first experience and potential buy

[19atesix]

So I finally got to drive my first mustang. A Red 1986 GT that I'm looking to maybe buy from a neighbor.

Stats on the car:

-1 owner
-100k something miles
-the engine was refreshed 3k miles ago.
-Drives pretty well. It is basically stock except for a modern cd player.
-No rust
-Paint looks ok, just your standard rock chips and such.
-front brakes feels like I gotta really press down to stop. I dont know if that is how they are supposed to feel or are they shot.
-Center console is obliterated. needs a new one.
-Crack in the windsheild but he is getting that replaced.

Thats all I can think of now. I will put more info in later. He said he is looking for like 2 grand for it. Sounds pretty decent price to me since the engine and drivetrain felt real solid and I trust what he told me about it. Im a novice when looking at 20 year old used cars, so is there anything I should pay attention too.

I appreciate your input. Thanks.

[Eric86GT]

that sounds about right for price.
No rust is a BIG plus.
Check the torque boxes, where the rear lower control arm bolts in for damage.

[SchoolBoy]

Look for crack's in the floor pan...... That and does the steering have a lot of play in it.........

[Marz]

And don't just check the floorpan in general... check the pan under the drivers and passengers seats for cracks.

[19atesix]

Ok I drove to work today and really got a feel for it. Interior is in pretty good condition. The dash, headliner, and door panels looks nice. The arm rest is worthless, totally worn out and cracked. The seats are kind of worn and the driver side seat has that lean that I read about.

I havent had a chance to look at the floorpan cuz im not sure what to look at. I will research this forum more to find out. Same goes for the Torque box.

Other things I noticed....

The speedo and tach make a weird spinning gear sound when I get up to speed and gets louder as I go faster.

The steering wheel does feel like it does have a little play. I wish the power steering was a little heavier. I dont feel connected to the road.

Grinds alittle going into reverse, but only once. after I try the next time it goes in fine.

Idle was bouncing around alittle bit up and down to from 650 to 1.2k. or so when I was parked.

Other than that it runs great. AC blows cold, heat blows hot. I'll tell you its hard comparing this to my daily driver, a ford focus hatchback. When I first drove in the mustang it felt like a shakey old crown vic. But now I have gotten used to it and realized its a almost 20 year old car. Its fun to drive though!!

[Mumfts85gt]

Welcome to FEP. Sounds like a nice car and a good price for it. Stick around and ask questions and you'll get answers to most. There are many years of experience here on the site. It's also good you have access to the original owner. You can ask him what he has changed as far as upgrades. What are your plans for the car?

Rob.

[BAD5oh]

Follow this to solve the idle problem. Simple with pics and easy to follow.

http://www.muscularmustangs.com/iac.php



As for the grinding in reverse. Before you shift right into reverse, shift into 5th then reverse and it won't grind.

[v8only]

no sincro's in reverse, a little grind is normal. do the trick he mentioned. SOunds like a good price, just be sure the body is good all over, but sounds like a well kept up, low miles car.

[5 Liter Mustang]

As for the grinding in reverse. Before you shift right into reverse, shift into 5th then reverse and it won't grind.

not only 5th, but any gear works.

i always put it in 2nd before reverse... its automatic for me, i dont even think about it

[Travis T]

The part of the floor that really needs to be checked for cracks is right where the back bolts of the front seats are. Mustangs usually crack right behind the front seats, but this is usually a cheap repair at a body shop (mine was less than $50).

[19atesix]

I appreciate the welcome and all the good info. As for the my plans for the car. Id like to restore the interior and add things like sub frame connectors and other things that should be taken care of to make this a good starting point for a fun weekend ride. Probably get some 3.73 gears and short shifter in the near future. Thats about it for now. I just want to get in and drive and enjoy it. Listen to the exhaust and feel the torque. Thats my game plan. I think its kinda cool that the guy I may buy this from was about my age now(26) when he bought it new. I was this close to turbocharging my focus but I think I'm making the right decision because this is something I can really get my hands dirty with and learn alot about cars. Also its alot cheaper
and not my daily driver.:D Oh yah expect pictures of it soon.

When I am checking out ther floor, am I looking under the car or under the carpet inside?

[Mumfts85gt]

The connectors, gears and shifter would definitely be good first mods. You would be able to see the cracks under the carpet for sure and probably from under the car too. I'd check under the carpet to see the condition of the floorboards in general.

Rob.