Find or Sell Used Cars, Trucks, and SUVs in USA

Stunning Collectible 2002 Ford Thunderbird Premium Roadster W/hardtop Immaculate on 2040-cars

Year:2002 Mileage:15140 Color: THUNDERBIRD BLUE /
 BLACK & BLUE
Location:

Boulder City, Nevada, United States

Boulder City, Nevada, United States
Transmission:Automatic
Body Type:Convertible
Engine:3.9 Liter DOHC V8
Vehicle Title:Clear
Fuel Type:Gasoline
For Sale By:Dealer
Condition:

Used

VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)
: 1FAHP60A82Y126434
Make: Ford
Number of Cylinders: 8
Model: Thunderbird
Year: 2002
Trim: PREMIUM HARDTOP ROADSTER 15K MILES IMMACULATE
Warranty: EXTENDED AVAILABLE
Drive Type: RWD
Options: Leather Seats, CD Player, Convertible
Mileage: 15,140
Safety Features: Anti-Lock Brakes, Driver Airbag, Passenger Airbag
Sub Model: PREMIUM HARDTOP ROADSTER 15K MILES IMMACULATE
Power Options: Air Conditioning, Cruise Control, Power Locks, Power Windows, Power Seats
Exterior Color: THUNDERBIRD BLUE
Interior Color: BLACK & BLUE

     

2002 FORD THUNDERBIRD PREMIUM

2002 Ford Thunderbird

 

15,140 Miles

 

Premium Package • Full Interior Color Package • 2002 Only "Thunderbird Blue"

 

Power Convertible Top and Matching Hardtop with Storage Rack

 

Ultra Low Mileage • Superb Maintenance • Near New Car Perfection

 

Let's be clear, the models pictured with the cars are paid for the express purpose of showing off and presenting our cars. 

They are not included with the sale of the vehicles or available to go with the vehicles at any point during the presentation online.  

 

In other words, Models Not Included

 

But included with this sale, the winning bidder that does complete the transaction will receive all digital photographs of the car and the models showing with the car if they want them. 

 

CALL ME!  OFFERS GET MY ATTENTION: 702-353-7500 or Doug@vivalasvegasautos.com

WATCH THIS VIDEO

PERFORMANCE, INSIDE & OUT

SMART BUYERS WATCH THE VIDEOS

 

 

 

We Want Your Business

Please call and we can discuss your serious and intelligent offer.

Be confident your intent to buy will be met by me, the owner, courteously.

Thanks,

Doug Williams

702-353-7500

  

 

THE ONLY WAY TO WORK YOUR DEAL IS TO CALL ME!

My vehicles are so unique and so rare,

knowing how much they will or should sell for is nearly impossible.

That is the magic of an eBay auction . . . serious buyers making a serious offer.

 

 

If I'm in the black, you will own this vehicle!

 

CALL ME! OFFERS GET MY ATTENTION: 702-353-7500 or Doug@vivalasvegasautos.com

 

2002 Ford Thunderbird Premium

VIN: 1FAHP60A82Y126434

Odometer: 15,140

Engine: 3.9 Liter DOHC V8

Transmission: 5-Speed Automatic

Exterior: Thunderbird Blue  (LY)

Interior: Black/Thunderbird Blue Leather  (AB)

Built: September, 2002 - Wixom, Michigan

Over 152 high resolution pictures below.

 

Standard Equipment

Front Engine/Rear Wheel Drive/2-Passenger/2-Door Convertible

3.9 Liter DOHC V8 Engine

252 horsepower @ 6,100/267 ft-lb torque @ 4,300 RPM

5-Speed Automatic Transmission

4-Wheel Power Disc Brakes with ABS

All-Speed Traction Control

Black Power Convertible Top with Glass Window and Rear Defrost

(one button/one handle operation)

Power Windows

Body Color Trimmed Power Mirrors

Power Locks

6-Way Power Driver's and 2-Way Power Passenger Seats

Dual Zone Automatic Electronic Air Conditioning/Climate Control

Power Tilt/Telescopic Steering Column

Premium Leather Trimmed Reclining Bucket Seats

Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel with Audio and Speed Controls

Analog Temperature Gauge, 7,000 RPM Tachometer, 160 MPH Speedometer and Fuel Gauge

