Hello, I’m sorry if my questions seem stupid but I’m new at this and would greatly appreciate any and all advice. If I’m going about this the wrong way, please let me know.

I’m interested in purchasing an 89-92 Mustang GT manual transmission (preferably hard top) and would like some advice. I basically would like to get something that is in good shape mechanically and in appearance inside and out. I don’t mind if the inside and out isn’t in top shape but I don’t want anything in too bad of shape i.e. rust, body damage etc. My goal would be to improve the car’s performance first and then interior and exterior. I want the engine to be mostly unmodified.

The thing that I’m asking for advice on is what to look for when purchasing one of these cars? To me the most important thing will be the purchase and I don’t want to buy something and later realize that I looked over some things or I got screwed on the price.

I’m new at this and want to make sure I start off on the right foot. I have plenty of time and patience to wait and find the right car. I also have the cash to buy right now. I’ve been reading anything and everything on this topic that I can get my hands on. I’m currently in the process of finishing a few books that I bought too. I don’t want to rush any of this process.

1. What should I look for (or look out for) when purchasing this car? Are there certain spots or things mechanically us average guys wouldn’t know to check for?

2. With my requirements, what price range would you suggest for this car? I understand that prices may vary but I’m looking for a low to high range. Just off the top of my head and what I’ve seen out there, I was thinking around 3K, maybe 2-4K range?

3. What other reading material do you suggest? I purchased and am reading the following books
a. Mustang 5.0 Projects  by Houlahan, Mark
b. Mustang 5.0 Performance Projects (Motorbooks Workshop) byEvans, Huw
c. How to Build & Modify Ford Fuel Injected 5.0 V-8 Engines by Wilson, Tom

I really appreciate any help you can give me. Thanks in advance!  

We just did a very good purchasing article in our May 2008 issue. If you don't have it, you should be able to purchase it through our backorder department, or maybe someone email you a copy.