Buying Used T-Bird: To Warranty or Not to Warranty

[Katxoxo]

Picking up my used 2003 Desert Sky Blue Thunderbird tomorrow. One owner before me. Needs some TLC on the exterior body/top and some minor work on the leather seats.

Three Sumitomo tires but some odd 4th.

Called the dealer where it was serviced to spy on repairs. The service manager would not fax me the paperwork (too labor intensive) but did tell me the car never was submitted for major work.

According to Carfax, a warranty was purchased through Warrantech in July or August of 2008. Of course, I called Warrantech to see if any claims or issues were reported with the car. None.


My question is -- the car is 6 years old and has 66k+ miles. Do I invest the $2700 in a 4 year warranty? I am also able to buy a warranty for lesser years -- but knowing me and how long I have coveted having a Thunderbird -- I will have this car awhile.

Thoughts, advice, concerns and criticism are welcome!

-Kathleen

[Leroy]

Re: Buying Used T-Bird: To Warranty or Not to Warranty

I would go to a Ford dealer and see what kind of warranty you can get though Ford. I wouldn't let anyone else do any repairs on it either or service it. When you get a good set of tires, think about getting White Walls, particularly if you have a Performance White hard top. They really give the car a Classic look. Leroy

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[Katxoxo]

Re: Buying Used T-Bird: To Warranty or Not to Warranty

Thanks, Leroy!

[bronzebird]

Re: Buying Used T-Bird: To Warranty or Not to Warranty

Kathleen:

Is that a warranty up to 100,000 miles? If so, you will have just 44,000 miles to go before it runs out or four years, whichever comes first. If you are planning on making this a daily driver that gives you about 11,000 a year. I would guess you wouldn't make the four years and would run out of warranty in about two and a half years (about 18,000 miles a year is average).

Soooo, your $2,700 works out to about $90 a month. I would still do it as one major problem could eat up over a grand. You just need to be aware of the limitations.

Bronzebird

[Katxoxo]

Re: Buying Used T-Bird: To Warranty or Not to Warranty

I believe the Warrantech warranty is 4 years/48,000 miles (starting from the date I purchased the car). I would not hit 12k miles a year at all. I also own a Jeep Wrangler so I can make it through the snow to work each day .... and don't really drive on weekends as I walk most everywhere I need to go. I would estimate about 8k miles a year -- and in the Thunderbird likely less.

Since the car is 6 years old -- and has 66k miles on it -- and previously owned (ie., not sure how cared for when you think about it -- ie., driving habits and such) -- I am concerned with what could go wrong. I have not bought a used car in 32 years -- as silly as that sounds.


Anyway -- thanks Rick, for your advice.

[5bird7]

Re: Buying Used T-Bird: To Warranty or Not to Warranty

check with tbn member lmartun for a Ford extended warranty for 4 years. From what I understand, yours is high mileage and will cost more than others have paid but it's still lower than the price you quote above. Its good at any Ford dealer.

This is the thread to check:
http://www.thunderbirdnest.com/forum...=ford+warranty

[Katxoxo]

Re: Buying Used T-Bird: To Warranty or Not to Warranty

Thanks, Dot. I did PM Lmartun; I saw that thread after I started my own. I appreciate the advice!

I would much prefer to go directly with a Ford warranty for sure.

[MATBird]

Re: Buying Used T-Bird: To Warranty or Not to Warranty

You will not be able to beat Lou Martins price for a PremiumCare 500 Ford Warranty