My step-son surprised me today by asking me to look at a 2005 GT Convertible with him tomorrow. It's listed for $11,500 and advertised as having 74,000 miles. I haven't owned a mustang since selling my '85 Fox body 25 years ago. I'm reading up on what to look for this evening and would appreciate any tips on what to look for. I'm sure there's a ton of info here and elsewhere I can find with search engines. But I'd be grateful for any advice since I have a short window.

 

https://themustangsource.com/forums/vindecoder.php
Vin Decoder

Good Place to Start!

KC

 

Everything is in the details. Maintenance? How many owners? Garage kept? (a MUST for a 17 year old convertible). It's really the same with any used car. I've heard about paint issues on the hood so take a close look, If no maintenance history, look hard at that coolant color, the brake fluid, and all the fluids for that matter.
My '07 is a convertible and my mileage is similar, slightly less. The top should be quiet with no strange operating noises. Check the seals all around, especially by the top windshield frame. Everything that is rubber should be soft and supple. If not, there may be leaks. That can be a deal breaker as it is never easy to install rubber seals properly. I've owned 'verts since the 70's and have seen so much. There should be no issues with that convertible top if it was cared for properly. Look also for tears and threading. A cloth top is also preferable for a longer lasting life than vinyl.
Good luck!!

*** Look at my post (#4) from 8 years ago. The same holds true today as back then. Convertibles can NOT be ignored. You'll find out when you go look. https://themustangsource.com/forums/...ng-new-530786/

 

It's really hard to summarize all the things to look for ... if you can take a few minutes with the Search tool, I think you can find past threads on this topic that should cover it.

 

Exactly 100% spot on, which is the purpose behind the search function menu, to begin with..

 

Thanks folks, the car we looked at yesterday was a dud. It needs a clutch, top, and was not well cared for. We're looking at a 2006 tomorrow, we'll see how it goes.