Good idea or bad idea: 75K mile 88 Thunderbird.

Topic: Good idea or bad idea: 75K mile 88 Thunderbird. (Read 1511 times) previous topic - next topic

Good idea or bad idea: 75K mile 88 Thunderbird.

July 05, 2012, 09:46:15 AM

I found this for $500: http://chicago.craigslist.org/nwc/cto/3116996849.html

The right part of my brain thinks this is a steal, something I can tinker with at my leisure. The left part of my brain thinks that it more than likely has: fatal rot, shattered paint, and who knows what in the way of mechanical problems. So do you guys think it's worth a look or not? The general rule of thumb I go by is that you always want to buy the best condition car you can, as even though the purchase price is more, it ends up being cheaper in the long run. But I keep thinking 75K miles for $500 is a steal

Good idea or bad idea: 75K mile 88 Thunderbird.

Reply #1 – July 05, 2012, 09:51:17 AM

If you don't get it, I may just have to LOL

Good idea or bad idea: 75K mile 88 Thunderbird.

Reply #2 – July 05, 2012, 10:44:28 AM

If it's reasonably rust-less, I'd say buy it. I've got 500 bucks right now and no vehicle in my name that is dependable, so of course, it'd be a no brainer for me, slut red interior and all...

Sounds like all it needs maybe a battery, it's definitely worth a look at least.

Good idea or bad idea: 75K mile 88 Thunderbird.

Reply #3 – July 05, 2012, 10:48:17 AM

good reasons for getting:
1. Clean Interior
2. Fairly solid looking body
3.V-8
4. Nice stock wheels

Not so good i can see:
1. Looks like some rot on the left fender
2. Paint looks pretty oxidized, maybe a very good waxing can bring back?
3. motor issues? or perhaps only a new battery?

Good luck with it!

Good idea or bad idea: 75K mile 88 Thunderbird.

Reply #4 – July 05, 2012, 03:22:46 PM

For 500 that's a steal. That interior looks immaculate for a 75k mile car. And it sounds like a battery/alternator problem which is fairly simple to fix. I'd say it's at least worth it to go take a look.

Good idea or bad idea: 75K mile 88 Thunderbird.

Reply #5 – July 05, 2012, 03:28:51 PM

Ad says OBO........so you may not even pay the asking price. Make a deal over the bad stuff (and quietly drool on the inside over the good stuff).

Good idea or bad idea: 75K mile 88 Thunderbird.

Reply #6 – July 05, 2012, 06:35:31 PM

Dude. If you don't buy it, you're stupid. Bring an alternator and jumper cables. Or a good battery if it's close to your place (good reason for a 3g alt upgrade) and just drive. If I lived in the Chicago area, you'd have to race me to it.

Good idea or bad idea: 75K mile 88 Thunderbird.

Reply #7 – July 05, 2012, 06:52:33 PM

If you got the $500 to spare, by all means, talk them down over the bad stuff, it looks to be nice enough for $500. power train parts are dirt cheap for these cars and the rust on the fender is as simple as a little bodywork or a jy fender. Stock 302's run forever even when abused and are cheap and easy enough to fix and work on. Why haven't you bought this car yet?

Good idea or bad idea: 75K mile 88 Thunderbird.

Reply #8 – July 05, 2012, 08:01:09 PM

youve near perfected yours. get $500 bux... a tooth brush, some scrubbing bubbles, simple green, a vac and go to town! If I had $500 I wouldnt be typing this.

Good idea or bad idea: 75K mile 88 Thunderbird.

Reply #9 – July 05, 2012, 08:01:12 PM

I'd buy it, but try to talk him down too $400. Bring $500 though.

Good idea or bad idea: 75K mile 88 Thunderbird.

Reply #10 – July 05, 2012, 10:15:42 PM

It's gone. I called the guy and he sold it already. It was up for two days. I guess $500 cars go fast.

Good idea or bad idea: 75K mile 88 Thunderbird.

Reply #11 – July 05, 2012, 11:26:16 PM

The bad idea was that you actually THOUGHT about this instead of burning rubber over to the place the moment you saw the ad, stuffing the cash in the guy's piehole and saying see ya later. 500 bucks you part out a few valuable things and s it. Lose like 200 bucks worst case if you can't sell ANYthing haha.

Good idea or bad idea: 75K mile 88 Thunderbird.

Reply #12 – July 06, 2012, 02:04:40 PM

Hey I junked my $400 bird for $350 after driving it for 4 years. S has gone up some. Basically ANY running car is worth $500.

Good idea or bad idea: 75K mile 88 Thunderbird.

Reply #13 – July 07, 2012, 12:09:19 AM

I hope someone didn't buy it to s it.

Good idea or bad idea: 75K mile 88 Thunderbird.

Reply #14 – July 07, 2012, 08:24:54 AM

Yea that'd be shame if it was nice. And just so it's clear...I should have said *if it turned out to be a rot-bucket*..then your escape route would be to s it LOL.