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Fox T-Bird/Cougar Forums

General => Lounge => Topic started by: thunderjet302 on October 19, 2007, 02:15:55 PM

Title: Where the hell are all the decent running, less than $1000 Fox cars at?
Post by: thunderjet302 on October 19, 2007, 02:15:55 PM
I can't find any:mad: . I'm looking for a Cat or Bird for about $1,000 that I can drive daily for a year or so till I finish school. I want to find something that's decent enough to use as another *fun car* in addition to the T-bird when I finish school and buy a new car. All I can really find around me is this:  http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=227105072&dealer_id=565111&car_year=1988&model=TBIRD&num_records=&make3=&make2=MERC&start_year=1981&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&engine=&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=&awsp=false&search_type=both&distance=25&marketZipError=false&model2=COUGAR&search_lang=en&make=FORD&color=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceDESC&address=60638&advanced=&end_year=1988&doors=&transmission=&max_price=&cardist=3

Sure it's got a 5.0 but it isn't worth $1,995. It's worth is really in the neighborhood of $1,000-$1,200 with the interior damage (look closely at the pics you'll see what I mean) and the probabal rocker rust (why else would the rockers be painted black?). I'd really like to get a Fox as I know they are reliable and nice cars (duh;) ) but I'm not paying $1,995 for something I know isn't worth it. Plus I really, really hate my  Buick. It's got 139,000 on it and it's falling apart. The lifters tick a bit, I'm tired of fixing trans leaks, and the rockers, bottoms of the fenders and quarters, and the door bottoms are rusted out. Plus random stuff keeps breaking in the interior:hick: . So where the hell does on find a good cheap used Fox anyway? All you guys that sell them on here are 1,500-2,000 miles away:hick:
Title: Where the hell are all the decent running, less than $1000 Fox cars at?
Post by: xjeffs on October 19, 2007, 02:37:43 PM
The searches I use are Autotrader, craigslist, oodle, autoextra, cars.com, ebay, and the fan forum sites.

There are two on Lansing craigslist.  Try all craigslist within 4 hours of you and you'll find something
Title: Where the hell are all the decent running, less than $1000 Fox cars at?
Post by: Romeo2k on October 19, 2007, 03:08:25 PM
Go to Ohio... :giggle:

Otherwise the only fox i found that wasnt around $3000 was this doing a quick chicago search:
http://chicago.craigslist.org/sox/car/448075465.html

And heres a fun one on eBay in Illinois!:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Ford-Thunderbird-Turbocoupe-1988-Ford-Thunderbird-Turbocoupe-1-Owner-No-Reserve_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ6240QQihZ014QQitemZ330175665630QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW
Title: Where the hell are all the decent running, less than $1000 Fox cars at?
Post by: P71 on October 19, 2007, 03:28:12 PM
WA/OR area along the I5 corridor, and Ohio.

Most are on Craig's List. Only the really nice stuff hits Auto Trader anymore. Don't forget eBay though.
Title: Where the hell are all the decent running, less than $1000 Fox cars at?
Post by: Ductape91 on October 19, 2007, 07:13:42 PM
craigslist is where the 1000$ or less deals are from what ive seen.
there were a bunch of cheap foxes around here not too long ago
Title: Where the hell are all the decent running, less than $1000 Fox cars at?
Post by: 88FoxBird on October 19, 2007, 08:49:23 PM
Ohio. I payed $150 for my '88 V8 Tbird that ran great but was rather rusty and $250 for my '87 V6 'Bird that I just got that also runs and drives great, has almost no rust and has a busted up Cougar front end.
Title: Where the hell are all the decent running, less than $1000 Fox cars at?
Post by: thunderjet302 on October 20, 2007, 01:05:47 AM
Well I haven't found anything that really interests me yet. I think I'm going to have to wait a bit and see what I can find that's decent and cheap. I'll have to put up with the Buick for a bit longer, if I don't beat it to death first:beatyoass:


If anyone finds something close to me let me know;)
Title: Where the hell are all the decent running, less than $1000 Fox cars at?
Post by: turboranger91 on October 20, 2007, 01:17:25 AM
like others have said... ohio.
Title: Where the hell are all the decent running, less than $1000 Fox cars at?
Post by: BEARMAX on October 20, 2007, 02:00:03 AM
Jacksonville Craigs List Has A 88 T/c For $800
Title: Where the hell are all the decent running, less than $1000 Fox cars at?
Post by: 5.0willgo on October 20, 2007, 09:49:35 AM
Quote from: thunderjet302;183359
It's got 139,000 on it and it's falling apart. The lifters tick a bit, I'm tired of fixing trans leaks, and the rockers, bottoms of the fenders and quarters, and the door bottoms are rusted out. Plus random stuff keeps breaking in the interior:hick:

You almost sound like me when I was driving the Cougar daily. :flame:
You can find one if you keep looking and look hard enough.

