2002 VS 2003-05

[mitchford]

My niece is trying to decide between a 2002 or a 2003 model. My real question is about the AJ-30 vs AJ35. I've read the WIKI and understand the VVT and HP increase, but is the AJ-35 considered a better engine for other things like reliability ect.. ?

Would you pick a 2002 over a later model for other reasons like color and options if HP didn't matter that much to you?

[007Cruiser]

Re: 2002 VS 2003-05

Welcome, Mitch. I'd go based upon color, condition, and price. No real difference in reliability between years IMO.

[Ray]

Re: 2002 VS 2003-05

I like the 2003-2005 instrument cluster better and I like the heated seats that come in the 2003-2005 models.

[Nicky-The-Squid]

Re: 2002 VS 2003-05

- The leather interior is nicer in the 02 than later models IMO
- The boot is a harder unit that folds in half and takes more trunk room the newer version which folds smaller. Appearance would be a matter of taste I think.
-02 has less horsepower
- There is an ongoing issue with the C.O.P.s that is not covered in the 02s that is covered for 100,000 miles in the later models
- There are color choices only available to specific years
- There are options to the 04 and 05 that are not available in the 03 or 02 and more in the 03 than the 02
- You should thouroughly research Dot's site http://www.portholeauthority.com In fact go through it a few times for retention. It should help you imensly.

[Rondor]

Re: 2002 VS 2003-05

I have thought a lot about this too. The '02 was the first but almost half the retros sold were '02., so it's not as rare. I like the fact that most of the bugs and quirks were handle in later years. Yes color makes a diff, but all in all it's a personal decision any way. I think in another 20 years the PCR will be the hottest one, but who am I to say ( - :

[AZTB]

Re: 2002 VS 2003-05

...I think in another 20 years the PCR will be the hottest one, but who am I to say ( - :

[redbirdsal]

Re: 2002 VS 2003-05

Hi Mitch! Welcome to the Texas Chapter of TBN!

I fell in love with the 2002 Thunderbird from the first moment I laid eyes on it. I just had to have one! Brought CARTOY home just about 2 months later - Dec, 2011. Love her then, and love her now...

That said I'd more than likely buy an '05, if I was in the market. It's the last year of production,
therefore, the most current model available.
I love the Medium Steel Blue, but we have a lot of those in the D/FW area, and I love the Bronze.
So it would probably be a Bronze for me.

I'm sending you a PM, look for it in the right corner of the page. It's under "Your Notifications". I hope to hear from you!

[5bird7]

Re: 2002 VS 2003-05

Mitch, Welcome. I noticed in your info that you list 02 white. Is that the color your daughter is looking for? If she wants a white color, she should also consider the 05 Cashmere color. Unique, special editon interior, unlike any of the others. It does have it's drawback though as the softtop is light colored (cashmere) and requires extra (constant) cleaning care if she's going to drive it alot.

[V8 Cat]

Re: 2002 VS 2003-05

Would you pick a 2002 over a later model for other reasons like color and options if HP didn't matter that much to you?

The 03s and later have the electric cooling fan in place of the hydraulic one which is a plus.

[qruml23]

Re: 2002 VS 2003-05

Mitch, Welcome. I noticed in your info that you list 02 white. Is that the color your daughter is looking for? If she wants a white color, she should also consider the 05 Cashmere color. Unique, special editon interior, unlike any of the others. It does have it's drawback though as the softtop is light colored (cashmere) and requires extra (constant) cleaning care if she's going to drive it alot.

It is also a question of price. There is one 05 to sale with 4,375 miles if you can afford it.

http://www.autoaubaine.com/Ford-Thun...-c5064484.html

[qruml23]

Re: 2002 VS 2003-05

I like the 2003-2005 instrument cluster better and I like the heated seats that come in the 2003-2005 models.

My 2002 was coming with a heated garage during the winter.

[Lindy]

Re: 2002 VS 2003-05

Well, my advice... I couldn't make up my mind, so I settled for both. The '02 leather is more supple, the '03 motor has more pick-up.

Sorry, I can't help!

-Lindy

[00mustng]

Re: 2002 VS 2003-05

.....I think you will choose a 'Bird that is available to you....you will know....It will speak to you.....

[jerrym3]

Re: 2002 VS 2003-05

Unless you have your heart set on a 2002 "only" color, I'd go for the 2003 and up.

[rpatton3]

Re: 2002 VS 2003-05

My wife wanted yellow. We had to get a 2002 because we did not know there were 82 Inca Gold 2005 models yet to be built.
We are quite proud of our garage queen. I have a Backdraft Conra replica with a Roush 427, so the power thing is not an issue.