General Chat
Q:
I was looking into getting a 1989-1993 ford thunderbird supercoupe as a daily driver for some more comfort and so i wont have to worry about driving the z in the winter. Does anybody have any experience with them? My budget is 2500-3000 for a comfortable rwd daily driver. Any suggestions?
clean 75 280z+ 83,000 original miles 83zxt motor and trans= 75 280zt
A:
My wife has a 97 TBird with the 6 cyl engine. Has all the creature comforts, power everything, good sound system, cruise, climate control, etc... It gets about 22-24 MPG and has ample power for daily highway driving. IT IS NOT a good winter car if traction is a necessity. These cars have problems on wet roads, I would never attempt driving the TBird on wintery surfaces.
Very reliable and so far no major expenses for repairs. We hit 135,000 miles at the last oil change. Parts are easy to get and fairly moderate in pricing. I would recommend one of these cars for a daily driver. They have an excellent ride and seem to be plentiful in the market place. We payed $2,500 for ours and it had just turned 100,000. I put another $500 into the car to get it up to snuff (tires, all fluids changed, plugs, wires, filters, etc....).
I would also add that this is a two seater. The back seat is very uncomfortable for an adult and is almost impossible if you have to deal with a car seat. Our children are grown so it is usually just me and the wife. I would not recommend this car if you plan to travel with family.
Good luck!
78 280Z Daily Driver
All original, Stock engine, Auto Trans w/factory A/C, 205,000 miles, new suspension and bushing kit, under primer and saving for a paint job.......
83 ZX w/T Tops, purchased 4-20-06, 122K miles, Son's restoration project
A:
I have had an 88 Tbird V8 Sport model for the past 11 years. It is a great reliable car with 175,000 miles on it BUT IT SUCKS IN THE SNOW AND ICE!!
I mean it REALLY SUCKS!!!
If you get one get some snow chains or you might find yourself in a ditch!
Later,Norm
-----------------------------------------
12.804 @ 107.26 mph on crappy street tires with Dual SU Powered 2.9L Stroker!
ZCAR.COM member since Aug 1998
A:
I've got a '90 thunderbird supercoupe... good cars if they are taken care of.
Check out sccoa.org -- good site, and I'm sure they have a club in your area, meet up with a few of the guys - they're all mostly good people.
"The Z's disease won't make anything turn black, wither, and fall off, nor turn cancerous." - Tony D
"Take it to a track where BOTH drivers mean business or it's just one sided mechanical masterbation." - Hybrid77z
A:
I was given a 94 because PO thought block was cracked because he could not find source of water getting in oil. He had heaads done and then give up. I removed engine and found a rusted out freeze plug behind front cover. So I rebuilt bottom end, new timing chains and $800 later cars runs great, rides great. But as mentioned has no back seat, unless you have small kids. I also read there was a lot of problems with trans on the 88-94 models I beleive so check it closely....
Jimmy
83ZX Turbo
A:
I sold Fords for a little over 4 years and the V6's DID have a LOT more problems.
If you get one get a V8 or don't get one at all!! BTW, stay AWAY from any Ford electronically controlled transmissions!!
Later,Norm
-----------------------------------------
12.804 @ 107.26 mph on crappy street tires with Dual SU Powered 2.9L Stroker!
ZCAR.COM member since Aug 1998
A:
Best I recall the Super Coupe required Premium unleaded fuel - I know my 87 Turbo Coupe did plus it got horrible gas mileage. Blast to drive, pain at the gas pumps and that was back when gas was cheap!! Might want to check on that unless you don't mind paying for higher premium fuel.
Bob
A:
They want high grade fuel but they will run on lower grade without problems, just don't take the boost past 8lbs or you run the risk of det'ing... I get about 18mpg city, and about 23 - 25 on highway...
"The Z's disease won't make anything turn black, wither, and fall off, nor turn cancerous." - Tony D
"Take it to a track where BOTH drivers mean business or it's just one sided mechanical masterbation." - Hybrid77z
A:
My V6 comment was directed at the base V6 and not the SC V6.
Our store only sold one SC in 92 and 93 and that guy never called back to complain so I assume it was a pretty decent car.
Later,Norm
-----------------------------------------
12.804 @ 107.26 mph on crappy street tires with Dual SU Powered 2.9L Stroker!
ZCAR.COM member since Aug 1998