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What Year Mustang Should I Get?

HI everyone

I am in the market for a mustang and was wondering what year mustang would you guys recomend for around 7 grand? I definately want a V8 and would prefer a 5 speed. This car would be used as my everyday driver, and the occasional street race, and autocrossing event. Also what should I look for, besides the usual stuff, such as any known problems for certain years etc.. Any help you guys could give me would be great, thanks..

Beau

Beau:

I would suggest a 1993 Mustang.

For around $7,000. you should be able to find a nice one with reasonable mileage.

The '93 is available in LX or GT models and in a hatchback or convertible. Best of all, they come with the mighty 5.0 engine which, except for hypereutectic pistons replacing the forged aluminum pistons and the HP and torque ratings dropped by 20 (HP) and 25 (torque) due to assembly changes over the years - according to Ford.

Lots of cool options available on the '93 and of course, they are the last of the 'fox' bodied Mustangs, making them a bit rare, even now.

You'll need sub-frame connectors and bracing for the chassis, upgraded brakes, good rubber and a few other items to make the '93 competitive in road racing but these additions would be good to have, anyway.

Watch out for worn synchros on the T-5 transmissions (gears clash when the car is cold), leaky rear main seal (very common) and of course, all the usual items such as a repainted wreck, lots of mods that you have no clue were done correctly or with high quality parts, etc.
Look for a stocker, if at all possible. It'll be in better shape and not screwed up by someone modding it without the knowledge to do it right (of course, some do).

Good luck!

If you plan on doin mods later, I would suggest an 87-93, or maybe a 94-95 (little heavier/slower). If you car more about comfort, go for the 94-95.

get like a 89-90 for like 3000-4000 And the rest of the money for mods on it

I would recommend an 89 so you don't have to deal with airbags and that big ugly steering wheel. You will still have a 140 mph speedometer.

My opinion is that for an everyday driver for comfort and also something you can throw around go with a '94-'95 mustang GT coupe for these reasons:
It has the 5.0L for which there are TONS of aftermarket parts
The Chassis is a bit more rigid than previous years and with chassis stiffening devices will be a very good platform to start with
It has 4 wheel disc brakes and ABS which will REALLY help for autocross and for crazy drivers on the road.
You're more likely to find a lower mileage model than for earlier years and it has a more smooth modern styling to it.
The 5 speed is the world class T5 used in i believe the '90+ models.
All '94-'95 cars have mass air metering systems

But it will be kind of hard to find one for in the low $7,000 dollar range.
My next recommendation would be an '89 to '93 5.0L LX, GT or '93 Mustang Cobra (i've seen some for around 7k dollars) because those models have mass air metering systems (which adapt to modifications unlike speed density systems).
A 5.0L LX coupe (a.k.a. Notchback) is the more rigid of the original "fox" platform and are lighter as well, but unfortunately are harder to find.
Good luck on your search,

With $7000 you shouldn't have any problems finding a car that you like. It might take a while, but BE PATIENT. Don't jump on the first mustang that you think is "alright".

I found my 89 GT T-5 with 58,000 miles on the clock. The only mod to it was a dynomax cat-back and a dynomax h-pipe w/cats. Both are less than a year old. The car only cost $5400 and has never been wrecked or repainted.

With $7000 you WILL find a car that you love and might even have some cash left over to start modding it. Just be patient.

I just wanted to say thanks for everyones reply it helped alot. I have a while to find a good stang for myself. I do not lose my daily driver until April, but I am really picky about my cars, so I like to give myself plenty of time, I am sure you all can relate.. lol :) But thanks again for your help.

Beau

I would suggest getting a 1990-1992, because they they have forged pistons, stronger transmissions, mass-air, and 140 speedos. A nice 5.0 shouldn't be hard to find if you have $7,000 to spend.