musicman8287

Hi all,

First of hoping to be many posts.

I am interested in a $2k '89 LX notchback with 2.3 5 speed. What interests me is it's a Fox body notchback with a manual, and I have wanted this type of car as a possible future project.

I came across a solid one here in NC, rust free, clean, and runs well. Drives and shifts well, but def has a slight veer from side to side on straight-line driving. Buddy and I figure it could be tire issues, linkage., joints, etc. Or perhaps indicative of a previous wreck?

Seller agrees to put up on jacks to look underneath more thoroughly.

He and I have examined it up and down, and seems like a good solid car. Going to do another thorough inspection before pulling any trigger.

So I was wondering... is it even worth a damn? I have no plans on ditching the drivetrain for now, but would like a solid platform for a future build. I've always favored the notchback, and this one has a 5 speed in it, so a beefier 5 speed swap wouldn't be too difficult I would think.

Is $2k a fair price for this car? It's def solid, and I would guess it's been a southern car all it's life, as there seems to be no rust. We even pulled up carpet inside and in trunk. Nice and solid body.

Could this be a candidate for a 2.3 Turbo or 5.0 v8, if and when funds allowed it in the future?

Also, what should I look for, upon further inspection?

Thanks!

Tony71502

I wouldn't spend 2k. Around here a manual notch 4 banger, from 92 or 93 goes for about $1350. I mean, it's a car with probably over 100k miles, low power, not luxurious, nearly 25 years old. That doesn't sound like it's worth $2k to me. Again this also depends heavily on what options the car does have, and what condition everything is in.

Duncan_GT

Yeah its usually $1200-1500 around here

dawson1112

Crikey I looked at some of the stuff out there in SC what the heck are they doing to there mustangs. They must really think they have something special....

http://charleston.craigslist.org/cto/3964424625.html

http://charleston.craigslist.org/cto/3876195698.html

reldla1996

Finding a clean one is getting harder all the time. I finally bought mine as a 4 cylinder after looking at numerous around here back in 99. Be forewarned, changing the powertrain, suspension, and braking systems to make it work right is a lot more work than you think, or at least it was a lot more than I thought. If I had to do it over, I'd get the powertrain I wanted when I bought the car, and autotrader makes it easy.

rmodel65

i bought the last notch with a 2.3 and man trans for 800$ it was rock solid except for the trunk lid

tinman

I'd look real long and careful at the steering rack.
They do wear out...........

musicman8287

well, i ran a free limited return VIN search thru KBB, sponsored by Carfax... says salvage title and collision back in 11-2012, so forget it. Oh well... thanks for your responses, thoughts, and help.

The hunt continues...

musicman8287

reldla1966 - I hear ya. I have been doing extensive homework and beginning to wonder if I should just look for the mustang with the motor and trans I want. I am very mechanically inclined and have removed replaced a few motors and trans in my day, but a 2.3 to 5.0 swap seems to require way more swapping than motor and trans. LOL besides, on a 25 yr old car, things do break.

rmodel65

honestly a salvage title in 2012 doesnt scar me a 1989 mustang 2.3 is worth about 2500$ in mint condition 2500$ could be a small tap in the front end. I would just want the car inspected really good by a shop. plus if it was fixed good its an excellent bargaining chip to get the car for way less(assuming its not a shoddy repair)