Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
Recently retired and moved to South Carolina. My wife is having her 70th birthday soon. She's always wanted a Ford Mustang convertible (I own an Edge) and while I don't have much money I'd love to see if I could find one for her as a gift. I have saved up around $10K for it.
I'm looking for some advice.... what year and model should I be looking for? Where would you look to find one??? Is this even doable?
Any and all feedback is welcomed- thanks in advance for your help!
Location: IN>Germany>ND>OH>TX>CA>Currently NoVa and a Vacation Lake House in PA
3,259 posts, read 4,327,486 times
Reputation: 13471
Definitely doable depending on the year you're interested in. Does she mind a V-6? Much easier to find good conditioned convertibles in your price range. I found a couple just giving eBay a quick look this morning:
cars.com, autotrader.com, carfax.com, etc. 10 grand isnt going to get much, Im afraid. A friend did just buy a '11 convertible with 120000 some odd miles for 14000.
I had to part ways with my 14 for several reasons, but one of them was the fact my joints couldnt handle climbing in and out, but that may not be an issue for your wife.
Recently retired and moved to South Carolina. My wife is having her 70th birthday soon. She's always wanted a Ford Mustang convertible (I own an Edge) and while I don't have much money I'd love to see if I could find one for her as a gift. I have saved up around $10K for it.
I'm looking for some advice.... what year and model should I be looking for? Where would you look to find one??? Is this even doable?
Any and all feedback is welcomed- thanks in advance for your help!
My only feedback is that I think it is sweet of you to make this dream come true for your wife on her 70th birthday. I am sure she will be thrilled.
Location: We_tside PNW (Columbia Gorge) / CO / SA TX / Thailand
34,694 posts, read 58,004,579 times
Reputation: 46171
I think you better understand what particular Mustang your DW would like.
Mine would slap me down if it was not a '65-66 in the correct blue color, with correct top and 'pony' interior color. With a V8 and NOT a 6cyl. (and my DW is not at all picky, except when it comes to Mustangs), She might get one for her 70th BD too... For a one way Rte 66, then it will be sold, and she will want a '55-56 T-bird to drive back on Rte 66. I don't do Ford, so I hope they are each dependable for her.
I'd look for a 2005-2009, either V6 or V8 with the automatic. Reliable cars with a lot of parts availability both in repair and personalization. And the price is generally right for them, too. They have a classic look with just enough modern touches to be easy and safe to own, unlike a classic Mustang.
Here's my last one, which would probably be too much for her, but a stock one of this era would be fine.
I'd look for a 2005-2009, either V6 or V8 with the automatic. Reliable cars with a lot of parts availability both in repair and personalization. And the price is generally right for them, too. They have a classic look with just enough modern touches to be easy and safe to own, unlike a classic Mustang.
Here's my last one, which would probably be too much for her, but a stock one of this era would be fine.
I did a AT search within 100 miles of me, not knowing which part of SC the OP is in, and taking in consideration the age of the OPs wife, (No offense OP), I found 3 out of 27 convertibles within his price range. All had 4 bangers, autos, but all had a good many miles on them, over 100000 on all 3.
I really, really wish I hadnt done that. Now Im going to be looking at Mustangs again!
Do a search on craigslist and narrow it down to "for sale by owner", even though some of those are still by dealers, you will be able to figure it out and would have better chance of finding a decently used car and the owner would probably be more flexible on pricing. Since you are retired, hopefully you have some free time and can jump on the deals fast.
And, I agree, it is a very kind thought even if not action.
Does she want a base model (V6 or a newer 2.3turbo) or does she want a V8?
$10K puts you right around early 2000's to late 2000's for a convertible depending on what model you want. Given that, you'll probably want to target the 2005-2009 generation. There was a facelift in 2010, so those prices are still a tad higher.
Mustang pricing can be all over the place depending on models. The price of the 80's and 90's cars are starting to climb as well. I've been looking for a 96-98 Cobra convertible, and $10K will get you a clean one of those.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
For a one way Rte 66, then it will be sold, and she will want a '55-56 T-bird to drive back on Rte 66. I don't do Ford, so I hope they are each dependable for her.
