Not sure what i'm doing
 

Hey guys I have never driven a sports car before, never grew up around people that worked on cars. In result I really don't know much when popping the hood other then this is power steering fluid, this is windshield wiper fluid, etc. I've never actually worked on a car or anything, don't even know what pistons are!
So basically i've been saving up to get a car. I really want a Mustang. I've been searching the Columbus Ohio craigslist for mustangs, there's a ton on there. They're pretty much all over 100k miles tho.
My issue is I need something that is an everyday runner, and if it needs any repairs it's small and won't prevent me from being able to drive it.

Would you guys have any tips for me when looking at cars to help me be able to tell -this car- is a for sure nogo for me, -this car- is a maybe, etc.?

I'm looking at Mustangs around the 94-98 range, something I can get for under $3000

Thanks

it sounds to me like you want a mustang that is under 75k. This will help make sure that you won't get anything that needs any extensive work. It's going to be hard to find a 94-98 style in this mileage though. probably even harder to find one for your budget.

Buying a 100k car is kind of hit and miss. You have to know what to look for as far as issues go. Some people take care of their cars and they'll have no problems at this mileage, but some people don't take very good care of them and it'll end up with some expensive problems around this time.

In my experience, people sell their cars for a reason. Either because they're tired of it and want something new, had changes in their lives and need a different type of vehicle, ran into money issues and need to get rid of it, or it has problems and they don't want to deal with it anymore.

The best thing you can do is ask plenty of questions and if a sale sounds legit, have the car checked out by a qualified mechanic before you buy it. It might cost you a little money to inspect it, but better to go over it beforehand and possibly lose out on $60 bucks than end up buying a POS that'll cost you thousands to get right.

Another good thing to look for is a car with maintenance records. if someone's taken the time to keep track of all their maintenance records, chances are they care about the car. The maintenance records will also show how well they've kept up with preventative maintenance. have they changed the oil regularly? brakes? how old is the battery/alternator? has it recently had an alignment? has the vehicle ever been wrecked? Are the tires new (it'll cost at least $400 for a cheap set of tires)? Also if they take their car to a single shop regularly, it wouldn't be a bad idea to get in touch with that shop and ask them about the car.

I'd go for 96-98. 94 and half way into 95 Ford used less than great head gaskets. Those tend to go out, and can be a pain to fix if you can't do it yourself.

100,000 miles isn't something to be scared of as long as it's been taken care of. I'd rather own a 100K well treated car than a 10K that was beaten to crap.

Stay away from 94/95 Mustangs, they both have head gasket issues, and both use older outdated technology.

98 V6s are a pretty good solid year as they incorporate some of the technology the 99-04s recieved.

Mustangs are good reliable cars, but like anything it comes at the cost of how well it's maintained. 100K may be a lot of miles or 100k may be a drop in the bucket, that's the unknown variable. I'd always try to find the best maintained car with the least miles. Pretty easy to spot once you know what to look for.

Now one thing to keep in mind is that the older the car, the older the parts and while millage is important it doesn't mean everything. Keep in mind that as cars sit outside they naturally degrade, an example. A 04 Mustang with 120K on the clock that was garrage kept and well maintained with be in much better shape than a 94 Mustang with 60K on the clock that's had all of 4/5 oil changes and has sat outside the entire time.

Thanks for the answers guys.
I can't seem to find any mustangs being sold on craigslist that isnt listed at least $1000 over what it's worth on kbb. I'm wondering if prices will get even higher in the summer time, i'm not so much willing to pay that much over a cars worth.

Do you guys know if any of the years for the mustang gt has had any common problems?

Well every year has some kind of dumb problem but none of the years have anything major or consistant. But as far as years to avoid, avoid the 96-98 GTs, the NPI 2V 4.6L is a complete dog and an utter waste of a car. They don't respond well to mods, and were the slowest V8 Mustangs made in nearly 20 years to the time. Yes, they're rated the same as 5.0s, however they weigh more, don't respond as well to mods, and for some reason just don't perform the same.

I prefer the 99-04 bodys and i found my 2001 v6 for 2500, if you keep looking youll find one, i found a 99 in hampton roads virginia for 1800. He said hes being departed and just needs a quick sale

Jeff I hope you meant deported, doesn't departed meand dead?

OP, I have owned a 97 coupe and the current 98 vert both V6s. I paid around $2300 for each, with about 85k when I bought them. Both have been relatively trouble free.

Do you know anyone with knowledge of cars taht could go wiht you, they might not be able to give you a thunmbs up with the certainty of a mechanic, but could spot deal killers and save you the mechanics fee.

Take the KBB and toss it in the trash, it doesn't mean anything in todays world. Market value is all that matters. If people are paying $5000 for a car, people will sell them for $5000.

I feel pretty comfortable with a wrench, at least enough to break stuff. I learned by buying a car that needed alot of work. I agree that you should avoid one that needs alot if you want to drive it. it also helps to make sure the car you're learning on isn't a daily driver. You can do it, but you'll find yourself rushed. Mustangs are pretty easy to work on so and parts and knowledge are easy to come by. Welcome to the addiction!