Here I am, visiting Fox-land once again! I ran some searches before posting, but didn't find a lot of info, so I would appreciate your feedback.

We had two 2.3 Foxes in our days - they were great cars.

But now my nephew is looking at one, and it is many years later. All I know to start is it's an '88 2.3/auto transmission.

I will have a mechanic look it over of course. But what should I be on the lookout for in a 20 year-old Fox? What are the problem areas? What warning signs should I be looking/listening for?

 

I don't know how into metal fabrication you are, but they like to rot out at the bottom of the shock towers, usually most visible from the engine compartment.

 

Also look carefully at the floorboards in the rear seat area-especially if it is a northern car. They love to rot.
Driveline is pretty much bulletproof. Look for the obvious, oil leaks, rusted oil pans(again a northern issue) and the like. Mileage driven issues are suspension bushings, broken front springs and stabilizer links.

 

Heater cores like to go bad in foxes, if the inside of the windows are constantly foggy and don't clear up the core is probably bad.

 

+1, and every 2.3L I've had ended up needing a fuel pump, maybe that was just me...

Also, most Fords in that era had problems with the fuel sending unit (gauge won't work)

 

Add my .02 cents. Check the cowl/base of windshield for leaks. The seam near the door hinge (check the pins/bushings too) on the body tends to rust and the trailing edges of sheet metal under the trunk lid/above the tail lights like to rust too. door and window seals tend to go bad too - especially at the bottom if your feet keep catching the rubber. And if it has power windows and locks they are famous for crapping out on Foxes due to age and head-scratching design. I already pulled the lock actuators out - now MUCH easier to open. Power locks? Meh...

 

Thanks for the feedback, folks. If we end up getting the car, I'll fill you in and post pics, of course.