileage blue one with little trouble and probably get a terrifc deal. Go to Yahoo cars. They have alot of 02/03 Tbirds listed most of the time. And , as stated, ebay generally has a few and usue usually a blue one.

Good luck in your search, and keep us posted on what a you are finding and learning. We will all help you in any way we can.

Good luck.

[Blue Heaven]

Welcome ruined!
I'm another T-Bird Blue owner (w/partial blue accent) and wouldn't have it any other way!! I agree with Gobird and joelja. I've driven an '03, performance is there but would not be enough to deter me from buying an '02 (put the Borla exhaust system on an '02 and you're all set!) No difference in suspension feel and the seats are a matter of preference. I too prefer the look of the '02 boot, but there is no doubt that the '03 boot is easier to store. Look around and you'll find one that will make you as happy as we all are.

P.S. Just thought of something in case the blue dosen't pan out...there is an '02 black with black accent for sale down the street from me. It has 6600 miles. It is being offered on consignment by a specialty dealer. I've stopped to look at it twice, they haven't decided on a price yet. Might be something to keep in the back of your mind.

[DLJames]

Ruined:

Welcome to the nest. Use the "Search" button to search for threads on many of the subjects that you asked about. I have an 02 blue with the full interior. The 03's were out when I bought my 02. My primary reason for the '02 was the color. I wanted the Thunderbird Blue. Also the price was significantly lower because the dealers were just beginning to realize in February of 2003 that they had a problem. That problem being last year's model!

I am certain you will be happy with whatever year or color you choose. Just like the rest of us, you will have a permanent grin on your face from ear to ear! :biggrin:

Interesting handle? There is a thread on those also! See http://www.thunderbirdnest.com/vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1152

[K.P.]

We have both an 02 yellow and an 03 grey. any differences are, to me, anyway, very minor. Don't over-analyze~~Get the one that makes your pulse race!! That's how you'll know!
And Welcome Home!!! :biggrin:

[Sam]

Ruined,
STOP worrying so much, you're gonna "RUIN" yourself, and go out and buy a car!:lol:
I loved the '02 Blue, but it was a "special' color only for '02, just as the Yellow was.
When I had to decide 6 weeks ago, I always thought I'd go with Red or Yellow, I even found new '02 Yellow, at the dealership where I bought my Whisper White, with Whisper White accents!
I bought the car sight unseen, because I didn't want to set foot in a Ford dealership!:sad:
I looked up pictures on the internet, told my leasing agent what I wanted, where it was, and he got it for me!:biggrin:
Treat yourself to a NEW one! You be the one to blow the first smoke out of it, watch the odometer roll over to 100 then 1000.
There's NOTHING like the thrill of having a Brand New car! :lol:
Soon, (I hope), I'll have the only '03, with an '02 boot, and '04 center caps!
Good Luck!

[A Justin]

Read tims awesome review of the 2004 Thunderbird. He discusses differences between 2002 and 2003/2004 suspension and power.

http://www.thunderbirdnest.com/vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=2598

[Ruined]

Thanks for all the replys and suggestions, you were all very helpful :)

The only problem is I don't think I'm going to be able to find a T-Bird blue leftover :sad:

Might have to go used to get one... But if anyone in the tri-state area knows of a ford dealer with a new tbird blue leftover, lemme know.

Anyway, thanks again. :beer:

FYI - my 'handle' is really old, had to think of something cool for quake1 ;)

[tr cruiser]

Here's another suggestion for locating your future Tbird. Ford has a resource called Ford Direct (http://www4.forddirect.fordvehicles.com/Dispatch.jsp?.CurrentState=ZipCode&resetHomePage=true) that lets you browse dealer inventory, including pricing. Unfortunately, the automatic search only includes 2003 cars, but you can search individual dealerships for 2002's still in stock. Good luck!

[FUN X 3]

Ruined- Don't get discouraged. Keep checking EBay, there are new '02s popping up there all the time. If your heart is set on the Thunderbird Vintage Blue [like mine was], be patient and keep looking!

[Sam]

Yes,
TR, and Fun, are right!:biggrin: You can go to the Ford web site and search for 2002 models! Good luck though, with the 2004's comming in, no self respecting dealer would have a new '02 left!:sad:
If they do have one of those rare Turquoise Metallic ones, they'll most likely want the price you'd pay for a "03.
So, be careful what you wish for....you just might get it!:puzzled:
If you plan on keeping it for the rest of your life, then go for it!:smokin:
But if you plan on trading it on an '04, or '05, get the '03, or a '04 in another color!:biggrin:
Those cars were certainly BEAUTIFUL!, But at what price glory?:puzzled:

[FUN X 3]

There are 3 on EBay now, only one worth bidding on-

’02 Blue with 2,600 miles in Ohio, looks good.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=6240&item=2427298338

The other two are-
1) Used with 6,000+ Miles starting at $39,000, way overpriced
2) Canada bird deluxe with hardtop, I would not buy Canada bird IMHO

[TBird02]

Also consider that heated seats were available on the 2003, not on the 2002. However I (and others on this site) have installed our own seat heaters, so wouldn't let that alone keep me from getting an '02 Blue if that is really the color you want. I agree with others, the color and interior would be the main deciding factors, combined with the difference in price.

