Ford Mustang at # 8 in The “Doenges Top Ten” December 2008

There are few things which can elicit that nostalgic sense of true Americana like the sight of a shining chrome pony galloping in front of a honeycomb grill. I’m sure you know what I’m talking about. The Ford Mustang is one car that has truly earned its place in the hall of fame of all things American.

With the prestige the car has enjoyed over the years comes a high demand for used mustangs. While, when it is a new mustang you are purchasing it is simply a matter of choosing your options and driving your new baby off the dealership lot, purchasing a used Mustang is not such a simple matter. Though many want to run out and jump in the first car that catches their eye there are a number of important considerations that should go into finding the Mustang that is the right fit for you. Choosing the wrong car could end up costing thousands of dollars.

Ford’s Mustang was first introduced to the American public at New York’s World Fair in April of 1964 and America immediately recognized it as something special. The Ford Motor Company sold over one million of the new Mustangs in only the first eighteen months it was on the market. With its beefy V8 engine and unique long hood the Ford Mustang quickly rose through the ranks to become America’s most popular muscle car. And now, four decades later, after numerous technological and aesthetic revisions, the Ford mustang retains a special place in the American public’s heart as one of the most popular performance cars in the U.S..

As a performance car, one thing the prospective buyer must take into consideration is, whether considering an earlier model, say 1990′s, or a 2007 mustang GT, chances are the car is going to have been put to its paces. Most people who purchase performance cars drive them like performance cars, and these Mustangs have often been driven hard. With this hard use, and often abuse, proper maintenance is critical. If the last owner of the Mustang you are looking at hasn’t followed a proper maintained schedule, the car you considering could well end up as a serious drain on your bank account. Make sure that whatever used Mustang you are considering has been well maintained.

Take the time to examine the car carefully. Check for a clean air filter. Make sure hoses and belts are solid and free of cracks. A soft heater hose is always a cause for concern. Also, test drive the car and listen carefully for rattles or squeaks in the suspension, grinding gears, or a noisy engine or drivetrain, all warning signs that can let you know what shape the car is really in.

Something else that should always been considered before you make your purchase is whether or not the previous owner has installed aftermarket parts. There is nothing wrong with an owner installing performance parts or add-ons, in fact they can be great for the value of the car, but if the parts have been installed by inexperienced hands then they could end up doing damage that you will end up paying for. Not to mention that fact that, even if installed properly, many of these add-ons void factory warranties. Look for add-ons like filters, air intakes, superchargers and sway bars so that you know what it is you are getting with your purchase.

Maybe it is a mustang convertible you are interested in. They certainly are eye catchers. If so, make sure you examine the convertible top carefully. All convertible tops experience wearing over the years and the last thing you want is to purchase a car only to find it leaks due to an unnoticed puncture in the vinyl. That ‘s simply more money that will end up coming out of your pocket.

There are plenty of great deals to take advantage of out there. 80′s and 90′s model Ford Mustangs are big sellers and even those popular 5.0′s have been spotted for only a few thousand dollars. The challenge is to weed out those bad apples and make sure that your purchase is one that will make you happy for years to come. Remember: You will always look good driving a Ford Mustang, but you won’t feel good if your always driving it to the garage.

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