It is slightly worse than average for this Ford.
28%−3 pts
It is far below average for cars at this price.
78%−53 pts
Summary
This classic Mustang has significant body and structural history that you should weigh carefully. The front body structure (rails, cross-members, aprons) has been replaced, the rear rails were partially repaired over rust damage and reinforced with added links, and both quarter panels and rocker panels have been replaced. The entire car has been repainted several times, and there is active corrosion including holes in the floor (some patched), rusted rear rails, and rust in the trunk. In short, this car has had major structural repair and ongoing rust, which is the most important factor here — the quality and durability of those repairs directly affect safety and long-term value, and the rust will continue to spread if not addressed.
Mechanically the engine runs well with clean oil and no abnormal noise, but there is an oil leak from the valve cover gaskets. This is a common, relatively minor leak, but left unattended oil can drip and create a mess or fire risk near hot components, so it should be resealed. There is also oil residue on the transmission housing and an active leak from the rear differential — these should be monitored and resealed to avoid running components low on fluid over time. The clutch feels too stiff, which can point to worn linkage or hydraulic/cable wear and should be checked for comfort and reliability.
The steering needs attention: the steering rack is leaking, there is small play (backlash) in the steering, and the left rack boot is torn. A leaking rack with a torn boot will let dirt in and can lead to faster wear and eventual rack replacement, so plan to address this. Most concerning on the suspension is the non-factory rear control arm setup with a broken pin weld on the left side — a failed weld on a suspension mounting point is a safety risk and should be inspected and repaired by a competent shop before driving the car hard. Minor items include a non-working left reverse light, missing grille bolts, a central box that won't lock, and missing headliner trim. Also note the odometer was replaced, so the displayed mileage cannot be verified.Signs of an odometer rollback
The odometer was replaced.
Mechanical inspection
|
Abnormal noise
|
no |
|
Smoothness
|
ok |
|
Smoke, excessive vapor in exhaust
|
no |
|
Crankcase gas pressure
|
normal |
|
Cooling system
|
ok |
|
Exhaust system leaks
|
no |
|
Belts
|
tension ok, no cracks |
|
Oil leaks
|
valve cover gaskets oil leak |
|
Oil condition
|
clean, level ok |
|
Oil sludge
|
no |
|
Signs of recent repair
|
not found |
| Manual transmission | 2 issues |
Mechanical inspection
|
Abnormal Noise
|
no |
|
Synchronizers
|
ok |
|
Clutch
|
too stiff |
|
Shifting force
|
normal |
|
Oil leaks
|
oil residue on the transmission housing |
|
Sings of recent repairing
|
not found |
Mechanical inspection
|
Oil leaks
|
rear differential oil leak |
|
Abnormal Noise
|
no |
|
Vibration
|
no |
|
Clunk
|
no |
|
Wheel bearings
|
ok |
| Active and passive safety | ok |
Mechanical inspection
|
Excessive rotors wear
|
no |
|
Excessive pads wear
|
no |
|
Braking force
|
even |
|
Fluid leaks
|
no |
|
Brake fluid
|
clean, level ok |
|
Excessive or abnormal tire wear
|
no |
|
Parking brake
|
ok |
Mechanical inspection
|
Shock absorbers
|
no oil leaks |
|
Springs
|
ok |
|
Anti-roll bars
|
ok |
|
Joints (visual control)
|
non factory rear control arms, broken pin weld on the left side |
|
Rubber bushings
|
no cracks |
|
Abnormal noise
|
no |
|
Steering pull
|
no |
Mechanical inspection
|
Fan bearing
|
quiet, no vibration |
|
Cooling
|
ok |
|
Heating
|
ok |
|
Flow distribution
|
ok |
|
A/C Compressor noises
|
normal |
| Steering (hydraulic power) | 3 issues |
Mechanical inspection
|
Steering backlash
|
present (small) |
|
Abnormal noise
|
no |
|
Steering wheel force
|
normal |
|
Boots
|
left steering rack boot is torn |
|
Fluid condition
|
clean, level ok |
|
Fluid leaks
|
steering rack leak |
Mechanical inspection
|
Windows
|
ok |
|
Lights
|
the left reverse light doesn't work |
|
Windshield wiper
|
ok |
|
Windshield washer
|
ok |
|
Door locks
|
ok |
|
Mirrors
|
ok |
|
Dashboard
|
ok |
|
Seats
|
ok |
Extra photos
| Major body damages | 3 issues |
| Structural damage |
The front body structure was replaced (rails, cross-members, aprons). The rear rails were partially repaired due to rust damage (new ones welded over the old ones) and the links between the rear and front rails were added. Quarter panels and rocker panels were replaced.
|
| Flood damage |
no
|
| Significant corrosion |
Holes in the bottom (some were patched), rusted rear rails. Corrosion in the trunk.
|
| Entire car repainted |
The body was entirely repainted a few times. The paint job is decent: some dust in the paint, orange peel.
|
| Minor body damages | 6 issues |
Left side
Right side
Top
Front side
Rear side
Coating thickness
Normal coating thickness - between 80-160μm. Too thick layer indicates overpainting; too thin - nonfactory painting job or excessive wear after abrasive polishing. Coating thickness can be measured only on metal (steel or aluminum) body panels.
| Body part |
Left side (μm) |
Right side (μm) |
| Front fender |
830 |
710 |
| Door |
750 |
680 |
| Quarter panel |
1340 |
900 |
| Rocker panel |
190 |
230 |
| Body part |
Top/Rear (μm) |
| Hood |
650 |
| Roof |
760 |
| Trunk lid |
910 |
Extra photos
| Noticeable dirt |
no
|
| Worn out parts |
no
|
| Unusual odor |
no
|
| Damaged parts |
missing left headliner edge trim, the central box doesn't lock
|
| Water leaks |
no
|
Extra photos
| Warranty due: |
no warranty |
| Number of owners: |
unknown |
Inspection date: Jan 10 2024
Oleg Karelov
