Ford Thunderbird (2005)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 32 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£3,153

£263/month

MOT Pass Rate

84%

Good

Road Tax

£790

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 35-50

3900cc Petrol

Solid Option

84% pass rate, £3,153/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol3900cc21 years old32 tests39k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 3900cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£790

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£3,153

Per month£263/mo

Per week£61/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

84% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data.

84% of MOT tests on Ford Thunderbirds from 2005 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 19 years old. That's based on 32 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 38,905 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2005 models92nd of 504(top 19%)

Rank among Ford models716th of 1,136(bottom half)

vs average of all models+2%(82% avg)

vs 2005 models average+12%(72% avg)

vs Ford average-1%(85% avg)

Mileage Analysis

38,905

Average miles

140,600

Expected for age

The average 2005 Ford Thunderbird had 38,905 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 140,600 miles for a 19-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.

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Similar Cars to Consider

Land Rover Range Rover

2006 · 4197cc Petrol

£3,153/year

80%

-4%

Land Rover Range Rover Sport

2005 · 4394cc Petrol

£3,153/year

82%

-2%

Porsche 911

2006 · 3824cc Petrol

£3,003/year

90%

+6%

Volkswagen Touareg

2007 · 3597cc Petrol

£3,303/year

79%

-5%

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About the 2005 Ford Thunderbird

The 2005 Ford Thunderbird is a large-engined car. Our records list a 3900cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 32 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 19% of all 2005 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 38,905 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Ford Thunderbird owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.

2005 Ford Thunderbird Fuel Costs

The 3900cc petrol engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,958 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 2005 Ford Thunderbird?

Total estimated annual running cost is £3,153 (£263/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £790 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 84% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Buying a Used 2005 Ford Thunderbird

At 21 years old, the Ford Thunderbird is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. Note: with only 32 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

Common Issues to Watch For

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 21 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.

Oil Consumption

Medium risk

Larger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.

Suspension Bushings

Watch out

Rubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.

Service History

Low risk

Always request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.

Running Costs Compared

How the 2005 Ford Thunderbird stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Ford Thunderbird(2005)	84%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,153
Land Rover Range Rover(2006)	80%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,153same
Land Rover Range Rover Sport(2005)	82%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,153same
Porsche 911(2006)	90%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,003-£150
Volkswagen Touareg(2007)	79%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,303+£150

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 2005 Ford Thunderbird

Is the 2005 Ford Thunderbird reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 84% of MOT tests on 2005 Ford Thunderbirds ended in a pass, from 32 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 2 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2005 Ford Thunderbird cost to run?

Our estimate is £3,153 a year (£263 a month): £1,958 fuel, £790 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2005 Ford Thunderbird?

84% of 32 MOT tests on the 2005 Ford Thunderbird ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 92nd of 504 models first registered in 2005 (top 19%).

What is the average mileage for a 2005 Ford Thunderbird?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2005 Ford Thunderbird is 38,905 miles, which is significantly below the expected 140,600 miles for a 19-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.