Inside the car, ensure all power accessories work as expected, including the power seats, stereo, windows, air conditioner and automatic climate control. Scattered reports of electrical gremlins and dead batteries have been made, and a full check of all electronic parts is one way to ensure the model you’re considering is sound in the wiring department.
If you’re considering a convertible, be sure the roof opens and closes smoothly in both directions with no hesitation, grinding or rubbing sensations. Inspect the top for rips and tears, and be triple sure to find any moisture in the carpeting or area where the convertible top stores, which could indicate a leak. Avoid convertible models with ripped, torn or poorly-patched tops, as well as models that smell like mildew inside.
As a performance car, there’s a good chance the Mustang you’re considering has been driven hard by its former owner(s). In itself, this isn’t a huge problem, so long as the seller has kept up on maintenance and isn’t trying to sell you a machine that’s in need of a new clutch, tires or brakes. Finding a model with all service records is an excellent idea, as is a mechanical checkup at a Ford dealership. A dealer-trained mechanic can quickly check the condition of the tires, brakes, and clutch with an inspection or road test. This service requires a small one-time investment, but could save you thousands down the line. Be sure to avoid models that exhibit signs of transmission or clutch slippage under acceleration, as well as manual-equipped models that ‘grind’ when shifting gears.
Be sure to ‘listen’ to the Mustang’s rear-end during cruising at various speeds and while turning sharp corners, too. Any grinding or binding sensations could indicate a rear differential that’s on its way out. Ditto a high-pitch whining noise at speed.
Many used Mustangs, especially V8-powered GT models, will have been modified in some form. Typically, intake and exhaust modifications are safe and pose no cause for worry if the quality of the parts and installation are sound. Shoppers are advised to use caution when considering models with altered engine management electronics, upgraded engine internals, nitrous, forced induction or other serious add-ons. These parts can seriously bump power, but they may also void any remainder of the factory warranty and break local emissions or noise laws. Additionally, they could turn your new ‘Stang’s engine into an expensive chunk of shrapnel with little notice if anything fails.
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| 2008 Ford Mustang (Photo: Ford) |
If you’re considering a convertible, be sure the roof opens and closes smoothly in both directions with no hesitation, grinding or rubbing sensations. Inspect the top for rips and tears, and be triple sure to find any moisture in the carpeting or area where the convertible top stores, which could indicate a leak. Avoid convertible models with ripped, torn or poorly-patched tops, as well as models that smell like mildew inside.
As a performance car, there’s a good chance the Mustang you’re considering has been driven hard by its former owner(s). In itself, this isn’t a huge problem, so long as the seller has kept up on maintenance and isn’t trying to sell you a machine that’s in need of a new clutch, tires or brakes. Finding a model with all service records is an excellent idea, as is a mechanical checkup at a Ford dealership. A dealer-trained mechanic can quickly check the condition of the tires, brakes, and clutch with an inspection or road test. This service requires a small one-time investment, but could save you thousands down the line. Be sure to avoid models that exhibit signs of transmission or clutch slippage under acceleration, as well as manual-equipped models that ‘grind’ when shifting gears.
Be sure to ‘listen’ to the Mustang’s rear-end during cruising at various speeds and while turning sharp corners, too. Any grinding or binding sensations could indicate a rear differential that’s on its way out. Ditto a high-pitch whining noise at speed.
Many used Mustangs, especially V8-powered GT models, will have been modified in some form. Typically, intake and exhaust modifications are safe and pose no cause for worry if the quality of the parts and installation are sound. Shoppers are advised to use caution when considering models with altered engine management electronics, upgraded engine internals, nitrous, forced induction or other serious add-ons. These parts can seriously bump power, but they may also void any remainder of the factory warranty and break local emissions or noise laws. Additionally, they could turn your new ‘Stang’s engine into an expensive chunk of shrapnel with little notice if anything fails.
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| 2005 Ford Mustang (Photo: Ford) |