Brushed Metal Interior Trim

Remote Keyless Entry

Automatic Headlamps

Driver and Passenger Frontal and Side Impact Airbags with Passenger Deactivation

Belt-Minder Safety Belt Reminder

SecuriLock Passive Anti-Theft/Perimeter Alarm System

AM/FM Stereo with 6-Disc In-Dash CD Changer and Sirius Satellite Radio

Center Console with Storage and Leather Top Armrest

HomeLink Universal Transmitter

Illuminated Entry with Theater Dimming

Locking Glove Box

2-Cup Holders

2-Power Points

Dual Visor Vanity Mirrors

Map Light

Full Dual Exhaust System with Bright Tips

Tinted Glass

Chrome Grille

2-Speed Variable Wipers

Lower Door Panel Storage

Carpeted Floor Mats

Trunk Located Battery

18 Gallon Fuel Tank

3.58 Rear Differential

Temporary Spare Tire/Jack/Tools

 

Optional Equipment

Removable Hardtop with Chrome Trimmed Portholes, Rear Defrost and Rolling Storage Stand

Supplemental Parking Lamps

(fog lights)

Black Convertible Top Boot

Full Interior Color Accent Package:

Thunderbird Blue Seat Inserts, Lower Instrument Panel, Lower Center Console,

Door Trim Inserts, Steering Wheel Top, Shift Knob and Gauge Pointers

Premium Package:

Heated Seats

17-Inch/7-Spoke Chrome Aluminum Wheels

 

Other Items

Sumitomo Touring LSV Steel Belted Radials  235/50R17

 

CALL ME!  OFFERS GET MY ATTENTION: 702-353-7500 or Doug@vivalasvegasautos.com

 

 

Backstory from the owner...

You are looking for the finest, best maintained, lowest mileage T-Bird you can find.  You are here because the excellence in your neck of the woods, by any measure, is a joke.  I know exactly how you feel.  I attend specialty and dealer-only auctions every week searching for the best of the best in what my assistant I like to call "niche autos."  I scan lists of thousands of vehicles locally each week and select cars I've come to know are hard to find and that fit my business model of marketing exclusively on eBay.  A car averaging under 4-miles a day since new is going to make the list every time but only fraction of these low mileage vehicles actually turn out to be worthy my hard earned money.  I might see a dozen or so last-gen T-Birds in a year and what that means for you is; I have looked at, touched, smelled and walked away from a lot of Thunderbirds.  I am extremely picky and this convertible is one of a precious handful nice enough to justify the considerable efforts of me and my staff.  Past ownership, service history and condition, condition, condition are what matters.  Collectable future classics are not always treated well, but a precious few are taken care of and given proper respect.  Beautiful paint, spectacular interior, service history and an absolute knock-out to see in person - as good as my pictures are, they can't possibly convey the awesome visual impact this car has in real life.  What else could you want?  A great deal?  I have that covered too but you will not be purchasing this fine automobile for wholesale or even low book value.  You already know you get what you pay for and if you want true excellence, service, quality and exceptional condition, this 2002 Ford Thunderbird represents an extremely rare opportunity.  Read all we have to say, examine every picture in detail, see the amazing quality up close and personal and then make your call and give me an offer.  I promise, you will not be disappointed.

                                                                                                              Doug - Viva Las Vegas Autos, Inc.

CALL ME!  OFFERS GET MY ATTENTION: 702-353-7500 or Doug@vivalasvegasautos.com

 

2002 Ford Thunderbird with two previous owners and just 15,140 miles.  A brand new car in nearly every way with Premium Package (heated seats and 17-inch polished wheels) Full Color Accent Package, (body color seat/dash/console/door panel/steering wheel/shifter/gauge pointers trim) optional fog lights, convertible top boot and pricey ($2,500) matching hardtop with iconic porthole.  It even comes with a rolling storage stand . . .

 

 

