Hi everyone, i am currently looking at 09 mustangs (my dad had one black on black, 45th anniversary,4.6 v8 5sp, had rear and side louver, fog light relocated closer, and duct tail wing {ik it is only 9 years old but i was like 11 and it was my favorite car of his}) I was wondering what i should look out for when buying one, my price range is 8 to 10 thousand, ik i want a 5 speed, does anyone know what i should look out for

 

All the usual "before-offer made" things. Turn key ON, watch for icons on dashboard to "prove-out", then go out, excepting CHECK ENGINE, which goes out upon starting. If ANY stay ON, question it heavily.

Start engine with hood open. Listen. Look. Acceptable noise level, test drive, check "tracking" of front wheel, look for steering wheel "pull" when you let go of it. Check brakes. Watch tachometer if automatic, as eachj shift occurs, there should be NO speed-up of engine. Listen for rear axle noise, humming or growling. Check heating/AC.

All good so far, stop and check all lights. Check tires. Pull out oil dipstick, is oil dirty? Smell it for gasoline odor. Have a few rags with you.

If you WANT the vehicle, any derogatory points you've found will act in your favor as "bargaining chips". Call those out to the Seller.