I'm going out tomorrow with some guy to look at some used 'Stangs. I'm looking at 99+ GT or 97+ Cobra, my price range is under 18k TOPS.
I know some basic things to look at, tire wear, oil leaks, take it for a drive.
What other things should I look for while I'm looking at them? I don't want a Mustang that was abused like hell as a child, any good easy to spot pointers?
Thanks for your advice/help.

 

fender alignment.. just put your finger in between the hood and fender, then in between the fenders on each side.. just compare. Easy way to tell if there has been much body work. The hood wont align perfect.. but it shouldnt be way off. You dont want a wrecked stang. If your looking at strictly V8's power stall on a back road and make sure your getting 2 black strips, not just one.. kinda tests the rear a bit.
If you have time, you might want to take it to a mechanic to do a compression test, that is if the dealership/owner will let you. Other then that make sure it shifts smooth.

 

I think most important thing is to pick the style Mustang you like. Once you have picked the style you can look for the one that is in the best shape for that style. Hp and all the mods can be done after you have the car as long as you have started with the body style you like.

 

18K WOW

youve got ALOT more room to work with than most people who want a 99-04 GT or 96-98 Cobra usually do

it might seem kind of a generic answer,, but MILEAGE on top of the car you want should be the # 1 factor

sure, things can be wrong with a low mileage car, but it is less likely

a 99-04 GT and a 96-98 Cobra are pretty much on a similar starting platform as far as stock performance, but the 4v Cobra 4.6 has a bit more potential as far as down the road power

good luck
let us know how it goes

 

You could get a 03 mach 1

 

id definitely go with a 99-04 GT, but i jsut love the looks of that body style so much more. its all preference. look over the internet at pictures of both, see which one gives you a bigger...you know.

plus with a 04 you could have a warranty for a year...i dont know if you care or not about that sorta thing.

 

Well I've found a few around here.
The only Mach's I can find are in the 20's. So that's a no go.
I found an 01 Black GT 5 Spd with 60k, they're asking 15,9xx but I think I can get them down to 14,6xx. Then there's an 01 Mineral Gray GT 5 Spd with some Suspension mods, I didn't get the name, but he said he'll check it out tomororw, that's only had 40k and is in the upper 16's, which I think I can get down. I am looking for an extended warrantee but not for more than 2 years.
I'll post some pics tomorrow morning after I look at the Mineral Gray one.

 

HOLY FREAKING CRAP MAN!!!!

DO NOT PAY THAT MUCH

15,9xx for an 01 with 60,000 miles???????

you need to tell the guy who found those two cars for you to get a freaking life.

I hope i have made myself clear to you that the two prices you have listed are outrageous.
look around and DO NOT pay 16K for a 99-04 GT unless it has 0-5,000 miles [&:]

 

WFT????? Pick up a 99 or 01 cobra. If u like the SN95's(96-98) pick up a 96-98 cobra with 20k miles. Thats alot of money

 

+1