A friend of mine has a black, 5-spd, 5.0 liter Mustang that has only 1,600 miles on it and NEVER been in the rain. It is labeled an LX on the outside but has high output engine, headers, exhaust, etc. of the 5.0 (he ordered it without badges to keep a sleeper look). He paid $13,500 for it new. Needless to say it is in excellent condition. Has a/c, cruise, I think manual windows but not sure.

Any thoughts?

NADA won't do him much good - it only shows $4300 for HIGH retail. Somebody out there is looking for a clean, all original LX 5.0 and will pay good money for it. If it was a 1993 I would buy it right now for $10K or more, but unfortunately it is a '90 and probably not very highly sought after (10 hole LX rims vs 5-star Ponies that came stock in '91, weaker HP rating stock as apposed to the '93, etc....) - unless of course somebody is looking for a car to tare down and turn into a strip car, but who in their right mind would do that to a brand new 16 year old car :( Tell him to list it on www.collectorcartraderonline.com

My question is WHAT is he doing with a '90 LX and only putting 1600 miles on it [&:] Why couldn't he have done that with an '85 or a '93 for me - sheeese ;)

So.....are you saying this just isn't a good car? I don't know anything about the HP rating or performance of a '90 vs a '93. I like the lines of the car and the black color further enhances that.

Nothing I buy now will compare to the Viper or Saleen, so, I'm not looking for all-out performance. I was just wondering if this year/model was OK in terms of ownership history or was it a real pig and shy away from it (can anyone remember the Pinto?).

Viper/Saleen: it's a good car. My wife and I bought one back in '90 and really liked it. We didn't experience any problems or issues and was a nice daily driver. I think stock hp was around 210 and came with the world class T-5, 3.08 rear end -- but it has been a while so not sure on the specifics. With a few bolt-ons, it was a nice running car and the 5.0 sounded great with exhausts!

T.

Viper if you are considering this car, it is DEFINITELY not a pig (or pinto ;)) And given it is (assuming) all original with only 1600 miles it will turn a lot of heads as a show/collector car. Just not mine, as I am partial to '93.

I would leave the 10-hole wheels so it distinguishes itself as a '90 as apposed to a '91. About the only things I would do to enhance the car (unless of course you want to mod it up) would be a nice CAI in the fender and complete off road MAC or Flowmaster exhaust (headers back). Those baby headers on those cars are junk, not mandrel bent and probably covered in rust (even with 1600 miles). Trust me, a complete Mac or Flowmaster will make that 5.0 sound MUCH better, and the CAI will help with throttle response.

Man I wish it was a '93 :(

Hey jdivad - what color is your 85? If its Canyon Red or Black and you ever have an inclination to sell I would love to talk to you :)

Headed over there tonight to make the deal.....offering $8,000 but I believe he wants $10,000. Either way, sounds like alot of car for the $$ and I dig the black color, body lines, low miles, etc. Can always sell it and I'll bet I could get a few for bucks than what I pay......thx for the replies (and education).

Be sure to take your camera! We want pics!!!

Definitely - take several pics of the outside, interior and engine compartment. Would love to see it :)

Got it....$9,000. Has power windows,doors,mirrors, lumbar support, manual seats, grey cloth interior. Came with two car covers and all original docs. Noted a number on the engine compartment that has a "Z" in it next to high performance engine sticker; may have 3.08 gears? The only dirt on this car is the cob-webs underneath from sitting in the garage. The tires are not even showing signs of dryrot (no UV ray damage), however, sure will replace them.

Will take some photos and post'em for you guys.