[NovicePA2]

Hi new here,
I was wondering if people could give me advice on things to look for while in the market to purchase a 87-93 mustang? Examples would be things to avoid or that would mark down the overall price of one.

Thank you and I will be open to all suggestions

[BadBlackGT]

Originally Posted by NovicePA2 Hi new here, I was wondering if people could give me advice on things to look for while in the market to purchase a 87-93 mustang? Examples would be things to avoid or that would mark down the overall price of one. Thank you and I will be open to all suggestions

Idk any specifics for the foxbody

but the usuals. Is the body straight, rust, how does it run, transmission smooth, does it ride straight and much more such as the exterior and interior of course

Someone will chime in here with a nice website that has a checklist. I'm sorry i don't have a link to it.

[EliteStangs]

Originally Posted by BadBlackGT Idk any specifics for the foxbody but the usuals. Is the body straight, rust, how does it run, transmission smooth, does it ride straight and much more such as the exterior and interior of course Someone will chime in here with a nice website that has a checklist. I'm sorry i don't have a link to it.

Used Cars - Used Car Prices, Used Car Values & Reviews - Kelley Blue Book

[NovicePA2]

Originally Posted by BadBlackGT Idk any specifics for the foxbody but the usuals. Is the body straight, rust, how does it run, transmission smooth, does it ride straight and much more such as the exterior and interior of course Someone will chime in here with a nice website that has a checklist. I'm sorry i don't have a link to it.

Thank you very much.

[NovicePA2]

Originally Posted by EliteStangs Used Cars - Used Car Prices, Used Car Values & Reviews - Kelley Blue Book

Thank you

[jessemachone]

cracks in the rear torque boxes where the rear lower control arms bolt to the body. Also, go over the front unibody with a fine tooth comb. Make sure it isn't a rust bucket.

[flyin ryan]

Check the following:

rust on the floor pans, rust on the wheel wells, rust on the underside of the doors, rust on the underside of the hatch/trunk lid, rust on the strut towers (where the struts bolt to under the hood), cracks or damage to the upper and lower torque boxes (where the upper and lower control arms bolt into the unibody)

interior wise check to make sure the ash try lid opens and closes correctly, make sure the drivers seat doesn't have "gangster lean" to it.

start the car up and let it warm up and see if it has cooling issues or smokes.

check for oil leaks from the valve covers, crank seal and under the car (rear main seal)

[Dap1991]

Ya take your time and try not to get to excited, when i went to look and my fox i saw body was rough and didnt care much and i saw floor pans were bad but did think that bad.... i test drove it and kinda fell in love, it is my first five speed stang. But now that i have begun tearing into it i realize its a mess... there is rust everywhere, i replaced probalby about 60% or the floor pans on both sides and realize i probably shoulda walked away..... but it is my first fox i have had to modify so im just trying to have some fun. So pretty much like everyone else said look for rust anywhere and every where. Goodluck

[NovicePA2]

OK Thank you jessemachone, flyin ryan, and Dap1991.
Does anyone know how much rust is ok to deal with? Also does anyone know how much certain rust spots would decrease the car value at time to buy?

[93hatch]

zero rust car or dont buy it imo, its stupid expensive to replace rusty parts that arent supposed to be replaced ie shock towers or rear quarter panels

[Dap1991]

Ya like hatch said i would honestly try and go for as rust free as possible, if i could go back i would have prob walked away and found a better fox for some more money, worth it in the end

[BadBlackGT]

Only rust you could really live with is bottom of the doors... but chances are if thats rusted the whole car is. Don't replace rusted out parts that are a bitch to replace and are EXPENSIVE. Good luck with everything!

[jessemachone]

Originally Posted by NovicePA2 OK Thank you jessemachone, flyin ryan, and Dap1991. Does anyone know how much rust is ok to deal with? Also does anyone know how much certain rust spots would decrease the car value at time to buy?

Floor pans and supports are easy to replace if you must but make sure there is no rot in structural members like rockers, torque boxes and front frame rails.

I would try to get a rust free car. they are out there.

fenders, doors and hatches are no biggie because they are easily replaced but steer away from any rusty undercarriage crap.

[jessemachone]

Originally Posted by 93hatch zero rust car or dont buy it imo, its stupid expensive to replace rusty parts that arent supposed to be replaced ie shock towers or rear quarter panels

+1

[NovicePA2]

Hey does anyone have experience replacing parts in the rear quarter? Like the rear fenders because I have found one seems very nice except its has a some bubble rust painted over on the rear right fender.

[BadBlackGT]

Originally Posted by NovicePA2 Hey does anyone have experience replacing parts in the rear quarter? Like the rear fenders because I have found one seems very nice except its has a some bubble rust painted over on the rear right fender.

are they on the inside? If its not all the way through and just surface you can usually sand it off but idk about that. Is it a hatch?

[FOX347]

Damn guys, y'all i never really thought about how nice it is here in the South when it comes to rust. I have had more than my fare share of foxes and have never had one that had any rust... If possible pick one up here in texas, you can get a nice rust free decent fox for 3k

[BadBlackGT]

Originally Posted by FOX347 Damn guys, y'all i never really thought about how nice it is here in the South when it comes to rust. I have had more than my fare share of foxes and have never had one that had any rust... If possible pick one up here in texas, you can get a nice rust free decent fox for 3k

Very true, unless its from the coast.

Also the dumbasses that drive them in the snow in dallas over all that salt and don't wash it off. If i ever lived somewhere by the coast you best believe i'd be painting the whole car lol.

[Dap1991]

pretty much what is comes down to is dont buy what i bought lol

[NovicePA2]

Thanks everyone for the input so far its been very insightful and well used. I am going to look over the car again to see about the rust on the fender. I do live in PA so snow and salt are just something cars here have to deal with so rust is probably something I can not avoid completely.