[89stangin]

I am interested in getting a 2011 or 2012 mustang gt. I have seen a few threads about some problems with the mustang such as cylinder 8 problems, and things with the transmission and clutch. Is a pre purchase inspection necessary to buy a 2011/2012 GT? What could the average pre purchase inspection tell you that a thorough test drive and look around wouldn't? I do plan on getting a carfax vehicle history report. Are there any things that I should definitely look for on this vehicle?

Thanks,

 

[Fatopotomus]

I am interested in getting a 2011 or 2012 mustang gt. I have seen a few threads about some problems with the mustang such as cylinder 8 problems, and things with the transmission and clutch. Is a pre purchase inspection necessary to buy a 2011/2012 GT? What could the average pre purchase inspection tell you that a thorough test drive and look around wouldn't? I do plan on getting a carfax vehicle history report. Are there any things that I should definitely look for on this vehicle?

Thanks,

Dont even bother with carfax - its main purpose is to separate idiots and their money.

Get the VIN for the car you are looking to buy and ask your local Ford dealer service guy to run an OASIS report. This will list all logged warranty issues with the car. You may have to display some social skills if you dont know your service guys, but it takes 2 minutes and shouldn't be a problem.

Next, ask the previous owner for service records. Depending on the mileage on the car, it is very important to see what service/intervals the car received.

After that, inspect the car yourself. If you can elevate it, look for damage all around . Look for worn or damaged suspension parts, examine the differential and axles for leaks, examine the underneath of the motor for leaks or damage.

Finally, DRIVE it and drive it hard. The transmissions in these cars are finicky and some have been known to be bad units. Make sure you are not locked out 2nd and 3rd gear.

After all that is said and done to your satisfaction, go ahead and make a fair offer.

 

[dewyrussler]

89stangin - Excellent...I hope you find the perfect chariot. Some Mustangs did have issues but most are a-ok. Fatopotomus has sound advice...definitely take it for a good, hard test drive. If anything feels "off" trust your gut.

One thing I would suggest is that when you test drive a car, make sure it's a cold start (meaning they didn't warm it up for you before you got there). I say this because mine has the cold-knock (rattles for the first 5 minutes or so) that developed after I bought the car. I've had mine to the dealer 3 times and have been told there's nothing wrong with it even though they cannot tell me actually what is making it knock. Sounds like VVT issue to me but they say all is OK so we'll see. Mine has been fine so far (20k miles) but if I were buying one now, I'd opt for one that doesn't do this. I'd also look out for the "igniter tick" and the transmissions that don't shift smoothly into 2nd and 3rd. A good test drive would reveal all of these issues.

Another thing is I would do checking to see if it seems to have been modded before. If so, you may want to shy away...most folks do a good job of modding with good/safe parts but I've also seen some serious Mickey-Mouse crap that is quite shady. You don't want someone else's modifications to end up hurting you if something happens and Ford decides not so cover it due to the modifications.

The good thing is that if you buy a 2011 or newer, there will still be some warranty on it where you could take it in and have things fixed if there are any issues.

Good luck and keep us posted!

 

[89stangin]

Thanks for the advice. I'll keep everyone posted, I'm pretty picky so it might be a while. haha. Ford Rules...

 

[InkMot]

I found my car online, in a city more than a thousand miles away. So, I used an inspector ( Used Car Inspection : Pre Purchase Auto Inspection : LemonSquad) to check the car and send me a report with photos. He checked the paint thickness (using a meter like this: Paint Meters & Coating Thickness Gauges: PaintGage Paint Meter, QNix Meter, Paint Gauge & QuaNix Paint Meter) which revealed that the hood was reprinted. This isn't unusual for Mustang - some factory issue. But you'll want to know if your car was in a wreck and paint thickness will reveal repainting.

The best scenario is to see and drive the car yourself, along with a professional inspection from your trusted mechanic in his garage. Use someone like Lemon Squad if that is not feasible. CarFax tells you nothing.

-Peter