available dates/mileage
9-02 compliance label build date
9-9-02 NICB - vehicle manufactured and shipped to original dealer  
9-23-02 "126519" and "#613 PT FM"  (written with Sharpie inside hood)  
11-19-02 Nevada DMV - Las Vegas  
12-24-02 Nevada DMV - Las Vegas 10 miles
11-4-03 Nevada DMV - Las Vegas  
10-8-04 Nevada DMV - Las Vegas  
11-1-04 Nevada DMV - Las Vegas  
11-17-05 Nevada DMV - Las Vegas  
11-14-06 Nevada DMV - Las Vegas  
11-16-07 Nevada DMV - Las Vegas  
8-16-08 Nevada bill of sale - Indian Springs  
8-18-08 personal documentation - Indian Springs, Nevada  (Indian Springs Baptist Church fax cover sheet) 5,657
8-21-08 Nevada DMV - Indian Springs 5,657
9-26-08 Nevada DMV - Las Vegas  
10-15-08 Nevada DMV - Indian Springs  
7-27-09 Nevada DMV - Indian Springs  
9-5-09 Team Ford - Las Vegas, Nevada - power lock service, LOF 5,873
7-10-09 Big O Tires - Pahrump, Nevada - nitrogen tire inflation 8,084
9-11-09 Fabulous Freddy's Express Lube - Indian Springs, Nevada - LOF 9,284
1-9-10 Big O Tires - Las Vegas, Nevada - new tires 9,659
7-23-10 Nevada DMV - Indian Springs  
6-2-11 Nevada DMV - Indian Springs  
8-11-11 Nevada DMV - Indian Springs  
8-14-12 Nevada DMV - Indian Springs  
8-12-13 Nevada DMV - Indian Springs  
7-30-14 Carmax - Henderson, Nevada 15,068
8-12-14 current 15,140

 

 

In addition to showroom straight body and sparkling new paint, this Retro-Bird drives and functions like a brand new car.  "Thunderbird Blue" was available for model year 2002 only . . .

 

 

Real, full dual exhaust connected to a revvy 3.9 liter DOHC V8 and 5-speed automatic . .

 

 

Vintage Thunderbird styling cues are everywhere but this last generation of Ford's iconic 2-seater is a powerful, hot looking and modern performance machine in its own right.  That means you're going to love it even if you don't remember T-Birds of yore . . .

 

 

With a car like this, ignore what the "experts" might say, what your mother or ex-wife says or any logic about practicality.  It's a 2-seater because more than two is too many.  The trunk has plenty of room for just the right amount of people and this pretty girl gets great mileage.  And when it comes to which Thunderbird to buy, this 15,000 mile cream puff is definitely the car.  Right color, right mileage and you won't find better condition even if you could time travel back to 2002.

Top condition, top market roadster with 2-tops and exactly as many seats as it needs . . .

 

 

Hardtop resting safely on the provided stand.  Stored against a wall, it takes up barely 20-inches . . .

 

 

Brushed steel and optional interior color package makes this cabin pop, every time you open the door.  New car new everywhere you look . . .

 

 

Both seats are power/heated . . .

 

 

 

3.9 Liter DOHC V8 Engine

252 horsepower @ 6,100/267 ft-lb torque @ 4,300 RPM

 

 

Clean, dry, beautiful and pre-surgery clean  . . .

 

 

Real, old school dual exhaust and assembly line fresh undercarriage . . .

 

 

VIN Decode: 1FAHP60A82Y126434
country 1 USA
manufacturer F Ford Motor Company
division A Ford
restraint system H active belts, driver and passenger frontal and side airbags
type P passenger vehicle
model/body style 60 Thunderbird/2-door convertible
engine A 3.9 liter DOHC V8
check digit 8 matches per NHTSA
model year 2 2002
assembly plant Y Wixom, Michigan
sequential production number 126434

 

 

Compliance label with September, 2002 build date.

 

 

Original owner books.

 

 

A note from the owner.

I am a “used car dealer” but before that, I’m an automobile enthusiast.  I love original rare and high quality modified vintage cars and over the past decade I’ve been in business, have come to appreciate an expanding selection of high-demand, high value vehicles.  I specialize in and am always on the lookout for cars and trucks that were cherished by their previous owners.  I have an experienced eye for quality but I’ve discovered that my preferred buyer can instantly discern such a vehicle and I have therefore, built my business and reputation around finding these kinds of cars for this type of customer.  Super low miles and/or gentle ownership are strict requirements but a car must do something for me on a personal level if there is any hope of convincing you, the bidder, that this is an above average, exceptional vehicle.  If nothing about the car excites me, it probably won’t do much for you either and I would soon be out of business.

With just four employees and no sales people, I realize how unusual a “dealership” like mine may at first glance appear.  It has taken great care and effort to create such an organization and often, an unusually high investment in a particular car we are about to list.  To sell the best it is critical to have a trusted expert in my corner and Chris, owner of A-Best Auto Repair in Henderson, Nevada has my back.  He and his crew can fix anything; from a low budget beater to the absolute most expensive exotic you can name, no job is too big and no small detail unimportant.  They do an exhaustive 130 point inspection on each and every vehicle and nothing escapes their methodical investigation.  Experience has shown that everything I spend making a car truly “right” will come back to me not only with a higher selling price, but a happy customer that says good things about me.  Moreover; it allows my writer to describe the car with ease and confidence, something that simply is not possible unless he thinks it is true.  If major issues are found or the cost of fixing the car the way it should be makes it too expensive to sell, my choice is an easy one.  I simply absorb a few hundred dollars loss for my trouble and sell it at auction.

