Are you in the market for a pre-owned 2002-2005 Ford Thunderbird? Now may be a great time to buy one. Market values for this future classic are near their lows, selling for a fraction of the original MSRP of $ 41,995. Many automotive observers believe the 11th generation 2002-2005 Thunderbird will increase in value over the coming years.
Like any used car, there are pitfalls involved when shopping for one. How well was it cared for? Was it ever involved in an accident? What possible mechanical issues may lie hidden underneath a nicely-detailed exterior? A buyer needs to go beyond the obvious and dig deep to uncover potential hidden problems, but what exactly do you look for, and where do you start?
Here’s the 172-point vehicle inspection checklist Ford dealers use for their ‘Certified Pre-Owned’ vehicles. You may not be able to check everything on this list, but it’s a great reference as you shop for your 2002-2005 Thunderbird.
1. VEHICLE HISTORY
1. VIN Inspection
2. ServiceRecalls(OASIS)Performed
3. VehicleHistoryReportObtained
4. ScheduledMaintenancePerformed
5. VehicleEmissionsSticker(ApplicableStates)
2. ROAD TEST
- EngineStartsandIdlesProperly
- RemoteStartSystemOperation
- EngineAcceleratesandCruisesProperly/Smoothly
- EngineNoiseNormal(Cold/HotandHigh/LowSpeeds)
- Auto/Manual Transmission/Transaxle Operation – Cold and Hot Shift Quality
- Auto/Manual Transmission/Transaxle Noise Normal–ColdandHot
- ShiftInterlockOperatesProperly
- Drive Axle/Transfer Case Operation Noise Normal
- ClutchOperatesProperly
- SteersNormally(Response,CenteringandFreePlay)
- Body and Suspension Squeaks and Rattles
- Struts/ShocksOperateProperly
- Brakes/ABS Operate Properly
- Cruise Control
20. Gauges Operate Properly
21. DriverSelect/MemoryProfileSystems 22. NoAbnormalWindNoise
3. VEHICLE EXTERIOR
3A–BODY PANELS AND BUMPERS
23. No Evidence of Flood, Fire, Major or Hail Damage 24. BodyPanelInspection
25. Bumper/FasciaInspection
3B–DOORS, HOOD, DECKLID, TAILGATE
Clutch Fluid 97. Washer Fluid
Oil Soaked)
148. Differential/Drive Axle
26. Doors,Hood,Decklid/TailgateandRoofInspection 27. Doors,Hood,Decklid/TailgateAlignment
28. Automatic/Manual Release Mechanisms,
Hinges, Prop Rod/Gas Struts Operate Properly 29. Power Liftgate, Power-Sliding Door Operation
3C–GRILLE, TRIM AND ROOF RACK
30.Grille,TrimandRoofRackInspection 31. DeployableRunningBoards
3D–GLASS AND OUTSIDE MIRRORS
32. Windshield,SideandRear-WindowGlassInspection 33. WiperBladeReplacement
3E–EXTERIOR LIGHTS
34. ExteriorLights(Back/Side/Front) 35. Trailer Lamp Connector Operation
4. VEHICLE INTERIOR
4A–AIRBAG AND SAFETY BELTS
36. Airbags
37. SafetyBelts
4B–AUDIO AND ALARM SYSTEMS
38. Radio, Radio Antenna, Cassette, CD and Speakers SiriusXM Satellite Radio ESN (Electronic Serial Number):
39. Alarm/Theft-DeterrentSystem
40. Navigation System
4C–HEAT/VENT/AC/DEFOG/DEFROST
41. Air Conditioning System 42. HeatingSystem
43. Defog/Defrost
VIN
Technician Signature
I certify that all mechanical items have been inspected.
Service Manager Signature
I certify that all mechanical and appearance standards have been met.
Date
Date
Passed Repaired Replaced N/A
Passed Repaired Replaced N/A
6B–ENGINE
98. FluidLeaks
99. Hoses,LinesandFittings
100.Belts
101. Wiring
102.OilinAirCleanerHousing 103.Water,SludgeorEngineCoolantinOil
104. Oil Pressure
105. Relative Cylinder Compression Test/Power
107. EngineMounts 108.InspectTurbochargerAirCooler
6C–COOLING SYSTEM
109. Radiator
110. Pressure-TestRadiatorCapandRadiator 111. CoolingFans,ClutchesandMotors
112. WaterPump
113. CoolantRecoveryTank
114. CabinAirFilter
6D–FUEL SYSTEM
115. FuelPumpNoiseNormal 116. Fuel Pump Pressure
117. Fuel Filter
118. Engine Air Filter
6E–ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
119. StarterOperation
120. Ignition System
121. Battery
122. Alternator Output
123. DieselGlowPlugSystem
7. HYBRID/ELECTRIC VEHICLES
124. HybridCoolingSystem
125. SwitchablePowertrainMount
126. Hybrid Entertainment and Information Display 127. CargoManagementSystem
128. High-Voltage Thermal System
129. High-Voltage Service Disconnect 130.ChargingComponentsTest1
131. ChargingComponentsTest2
132. Cell Variation Check
133. DCDC
134. MyFord® Mobile Reset
135. Vehicle Instrument Cluster Lifetime Summary
andTripResets
136. EV Drive Modes
137. PHEVHeatingSystemModes 138. BEV Heating System Modes
8. UNDERBODY
8A–FRAME
139. FrameDamage 140. Fuel Supply System
8B–EXHAUST SYSTEM
141. ExhaustSystemCondition 142. EmissionsControlTest
8C–TRANSMISSION, TRANSAXLE, DIFFERENTIAL AND TRANSFER CASE
143. Automatic Transmission/Transaxle
144. Manual Transmission/Transaxle, Differential
Original: Owner
Copy 1: Dealer
Copy 2: Service Dept.
FCPO-INSPECT-15
Original: Owner
Copy 1: Dealer
Copy 2: Service Dept.
FCPO-INSPECT-15
Dealership Name:
