My first mustang

[cavegunner]

I'm new here and looking for some honest answers on purchasing my first Mustang, I've decided on a birthyear (1965) convertible and have done a little homework but still could use some insight and advice. Can anyone help?

[Frankenstang65]

In my opinion, you can't go wrong with an early mustang convertable. The 65 and 66 converts are highly sought after and will definatley appreciate in value. Convertables with a V8, manual transmission, GT package, and/ or pony interior are always worth more.
How much are you looking to spend? Do you want to restore one? Or do you want to buy a car that has already been done? Do you want to keep it original, or customize it? These questions are all important ones to have answers to before you go shopping for a car.
I'm not really sure what type of advice/insight you want. Feel free to post any specific questions that you have, and we'll do our best to answer them for you.

[mustangman65_79]

I agree with Frankenstang65, we need some idea of what u want.

[cavegunner]

Thanks for the replies and here's what I would like:
1965 Mustang convertible Red ext /White top and int.
prefer 289 with auto trans just in case I decide to let my wife drive it once, maybe!
Since this is my birthyear, I want to keep it original, no customizing and no speed necessary, I want to cruise!
I would like to do some of the work myself but I'm no professional so good shape is important, plus I've still got 6 years left in the Air Force and stay gone quite a bit.
Does this sound like a car I could find and where would I look. I'd like to stay under 10,000 and still have a nice car, this is a once in a lifetime purchase.

Thanks again for the help,
Byron

[Frankenstang65]

I'm sure you can find a mustang out there that fits the criteria, but, you may have to pay a little more than ten thousand. Most of the price guides that I checked value a "good" 65 convert in the 12-13k range. I'm sure you can find a cheaper one (under 10k) out there somewhere, but it may require a little more work to make it nice. If you go the fixer-upper route, I'd suggest trying to find a car with a great body and but is in poor mechanical shape. Learning to swap a motor or tranny is much easier than learning how to replace a rusty quarter panel or fix old accident damage. Also, mechanical problems don't really require that much time to fix. If it is a "once in a lifetime" purchase you may just want to save for a little while longer and pay a few extra grand to buy one you won't have to mess around with.

I'd look in Hemmings motor news, or the Mustang and Fords Trader to find a car. There are also a ton of classifieds on the web that you can sort through.

Good Luck.

[mustangman65_79]

I tell u, u want a good car for under 10,000. Come to cali. Here I have found a ton of them for under that. Most are really good looking too. Just get a hop to Travis(where I am) and I'll try to help u find one. I found a '65GT, fully restored, for only 8,900. Damn I wish i had the money for it. Another fully restored '65 with a 289 HP, for only 4,500. Had a cheep paint job though.