Searching Craigslist around me gets results of all the decent cars costing well over $1,500. The cars costing $1,200 and under typically need work and I'm not talking body or interior work but mechanical. Not the type of thing you want as a daily driver. Trust me, I've been there.

Spend a couple hundred and get a good Saturn to beat on. Then save up and buy another nice Tbird/Cougar to go with your LX.
Title: Where the hell are all the decent running, less than $1000 Fox cars at?
Post by: Haystack on October 20, 2007, 11:37:18 AM
apperently i'm in cheap mustang territory....http://www.ksl.com/index.php?sid=&nid=443&tab=list&pid=0
Title: Where the hell are all the decent running, less than $1000 Fox cars at?
Post by: vinnietbird on October 20, 2007, 11:59:05 AM
The Sport cost me $350.00.The 5.0 '88 Bird before that cost me $50.00 (the blue one in the banner).I've built them both up,but they ran great.Too bad you're not down here in the southern area.generally,they run pretty cheap.
Title: Where the hell are all the decent running, less than $1000 Fox cars at?
Post by: cougarcragar on October 20, 2007, 12:21:35 PM
They're getting pretty uncommon these days.

I was at a local lot this past week and I found a Merkur Scorpio and an XR4Ti sitting right next to each other.
They were both pretty rough, but certainly in original shape. The XR4Ti had an automatic transmission, though.

I rarely see any Fox body Thunderbirds or Cougars for sale around here. There are still quite a few MN12s, but who the hell cares? Unless it's an early XR-7 with the HO 5.0, I have no interest in another MN12.
Title: Where the hell are all the decent running, less than $1000 Fox cars at?
Post by: the_intimidator03 on October 20, 2007, 12:52:25 PM
yeah the cheap ones are in the Pacific northwest hehehe as a matter of fact... yesterday a buddy i ran into just offered me an 86 tbird for free :-| not running but everything there
Title: Where the hell are all the decent running, less than $1000 Fox cars at?
Post by: Thunder Chicken on October 20, 2007, 03:15:34 PM
It's not just a lack of good runners around here, it's a total lack of these cars period, including in junk yards. They're just nowhere to be found, and when you do find one it's a basket case that the owner wants the sun and the moon for. Case in point, this derelict looking 20th for sale locally:

http://halifax.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-cars-under-5K-1987-Mercury-Cougar-W0QQAdIdZ25938171
Title: Where the hell are all the decent running, less than $1000 Fox cars at?
Post by: Romeo2k on October 20, 2007, 03:26:42 PM
I fear they are/will be getting harder to find because they are getting crushed... I've seen so many in the local junkyard up here in the last 4  years... And they clear the cars out (crush them) monthly.
Title: Where the hell are all the decent running, less than $1000 Fox cars at?
Post by: thunderjet302 on October 23, 2007, 04:12:01 PM
Besides that Cougar I'm kinda considering this: http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=231997754&dealer_id=67741&car_year=1995&model=COUGAR&num_records=25&systime=1193167834315&make3=&make2=FORD&start_year=1981&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&engine=&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=&awsp=false&search_type=both&distance=25&marketZipError=false&model2=TBIRD&search_lang=&make=MERC&color=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=0&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceDESC&address=60638&advanced=&end_year=1997&doors=&transmission=&max_price=3000&cardist=5

Any thoughts as to which one I should go for. It's either going to be this one or the Cougar that's at the begining of this thread. I just want to get some more input:D
Title: Where the hell are all the decent running, less than $1000 Fox cars at?
Post by: daboss351 on October 23, 2007, 05:04:41 PM
http://www.ksl.com/index.php?sid=&nid=443&tab=list/view&ad=365079
from the link haystack posted
Title: Where the hell are all the decent running, less than $1000 Fox cars at?
Post by: Romeo2k on October 23, 2007, 06:47:17 PM
Quote from: thunderjet302;184148
Besides that Cougar I'm kinda considering this: http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=231997754&dealer_id=67741&car_year=1995&model=COUGAR&num_records=25&systime=1193167834315&make3=&make2=FORD&start_year=1981&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&engine=&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=&awsp=false&search_type=both&distance=25&marketZipError=false&model2=TBIRD&search_lang=&make=MERC&color=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=0&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceDESC&address=60638&advanced=&end_year=1997&doors=&transmission=&max_price=3000&cardist=5

