Should i buy a 4 banger??

[vette_7t9]

Hi i need some tips. Should i buy a 4 cylinder 1990 mustang LX?? I am just a 16 year old kid, and the car i usually drive is my moms 1999 ford escort. Yea it has more HP, but i think the mustang should be a fun car. But hey for $500, its atleast pretty good right? Thats canadian dollars by the way. Do any of you find it fun to drive?? It is a five speed. Is it reliable? I need to know some stuff before i buy.

[StangNut86]

too many factors to say, go look at them and drive them around, make sure there's no outstanding problems. that way it'll last you at least until you drop a 302 in (which you will =) ). they are definitely fun cars tho.

[duplox]

I'm looking for a similar car, but I can't even find one near me... Seems like no one bothers to sell them. All the Foxes I see are 5.0s.

[lookin4wheels]

for $500 canadian...my guess is the thing is a rag.

[fmfgnarly]

ya i just picked one up a few weeks ago, same year and every thing (but auto ...) for $900u.s. even though its a 4cyl i still think its a fun lil car and was worth it. i think it could use a bit more hp to match the tq a bit better. but for you only being 16 (im 18) it would be a great 1st car. stangnut86 is right though...make sure and drive it around, take it to hw speed, and inspect as much as you can get away with (or as much as you know how) and ask questions. but if you do end up with it you will have a really good time...and save some gas lol

[fmfgnarly]

duplox...when i was lookin for a stang i found a bunch of 4cyl on autotrader.com for a good price

[mustang_mike_2003]

yes a agree with everyone here, please ask alot of questions. the last thing you want is a mustang that working on more then driving. we wouldnt what you to bet a bad opionion of mustands because some shmuck sold you a lemon. BTW when your older and your ready, droping a 5.0 in will be easy and cheap, heck you can even reuse the 5 speed that youve got in it now

[StangNut86]

Originally Posted by mustang_mike_2003

yes a agree with everyone here, please ask alot of questions. the last thing you want is a mustang that working on more then driving. we wouldnt what you to bet a bad opionion of mustands because some shmuck sold you a lemon. BTW when your older and your ready, droping a 5.0 in will be easy and cheap, heck you can even reuse the 5 speed that youve got in it now

that's not entirely true... a 4-banger t-5 has a bellhousing that uses a different pattern, a longer input shaft, requires a smaller pilot bearing, and has a first gear that's far too tall for use behind a 5.0. much better off buying a TKO or even a beefed up t-5.

[vette_7t9]

Yaa i work have experience working in an auto shop before, so i can take a look at it or take it to the shop i work at to have a better look using the hoist or something. I will take a look as soon as I can, my mom isn't letting me right now because I want to insure it under her name and i still haven't got my full license, i have the partial one that allows me to drive with an experienced driver beside me. So she thinks that after i get my license we can get it. I want to mainly check the underbody, powertrain condition, rusting on the body, and if everything is in solid condition.

[vette_7t9]

hey can someone tell me the majour areas that can be worn out on this type of mustang? and frequent problems?

[StangNut86]

4bangers are notoriously weak engines

rust happens on hatches, quarterpanels, a little under the hood, and near the rear wheel wells.

suspension problems in the back happen, for instance my '89 gets bad wheelhop form bad quad shocks.

[GTStang]

What could be wrong wit it or a problem area..... Anything and everything, it's a 15-year old car!!!!!

[gmartinez]

Originally Posted by GTStang

What could be wrong wit it or a problem area..... Anything and everything, it's a 15-year old car!!!!!

thats true, but i love my 86 4 cyl stang!!!

i agree with that suspension problems in the back.
i've always had fun with my car.
I say try it.

[DetroitMuscle15]

heyy im the new guy here and i would like to put in my 2 cents..I personally would never get a 4-cylinder Mustang unless it was the ultra-rare SVO Turbo or if it had the venerable 4.9L(5.0 BTW...) swaped in...88HP isnt gonna get you far and it would be more of a hassle to other motorists because you will not be able to safely merge or compete in high-flow traffic.....My mom had one of those poor excuses for a muscle car way back in 93' and the only thing that was good about it was its good gas mileage..instead of getting the 4-banger..save up some more money and look around for more potent Mustangs

[fmfgnarly]

remember now...hes only 16