With these odds against you finding a comfortable deal will take some time and hard work. Finding a steal deal will be difficult, so knowing your financial limits is important. How much can you afford to spend- including a possible extensive restoration that could follow the initial purchase.

WHY DO YOU WANT A MUSTANG?

Do you plan to buy the car for resale, a show car, or just reliable transportation? What year and what model interests you? What options? If you don't address these issues, you won't have a clear picture of your goal and probably won't recognize the right car for you when you do find it.

Keep these guidelines in mind:

If you are buying for resale, shop for one that requires only cosmetic work. Body, paint, mechanical and interior work can be expensive and would wipe out your potential profit on the resale.

If you are buying to restore, be prepared to spend thousands of dollars above your purchase price, on your restoration project. Vintage Mustangs are at least 25+ years old and could require a host of parts plus the labor expense to remove and replace them.

If you are buying for transportation, look for one that has passed a state safety inspection and is considered to be safe & reliable. Reasonably straight body and with a presentable exterior and interior.

LOCATE THE MUSTANG MARKET IN YOUR AREA

Mustangs are everywhere, and it won't be hard to locate the ones for sale once you learn how. Here are a few ways to tap into the used Mustang market.

1) Talk to the parts people at your local Ford dealership.

2) Contact your local Mustang club and talk to the officers and members. Ask to see a copy of their club newsletter, oftentimes there are classified ads with Mustang for sale.

3) ) Find out who in your area works on Mustangs, they may know of, or lead you to available cars for sale.

4) Attend Mustang & antique car, Car Shows. Talk to Mustang owners and ask if they know of any for sale. Sometimes sellers bring and display cars for sale at these types of shows.

5) Check the internet especially www.vintage-mustang.com , a great site where hundreds of Mustangs are for sale and are grouped by year.

CONDITION CATEGORIES

A clean title history is assumed for all of the categories listed below.

Restorable/Poor- Cars requiring extensive restoration, could be dis-assembled &/or missing components. Cars with severe rust &/or needing major engine &/or mechanical work. Cars exposed to the elements and in poor physical condition.

Fair- Complete cars in running condition, but could have some defects that require reconditioning: body, paint, interior, &/or mechanical work. A vehicle in need of upgrading, detailing & replacement parts, but not major or extensive work.

Good- Cars that look and run properly and free of any major defects. To the casual observer appear near perfect. Could be an older restoration showing wear & the mild effects of time. Cars with correct emblems, ornaments, interior, engine and mechanicals. Many "Street Driven" cars fall into this category.

Excellent- Cars that are perfect, straight properly aligned body, bright paint and chrome work free of defects, perfect interior, engine compartment detailed, and the mechanical components are in operating order in compliance with the manufacturer's specifications. VIN numbers are consistent and accurately reflect the vehicle. The tires are the proper size, match and are new or nearly new. In summary, a 300 point "Show Car" or an original low mileage unrestored vehicle.

DO RESEARCH BEFORE SHOPPING

Consider buying a copy of "Mustang Recognition Guide" and "Mustang Value Guide" (we sell these publications). Learn how to decode the VIN plate information. Know the different years, engines and equipment packages. Talk to Mustang owners and shop owners who understand problem areas like cowl leaks, cracked shocked towers, frame and floor rust, weak transmissions on early six cylinder manual transmissions, etc.

MECHANICAL & STRUCTURAL CHECKS

Engine- Should start easily and run smoothly, especially at low/idle RPMs. Look for "blow by" black smoke from oil breather &/or accumulation of oil residue on underside of hood. If possible have a compression test performed on all cylinders and an oil pressure verification. Listen to the engine for, taps, raps or excessive internal noise. Open radiator & inspect the coolant, pull the dip stick and look at the crankcase oil. Inspect exhaust system for leaks or rusted components.

Drivetrain- Clutch or automatic transmission should engage smoothly, shift evenly with no clunking or grinding in the transmission or rear axle. The shifter lever should feel tight with no excessive play in the gear selections. Listen for bearing noise, hums or vibrations. Check the automatic transmission fluid level & odor.

Suspension, Steering & Brakes- Check the ride height (26" +/- 1/2" from ground to top arch of fenders) at all four corners. Look at shocks, tie rods, upper & lower control arms, strut rod bushings, rear leaf spring bushings & sway bar end links. Press brakes for pedal height, check brakes for pulling, or pulsating.

Appearance & Structural- Look at the sheetmetal gaps and body alignment, check body for filler &/or bondo. Inspect chrome trim and stainless moldings. Use a mirror and look at underside of floor pans, front and rear frame rails, sub-floor supports, torque boxes and wheel housings. Inspect the interior and trunk compartment. If possible lift up front carpets and trunk mat.

If you do not feel competent to perform the above checks and inspections, consider hiring a local Mustang expert or an ASE certified technician to evaluate the car for a fee.

SUGGESTED QUESTIONS FOR SELLER

When shopping for a used Mustangs, it is easy to look the car over and kick the tires. But how do you really learn the things you really need to know to help make an informed decision? It's a matter of asking the right questions. The following list of ten questions will help you learn more about your prospective Mustang purchase and how the seller has cared for and maintained the car.

1) How long have you owned the car??

2) Why are you considering selling the car??

3) Has the car been in any accidents??

4) What major repair work has been performed, do you have receipts??

5) Has it ever been repainted, is it the original color??

6) What is the mileage, is it actual/correct??

7) What would have to be done to put it into top condition??

8) What maintenance schedule have you followed??

9) How do you make use of the car??

10) Who has serviced/maintained the car??

NEGOTIATING THE PRICE

Finding a nice Mustang that meets your needs is one thing, prying it from the owner/seller is another. Don't be afraid to walk away if not satisfied or to offer less than the asking price, but be prepared to tell the seller how you arrived at your offer. Be prepared to leave a deposit (usually 10%). Always insist on your deposit to be refundable if you aren't satisfied with the results of the follow-up vehicle evaluation.

Don't give up just because the seller rejected your offer. Check back with the seller after a week and be sure leave your phone number in case he/she reconsiders.

Remember Ford made over 2.9 million 1965-1973 Mustangs and there are still a good supply of them to be found. If you miss one, don't worry chances are you will find several other candidates to consider before you end your vintage Mustang search.