[Ruined]

OK, found a blue '02 with ~6k miles on it, in mint condition. Except one thing - the chrome wheels almost look pitted, but i think it is some sort of hardened brake dust or something. I read on here that someone else was able to scratch it off - I'm going to try to clean it if the owner lets me, and if it won't come off I probably won't buy the car - I couldn't get it off by rubbing it with my finger. There is also a faint black line where the hardtop rubber meets the sail panel, and a very minor scratch, both of which look like they could be compounded out. These people had no clue about the mylar strips.

My only concern is the wheels, but hopefully they can be cleaned.

...

OTOH, I also found an 02 white bird with only 600 miles on it also in mint condition, but I don't like the way it looks nearly as much as the blue one I found...

[Gobird]

Ruined, is this wheel problem not on the face or shiney part of the wheel but on the inside part. They are all a little rough looking and could be taken for being pitted but are not. If this is just brake dust then it will wash off without a problem. Give this a try and see what happends. I use Simple Green on my wheels when they get full of the brake dust and it comes right off.

[5bird7]

gobird is correct. The flat surfaces of the spokes should be shiney and smooth. In between the spokes, it's rough. I suspect it's that way to highlight the flat spokes. Love the look when the sun reflects off the wheels when they're turning.

The leather difference is just in texture, nothing more.

[AZTB]

Ruined - while I'm late posting to this, allow me to add that if you're really sold on the 02 blue, then by all means go with that color. 10 years from now, you won't be sorry.

[Donna]

Welcome to the nest Ruined, I am sure you will feel right at home in no time.


So. . . are you felling right at home yet? :cheers:

[Ruined]

I managed to find an out-of-state *new* 2002 Thunderbird in Thunderbird Blue with a blue hardtop in mint condition! It has the black accent package, which is actually be better for me as I will be using this car A LOT, and probably would have spent as much time cleaning the blue accent as I would driving the car.... I like the look of black on black with silver a ton as well.

Anyway, I got the car new for under $29k list (before tax, delivery, fees, ext warranty, etc - so I guess it will be more like 35k in the end but hey) Pretty sweet eh? Less than owners are asking for used blue tbirds on eBay!

Will give impressions once I receive the car.

As for the site, I'm very appreciative of everyone's responses... You have all been very helpful, and actually answered all of my questions! One of the other Ford forums I was on, I asked a couple of questions about a shift kit I had used on a 95 Tbird (bad idea btw) and couldn't seem to get straight answers out of the members - instead they all kept pushing the kit they used instead of helping me with mine. Anyway, thanks again for all the responses. Hopefully will be cruisin' soon!

[K.P.]

Ruined...congratulations on your car!!! You got a great car, and at a great price, too!! Lucky you!!:biggrin:
Enjoy your new Bird and your new friends here at TBN!

[FUN X 3]

Congrats on your new car AND your color choice, the most favorite color choice of TBNers as evidenced in the recent color choice poll. I had the dealer treat the interior and exterior after purchase, and I'm happy to report my full accent interior still looks new after 15K+ miles. I'm sure your black will stand up to use every bit as well.

[SunLuvNBird]

:bestwish: :bestwish:
Congratulations on your new baby! Put the top down, and let that sun shine down on you!!!

We look forward to pictures and news of your new bird!

[Ruined]

I would go pick it up, but its a 2000 mile round trip... Then again, if it falls of the delivery truck, someone is going to die :)

[SunLuvNBird]

hmmm, where, exactly, is it coming from???

[BLUNBIRD]

Drove mine home too from NJ to TN. Best trip I ever made.:biggrin:

[brd4jk]

in 1973 i ordered a new gold duster 340...... and when it got to the dealership they back it off and missed the ramp landed on its side ...........thats really not to funny:nono: :nono: :nono: :bawl: :bawl: :bawl: :bawl: :bawl:

[Bird V8]

Ruined, I found our car on ebay and my wife said how about we have an adventure and fly up and test drive it tomorrow. We flew up two days later (Southwest went there so it was low cost) and made a deal. 5000 miles and a pile of $'s less than a new 03 we were looking at. It was a matter that she and I like the 02 blue best. My wife liked the mint o4 we were looking at till she took her sunglasses of. A bit light for her. I was after a 03 red. We love our blue. So get what you want. You will be happy. Les