Should I Buy This? 86 Foxbody 5.0

[95BlueStallion]

Thats why I said, "Im not saying buy the car." But you guys kinda made him run for the hills like he was on fire. You are absolutely right about having reliable transportation when just getting out into the real world. I wont disagree with that point one bit.

 

[squeak93]

I say buy it and get the Acura.

But really, this fox sounds like the type of car you're going to be wanting but the reliable DD is the key to owning any sort of sports/performance car that you know you will drive hard and put away wet.

I like my cars in pristine shape. Shoot, I've only put 100 miles on my most recent coupe purchase and have already sent it to paint, purchased 4 wheel disc brake/5 lug swap and redone a LOT of the interior. When I was younger (as mentioned) I would have just hopped into the car and beat the hell out of it until it broke then I would scramble for cash to put it back together(then borrow a car from the parents lol). I learned a ton from that car on what to do/not to do. I could barely change my own oil before that car, now I don't hesitate to crack open a motor, rear end or completely strip an engine bay to weld or paint it (I'm also the "phone a friend" now for those that need help and the only guy locally that can/will do or assist with mod motor cam swaps). It's worth noting that I had a GREAT group of friends who were patient and willing to pass on what they knew and had learned. Sometimes I listed and sometimes I wish I had. That's part of it.

Good luck in Denver and enjoy what ever fox you get. I've owned all platforms (except 2015) and while the 2012 gt was the nicest and fastest, it just didn't have that same mustang feel and appeal to me as a Fox does. I realized this recently after getting rid of my amazingly clean and quick 03 Mach that when every time I went to a car show, I sought out Fox's before all other models. Sure I drool over Terminators but a clean fox (even if just stock) has way more appeal to me at this point in life then a hot rod you just cut a check for. And yes, the Fox will make you cut checks (lots of them too) but you also earn it and appreciate it more than going to the stealership for the latest and greatest.


Sorry for the rant but it seemed like an appropriate time to shed some insight.

 

[CarMichael Angelo]

I think alot of you guys are just old, crotchedy weiners that are too worried about your comfort to accept the characteristics of a fox body as a DD.

I had a 69 mach 1 in HS. I had that car until I was 21. It got driven every day in all through the year in Colorado, and Iowa. Other than routine maintenance issues, it always started, and always went where it was intended to go. However, by the end of my "relationship" with it, it had become an obnoxious, big cammed, over carb'd, noisy PITA to drive that had Firestone drag slicks as it's only rear tires. All my fault for taking a fairly reliable car and turning it into what it became.

Everytime I see people advise against using one of the cars as a DD because of the potential for unreliability, I think "from what?" What is gonna be any different on this car from any other DD beater that you'd have to slash around in for the sake of keeping your "unreliable" fox safe at home so it won't break.

Obviously, depending on the condition of the car, an abused version will be a lot more suspect than one that's been taken care of, but I just cant subscribe to all of the "wouldn't drive one everyday" mentality. Ford made them to drive everyday when they were new, parts are sold to replace what breaks, most of the stuff is fairly reliable on the car (unless abused), and even if it does fail, most of the stuff is fairly easy to fix, w/ more than enough reference material to get it fixed.

What's not to trust?

 

[mikestang63]

I think alot of you guys are just old, crotchedy weiners that are too worried about your comfort to accept the characteristics of a fox body as a DD.

I had a 69 mach 1 in HS. I had that car until I was 21. It got driven every day in all through the year in Colorado, and Iowa. Other than routine maintenance issues, it always started, and always went where it was intended to go. However, by the end of my "relationship" with it, it had become an obnoxious, big cammed, over carb'd, noisy PITA to drive that had Firestone drag slicks as it's only rear tires. All my fault for taking a fairly reliable car and turning it into what it became.

Everytime I see people advise against using one of the cars as a DD because of the potential for unreliability, I think "from what?" What is gonna be any different on this car from any other DD beater that you'd have to slash around in for the sake of keeping your "unreliable" fox safe at home so it won't break.

Obviously, depending on the condition of the car, an abused version will be a lot more suspect than one that's been taken care of, but I just cant subscribe to all of the "wouldn't drive one everyday" mentality. Ford made them to drive everyday when they were new, parts are sold to replace what breaks, most of the stuff is fairly reliable on the car (unless abused), and even if it does fail, most of the stuff is fairly easy to fix, w/ more than enough reference material to get it fixed.

What's not to trust?

Mike, we are not talking about a 30 year old Toyota or family car. This is a 30 year old Mustang that most likely been ragged on. Let me ask you, when was the last time you found a fox body mustang that DIDN'T need work, unless it was a low mile, high dollar, one owner car. We all are aware of the problems with these cars.

IF the kid and/or his dad are good with wrenches and IF they know that they are most likely going to need a backup ride at some point, and IF the kid plans on keeping it as is, then MAYBE it's ok. That being said, even in my case, my son's first car was an Altima. IMO no high school kid needs to be behind the wheel of a 5.0 mustang, but that is a completely different story.

 

[hoopty5.0]

Mike, I wouldn't hesitate to drive mine anywhere now, no matter the distance. My point was, 'look at how long it took me to get a decent car to that point.' Months.

 

[Gearbanger 101]

The fact that its a car that in its very nature is driven hard as a rule is only half the problem. The bigger issue is that it's a 30-year-old car. I wouldn't care what make, or model it was, I wouldn't trust something that old as a DD. Especially since many parts are now becoming obsolete and require more trips to the junk yard, than to the parts store in order to replace them.

 

[Blandnuts]

There's nothing wrong with DD a Fox. Hell, I bought my first one my senior year too and I've had one since. It's been my DD for the majority of that time with trips from the east to the west coast (235K miles on the clock). The fact is, any car is a gamble. I personally try and stick with cars that have an aftermarket/modding desire for resale.

