[CanesStang]

Hello, I’m sorry if my questions seem stupid but I’m new at this and would greatly appreciate any and all advice. If I’m going about this the wrong way, please let me know.

I’m interested in purchasing an 89-92 Mustang GT manual transmission (preferably hard top) and would like some advice. I basically would like to get something that is in good shape mechanically and in appearance inside and out. I don’t mind if the inside and out isn’t in top shape but I don’t want anything in too bad of shape i.e. rust, body damage etc. My goal would be to improve the car’s performance first and then interior and exterior. I want the engine to be mostly unmodified. This is a project that I've been wanting to do for a while and I understand it would take me quite some time to complete.

The thing that I’m asking for advice on is what to look for when purchasing one of these cars? To me the most important thing will be the purchase and I don’t want to buy something and later realize that I looked over some things or I got screwed on the price.

I’m new at this and want to make sure I start off on the right foot. I have plenty of time and patience to wait and find the right car. I also have the cash to buy right now. I’ve been reading anything and everything on this topic that I can get my hands on. I’m currently in the process of finishing a few books that I bought too. I don’t want to rush any of this process.

1. What should I look for (or look out for) when purchasing this car? Are there certain spots or things mechanically us average guys wouldn’t know to check for?

2. With my requirements, what price range would you suggest for this car? I understand that prices may vary but I’m looking for a low to high range. Just off the top of my head and what I’ve seen out there, I was thinking around 3K, maybe 2-4K range?

3. What other reading material do you suggest? I purchased and am reading the following books
a. Mustang 5.0 Projects by Houlahan, Mark
b. Mustang 5.0 Performance Projects (Motorbooks Workshop) byEvans, Huw
c. How to Build & Modify Ford Fuel Injected 5.0 V-8 Engines by Wilson, Tom

The two pictures attached (if you can see them, 89 and 91 mustang5.0) are what I'm looking to visually achieve as the final product with this mustang project.

I really appreciate any help you can give me. Thanks in advance!

[andy9802gt]

Watch out for torque box damage and rust hidden by the ground effects behind the rear wheels.

[RLG34750]

well your price range will limit you some in your choice....

what i mean ....car in that price range on average will be in fair condition

on your initial purchase if you increase it by 2000
you will have a better working platform for your future plans....

the choice is yours pay now or pay later...
don't be discourage sometimes you can get lucky
and find the car want for the price you want

but is is a matter of luck and time....

good luck in your search.....

[MSally]

I would look for an unmodified car. Here in Ky the money you have will easily get you a decent ride. You might as well include 1993 in your search. If you want a specific gear ratio you can determine what the car has by its vin#. This way you were choosing between two cars one may have a more preferable rear end. The rearend codes are in the 5.0 tech section.

[CanesStang]

Thanks everybody for the replies so far.

I live in Florida but I guess it would be worth my time to try and find these cars in other places. Kentucky is a drive but it may be worth it.

Also any ideas to where you guys usually look for cars online...besides craigslist? I've found a couple autotrader types online. AND what type of mileage should I be looking for? Is rebuilt okay or should I stay away??

I think if I want to spend $3,5 - 4k then I could get something nice. But I may wait and try to even find something a little cheaper.

Please keep the advice coming. I really appreciate it!

[RLG34750]

i also live in florida ....i'm across the state in Palm Bay....there are several car over here that are avaiable...and if you to drive Palm Beach .....Ft Lauderdale....Miami....you can find cars without leaving the state

check craigslist spacecoast there is always something in there....

in fact i know where a clean 86 is for 5k .....

if the wife would me let it would be sitting in the drive right now......

thats right the driveway ....it's not as clean as the 88......

[EagleAutosports]

You can also check out Mustang Trader, you'll find the right one eventually, and don't settle for one you don't really want. Wait and get the one that's meant for you and you'll know it. Question is how far are you willing to go, how much are you willing to spend and what is the style you want. The GT shouldn't be hard to find, but finding one that isn't torn up is the trick.

[CanesStang]

Well I hope I can find the right car with no damage like you said. I can be patient.

also I hope I can get it under 4K. If not, I'll be saving more in the meantime.