Any thoughts as to which one I should go for. It's either going to be this one or the Cougar that's at the begining of this thread. I just want to get some more input:D

Ew, it's a V6. :hick:;)

If your willing to spend 3k, I say go for this 331HP beauty i found on the chicago craigslist:
http://chicago.craigslist.org/wcl/car/453157522.html
(http://images.craigslist.org/01150901040801161220071018b26a920c3d6c3c511300c1b3.jpg)
Title: Where the hell are all the decent running, less than $1000 Fox cars at?
Post by: Cougars 2 go on October 23, 2007, 09:52:41 PM
Quote from: thunderjet302;183359
Where the hell are all the decent running, less than $1000 Fox cars at?


It's hard to find a decent running anything for under $1000- unless it's a 1993 Escort.  It's possible but it takes a while if you are limited to a relatively small geographical region.

Several of us have found them but still, it's not a common occurrence.  These are nice cars when they are in decent shape.  People for the most part aren't going to sell a nice car for under $1000.
Title: Where the hell are all the decent running, less than $1000 Fox cars at?
Post by: thunderjet302 on October 23, 2007, 10:05:29 PM
Quote from: daboss351;184167
http://www.ksl.com/index.php?sid=&nid=443&tab=list/view&ad=365079
from the link haystack posted


It's a bit far away:hick:

Quote from: Romeo2k;184180
Ew, it's a V6. :hick:;)

If your willing to spend 3k, I say go for this 331HP beauty i found on the chicago craigslist:
http://chicago.craigslist.org/wcl/car/453157522.html
(http://images.craigslist.org/01150901040801161220071018b26a920c3d6c3c511300c1b3.jpg)


Well I don't think that's daily driver material;)

Quote from: Cougars 2 go;184209
It's hard to find a decent running anything for under $1000- unless it's a 1993 Escort.  It's possible but it takes a while.

Several of us have found them but still, it not a common occurrence.  These are nice cars when they are in decent shape.  People for the most part aren't going to sell a nice car for under $1000.


I know. I didn't mean for exactly $1,000 or less I just meant cheap. Everyone is always talking about the nice Birds or Cats they pick up cheap but I never find them that's all. I can spend more than $1,000 but I don't want to if I don't have to ;)


Sooooooooo any input on the MN-12 T-bird? Or should I avoid it like the plague?
Title: Where the hell are all the decent running, less than $1000 Fox cars at?
Post by: Cougars 2 go on October 23, 2007, 10:11:26 PM
Quote from: thunderjet302;184211
I know. I didn't mean for exactly $1,000 or less I just meant cheap. Everyone is always talking about the nice Birds or Cats they pick up cheap but I never find them that's all. I can spend more than $1,000 but I don't want to if I don't have to ;)


Sooooooooo any input on the MN-12 T-bird? Or should I avoid it like the plague?


I think the problem is you really want to find one now.  These things tend to pop up when we aren't looking or in the market for them.
I would just casually look around the Internet about once every week or two at all the different sites.  It may take you a year to find
-a decent fox
-near you
-low price
Title: Where the hell are all the decent running, less than $1000 Fox cars at?
Post by: Carpimp1987 on October 23, 2007, 10:16:41 PM
here most good cougars and T-birds cost under $2,000 i paided $1200 for my sport LX but i always see a few around here and there for a few bills.

Goodluck and can you find a cheap mark 7 insted?
Title: Where the hell are all the decent running, less than $1000 Fox cars at?
Post by: cougarman on October 24, 2007, 12:05:11 PM
Here ya go.... http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1986-Ford-Thunderbird-V-8-Cream-Puff-Loaded-w-equip-NR_W0QQitemZ110182790073QQihZ001QQcategoryZ6240QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

:burnout:
Title: Where the hell are all the decent running, less than $1000 Fox cars at?
Post by: slamedcat on October 24, 2007, 01:27:47 PM
The MN12 cars are nice as long as its rust free or close to.


There is an 84-86 Cougar here in Peoria for sale. I can stop and get info on it if you want. Its a rasberry color and have the ground effects like what was on Baxo's silver and blue car.

http://www.tradinpost.com/index.html
Title: Where the hell are all the decent running, less than $1000 Fox cars at?
Post by: doodaa on October 24, 2007, 01:39:02 PM
Quote from: thunderjet302;184211
...Sooooooooo any input on the MN-12 T-bird? Or should I avoid it like the plague?


