Buying as surprise--what should I pay?

[oldstangnewbie]

Hi!

This is going to be kind of long, so thanks in advance for reading/responding.

I am interested in buying a 1969 Mustang convertible for a surprise for my husband. I have looked all over several websites, eBay, AutoTrader, etc, and have found one that I think I am going to make an offer on, but I'm really nervous because I don't know anything about cars. It has a 302 engine (automatic), new undercarriage, new exhaust system, new seats. This is what was in the ad. The guy has also emailed me this information:

1. It needs some minor body repair,some rust in the usual spots for mustang,drivers side rear quater panel. the radio is very statically either needs new antenna or speakers too

2. The numbers don't match (though I've been looking at your forums and think that's a misnomer of sorts and not such an issue)

3. The roof is powered, the steering is powered, but the brakes are not. No factory a/c. The car itself has around 186,000 miles but only around 5,000 miles on rebuilt 302. The new exhaust was put on last year and the seats 2 years ago.

4. All gauges work,it has new seat belts,no other mechanical issues.i have the car's owners manual,i don't know how many owners before me.
Here is the VIN# 9T03F117263. I asked him to email me the door tag info, but haven't heard back.

His asking price is $12,500. From the pictures, the car looks nice. It's bright blue with a black top. My husband knows enough about Mustangs (he's had 2 1965s and a 1992) that I think he'd enjoy fixing up/restoring some of a car, but we don't have the time or money to do a ground-up restoration.

So my questions to you knowledgable people is:

1. What other questions should I ask the seller?
2. What should I look for when I see the car?
3. Is it worth paying $200 to bring an inspector/appraiser out with me?
4. What should I offer him for the vehicle?

Thank you so, so much for any and all help!

 

[rbohm]

pay the $200 to have someone send you an appraisel report on the car, before you go down and look at the car. and you pick the appraiser. when you get the report, then you can decide what to offer, and the report should give you the cars worth.

 

[2nd Mustang]

When buying any used car, don't forget, it's used. After the initial purchase price, there will usually be more "costs". Be very careful, just because the price indicates it might be a good buy, doesn't always mean there will be no troubles. There was an article about a $16K covertible that suckered the new owner. Good luck.

 

[x73mach1x]

yeah all above is very true.... i would def. spend the 200 bucks and find a appraiser to go with you.... also if you dont want to spend 200 bucks find someone who knows alot about cars that could go with you maybe one of your husbands friends maybe??? because i would hate to see you buy something that is junk and pay over 10k for it......also i would test drive this car and bring the husbands friend or appraiser with you in the car and see how she runs.... also drive the car and when you get back keep it running and let it sit there for about 15min.. because then if the guy is trying to pull a fast one you have a better chance for something that is wrong with the car to show up.... also ask him if he restored it and what parts were put into the car reproduction???? then inspect the things that he has done to car mostly interior work....also last thing when looking at the car dont let little things bother you like the radio look at bigt things wrong with the car.. because tires and brakes and the radio could be a easy fix for your husband to do.... hope all goes well and ask as many questions as you can think up cause all of us here will gladly help with anything you want....

 

[John Z]

When buying any used car, don't forget, it's used. After the initial purchase price, there will usually be more "costs". Be very careful, just because the price indicates it might be a good buy, doesn't always mean there will be no troubles. There was an article about a $16K covertible that suckered the new owner. Good luck.

http://www.classicmustang.com/Stories/Skip Novakovich.htm

Should be mandatory reading for anyone that is not very familure with buying classic cars. The $200 will be well spent if you get the right person.
You might also try to hook up with a local mustang club, alot of times you can find someone to assist you for the fun of it.

 

[oldstangnewbie]

Thank you!

After talking further with the appraiser and seeing your posts (and that horrible article) I decided to tell my husband about the car I was planning to buy for him. I emailed him all the pictures and correspondence I have had with the seller, and right off the bat, my husband saw a few things that prompted further questions of the seller that I never would have though of. We are going to look at it this week, so I was at least on the right track...
Surprises aren't supposed to be so much work! If we do get it, I'll let you all know and post pictures

Thank you again.

 

[John Z]

Sounds like a good decision. If you get the car there will be abundant opportunities for positive suprises associated with the car. I'm sure you all will develop a wish list of "upgrades" that you could purchase from reliable vendors. Purchasing the car is only the first step in the process of emptying the bank account.