1988 Ford Mustang LX Hatchback 302 H.O.

Summary:

Tons of fun with almost zero repairs

Faults:

Driver's side door handle broke.

Replaced alternator.

Replaced heater core. Doing this is an absolute nightmare. If you're brave enough, make sure you have a day or 2.

General Comments:

Highway fuel mileage is excellent considering how much power you get. I can get 31 mpg on the highway if I don't drive like an idiot.

I've barely had to lift a wrench the entire time I've owned this car.

If you're looking for something that has a lot of get up and go, and you want a domestic, this is the car for you. Most are at a decent price right now.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th September, 2009

1988 Ford Mustang LX 5.0

Summary:

Would not trade this car for a brand new one of any kind, even they were free

Faults:

Original T5 trans went out.

A/C has been removed.

Had to have distributer rebuilt by factory. Total cost was under 400 dollars to rebuild the distributer, and was pleased with the service at the dealer.

Purchased a new trans for less than a rebuild of most new car automatics. I have put both of the transmissions through all kinds of speed shifting at higher than factory output levels. Have no complaints at all.

Car is easy to maintain, and almost all work can be performed by average people at home.

This car has been driven harder than most cars will ever be driven.

Biggest pain is heater core replacement is a joke; takes all day long.

General Comments:

Car is very reliable. Has more power than most new sports cars, and is super easy to upgrade.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th June, 2008

1988 Ford Mustang GT 5.0 V8 302

Summary:

This is the answer to my 'midlife crisis'!

Faults:

My starter went out the first week I bought it @ 160,000 miles/$ 79.99.

My transmission is leaking @ 165,000 miles/ need to have that checked asap. I am assuming I will need a service with new gasket/seal. Quoted $ 150.00.

I bought it with 'Passed' smog papers. DMV had me re-smog it/ it failed. After $ 99.00 and a minor adjustment and passed.

The hatchback shocks needed replacing @ 165,000 miles/ $ 39.99 each/ plus labor, as well as hatchback readjustment $ 50.00.

This car needs regular balance and alignments, though I do drive it like I 'stole' it!

The power windows began working randomly @ 166,000 miles/ $ 79.00 per side to fix.

General Comments:

Fast and Furious fun driving!

Tire 'burn outs' with just a slight touch of the gas pedal.

Very smooth and solid on road at all speeds, though a little rattling gets irritating at times.

Original seats in great condition, but hard to keep clean, stain too easily.

Even though this hatchbacks seats drop down, there isn't much carrying space due to the slant of the back window.

Great control in and out of traffic when sudden moves are needed or desired.

Braking appears to take longer than other vehicles I have owned/ I am going to have this looked into.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 15th May, 2008

12th Sep 2008, 15:40

All the things you listed as problems are part of regular maintenance. Every car will wear out and need brakes, transmission rebuilds, etc.. you will enjoy it for a long time. Great car. And extremely fast with a few bolt ons.

1988 Ford Mustang LX Convertible 5.0L V8 302ci

Summary:

One Fast Machine

Faults:

Alternator just died and took the battery with it.

Short in the starter interlock somewhere, haven't figured that one out yet.

Power mirrors have failed. (Switch)

Both rear quarter windows have failed.

General Comments:

Overall the car isn't too bad. The transmission doesn't like going into reverse too well. Often times I'll have to let out the clutch again or put it in 5th and then into reverse. If shifted into 4th too hard it will grind a little. The car is definitely fast. It will eat all the tread of the back tires if given a chance and. Overall, it's just a lot of fun to drive, however, don't buy one that has had its electronics messed with. Mine has been converted to mass air and had the computer replaced with one from a new Mustang. It kinda messes stuff up. It gets about 12/20 for gas mileage. Not a bad car, just didn't make the best decision on it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th January, 2006

5th Jan 2007, 21:46

It has a hard time shifting into reverse because the transmission comes with a safety lock. So, you don't shift into reverse while driving. Try shifting to second gear, then shift to reverse. It works every time. :-)