1988 Ford Thunderbird Base review from North America
"A rather expensive loved one"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
When I bought it both of the front springs were cracked and the driver side tie rods were shot. But this was all taken care of by the dealership that certified it.
Whole exhaust system needed to be replaced due to rot. Again it was taken care of by the dealership free of charge.
Rear shocks went out. Which cost me about 250$ to get changed including labour costs.
The bigger pump from the gas tank broke and gas leaked out pretty badly. A 260$ expense, the pump was about 150, new straps for the gas tank were 50$ and labour was 60$.
Bosch Fuel Pump also went out on it which cost 400$ just for the part!!! However the labour on this one was free because I took it to a friends shop.
Its starting to rust pretty badly, but I'm gonna get it patched up soon.
General comments?
I've owned this car for 9 months now and I've shelled out more than I payed for it in repairs, but I still love it.
I'm dropping the 5.0L engine out of a mustang Dech in soon and painting it jet black. All of which is paid for already and waiting to be done.
This car is extremely comfortable as long as you don't try to pack more than 3 people into it.
The car itself drives great and feels powerful, even with the V6 its still a fast one.
Its honestly the only car I ever see myself driving. Even if I can't keep restoring this one I'll buy another 88. What can I say? This is the car for me...
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| First year of ownership | 2003 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2004 |
| Engine and transmission | 3.8L V6 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 7/10 |
| Reliability marks | 8/10 |
| Comfort marks | 10/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 3/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 3/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 181000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 190000 kilometres |
| Date of Entry | 21st June, 2004 |
