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50,000-Mile Update

678 Views 22 Replies 10 Participants Last post by  1997ThunderbirdLXV6
As I just hit the 50,000-mile mark, I thought it would be nice to reflect on what I have done so far, and how much it cost (approximate amounts to the best of my recollection).

This car has been wonderful to own, makes me feel great driving it, and just feels like it's made for me. Knock on wood, it'll continue to do so. Or make for a decent sale as I am considering returning to my home country of Germany.



  • New TRW upper and lower control arms: $1,200 (parts and labor; don't judge...I know I overpaid, oh well; all others are parts only, plus my own labor)
  • New fuel filter: $12
  • Two oil changes: 2x $40
  • Transmission fluid flush with Valvoline Mercon V: $75
  • New air filter: $12
  • New plugs, wires, and Motorcraft coil pack: $180
  • New belt: $25
  • New Continental Reliant tires: $400
  • Passenger side mirror: $20
  • Front valence panel: $15
  • Door striker bushings: $0
  • Passenger side door weather seal: $10
  • Auto-dimming inside rearview mirror: $16
  • Faux suede trim, incl. adhesive: $70
  • Genuine walnut wood pieces: $40
  • Leather-wrapped door release handles and shift knob: $15
  • Leatherette-wrapped armrest: $15
  • Leather headrests with custom stitching front and rear, tilting in front: $60
  • DRL with Zevo LEDs and relay: $35
  • Zevo LED taillights and LED-friendly flasher: $35
  • Cornering lights: $25
  • Door panel and center console ambient lighting: $10
  • Door courtesy lights plus interior LED bulbs: $40
  • Center console cubby (repositioned 12V outlet): $10
  • Center console armrest support (using pre-97 cupholder plus custom support): $10
  • Silencer removal with custom mesh rodent guard: $0
  • O2 sensor connector reposition (which cleared P0156 code): $0
  • Various interior cleaning/shampooing exercises
:unsure: Did I miss anything?

Comes to a total of $2,410. Considering that this is a budget operation, that's a lot of money; but I realize many people spend way more.
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Even with hours aside, thats not a lot of money. Its a great car. Pushing on 160K with 5 owners and no carfax history here.
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Could you import it to Germany :)? You would probably be one of the very few on the road. Rumor I have heard is the suspension on these cars was modeled after the 5 series BMW.
Is that so, likely in partnership with Jaguar?
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