Do you like the sn95 style?


FYI, most of the nardtards who still post in here are grumpy old men with kids now. Enjoy being young and making mistakes Vanilla Ice style!

 

[mikestang63]

There's nothing wrong with DD a Fox. Hell, I bought my first one my senior year too and I've had one since. It's been my DD for the majority of that time with trips from the east to the west coast (235K miles on the clock). The fact is, any car is a gamble. I personally try and stick with cars that have an aftermarket/modding desire for resale.

Do you like the sn95 style?


FYI, most of the nardtards who still post in here are grumpy old men with kids now. Enjoy being young and making mistakes Vanilla Ice style!

1. Sorry you can't afford a new car since high school
2. I was grumpy long before I had kids
3. Vanilla Ice as a role model says volumes

 

[Mustang5L5]

I can't say Much. My fox mustang IS the car I drove thru High School. Still got it.

Needed a new 4-door sedan for the car seats though....and I still hate you all.


Sent from my big ass iPhone 6 using Tapatalk

 

[Blandnuts]

3. Bro had swagger and got to play with Ninja Turtles. Jello!
2. Sadface
1. My mommy won't let me until I move out of the basement.

^Wait till the sedan becomes a SUV since these new child seats are the size of an elephant.

 

[Gearbanger 101]

The fact is, any car is a gamble.

That's not a fact, that's an opinion....and a flawed one at that.

I wouldn't think twice about leaving for a week long trip in my girlfriends new Ford Focus. Full warranty, no charge roadside assistance and no miles on the clock.....but I won't leave the neighbourhood in my Fox without making sure my wallet (Bank & Credit Cards as well as CAA) and cell phone are on me.

 

[Blandnuts]

I'll play.

Girl friends car assures your inner gambling worries with, "Full warranty, no charge roadside assistance and no miles on the clock". Why would you need all that, it's purfect...riiiight?

Your fox...Well, should of bought a better one, but I'm glad you got all that other crap to ease your inner gambling pains while driving.

 

[Mustang5L5]

<grabs popcorn>.


Sent from my big ass iPhone 6 using Tapatalk

 

[mikestang63]

 

[FoxMustangLvr]

You guys are all talking about when you were in high school, what? Class of 87? This 86 is now 30 years old, not 1, not 10 y/o, 30!. I used to DD my 88' Fox in 98' too but wouldn't just buy one today and rely on it as my ONLY vehicle to get me to work especially a new job. Jobs are not easy to come by these days and for a young man getting a new job you do not want to show up late or not show up at all because you went for the "cool" 5.0 car instead of the TSX which is newer and has not been beaten on. I will DD my Fox once it fires up and all bugs are worked out and it's WHEN, not if, it leaves me on the side of the road.

 

[Gearbanger 101]

I'll play.

Girl friends car assures your inner gambling worries with, "Full warranty, no charge roadside assistance and no miles on the clock". Why would you need all that, it's purfect...riiiight?

Your fox...Well, should of bought a better one, but I'm glad you got all that other crap to ease your inner gambling pains while driving.

You'll play? What are we playing?

Sooooo, let me get this straight. You're putting your faith in a 30-year-old car, that's best years are far behind it, designed during arguably the lowest decade in automotive history, that's already accumulated 235K on the clock and 3-decades worth of rust, dry-rot, wear and tear and countless old parts that are ready to say uncle at any moment......against a brand new car, with no miles, 5X the engineering and 10X the build quality, one of the best track records in the automotive industry and that hasn't even worn off its new car scent yet.

.....and I'm the one who's the "gambler"?

I see you're a person who won't let fear, ignorance, or common sense stand in your way. Good for you sir.

 

[Blandnuts]

We're playing, "who's in my mouth".

Really, I was just joking about your fox. You don't have to take it personal. I hope you continue to feel secure with your girlfriend driving you around in her stout car. XXXOOXXO


OP, I'm sorry to fill your thread with silliness. Maybe Gearbanger can make a post with, "Why do I have a worthless mustang still, I've acquired my super powerz?". Be there or be square!

 

[Virtual]

Here's yet another opinion. Just that..

Apart from the reliability needs of a DD that are definitely worth considering, I still wouldn't recommend a Fox Mustang to a teen. Maybe someone in their mid 20's, but as a teen there's not a lot of experience with driving a car that doesn't handle that great compared to others. It's powerful enough given the light back end to slip out on you even in good weather. More importantly though, a fox is not an all weather car. In the wet it can be difficult for even an experienced driver to control, and I wouldn't like one in the winter at all if there's any snow around.

A large part of me hates to stereotype teen drivers. We were all teens once and many many teens are totally fine drivers. But myself as a teen felt I was still invincible, and the fact that I used to try drive my parents station wagon around like a rally car, it was the fact that it was an underpowered station wagon is probably the only reason I'm still around now. Obviously it's an individual choice, but my son is NOT getting my mustang when he turns 18. 25 maybe, but that's probably just cause I'm an over protective parent who hopes that the promise of getting the mustang at 25 will give him enough incentive to not off himself in some creative or idiotic way before that happens.

 

[Gearbanger 101]

We're playing, "who's in my mouth".

Really, I was just joking about your fox. You don't have to take it personal. I hope you continue to feel secure with your girlfriend driving you around in her stout car. XXXOOXXO


OP, I'm sorry to fill your thread with silliness. Maybe Gearbanger can make a post with, "Why do I have a worthless mustang still, I've acquired my super powerz?". Be there or be square!

Sorry Blandnuts....didn't mean to hurt your bum.