2002 VS 2003-05

[Gobird]

Re: 2002 VS 2003-05

Color is the main difference. If you find one you like buy it.

[MerlotBlue]

Re: 2002 VS 2003-05

Color is the main difference. If you find one you like buy it.

I agree!!! The fact is these are all used cars now.

Just find a color you like and the car in the best possible condition for the money.

All other considerations are pretty weak. A the owner of both an '04 and '02 I can tell anyone who doesn't know already the idea of 30 extra horsepower in the 03-05 models is something of a joke. It just isn't there......at least you can't find it in a seat of the pants comparison.

Then there is the idea of COPs coverage. This is an EASY repair if the issue even comes up anyway and soon........very soon......none of the models will be covered anyway.....though it does bring up the one issue that probably could see me suggesting a newer than '02 model.

Some-where in the forum I've read that extended Ford warranties are not available for cars over 10 years old ....... if that is a concern.......then it might be the one issue that could push you to a newer car rather than an '02.

[DudleyM]

Re: 2002 VS 2003-05

When I decided I wanted the retro a good friend and Ford dealer advised 2004 or 2005. We bought 2005 Cashmere (my first choice prior to the conversation) and haven't been disappointed.

[jerrym3]

Re: 2002 VS 2003-05

I agree!!! The fact is these are all used cars now.

Just find a color you like and the car in the best possible condition for the money.

All other considerations are pretty weak. A the owner of both an '04 and '02 I can tell anyone who doesn't know already the idea of 30 extra horsepower in the 03-05 models is something of a joke. It just isn't there......at least you can't find it in a seat of the pants comparison.

Then there is the idea of COPs coverage. This is an EASY repair if the issue even comes up anyway and soon........very soon......none of the models will be covered anyway.....though it does bring up the one issue that probably could see me suggesting a newer than '02 model.

Some-where in the forum I've read that extended Ford warranties are not available for cars over 10 years old ....... if that is a concern.......then it might be the one issue that could push you to a newer car rather than an '02.

Steve, I've never done a back/back comparison, but my local mechanic did.

He drove an 02 LS8, and he says my wife's 04 LS8 felt peppier, not ridiculously faster, just "peppier".

Her LS8 also feels a bit quicker than my 03 retro.

Anyway, since I'm not in the mindset of putting the pedal to the medal very often, it's a moot point with me. I just happen to like the 03/4/5 instrument layout, and, when you think about it, what is the view of your car that is the most dominant to you?

From behind the steering wheel.

[AZTB]

Re: 2002 VS 2003-05

Steve, I've never done a back/back comparison, but my local mechanic did.
He drove an 02 LS8, and he says my wife's 04 LS8 felt peppier, not ridiculously faster, just "peppier".
Her LS8 also feels a bit quicker than my 03 retro.
Anyway, since I'm not in the mindset of putting the pedal to the medal very often, it's a moot point with me. I just happen to like the 03/4/5 instrument layout, and, when you think about it, what is the view of our car that is the most dominant to us?
From behind the steering wheel.

Excellent point...and my first drive impression of the '05 was that it also felt peppier...I also liked the instrumentation layout much more over the '02s. However, that being said, the drive-by-wire tranny issue has caused me nothing but headaches.

[BUCK ROGERS]

Re: 2002 VS 2003-05

If the 2003+ VVT allowed you to run Regular like the latest Ford VVT that would be a big deal IMO - Can't say I've ever lacked Power in the 2002 & I'm not so sure that the later Tranny's are really prepared to cope with anymore Power than a 2002 makes.

[SixPac]

Re: 2002 VS 2003-05

I wonder if the above responses helped Mitch in looking for a Bird for his niece?

[redbirdsal]

Re: 2002 VS 2003-05

I doubt it...he hasn't been on since he posted, unless he's flying under the radar.

But, you know, that's one of many things that makes TBN the site it is. We all try to help, whether it's helping a new member, or an old friend.




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