When Buying Used Mustangs for Sale, Look Out for Signs of Abuse

The Ford Mustang has achieved iconic status in American culture since it was introduced at the 1964 World’s Fair in New York.

One measure of how the muscle car has captured the imagination of America is its prominence in movies ranging from 1968’s Bullitt (starring Steve McQueen and featuring a 1968 Mustang GT 390 Fastback) to 2007’s I Am Legend (in which Will Smith drove a 2007 Shelby GT500 around an abandoned New York).

At present, one of every two sports cars sold in the US is a Mustang; used Mustangs for sale are also among the most popular vehicles on the after-market.

And the Mustang’s appeal shows no sign of waning as a recent survey revealed that the majority of teenagers chose the Ford Mustang as the new car they would most like to buy.

The Mustang is also seen as one of the most affordable sports cars on the market, with some models going for less than $20,000. However, this price is still beyond the reach of a lot of people’s budgets, explaining the popularity of used models. For Mustang lovers, the most desired used Mustangs for sale are the First Generation models, which were made from 1964 to 1973, after which these muscle cars were discontinued when the OPEC oil embargo caused gas prices to skyrocket. However, previous owners may have abused their Mustangs – after all, it is a sports car – and then failed to maintain it properly. So, look out for signs of abuse to avoid your dream car becoming a money pit.

When considering whether to buy a used Mustang, be sure to take it out for a drive at highway speeds. If you notice things such as a noisy engine or drivetrain, squeaks and rattles in the suspension and grinding of gears when in five speed, then the car was likely driven hard. Also pay particular attention to the clutch; if it feels loose, the car may have been abused. Considerable tread wear on the rear tires is another tell-tale sign. If you are not qualified to inspect a car for potential problems, take the car to a qualified mechanic to have it checked out.

You may be able to save some money on maintenance if the car still has its original warranty, which is three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. The warranty takes effect on the date of purchase and transfers to the new owner. Thus, even if the Mustang was a 2005 model but was not bought until late-2006, it may still have some months left on the warranty. If you are buying the car through a dealership, you can also request a carfax report, which will give you the history of the car including such vital information such as if it was used as a rental vehicle and if it has had any major damage.

If you’re lucky enough to have bought a First Generation Mustang, make sure to bring it to a reputable restoration shop to have the work done on it. Remember that finding the right restoration shop for your dream car is just as important as the effort you spent looking for used Mustangs for sale. Ed’s Classic Mustangs specializes in Mustangs made from 1964 to 1973, and has a team of skilled restoration mechanics to make your muscle car look as if it just rolled off the factory floor. You can also buy a full range of Mustang parts and accessories online from Ed’s

Used Mustangs For Sale Article

Used Mustangs For Sale Article