I have an opportunity to buy an 89 mustang convertible with the 2.3 four cylinder. That picr is $3995. It looks pretty good, a few minor dings that can be easily fixed.
My question is, are these cars pretty dependable, and were there any common problems?
Other than the fact that they randomly explode, and most of the occupants never make it out alive,.....they're OK I guess.
If you like Mustangs......
Seriously,....It's a 27 yr old car. Things are gonna need attention if they haven't had it already. Everything in the car (if it is in original condition) will need consideration. Depending on mileage, that may be more or less of a concern. The fact that it is a 2.3 impacts two of the most common first issues that come when you buy one though.
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#1 More than likely, it's never seen a hard day in it's life when compared to it's V8 brother. Even if the P.O.s tried, they couldn't muster up enough torque to hurt the torque boxes (Which fails commonly in a V8 car).
#2 I'd say that unless your 4 banger is an absolutely gorgeous example, 3995 is too much money. Needs nothing, top is perfect, has no running issues, and nothing is missing and then maybe. But other wise,... it seems high.
Additionally:
Suspension bushings fail. Specifically the rear
control arms, They dry rot and get sloppy, the car drives weird, it rattles, and/or you can move the rear end side to side when you shouldn't be able to when it's on a rack.
All of the stuff like starters, water pumps, alternators if original are one of the things you should expect will fail. Master cylinders fill with crud, and need replacing because the car wont stop anymore, interior pieces rattle because the P.O. never put back all of the screws,..All of this stuff easily remedied on a FOX, but if you expect it, you'll be less disappointed when/if it does.
Read this:
http://www.stangnet.com/mustang-forums/threads/the-hoopty-v2-0.879126/
This story is about a guy that thought he was buying a reliable car.
Ohh, and plan on a little extra time getting anywhere.