Looking to get into a 95 t-bird

[detenator]

Hello all.
This is my first post on this forum.
I don't own a thunderbird but i have the opertunity to buy a 1995 with a 3.8 and an automatic transmision that is in pretty good shape. Before making this decision i figured i'd get some information on the car, and so i found my way here. My question is, what are the known problems with this generation of car, and what are the normal routine maintenance issues? Am i making a good choice by buying it? Any help will be appriciated.
Thanks.

[phjohnso]

The thunderbird 3.8 V6 engine is nothing but trouble. Only buy it if it is a deal (like about 1500 dollars). Head gaskets are the major problem with this engine. They were poorly designed. If the seller can proove to you (with paperwork) that a ford dealer has changed them out then go ahead and buy it, if not look for the v8 model. Either way, welcome, this site can become a great resource for you.

[wm_sorg]

The right head gasket was also an issue with the 4.6 engine. However if the car is running you sould be ok. The transmission seems to be the most problematic issue of the car. The transmissions on these cars run hot and break the fluid down over time causing the torque conver to shudder on lock up. When I test drove my car the fluis was nice and pink and did not smell burned. On the test drive the car ran fine. Unfortunately I did not drive it enough to get the engine and trans up to full temp.

On my way home it shuddered so bad I thought I would see my trans in the rear view mirror. Interestingly enough the problem manifests itself only on light acceloration or crusing. The cure to this problem was a mercon v flush. You can read the details in other posts here.

Another problem area is the rear suspension bushings. I thought I had a bad shock mount turns out it was the bushings.

Overall, it is not uncommon for these cars to get close to 300k with proper maintenance. Hence, another reason for buying one.