potential new owner....opinions needed
11-15-2012, 07:54 PM
#11
2nd Gear Member
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: MS
Posts: 467
Or you could end up with what I like to call a "frankencar" where some schmoe was doing stuff to the car and didn't know what he was doing. Be very skeptical and meticulous when you consider a car, especially a private seller. Just my .02 cents. Also, I've found stuff on my car I didn't like that the previous owner did, no one will ever take care of your car as well as you will.
11-16-2012, 03:28 PM
#12
Cliffy is on point as always.
The cars are extremely reliable as long as they've been treated half decent. They have the same engine as the crown vivs (cop car). Just keep in mind, you're always taking a risk buying someones car, especially an older american sports car with a V8.
I miss mine... the guy who bought mine got a hell of a deal.
The cars are extremely reliable as long as they've been treated half decent. They have the same engine as the crown vivs (cop car). Just keep in mind, you're always taking a risk buying someones car, especially an older american sports car with a V8.
I miss mine... the guy who bought mine got a hell of a deal.
11-16-2012, 04:01 PM
#13
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: PA
Posts: 14
Would it be wise to have an extra $1000 on hand for repairs just in case? I know they're getting older and naturally that means problems. But I would rather take that risk than make a monthly payment at this point in my life. Besides, I like working on cars. 
11-16-2012, 04:19 PM
#14
Maybe finance like half the car and keep the other half cash on hand just in case...? Sure you'll pay a little bit more in interest, but it won't be that much.
11-25-2012, 11:31 AM
#15
2nd Gear Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Florida
Posts: 248
I've had 4 mustangs and I'm not rich by any means and live check to check. I do my own work which saves on labor, but these cars really don't have problems. My 2nd 2001 Mustang had a IAC go bad and window motor.. in 50 thousand miles , cost around $200.00. My 3rd 2005 had the cluster go bad.... in 20 thousand miles, Cost $120.00. And my latest 2004 keeps blowing out inner tie rod seals after lowering the car , but $180.00 dollars and lifetime racks I can deal with it. The latter being a product of modding a 9 year old car and shopping at autozone. lol Good luck
11-26-2012, 11:37 PM
#17
5th Gear Member
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Maryland
Posts: 4,955
I may get chastised for saying this, but here I go.
A $4000 to $6000, 9 to 14 year old car, will find something to break quite regularly.
If this is going to be your only transportation, a DD, and you will have to pay someone else for repairs like the generator, power steering and water pumps, brakes (beyond pads and rotors), coolant leaks, new clutch, rear-axle leaks, etc.--then find something else to buy.
If OTH you can do the wrenching and don't mind having problems than go for it.
This is not because it is a Mustang, or an American car, but just because "performance sports cars" in that price and age range are likely to be pretty beat up and worn out, I.e. close to junk cars...
Don't get me wrong here, I love my '03 GT and it will likely be the last car I own. However I bought it in December 2006, 3-years old with 30k miles on it, for $12k cash which was from a VERY "motivated seller" and a steal...
A $4000 to $6000, 9 to 14 year old car, will find something to break quite regularly.
If this is going to be your only transportation, a DD, and you will have to pay someone else for repairs like the generator, power steering and water pumps, brakes (beyond pads and rotors), coolant leaks, new clutch, rear-axle leaks, etc.--then find something else to buy.
If OTH you can do the wrenching and don't mind having problems than go for it.
This is not because it is a Mustang, or an American car, but just because "performance sports cars" in that price and age range are likely to be pretty beat up and worn out, I.e. close to junk cars...
Don't get me wrong here, I love my '03 GT and it will likely be the last car I own. However I bought it in December 2006, 3-years old with 30k miles on it, for $12k cash which was from a VERY "motivated seller" and a steal...
11-27-2012, 06:07 PM
#19
2nd Gear Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Florida
Posts: 248
Just needs to feel right . I got out of my 2005 to save money 'cause things started getting tight. I actually looked for almost 2 years to find a cheaper nice one cause the 05 I was in was MINT so I was either comparing mine to others or salesman were never motivated to sell. So the ones I did like I couldn't get anyone to sell me ...... I finally got lucky and found an un molested 2004 that was lady driven with 56k for 10 grand. You just need to figure where you want to go . I've had 4 Mustang GT's but I always find myself daydreaming over superchargers and more power, thinking I should've just bought a Terminator instead.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post