1966 Mustang

[spyro_ie]

My Dad is planning on buying a 1966 Mustang, but both of us know little to nothing about a)1966 Mustangs b)Mustangs and c)Cars. So any help on this subject would be greatly appreciated.

 

So we went to look at this car tonight. A 1966 Mustang Straight Six (whatever that means), Cherry Red with the two white stripes down the centre. Mostly original parts, Cd player in glove compartment, new speakers, some new engine parts, original hub caps, no body damage, just a bit of rust underneath. It has those bullet wing mirrors, which I believe aren't the originals but he still has the originals somewhere. Asking price? Around €14,000/$19,000/£9,500. Whats that like for a deal?

 

Also, if you have any information on Mustangs, what you think of them, or what to look out for, let me know! Thanks.

[BCspeed34]

Well the straight-6 means it is an inline 6 engine, meaning all the cylinders are in a line. It is a small engine compared to the V8. 200 cubic inches, in comparison to the common 289 V8. But the main problem I see here is the price, incredibly overpriced if it was here in the states. Something like that would run about $7000 USD. Over here for the price he's asking, you could get a fastback in the same condition.

[XN22]

Like BC said, it may be a little pricey for an I6. I'd haggle with the guy over it though, since it's a private dealer.

 

But yeah, if it's the only one in your area, and he really wants it, just take it for a test drive, and inspect it for visible or running damage.

[stretch.]

You'll generally find that the older imports are grossly overpriced.

 

But yer, straight six is an inline six.

 

Maybe look at an MGB GT?

[spyro_ie]

Maybe look at an MGB GT?

It's weird that you say that because I was interested in one of them!

 

Re: Mustang. Overpriced eh? Heres me thinking it was a good deal. Maybe it was because all the other Mustangs I searched for varied from €20,000 to €50,000! Well I must admit, it's in pretty pristine condition. He said he bought it for around €8000/$11,000/£5,500 if that has any bearing...

[XN22]

Oops, didn't notice you're not American. Might not be overpriced then, since it's a classic, and an import.

[lurchseesu420]

My friend bought a 66 289 2 bb notchback for $4000. Great condition. Little Rust. Not the original engine but still period correct. But it was bought from a friend who needed money and should have been 3 or 4 times that amount.

 

But dude that is a steep price for a 6 cylinder. You should be able to find a good 6 for 4 grand. What most people do is throw a big V-8 since the 6 cylinders only put out 90 hp.

 

But dude why would you be getting a classic Mustang if you weren't a car guy. That just seems stupid. why not get a Honda Civic?

[Picolini]

I say $19,000 sounds just about right, even for the US, depending on condition. If it's near mint, I'd say it's on the spot. If there's some stuff wrong with it, around good-to-near mint condition then I'd say 10-15,000.

 

Since in your case it's a classic import then it's probably right as it should be. I'm sure you can talk him down a grand

[spyro_ie]

But dude why would you be getting a classic Mustang if you weren't a car guy. That just seems stupid. why not get a Honda Civic?

I never said I wasn't a car guy, I just don't know much about cars, plus its not me thats getting it, it's my dad.

 

I'm getting conflicting answers here. Some of you are saying its way too expensive, some of you saying it's about right.

[Picolini]

Some people just don't know what they're talking about

 

Just search around online for prices to compare. Pay special attention to the year, and model style (engine, etc), and condition.

[spyro_ie]

After a quick browse I found a couple more 1966 Mustangs for sale.

 

The first one:

Mileage: 30,000 Miles

Colour: Red

Summary: Fully Professionally Restored Mustang, Red, Auto, 4.7l V8, Immaculate Condtion All Round, Engine & Transmission Rebuit, Crager Rims, Deluxe Pony Interior, Alloys, Metallic Paint, Leather Upholstry, Radio Cassette.

Price: €12,950/$17,900/£8,800

 

The Second one:

Mileage: 80,000 Miles

Colour: Blue

Summary: New tyres and engine rebuild. Needs tidying. 4.6 Litre.

Price: €8,500/$11,700/£5,800

 

Now, to me these seem like much better deals.

[lurchseesu420]

After a quick browse I found a couple more 1966 Mustangs for sale.

 

The first one:

Mileage: 30,000 Miles

Colour: Red

Summary: Fully Professionally Restored Mustang, Red, Auto, 4.7l V8, Immaculate Condtion All Round, Engine & Transmission Rebuit, Crager Rims, Deluxe Pony Interior, Alloys, Metallic Paint, Leather Upholstry, Radio Cassette.

Price: €12,950/$17,900/£8,800

 

The Second one:

Mileage: 80,000 Miles

Colour: Blue

Summary: New tyres and engine rebuild. Needs tidying. 4.6 Litre.

Price: €8,500/$11,700/£5,800

 

Now, to me these seem like much better deals.

First 1 seems to be a good deal. The second one says 4.6 wich sounds a bit fishy to me. Go with the first 289 if you plan on putting down serious moolah down on a mustang. Better to get your money's worth and not spend a sh*t load on a 6 cylinder. But fist I think you should check NADA car guides to see a ball park figure on what you'll be spending.

[stretch.]

View both, check for rust in the obvious places, wheel wells etc. lift any mats, look for any bubbling paint or bad welding marks.

 

Another key thing to do is make sure everything works, if you can get under the car and have a grope at the chassis, ask if it's been galvanised, or rust treated.

 

Check out the upholostery, have a feel along all the seems, see if you can lift any upholostery.

 

Now for the engine, steam cleaning normally suggests hiding something, but as it's a classic car, this can be overseen.

 

Have a test drive, park it up with the hand brake on, and have a look at the ending, listen for any sqeeks or if anythings steaming even slightly or dripping.

 

See if you can move the car too, and that the brake has good feel and that the biting point on the clutch if it's manual is high enough, burrying it in the floor suggests the slave has gone, and while it's cheap to replace, you may have to remove the engine to do so so it could be a bit pricey.

 

And remember, do not be afraid to walk away!