Should I Buy This? 86 Foxbody 5.0

Thats why I said, "Im not saying buy the car." But you guys kinda made him run for the hills like he was on fire. You are absolutely right about having reliable transportation when just getting out into the real world. I wont disagree with that point one bit.

I say buy it and get the Acura.

But really, this fox sounds like the type of car you're going to be wanting but the reliable DD is the key to owning any sort of sports/performance car that you know you will drive hard and put away wet.

I like my cars in pristine shape. Shoot, I've only put 100 miles on my most recent coupe purchase and have already sent it to paint, purchased 4 wheel disc brake/5 lug swap and redone a LOT of the interior. When I was younger (as mentioned) I would have just hopped into the car and beat the hell out of it until it broke then I would scramble for cash to put it back together(then borrow a car from the parents lol). I learned a ton from that car on what to do/not to do. I could barely change my own oil before that car, now I don't hesitate to crack open a motor, rear end or completely strip an engine bay to weld or paint it (I'm also the "phone a friend" now for those that need help and the only guy locally that can/will do or assist with mod motor cam swaps). It's worth noting that I had a GREAT group of friends who were patient and willing to pass on what they knew and had learned. Sometimes I listed and sometimes I wish I had. That's part of it.

Good luck in Denver and enjoy what ever fox you get. I've owned all platforms (except 2015) and while the 2012 gt was the nicest and fastest, it just didn't have that same mustang feel and appeal to me as a Fox does. I realized this recently after getting rid of my amazingly clean and quick 03 Mach that when every time I went to a car show, I sought out Fox's before all other models. Sure I drool over Terminators but a clean fox (even if just stock) has way more appeal to me at this point in life then a hot rod you just cut a check for. And yes, the Fox will make you cut checks (lots of them too) but you also earn it and appreciate it more than going to the stealership for the latest and greatest.


Sorry for the rant but it seemed like an appropriate time to shed some insight.

I think alot of you guys are just old, crotchedy weiners that are too worried about your comfort to accept the characteristics of a fox body as a DD.

I had a 69 mach 1 in HS. I had that car until I was 21. It got driven every day in all through the year in Colorado, and Iowa. Other than routine maintenance issues, it always started, and always went where it was intended to go. However, by the end of my "relationship" with it, it had become an obnoxious, big cammed, over carb'd, noisy PITA to drive that had Firestone drag slicks as it's only rear tires. All my fault for taking a fairly reliable car and turning it into what it became.

Everytime I see people advise against using one of the cars as a DD because of the potential for unreliability, I think "from what?" What is gonna be any different on this car from any other DD beater that you'd have to slash around in for the sake of keeping your "unreliable" fox safe at home so it won't break.

Obviously, depending on the condition of the car, an abused version will be a lot more suspect than one that's been taken care of, but I just cant subscribe to all of the "wouldn't drive one everyday" mentality. Ford made them to drive everyday when they were new, parts are sold to replace what breaks, most of the stuff is fairly reliable on the car (unless abused), and even if it does fail, most of the stuff is fairly easy to fix, w/ more than enough reference material to get it fixed.

What's not to trust?

madmike1157 said:

I think alot of you guys are just old, crotchedy weiners that are too worried about your comfort to accept the characteristics of a fox body as a DD.

I had a 69 mach 1 in HS. I had that car until I was 21. It got driven every day in all through the year in Colorado, and Iowa. Other than routine maintenance issues, it always started, and always went where it was intended to go. However, by the end of my "relationship" with it, it had become an obnoxious, big cammed, over carb'd, noisy PITA to drive that had Firestone drag slicks as it's only rear tires. All my fault for taking a fairly reliable car and turning it into what it became.

Everytime I see people advise against using one of the cars as a DD because of the potential for unreliability, I think "from what?" What is gonna be any different on this car from any other DD beater that you'd have to slash around in for the sake of keeping your "unreliable" fox safe at home so it won't break.

Obviously, depending on the condition of the car, an abused version will be a lot more suspect than one that's been taken care of, but I just cant subscribe to all of the "wouldn't drive one everyday" mentality. Ford made them to drive everyday when they were new, parts are sold to replace what breaks, most of the stuff is fairly reliable on the car (unless abused), and even if it does fail, most of the stuff is fairly easy to fix, w/ more than enough reference material to get it fixed.

What's not to trust?

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Mike, we are not talking about a 30 year old Toyota or family car. This is a 30 year old Mustang that most likely been ragged on. Let me ask you, when was the last time you found a fox body mustang that DIDN'T need work, unless it was a low mile, high dollar, one owner car. We all are aware of the problems with these cars.

IF the kid and/or his dad are good with wrenches and IF they know that they are most likely going to need a backup ride at some point, and IF the kid plans on keeping it as is, then MAYBE it's ok. That being said, even in my case, my son's first car was an Altima. IMO no high school kid needs to be behind the wheel of a 5.0 mustang, but that is a completely different story.

Mike, I wouldn't hesitate to drive mine anywhere now, no matter the distance. My point was, 'look at how long it took me to get a decent car to that point.' Months.