Just Purchased '88 LX 5.0 'vert- opinions please

[Blown4.6]

Hey guys, well I always wanted one of these in high school.......so, I just decided to buy one on EBAY last night. I paid $3750 for an '88 'vert with new top and only 60,000 miles. It looks to be in really nice condition....but we'll see. I have to pick it up way out in IA!!

Okay, an '88 was a good year yes? I think forged pistons and some other stuff. What kind of hp did they throw down? MPG? This is just another toy; but, I want to fly to IA and pick it up, then drive it back. Any comments, notes or things to watch for would be greatly appreciated.

...I can't believe I just bought an 88 5.0! I think I'll like it more than my Jag!!

 

[webshot]

I thought the 91, 92 and 93's had the forged pistons. But I could be wrong. 88 is my fav year. I love those gigantic head rests. I dont think I would have paid that much for one tho. They are all over craigslist for 2k and under. Did you do a carfax report on it? Also I am a big fan of the GT look, LX's look plain but that is all personal stuff. If it was well taken care of then it is a great year and a great car. There is a "what to look for when buying a used car" stick or thread somewhere. You might want to read through that when you go check it out.

congrats on the purchase.

 

[Blown4.6]

here's a pic..... okay deal for $3750??

Maybe this pic is too small?

maybe the link? http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=4587167909#ebayphotohosting

 

[I8URVTEC]

Looks good and if it only has 60k miles on it you got a good deal. Stock in 1988 that car made 225 hp. There are tons of mods you can do to liven it up. Gears, CAI, exhaust, underdrive pullies, the list goes on. Good luck with the car! I just hope it really is 60k miles and not 160k miles. Even if it was though its still a clean fox.

 

[Blown4.6]

Thanks bro. Yea, I wondered the same thing. 60 or 160?? I'll give the guy the benefit. Also suspicious was the lack of interior pics. I wonder if the seats are a mess. I figured it was okay because the rest f the car looks so clean. It would be odd to have a perfectly clean looking car and absolute junk interior.

Glad to hear that 3700 isn't a rip for a clean fox body vert. This should be fun. I'll catch a 1-way flight out to Iowa on Friday and drive it back over the weekend! wooohooo! Even if it turns out to be a mistake, I guess 3700 bucks isn't going to change anyone's life. Plus, I can always sell it for $2000 no matter what.

 

[darthcual]

Yeah 3700 isnt bad, especially for a vert. And its your hobby car, right? So it doesnt need to be perfect other wise there would be nothing to do to it. Good looking too.

 

[I8URVTEC]

What I would suggest is to post your VIN number in the lounge section of some of the forums and ask if anyone will do a carfax report for you. I know a couple of guys who hang out in the Corral forums do them. That might help you find out if that is the real milage.

 

[webshot]

Yea I didnt mean 3700 is total rip. I just wouldnt pay that much. But I have a pretty good hook up on stangs plus I am the haggle king. I bought my 92 vert for less that half what you paid. But I was lucky on that one.

Good luck you wont regret your purchase.

 

[PuterAmI]

I like my 89.

 

[Blown4.6]

Looks like the miles are accurate. It had 36K on it when the last guy bought it at auction in 2002. Since then, he's bumped it up to 60k.

We'll see. Looks like an okay buy.

What mods would you suggest for a quick HP increase? I guess there's really no such thing.....funny how 225 seemed like insane power back then. Now, my 290 hp Jag. regularly get's run by little imports and feels "slow". Even the Honda Accord V6 is puting out 260 or so......how things change. I still like the sound and feel of 88-91 or so 5.0. They sound so good!

 

[sunil6784]

3750 seems like a good deal...


Before you fly out there, I would ask him to send some pictures without that front bra on it. Some people put those on to hide damage. You dont want to fly out there and find out.

 

[PuterAmI]

Jags are heavy.

It's a convertible. Put in full-length subs, then do brakes and suspension first. Then look into the go-fast goodies.