After the vehicle is fully sorted it arrives at our facility where it encounters the suspicious eye of Tom, my writer that creates the presentations you see on eBay.  He believes absolutely nothing I or anyone else tells him about the car as he combs over every inch, researches its history and documents originality and authenticity.  Historical significance, rarity, special features, possible modifications and much more are used to accurately describe the vehicle with integrity and honesty.  Most important for the potential buyer are the 100 to 150 high resolution pictures that I take myself.  The pricey equipment I use would be right at home in the hands of the very best professional photographers and I’ve developed a logical format that walks you around the entire vehicle with close-up shots of every square inch.  I provide detailed views of the interior, under the hood and then put it on a lift to show the undercarriage and confirm that the beauty of the car you are considering is not merely skin deep.  Even our detailers are enthusiastic about the cars they so meticulously clean.  This reconditioning can sometimes take several days and I’ve converted a paint booth, especially prepared for the professional clay bar and polishing each car lovingly receives.

Usually, I’ll also include a high definition video that shows the car doing its thing.  If it’s a fast car, we film it going fast.  If it’s a 4x4 you’ll see it crawling up a hill.  In every case you will hear things like a rumbling exhaust, working sound system and watch the temperature fall on a digital, laser thermometer pointed at an air conditioning vent.  How many “dealers” will video a Lotus Esprit doing a buck-eighty?  We do.

No “dealer,” on-line or in the real world, takes it to this level.  No other seller or organization provides you, the buyer, with so much information.  I do this because it is the only way I can convince a person; often a world away, unable to touch or feel their purchase, that my vehicle is for real and what I say is the truth.  All the above is necessary for me to stay in business while keeping integrity intact.  I want every buyer to be happy and I need glowing feedback on eBay.  To accomplish that I need satisfied customers that are as thrilled with their purchase as I was when I bought it.

If you have any questions at all, please call me on my cell at: 702-353-7500.  If your inquiry is sincere and your offer  serious, you’ll find me the most accommodating business partner you’ve ever dealt with.  If you call or e-mail asking for my reserve or “what is my bottom line” I will be looking for ways to politely end the conversation.  Until you are ready to actually pull the trigger, I will happily quote you the absolute highest nationally advertised suggested retail price I can find – a number we both know will not buy the car so, don’t waste your time, or mine.  I am after all, a “used car dealer.”

Serious buyers know the maximum they can offer.  I then must simply decide if I can sell for that number.

If you hit the reserve, the decision is no longer mine.  I must sell at that number.

OFFERS GET MY ATTENTION: 702-353-7500 or Doug@vivalasvegasautos.com

If you want to make a deal,

pick up the phone and talk a serious offer.

702-353-7500

I don't respond to emails asking for "bottom line, sale price, reserve, or Buy-it-Now" figures on top line cars.

THE ONLY WAY YOU GET THOSE FIGURES IS TO CALL ME!

The book values posted below are relevant to "real" selling figures.

NADA & KBB wouldn't be in business if their values were not real but their figures are averaged for the entire nation.  If this car is less than or better than this average, bid or offer accordingly.

Please ask about our service programs and pricing.

 

Cars sold without warranties are sold As-Is.

 

Waiver's of Warranty will be signed if declined.

 

All automobiles have breakdowns; some minor, some serious.  I know, because I fix them without the advantage of a warranty.  You don't have to.  Seriously consider a safety net for the unknown.

 

Most vehicles are already pre-qualified for the warranties with AULcorp.com

 

Terms of Sale
 

This vehicle is safely stored in our beautiful climate controlled showroom in Boulder City, Nevada.  We are just 25 minutes from Las Vegas International Airport (McCarran) and welcome the opportunity to meet the winning bidder there and drive them to our facility for vehicle delivery.  We have years of experience with vehicle shipping, nationwide and across the globe.  We stand ready to facilitate whatever arrangements are necessary, at the buyers request and expense.  This vehicle will not be delivered or released for shipment until complete payment is received and all funds have cleared.

