Average Joe

I am going to look at a 1999 Mustang GT Convertible that is being sold privately. The car has 70 000KMs, is a V8, and manual. I am just looking for some tips on what to watch out for in these car? Anything specific I should be checking?

I will be looking at the paint for any signs of repaint.
A good test drive.
Check for leaks.
Check for rust.
Check for any signs of accidents.
Check the roof.

Are there any other specifics you would suggest checking? Any common problems?

cliffyk

Everything, it is a 12+ year old car...

However as it is a convertible go over the top with a fine tooth comb, if it is not perfect then used it as a wedge to drive the price down--replacing it will cost $1200 to $2500...

rkool

Check how it goes up and down. Should go up even and down smooth.

sonicx

How it shifts and how firm the clutch is. Clutch and tranny are the first 1/2 critical points for me that i check with a used stick car.

Average Joe

Thanks guys. I have noted those tips. If I like the car I will probably have a Mechanic check it out also.

!KLeech!

I'd pay attention to how much the owner of the car knows about the car itself, usually you can guage pretty well how good the car has been maintained by how intelligent the person driving it is.

Average Joe

Yup. The owner has owned it since 2007 and has done nothing but oil changes. No other fluid changes and that scares me. He bought it with 30 000Kms on it in 2007. So it sounds like none of the fluids have likely EVER been changed. This one might be off my list.

Your thoughts on this?

luke1333

might not be a bad thing maybe it was just well maintained and doesnt need anything. or it could be a bad thing like you think lol

!KLeech!

some people never change their tranny or rear end fluid. doesnt necessarily mean its a bad thing, its just supposed to be changed for smoother operation. changing them both is relatively cheap and easy so I wouldnt shy away from it for that reason. its lasted him a lot of miles since he bought it obviously.

sonicx

Really most of that stuff... fuel filter/tranny flush/coolant flush/etc is suppose to be done every 50K/60K miles so it being 70K. You could be okay; just depends how the cars been driven. In any case if you do purchases... do them ASAP!