I'm a long time Mustang fanatic and have had a '65 coupe for nearly 20 years. I'm starting to get the bug to add another pony to the stable. I really don't like the tail lights on the 2010's, so I'm thinking of looking for a nice used 2005-2009. I want GT trim as a minimum, and don't really want a high dollar Cobra that I'd be afraid to drive/have something happen to. So, with that being said, can you guys make any suggestions or list things to watch out for when looking at used 'stangs? Thanks.
Thinking of getting another Mustang
- Thread starter Randy'65
- Start date
GreyDiesel
New Member
I think they changed the head design mid-way through 08, to solve a problem with the spark plugs getting stuck. If you can find a later 08, you'll be good to go on that issue.
I guess the normal stuff
• Pop the hood, look for paint spray, bent molding, holes that don’t line up, pieces that are a lot cleaner than the one next to it – all the normal stuff to point out being hit and fixed.
• It’s going to have low miles being new – Judge the owner as best you can to see if he broke it in right. Don’t ask the direct question Did you break it in, there going to say yes. Ask how much fun it was when he got it. If he goes into stories about how much power it had when he pulled off the lot, walk away.
• Check the tires, how worn are they v. the miles – might indicate being beaten on if there bald with 6000 miles.
• That new it should still be under warranty unless it’s a 05. Did they do anything to the car that would negate that? You may or may not care about this?
• Ask for maintenance receipts and records.
• If there are some aftermarket parts that you like, go after a car that already has them – save you some money. Just be sure to check them out and make sure they were installed correctly. Also, ask for the stock piece that came off if possible.
• I don’t know if it’s rude or not, but I always ask why they are selling it. Most of the time you get a reasonable answer. I have had one case where the person kind of stumbled and just didn’t sound right. I walked away – might have been nothing but there are thousands of cars for sale.
• Last – ask for the window sticker and run the VIN. Make sure your getting the right “stuff” on the car. Maybe it came with 18” chrome wheels, but since he’s selling it, he traded them to a buddy with a Mustang and put on his lower end ones.
• Pop the hood, look for paint spray, bent molding, holes that don’t line up, pieces that are a lot cleaner than the one next to it – all the normal stuff to point out being hit and fixed.
• It’s going to have low miles being new – Judge the owner as best you can to see if he broke it in right. Don’t ask the direct question Did you break it in, there going to say yes. Ask how much fun it was when he got it. If he goes into stories about how much power it had when he pulled off the lot, walk away.
• Check the tires, how worn are they v. the miles – might indicate being beaten on if there bald with 6000 miles.
• That new it should still be under warranty unless it’s a 05. Did they do anything to the car that would negate that? You may or may not care about this?
• Ask for maintenance receipts and records.
• If there are some aftermarket parts that you like, go after a car that already has them – save you some money. Just be sure to check them out and make sure they were installed correctly. Also, ask for the stock piece that came off if possible.
• I don’t know if it’s rude or not, but I always ask why they are selling it. Most of the time you get a reasonable answer. I have had one case where the person kind of stumbled and just didn’t sound right. I walked away – might have been nothing but there are thousands of cars for sale.
• Last – ask for the window sticker and run the VIN. Make sure your getting the right “stuff” on the car. Maybe it came with 18” chrome wheels, but since he’s selling it, he traded them to a buddy with a Mustang and put on his lower end ones.
stangdude2000
Founding Member
If you are worried about previous drivers running their car hard, your best bet is to try to buy someone's car who ISN'T an enthusiast. 99.9% of us on here have drive our cars hard maybe not all of the time, but at least at some point.
What types of things are you looking for in your next mustang? A mostly stock cruiser? Drag strip king? That can make a big difference as to what to look for. If it's a cruiser, you'll want the Premium trim with the interior upgrade package and premier trim package since it adds a more luxurious feel to the car. You might also want the optional 3.55 rear axle since it'll give it a little bit more get up and go, whereas if you are planning on turning it into a drag machine, you probably won't care since you'd go with 4.10s anyway.
As far as the warranty (if that matters to you), you actually will have to ask the question on 2007's and older. Mine is a 2008 and I have under 13 months left, so there are definitely 2007's that could be out or just out of warranty at this point.
What types of things are you looking for in your next mustang? A mostly stock cruiser? Drag strip king? That can make a big difference as to what to look for. If it's a cruiser, you'll want the Premium trim with the interior upgrade package and premier trim package since it adds a more luxurious feel to the car. You might also want the optional 3.55 rear axle since it'll give it a little bit more get up and go, whereas if you are planning on turning it into a drag machine, you probably won't care since you'd go with 4.10s anyway.
As far as the warranty (if that matters to you), you actually will have to ask the question on 2007's and older. Mine is a 2008 and I have under 13 months left, so there are definitely 2007's that could be out or just out of warranty at this point.
Thanks for the responses, guys. I haven't bought a used car in 21 years, so I'm a little aprehensive about doing it for fear of getting someone elses junk/lemon. I'm also looking for info on models to avoid as I know from experience that
I definitely want a five speed, mainly a cruiser but with the capability of getting out of it's own way. Never going to take it to drag strip or anything like that, but want to enhance handling to enjoy the twisties in the mountains.
Stangdude, how much do you want for yours and why are you selling?
I definitely want a five speed, mainly a cruiser but with the capability of getting out of it's own way. Never going to take it to drag strip or anything like that, but want to enhance handling to enjoy the twisties in the mountains.
Stangdude, how much do you want for yours and why are you selling?
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