Third party, pre-purchase vehicle inspections are welcome BEFORE the auction ends.  We are happy to answer questions about this vehicle and resolve any concerns you may have BEFORE YOU BID and BEFORE THE AUCTION ENDS . . . THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS.  If you are in the Las Vegas area, we invite you to stop by for a demonstration.

A $1000 non-refundable partial payment must be received 24 hours from the end of this auction .  We prefer VISA but will accept PayPal if necessary.

Full payment must be received within four (4) business days of the end of auction.  Cashiers-check, direct deposit or cash in person are acceptable but BANK to BANK WIRE TRANSFER IS PREFERRED for US winners and required for all winning bidders outside the United States.  Loan checks can be accepted only after prior approval from the owner, Doug Williams.  M/Os will NEVER be accepted.  CHECKS in ANY FORM MUST BE CLEARED as CASHABLE FUNDS before delivery of any item.

Free and clear title is in seller's possession and will be transferred upon payment in full.

Important:   Winning bidders on-line enter a legal and binding contract to purchase the vehicle presented here.  Bidders that win the auction and then do not pay, will be aggressively pursued.  Non-paying bidders will be prosecuted.  If you do not intend to purchase this vehicle, DO NOT BID.

We will happily do whatever is required to assist a legitimate bidder that intends to purchase the vehicle with their transaction.

This vehicle sold AS-IS, with no warranty.  This is not a new vehicle, it is used.  A used vehicle will have normal wear and tear congruent to its age and/or mileage.  This vehicle may have dings, scratches or other indications of use because it has been used.  Terms such as "perfection," "flawless" or "mint" may not be subjective but all other descriptions are.

When you bid, you understand and agree to these terms.

Please call Doug @ 702-353-7500 with ANY questions. Email: Doug@VivaLasVegasAutos.com

Sales tax, smog and title fees may be applicable to Nevada residents.

A document fee of $200.00 will be added to the closing auction price.

An optional 15 day drive-away permit is available for $8.25. 

New eBay bidders with (0) feedback or international bidders

please make contact by email or phone at least 2 hours before bidding.

We reserve the right to cancel bids if necessary  to protect our clients.

Research for this ad was done with all due diligence toward an accurate presentation of the facts.  All information herein represents our sincere effort to be correct.  If we have made any errors or provided information later found to be inaccurate, we will correct these mistakes and resolve any issues that occur as a result, as far as it is within our ability to do.  Descriptive words like "perfect" or "flawless" are subjective opinions because nothing is perfect; flaws are inevitable.  If you question what you see, feel free to inspect our vehicles in person or by a professional inspection service strictly prior to the close of the auction.  Post auction inspections are unacceptable and we reserve the right to sell to the follow up bidder immediately.

This is the bottom of the presentation, now do you homework, assess your budget and call

me with your fantastic offer.

I will respectfully decline lowball offers and graciously accept

any reasonable offers.

 
 
Viva! Las Vegas Autos, Inc.
707 Yucca St.
Boulder City, Nevada 89005
Office Line - 702-889-Viva (8482)
Fax Line - 702-889-8486
Dlr # 26850
 
Doug Williams
Owner
 
Direct Line -  702-353-7500
 
 
 

Win Victoriously, Your Way!

Find Out How to Make Your Deal Immediately!

We Can and Will Find a Way to Make it Happen for You on eBay.

Beat all the last minute bidders to the punch!

Save Time & Last Minute Disappointment

Keeping the Deal on eBay & Keeping it Safe!

 Don't worry eBay!

We'll make sure the auction completes & does not happen off of eBay!

We wouldn't want eBay to think we're trying to circumvent their fees!

Keeping our clients safe and getting positive feedback is critical to us!

Almost as critical as EBay's enforcement of their circumventing fees policy.  

 
 
 

A Note for Potential Victims

 

 Please let us know if you see our vehicles under listings of obvious question or if you receive a "Second Chance Offer" with any e-mail other than ours.  You can easily recognize the crooks with the stupid low "Buy it Now" price and the direct e-mails off the eBay system.  They'll never disclose a telephone number or address either.  If they won't talk to you, return a call or can't send you a copy of a title to the vehicle . . . DON'T SEND THEM MONEY or fall for their sneaky e-mails and redirects attempting to get your seller ID and password.

 

* Be Careful! *

 

Be sure to ask about our Available Warranties

&

Review our Programs and Pricing on the Links below.

