I am looking to buy another Mustang. I do sales for a living and spend a lot of time on the road. My leased Toyota has about had it and I just don't want to spend the money that new cars are selling for these days. So I figure that I can get me a clean automatic Mustang and easily keep it on the road with my knowledge of the car, for a whole lot less money.

Let me know what you guys think about me being able to find the following car:

89-93 Mustang LX V8 Notchback/sedan. Automatic, all power options (pretty standard stuff) like electric windows, locks, cruise, A/C, etc. Southern California Car, Un-modified (stock), well maintained, fair condition interior, no rust, no accidents, and under 100,000 miles (prefer under 80,000).

All for under $5,000, but prefer closer to $4000.

Am I being too un-realistic? Will a car like this be hard to find? Am I high or low on the price (private owner blue book says $4800)? And have you seen very many on the road like this?

I went through the local Auto Trader magazine, and saw many in the right price range, however most did not give the mileage and none of them were sedans (all hatch backs). And without seeing them myself, I couldn't tell if they were in the proper condition.

Your opinion would really be appreciated!!

Thanks!

Have you considerd looking up north in the B.C. province. Most of there cars are rust free and think of the exchange right now being around 50% your cash will go along way. Also with the old Free Trade agreement there is probably no duty to pay when you cross the border. You should check first but there isn't for me. The only stipulation is a new car purchase where there is duty applied.
I don't think your off the mark for pricing, an old friend of mine was trying to sell his 91 hatch automatic-never winter driven for 6,000 CDN. I don't know if he still has it but I do know when there is one for sale in the local paper they sure don't last long.. Good luck on your search Glen... Frank.

Just thought of something else Glen, the old Mustangs are very reliable as well. Hardly ever break down and you can drive the wheels off of them too!. A bit of trivia, when I worked at the Ford dealership you never did see a Mustang come in very often for warranty purposes. It was always the Tempo/Topaz, Escort, and trucks. Alot of trucks, heck we were rebuilding the engines everyday for 3 years non-stop. It was really odd that they had an oil burning issue as well as the main bearing bores out of align from the factory, but the engine's in the Crown Vic's/Grand Marquis Lincoln had no issue's what so ever.
They are one tough car! The 5.0 is just about indestructable and alot of fun even in stock formation. I currently have a Buick LeSabre which I use as a "winter beater" (cause I owned it since 91) but if I were looking to replace it I would be doing the same thing as you. But only in a 4 or 6 cyl variety. Better in the snow you know! Frank

Thanks Frank!

Canada eh? 50% more cash value! hmmmm....sounds like a road trip may be in order!

Yep, Mustangs are great high mileage/reliable cars. Have two friends that are in the 200,000 + mile range with original engines.

I looked through the auto trader (online) last night for any mustang within 100 miles that met my criteria. Found 4 of them. 2 of the 4 were Ex-CHP sedans. If I recall, CHP ran those cars pretty high on mileage and then you add another 8 years or so of civilian life, they might be pretty trashed.

1 of the cars was a dealership right down the road. I thought I had struck gold! It was a 92 sedan, auto, clean as a whistle, $4500 US, and only 48,000 miles!! So I went and check it out. It was super clean all right, but it was a 4 banger! I was bummed. Too bad it was a 4 cyl.

I have a buddy with a 89 LX notch. Fairly new engine.
I think the only thing modified is exhaust and gears. Really clean car. Light gray in color with ponies. I will call him tonight.

Come to think about it I know of another I will try to get him on the line too.

Both up hear in Santa Barbara County. Maybe Scott and yourself can come take a look!

Your price range, I feel, is right on the money.

Tony B.