Nothing wrong with the MN-12 cars. I drove my '93 every day for 10 years and 135k. It would still be running if I hadn't bought a Mark VIII. :) The 3.8 cars are the cheap ones and if you go that route make sure you get one that the head gaskets have either already been done or haven't popped yet. Check the heater core too... it's a bear to replace. Shy away from the 94 and 95s if the transmission appears to be at all suspect. Other than that, same issues that any other used car in your area from that era is going to have. I'd go with a 93 w/ a 302 and AOD if it was me... mainly because I'm not a fan of the newer body styling.
Title: here here...
Post by: screaming306 on October 24, 2007, 01:49:38 PM
there are quite a bit of the t-birds and cougars down here in southern alabama. in the local shopper i have found a few in west florida, and in south mississippi too. very little rust down here. just some surface rust.most people around here drive trucks and suv's so that leaves all the cars up for sale..
Title: Where the hell are all the decent running, less than $1000 Fox cars at?
Post by: thunderjet302 on October 24, 2007, 10:40:03 PM
I'm going to look at the white Cougar at the begining of this thread on Saturday (if it's still there). If it's decent enough I *might* pick it up. I'm NOT paying $1995 for it though. Any frame rust and there's no way in hell I'm buying it. I'm not just going to buy it just to buy it if you know what I mean. If it's  I'll just wait till I find something that's decent. Nobody else go buy it before I look at it though ok ;)
Title: Where the hell are all the decent running, less than $1000 Fox cars at?
Post by: Romeo2k on October 25, 2007, 02:12:47 AM
Quote from: cougarman;184339
Here ya go.... http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1986-Ford-Thunderbird-V-8-Cream-Puff-Loaded-w-equip-NR_W0QQitemZ110182790073QQihZ001QQcategoryZ6240QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

:burnout:


This one is calling for you... :hick: :D
Title: Where the hell are all the decent running, less than $1000 Fox cars at?
Post by: thunderjet302 on October 25, 2007, 09:32:16 PM
They sold the Cougar today:( . Oh well some kid will probably fvck it up as their forst car.

So I'm still thinking about looking at this on Saturday: http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=231997754&dealer_id=67741&car_year=1995&model=COUGAR&num_records=25&systime=1193167834315&make3=&make2=FORD&start_year=1981&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&engine=&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=&awsp=false&search_type=both&distance=25&marketZipError=false&model2=TBIRD&search_lang=&make=MERC&color=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=0&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceDESC&address=60638&advanced=&end_year=1997&doors=&transmission=&max_price=3000&cardist=5

I might get it if it's decent and the mileage is pretty low. I'm just worried about the 3.8 :hick:
Title: Where the hell are all the decent running, less than $1000 Fox cars at?
Post by: Cougars 2 go on October 25, 2007, 11:01:01 PM
Quote from: Romeo2k;184499
This one is calling for you... :hick: :D


What about that wine-colored Thunderbird?  That seems like a good buy.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1986-Ford-Thunderbird-V-8-Cream-Puff-Loaded-w-equip-NR_W0QQitemZ110182790073QQihZ001QQcategoryZ6240QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Title: Where the hell are all the decent running, less than $1000 Fox cars at?
Post by: thunderjet302 on October 25, 2007, 11:07:25 PM
Quote from: Cougars 2 go;184653
What about that wine-colored Thunderbird?  That seems like a good buy.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1986-Ford-Thunderbird-V-8-Cream-Puff-Loaded-w-equip-NR_W0QQitemZ110182790073QQihZ001QQcategoryZ6240QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem


I would but I don't have the time to drive 4 hours there and 4 hours back to look at it.
Title: Where the hell are all the decent running, less than $1000 Fox cars at?
Post by: Cougars 2 go on October 25, 2007, 11:08:42 PM
Quote from: thunderjet302;184655
I would but I don't have the time to drive 4 hours there and 4 hours back to look at it.


Yeah, that's a little bit of a haul.
Title: Where the hell are all the decent running, less than $1000 Fox cars at?
Post by: Romeo2k on October 26, 2007, 12:53:23 AM
so drive 4 hours there and 4 hours back WITH it, hehe. :D

Maybe you could arrange for it to be towed to you or something, Wouldn't think it would cost too much more... But i could be wrong. :dunno:
Title: Where the hell are all the decent running, less than $1000 Fox cars at?
Post by: slamedcat on October 26, 2007, 07:34:35 AM
Quote from: thunderjet302;184628
I might get it if it's decent and the mileage is pretty low. I'm just worried about the 3.8 :hick:


Just get a V8 after driving a V8 car for so long you will not be happy with anything else.

