Potential Issues with low mileage Birds?

[Chris11]

Good morning all,

I am looking at a 2003red/black-white with only 33K miles. The current owner is the second owner of the vehicle and shipped back locally from AZ. They are relatively close to my location. They indicated a number of repairs and service items that have been completed and have a complete service history; however I want to ensure that I check out any other potential concerns for a 2003 with low mileage. I previously had a low mileage toy (2001 Jag XK8 with 32K miles when I sold it in 2013). Lots of issues on that one due to too much inactivity according to the dealer (or maybe due to being a Jag!). After dumping about $2-3 every year to keep her running, I finally gave up. I had no confidence that the dreaded check engine light and "limp" mode would stay away.

Any guidance or tips are greatly appreciated, as I don't want another money pit. I plan to actually drive it quite a bit as I have a 45 minute commute each way that sure would be better in a retro bird.

[007Cruiser]

Chris..... that car has nearly twice the mileage of my 2003. I wouldn’t be concerned about the mileage as I haven’t encountered any lack of use problems. I would feel completely confident getting in my car and going anywhere. Now if it only had 200 miles it would be a different story. If you like it for the price, go enjoy.

[doc]

I agree with Gene. I have about 13,000 miles on my '02, and I've never had any real issues--just typical maintenance. I do have an extended warranty, which I believe is a good idea--even though, admittedly, I've never really had to use it. I just like knowing it's there in case an expensive repair happens. I think the key issue with low or high mileage cars is the maintenance. Hope this helps.

[wcoates]

I agree with Gene. I have about 13,000 miles on my '02, and I've never had any real issues--just typical maintenance. I do have an extended warranty, which I believe is a good idea--even though, admittedly, I've never really had to use it. I just like knowing it's there in case an expensive repair happens. I think the key issue with low or high mileage cars is the maintenance. Hope this helps.

Bought the beast at 62k miles. Not a problem until 92,000 and then the ESP paid for itself 3 times over! Buy it, drive it, enjoy it!

[Chris11]

Chris..... that car has nearly twice the mileage of my 2003. I wouldn’t be concerned about the mileage as I haven’t encountered any lack of use problems. I would feel completely confident getting in my car and going anywhere. Now if it only had 200 miles it would be a different story. If you like it for the price, go enjoy.

Thanks, guys,

The main issue I keep seeing on forums is regarding the ignition coils. Did you have yours replaced?

[007Cruiser]

Thanks, guys,

The main issue I keep seeing on forums is regarding the ignition coils. Did you have yours replaced?

Still on the original coils. If they do go they are not a big deal to change.

[wcoates]

Bought the beast at 62k miles. Not a problem until 92,000 and then the ESP paid for itself 3 times over! Buy it, drive it, enjoy it!

Chris my coils were part of the rather large expense after 92k miles.

Not a question of if they'll go bad but rather when. Some at 30k+ some at pushing a 100k like me. Some still not yet.

Most have not had a problem after replacement. Much debate of high $ Motorcraft ($50+ each) vs. the ole Amazon special ($40 for set of 8). Both good and bad experiences reported with both.

I have a set of 8 sitting in the spare tire area with enough tools to change them. Have seen at least two sets replaced in parking lots at T-Bird events. Cheap insurance.

[BirdsAndBugs]

Good morning all,

I am looking at a 2003red/black-white with only 33K miles. The current owner is the second owner of the vehicle and shipped back locally from AZ. They are relatively close to my location. They indicated a number of repairs and service items that have been completed and have a complete service history; however I want to ensure that I check out any other potential concerns for a 2003 with low mileage. I previously had a low mileage toy (2001 Jag XK8 with 32K miles when I sold it in 2013). Lots of issues on that one due to too much inactivity according to the dealer (or maybe due to being a Jag!). After dumping about $2-3 every year to keep her running, I finally gave up. I had no confidence that the dreaded check engine light and "limp" mode would stay away.

Any guidance or tips are greatly appreciated, as I don't want another money pit. I plan to actually drive it quite a bit as I have a 45 minute commute each way that sure would be better in a retro bird.

Chris, just buy, drive, and enjoy! As with any older vehicle, you'll have to put a few dollars into maintenance once in a while. I've had my 03 Thunderbird for 15 years since new and my 05 Thunderbird for 10 years (purchased used in 2008). I've found these cars have not been costly to own and operate. Matter of fact, compared to some cars my wife and I have owned such as Mercedes and Volkswagens, Fords are pretty reasonable to repair overall.

[Chris11]

Chris, just buy, drive, and enjoy! As with any older vehicle, you'll have to put a few dollars into maintenance once in a while. I've had my 03 Thunderbird for 15 years since new and my 05 Thunderbird for 10 years (purchased used in 2008). I've found these cars have not been costly to own and operate. Matter of fact, compared to some cars my wife and I have owned such as Mercedes and Volkswagens, Fords are pretty reasonable to repair overall.

Thanks for the input. I briefly thought about a Cadillac XLR but the potential repair and maintenance costs on that one scared me away completely. Plus that trunk is completely useless. Have always loved the retro birds and hope to have one soon.

[hippy_mailman]

ANY vehicle one purchases may be a money pit or a gem,including the birds represented here on TBN. I have only been here since December and I have observed it all. good and bad experiences with high or low miles. I assume that more are good due to the fact people are more apt to complain when things are bad as opposed to good.
I would buy it and enjoy the heck out of it while you find out.
COP is the most common problem so don't count that as a major issue.

[BLACK BEAUTY]

I've put over 60,000 on Black Beauty and nary an issue..

[wcoates]

Thanks for the input. I briefly thought about a Cadillac XLR but the potential repair and maintenance costs on that one scared me away completely. .

Owned more than one Cadillac Allante and was on the forums when XLRs came out. Many Allante owners gravitated to the XLR. Every owner that I knew that bought one said it would be crazy to own one without an extended warranty. Top repairs as I understand it can be staggering.

[KY-BYRD]

Chris;
I bought my 2003 back in December with less than 9,000 on it. Two gentlemen over 80 years old each owned it before me. Not so much as a low tire and 3K more miles since purchase. Good luck and enjoy whatever you purchase.

[Chris11]

Owned more than one Cadillac Allante and was on the forums when XLRs came out. Many Allante owners gravitated to the XLR. Every owner that I knew that bought one said it would be crazy tp own one without an extended warranty. Top repairs as I understand it can be staggering.

I had a 91 Allante in the mid-90’s. Actually wasn’t a bad car but the top operation was ridiculously finicky. Had the hardtop on when I bought it and when I sold it. Otherwise just took up space in the garage

[bsedwebt]

Check ALL the suspension bushings for dry rot. Change the COPS. Change the spark plugs. Change the transmission fluid. Change the coolant, Change the oil and filter. CHANGE THE BRAKE FLUID!!!!