AFJsvt

I am VERY interested in getting a 2001 Lightning, and just wanted to get opinions from you guys on several issues......
1. How is reliability?
2. Any problems or recalls?
3. How is gas mileage?
4. How much is MSRP?
5. Is the it really that fast?
6. If you had a chance to do it all over again, would you purchase the truck?
Sorry guys for so many questions....I've never been in the Lightning as you can see. All responses are MUCH appreciated! I'm considering trading the 98 Cobra in for it.....


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98 Laser Red Cobra
-Too many mods to list

CONSIDERING PURCHASING FORD LIGHTNING



[This message has been edited by AFJsvt (edited 08-28-2000).]

FORDSALES

An answer to all your questions:

1. I don't know. The 2001's have not been produced. Ford is still building and shipping the 2000
2. I don't know. The 2001's have not been produced. Ford is still building and shipping the 2000
3. I don't know The 2001's have not been produced. Ford is still building and shipping the 2000
4. I don't know. The 2001's have not been produced. Ford is still building and shipping the 2000
5. I don't know. The 2001's have not been produced. Ford is still building and shipping the 2000
6. Yes

AFJsvt

Okay, maybe I wasn't clear enough......
I didn't know Ford was still building and shipping 2000 Lightnings......I just wanted to get some inside info from CURRENT Lightning owners......

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98 Laser Red Cobra
-Too many mods to list

CONSIDERING PURCHASING FORD LIGHTNING

thepawn

1. How is reliability?

Early 1999's had some growing pains, but most of them were ironed out in the 2000's in looks like. All in all, the trucks seem to have proven to be very reliable.

2. Any problems or recalls?

The three "major" issues that were reported (no recalls on them yet)
* Intercooler leaks : mostly on 99's at this point, though seems like it may occur on the 2000's. FORD redesigned the intercooler in the 2001's to try to get rid of this problems.
* Moving Lower-A Arm : This occured because of a production line technique. A fix is supposed to be out in the next month or so.
* Driver side seat padding : Only seems to be on earlier lightnings, a lack of padding. Dealers have been fixing it without problem.

3. How is gas mileage?

Driving it like its meant to be driven: 12-14
Driving it like you drive a GeoMetro: 16-18

4. How much is MSRP?

Was 30995, but I believe the 2001 is $1500 more?

5. Is the it really that fast?

Yes.

6. If you had a chance to do it all over again, would you purchase the truck?

Definately, this is the most kick-*** vehicle I have ever owned. Even if it WASN'T as fast and beastly, it turns more heads then any other car I've had. I love it. I can't stop driving it.

Daniel

AFJsvt

Daniel, I really appreciate your insight! I'm leaning very heavily on purchasing a Lightning....just don't now if I should do it now or wait until early next year and go for a 2001.

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98 Laser Red Cobra
-Too many mods to list

CONSIDERING PURCHASING FORD LIGHTNING

FOMOCO

I cancelled a 2001 PT Cruiser to buy my 2000.
I even ordered plates for the Cruiser... My L now has LO CRUSER for a plate. I would not trade for anything in the world except another brand new 2000 Lightning. That would mean I get to drive the crap out of it again to break it back in. I put 2000 miles on mine in two weeks. Like everybody says, I get more looks and stares in my L than anybody driving a PT Cruiser. Its the only vehicle I ever had that looked like it was going 140 MPH sitting still. Sometimes I make excuses to go outside and look at it.
My advise is to run not walk to your nearest Ford dealer and buy a 2000 L and see what all the fuss is about.

TRACE Please delete this one I forgot my signature. Sorry about the reprint.

[This message has been edited by FOMOCO (edited 08-28-2000).]

FOMOCO

I cancelled a 2001 PT Cruiser to buy my 2000.
I even ordered plates for the Cruiser... My L now has LO CRUSER for a plate. I would not trade for anything in the world except another brand new 2000 Lightning. That would mean I get to drive the crap out of it again to break it back in. I put 2000 miles on mine in two weeks. Like everybody says, I get more looks and stares in my L than anybody driving a PT Cruiser. Its the only vehicle I ever had that looked like it was going 140 MPH sitting still. Sometimes I make excuses to go outside and look at it.
My advise is to run not walk to your nearest Ford dealer and buy a 2000 L and see what all the fuss is about.

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Red 2000 L 22 July 2000
Best stock ET: 14.19
Best stock MPH: 96.41
Recent Buys...
4.10 Gears
Superchips Flip chip
(New 2000 Burn)
MTX Thunderform Sub enclosure

I Feel The Need.....
The Need For Speed.

FORDSALES

AFJsvt

I agree with ThePawn

greatest vehicle I have owned, except my 1959 Corvette but at that time I was 18 and didn't have a clue

Jeffhou

I am 18, and I do know what I have, I had a mustang before this, and fell victim to many lt1's and ls1's, I cant say I have never lost to an ls1, but I can definetely say that I beat them more than they beat me, and I just laugh at lt1's.

Bimota Guy

I just bought my wife a '00 and it is great (about 1,000 miles on it so far.) Get about 14 mpg in mixed driving. MSRP in CA was $31,400, but we paid $28,041 plus tax (7.75%) and license for a total of $30,768 out the door. She also has a '95 and thought she would never like anything better: she does. Too early too talk about reliability, but build quality seems very good. I also own a '98 Cobra and I would NOT trade it for the truck. However, I like to Autocross and the Cobra is a better vehicle for that.

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-Steve :}
N.L.O.C. #84
'00 Black #???? (My wife's new toy!)
'95 Black #1556 (Community property?)
'98 Black Cobra Coupe #2745 (This one is mine)
'00 Ducati MH900e (coming soon??)
'99 Ducati ST4 (a 916 you can live with)
'91 Bimota Dieci (120 rear wheel HP; 480 lbs wet weight)
'83 Honda CB1100F (Wiseco 1127cc, Manley valves, Supertrapp)
San Diego, CA

[This message has been edited by Bimota Guy (edited 08-30-2000).]

Fiberman

I own a 2000 lightning. Took delivery in May. So far the beast has been a great driver. I drive it hard so I get about 10-12 MPG. The only negative going for it is the lack of alternative wheel/tire combos. There are some out there but not much. The Goodyear tires seem to do a good job of providing grip on the streets. They'll only last about 25K miles, however.

AFJsvt

Bimota, you say you would not trade in your 98 Cobra for one? Is it just because you autocross or are there other reasons?

Well, I test drove a used 2000 yesterday...it had 2800 miles on it and the dealer wanted $30,000 for it. The truck was everything I expected and more! They wouldn't budge on the price, though....told them I'd just get a new one from someone else for a better price. =)

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98 Laser Red Cobra
-Too many mods to list

CONSIDERING PURCHASING FORD LIGHTNING