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=232664156&dealer_id=603769&car_year=1995&marketZipError=false&awsp=false&search_type=both&num_records=25&keywordsfyc=&make=FORD&transmission=&model=TBIRD&distance=50&make2=&address=60546&default_sort=priceDESC&advanced=&certified=&max_mileage=&max_price=3000&sort_type=priceDESC&min_price=&body_code=0&end_year=2008&systime=1193398201877&keywordsrep=&color=&start_year=1981&drive=&search_lang=en&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&engine=&fuel=&doors=&style_flag=1&cardist=28

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=224822471&dealer_id=9389875&car_year=1994&marketZipError=false&awsp=false&search_type=both&num_records=25&keywordsfyc=&make=FORD&transmission=&model=TBIRD&distance=50&make2=&address=60546&default_sort=priceDESC&advanced=&certified=&max_mileage=&max_price=3000&sort_type=priceDESC&min_price=&body_code=0&end_year=2008&systime=1193398201877&keywordsrep=&color=&start_year=1981&drive=&search_lang=en&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&engine=&fuel=&doors=&style_flag=1&cardist=14

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=223098050&dealer_id=566095&car_year=1994&marketZipError=false&awsp=false&search_type=both&num_records=25&keywordsfyc=&make=FORD&transmission=&model=TBIRD&distance=50&make2=&address=60546&default_sort=priceDESC&advanced=&certified=&max_mileage=&max_price=3000&sort_type=priceDESC&min_price=&body_code=0&end_year=2008&systime=1193398201877&keywordsrep=&color=&start_year=1981&drive=&search_lang=en&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&engine=&fuel=&doors=&style_flag=1&cardist=23
Title: Where the hell are all the decent running, less than $1000 Fox cars at?
Post by: blu84302 on October 26, 2007, 01:01:12 PM
http://www.foxtbirdcougarforums.com/showthread.php?t=16621 (http://"http://www.foxtbirdcougarforums.com/showthread.php?t=16621")

look what i found for you! FTW
Title: Where the hell are all the decent running, less than $1000 Fox cars at?
Post by: xjeffs on November 04, 2007, 12:37:28 AM
http://youngstown.craigslist.org/bar/458687582.html

This one costs one PS3
Title: Where the hell are all the decent running, less than $1000 Fox cars at?
Post by: Romeo2k on November 04, 2007, 05:40:49 AM
Quote from: xjeffs;186105
http://youngstown.craigslist.org/bar/458687582.html

This one costs one PS3

Nintendo Wii would cost less. :hick:
Either way it would only be 200-500$ for it if he's for real. :burnout:
Title: Where the hell are all the decent running, less than $1000 Fox cars at?
Post by: xjeffs on December 01, 2007, 07:34:40 PM
http://chicago.craigslist.org/nwi/car/489601685.html

Here's another one.  It's getting annoying that none of these are within 600 miles of Texas.
Title: Where the hell are all the decent running, less than $1000 Fox cars at?
Post by: Drewstang on December 01, 2007, 08:37:03 PM
I was able to find my new project on craigslist for $350 after searching for about a year.
Title: Where the hell are all the decent running, less than $1000 Fox cars at?
Post by: xjeffs on December 01, 2007, 11:27:52 PM
I'm at 15 months looking now.
Title: Where the hell are all the decent running, less than $1000 Fox cars at?
Post by: blu84302 on December 02, 2007, 12:19:42 AM
Here's one.  Owner still has it for sale.  Probably get it for 500 or even lower.  Looks good.

Sorry about the location.  It's Columbus, Ohio

http://columbus.craigslist.org/car/483844960.html (http://"http://columbus.craigslist.org/car/483844960.html")

(http://images.craigslist.org/01011101150701020020071119145208cf24320fa0c800840b.jpg)
Title: Where the hell are all the decent running, less than $1000 Fox cars at?
Post by: Punisher on December 02, 2007, 01:05:35 AM
I only paid $700 for mine and it was a great daily for about 6 months till I killed the engine.
Title: Where the hell are all the decent running, less than $1000 Fox cars at?
Post by: turboranger91 on December 02, 2007, 06:51:19 PM
i posted one for that's for sale close to me for $1200.
Title: Where the hell are all the decent running, less than $1000 Fox cars at?
Post by: Chuck W on December 02, 2007, 07:33:30 PM
Leads need to be posted in the proper forum.
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