1992 Ford Thunderbird LX review from North America
"Moderate performance money pit"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Head gaskets at 160,000.
Anti-lock Brake System Master Cylinder at a cost of $1600 including labour. A used Master Cylinder was $1200 from the wreckers. A new Ford unit was $3440 + taxes. I bought the used.
Complete brake caliper, rotor and shoe overhaul at 255,000 km.
Battery blew up at 232,000 km.
New alternator at 236,000 km.
Right side wheel bearings replaced at 263,000 km.
Tie rods replaced at 242,000 km.
Driver side door sagging and currently needs new hinge pin or bushings.
Power steering line wore a hole in the oil pan after a rubber bushing rotted.
General comments?
In over 3 years, including purchase price and regular service costs and many repairs, I have calculated that I have spent in excess of $24,000.
The car rides beautifully on the highway with generous top end.
It offers a great deal of unique options including a self-dimming rear view mirror, auto off and on headlights, power antenna, climate control, power drivers seat, power sport mirror adjust and leather steering wheel.
I would not buy this car again, however, given my investment, I will be keeping it for some time. I will not trade it if I was to purchase a new vehicle, again, due to my investment into it.
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| 1992 - Thunderbird Base 3.8L V6 Very Reliable and Cheap to Maintain |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Don't Know |
| Year of manufacture | 1992 |
| First year of ownership | 1998 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2002 |
| Engine and transmission | 3.8 na Automatic |
| Performance marks | 7 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 3 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 8 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 5 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 138000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 268000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Chevrolet Cavalier |
| Date of Entry | 5th August, 2002 |