Cobra Purchasing Advice

[AndyC]

Hello,

I'm looking from some purchasing advice from the pros. I'm currently working on a "light" restoration of a high mileage '91 GT (5th Stang) and have been bitten by the Cobra bug. I plan on saving some cash over the next few months while I finish the GT. I'm looking for a car I can keep in the family for quite some time, and don't mind traveling for the right car. Here's my impression of the current market:

Mint 25K miles ~20K
50K miles ~16
100K+ miles ~10.5-12K

Of course these are all depending on condition, options, mods, etc. My question is: what is the sweet spot for a clean car that won't need a lot of restoration? I have pretty high standards, and a lot of the problems I've encountered with Mustangs are due to age, not necessarily mileage. I'd rather buy a 50K mile car than a 25K mile car if they're both going to need paint, gaskets, etc. anyway.

Thanks!
Andy

I'm leaning towards Vibrant Red, possibly Black. Also any tips from the pros on purchasing the right car?

[noac]

Best advice I can give you is to buy from an original owner. On top of that...
1) No undercoated cars
2) Lots of original documentation
3) Avoid cars that have had lots of owners over a short time period
4) No accidents
5) No sunroof
6) Garage Kept
7) Cloth interior
Have fun and take your time. Don't make $$ the most important priority. It is better to pay too much for the right car than get a deal on the wrong car.

[Z282SLO]

^^^

Good advice. The only one I disagree with is #7. Nothing wrong with a well-kept original leather interior. Also look for all VIN stickers to be in place. Lastly, while finding an original owner car is certainly a plus, I've seen plenty of 2 and 3 owner cars in great shape and I would consider those as well.

As for the "sweet spot" for a clean car with 20K-50K miles, I think it's $17K to $19K. Considering that you're willing to travel and are familiar with Mustangs, you'll know the right one when you see it. Good luck with the search!

P.S. Forget that Vibrant Red, go for the BLACK!

[1993cobra]

nothing wrong with a sunroof either

[Goose17]

I like a fully optioned car to include leather and sunroof. At 11,000 miles, my leather seats are in fantastic condition and the sunroof brightens up the cabin.