 

 

 

Some Vehicles May Qualify for the Premier Warranties of AUL.

 

 

 

 

Auto Services in Nevada

Ultimate Auto Cars ★★★★★

Auto Repair & Service, New Car Dealers, Used Car Dealers
Address: 3210 Freemont St, Las-Vegas
Phone: (702) 440-0001

Team Acme Inc. ★★★★★

Auto Repair & Service, Window Tinting, Glass-Auto, Plate, Window, Etc
Address: 150 N Gibson Rd Suite D, Henderson
Phone: (702) 566-8326

Tahoe City Chevron Center ★★★★★

Auto Repair & Service, Automobile Parts & Supplies, Brake Repair
Address: Lovelock
Phone: (530) 448-8860

Sunshine Service Brake & Allignment ★★★★★

Auto Repair & Service, Wheels-Aligning & Balancing, Auto Oil & Lube
Address: 850 S Rock Blvd, Sparks
Phone: (775) 358-5486

Sunshine Service Brake & Allignment ★★★★★

Auto Repair & Service, Wheels-Aligning & Balancing, Auto Oil & Lube
Address: Paradise-Valley
Phone: (775) 358-5486

Stephen`s Buggy Repair ★★★★★

Auto Repair & Service, Automobile Restoration-Antique & Classic
Address: 3060 N Nellis Blvd Ste 12, Henderson
Phone: (702) 651-9560

Auto blog

Chrysler called out over lackluster Ram Runner by racer who helped develop it

Fri, 11 Apr 2014

Fans of off-roading and desert blasting might recall that Chrysler offers an aftermarket conversion that can turn a Ram 1500 into a road-legal desert racer, called the Ram Runner. The kit, sold through Mopar, includes some significant suspension upgrades, body tweaks and a brawnier cat-back exhaust for the truck's 5.7-liter V8.
Considering all of this, comparisons with the almighty Ford F-150 SVT Raptor are common. Among the off-road community, that makes these two a sort of Chevrolet Camaro and Ford Mustang for people that prefer driving on dirt. In the Race-Dezert forum, the discussion as to which truck was better was proceeding as normal - Ram fans said their piece and Ford fans said theirs. Then, a man named Kent Kroeker offered up his two cents.
See, Kroeker is a Baja racer, and the man that helped develop the Ram Runner. Despite his association with the truck, though, he had some less than kind words for Chrysler and the Ram Runner.

Hot sales have Detroit automakers shortening summer shutdowns

Tue, 08 Jul 2014

Back in May, there was speculation that the Detroit Three automakers would maintain or perhaps even extend their traditional summer shutdowns, mostly due to a bitingly cold winter that saw below-freezing temperatures infiltrate the southernmost reaches of the US, putting a chill on auto sales. Now, though, the numbers are in, and thanks to some promising sales figures, it looks like some domestic line workers are going to be working clear through July, in some cases.
According to Automotive News, Ford has slashed its traditional two-week hiatus for factory workers in half at four of its plants, while both Chrysler and General Motors will keep factories running nonstop (two plants in Chrysler's case and a third of GM's factories).
This is, as we said, thanks to some positive numbers. Chief among those is the Seasonal Adjusted Annual Rate, which was at an eight-year high of 17 million units. Individual figures were less promising. GM, embroiled in its recall scandal, still saw a one-percent increase while Ford dropped six percent in year-over-year sales. Chrysler was the big winner, though, with a nine-percent jump in June.

Automakers tussle over owners of 'orphan' makes

Thu, 10 May 2012

When General Motors put down several of its brands in recent years, it also let loose thousands of brand-loyal customers who will eventually need another car.
R.L. Polk Associates estimates there are more than 18 million cars from 16 discontinued makes on the road today. Those "orphan owners" have sales-hungry competitors seeing dollar signs. GM is offering Saturn owners $1,000 cash toward a Chevy Cruze, Cadillac CTS or a GMC Acadia. Ford is giving its Mercury lease customers a chance to get out of their contracts with no early-termination penalty and offering to waive six remaining payments if they drive off in a Ford or Lincoln.
Edmunds.com research shows the efforts are paying off somewhat for GM, with 39 percent of Pontiac owners, 37 percent of Hummer owners and 31 percent of Saturn owners taking delivery of another GM-branded vehicle. But that leaves as much as 69 percent of owners going elsewhere. Ford, Honda and Toyota seem to be attracting many former GM owners.