Mustang Buying Hints?
 

I've loved retro mustangs for as long as I can remember. Awhile back, I was in Oklahoma City, and saw the most awesome mustang at the bass pro shop. I was browsing ebay the other day, and found a car that looked ALOT like the one I saw in OKC. After asking the dude selling it, I found out it was one and the same. Anyway, my passion for old mustangs has been renewed, and I REALLY want to get one.

Finiacially, short term, I can probably muster 7K in cash. In a year, I could probably throw 14-20K at it. I don't want a show room car, I want something I don't mind driving. I want something with a new or rebuilt engine that I don't have to work on all the time. Basically, I want a mustang that I can drive and treat like a normal car.

Ebay may not be the best place to look, but around here, it is an easy way to look at alot of cars, and get an idea of what is out there. I've really only come across two in the last few days that I've been interested in. The first is a 1967 Mustang that looks to've had quite a bit of attention. The second was a 1965 Mustang Fastback that looked more worn, wasn't in as good mechanicial or body condition, but I LOVE the body. It was a quite a bit more than the first mustang, (11,500 instead of the 7,000).

I guess I'm fishing for information. I'm not a car person, I'll be the first to admit. I like old mustangs enough, I'm willing to learn. I'm interested in getting on to learn on, and I'm looking for an idea of what older mustangs are worth, so I don't get ripped off, and an idea of the problems of owning an older car.

Any general advice? Any idea of where I can get an idea of what different years\models are worth? I don't give a darn about collectability, I just want an awesome car; but I'd like to know general price ranges are. In these two instances, say I wanted one of these two cars, which one should I get? Neither? Any Ebay experiences? Advice on other internet resources?

I know I sound like a complete noob, and I'll admit, I am. But I've been thinking and saving for an old mustang for a few years, and if I have to drive crappy cars 'till I'm 35, I'll do it. I don't want to spend good money on any of the ugly cars of today...

Re: Mustang Buying Hints?
 

I would recommend getting a finished resto-mod mustang, one with a 5.0 efi and OD trans. The reason I say this is because it sounds like it would be best if you bought a finished project, or one only needing minor details. Plus with efi you will have alot less tuning than with a carb, less hassle. Seems like you just want to drive, not really tinker. Nice coupes would probably be in the 10-15k range (with the efi and whatnot) fastbacks in the 20k and above range. Ovbiously, price can vary widely, bodywork being the most expensive part, so go for a good body/paint job first. 65-66's seem to be cheaper than the 67-70's. I'd save up, start learning about old cars then buy a nice car down the road. Good luck.

Re: Mustang Buying Hints?
 

Buy the "Best" car you can. You'll save money in the long run.

Also, mechanicals are cheaper to fix then body/rust/paint. Get the "soundest" car too.

Find someone local that comes recommended to look at what ever you are interested in, BEFORE you buy it. His small charge will save you $$$ in the long run.