About to purchase an 89 SC 5 speed..What bad things to look for please.....

[89SCGUY]

I have owned many high performance cars in the past and am mechanicaly inclined but I need to know what to check on this car before I make my purchase. The car is 100% stock and had 111,000 on the clock. The exterior is in perfect shape! The interior much of the same minus a few carpet stains and the drivers seat has seemed to lost its padding.

I am also aware that these cars like to blow head gaskets but it appears this one has never been apart. At any rate what are common things to check or watch out for?

Thanks for all replies

Adam

[fordmangordo]

yea u deff gotts look into the hg...because its a pain
u also should see if the power steering,motor mounts are good
i got a 89 5spd i got with no p/s replaced the pump and its still down
no a/c
and i need new cats

[skydivr7673]

First off, welcome to the club! My first one was an 89 5 speed too, and I loved that car better than probably any other I have had.

The first thing I would do is check the regular maintenance schedule--search in this forum for info on that. Based on the mileage, I would consider getting a timing chain done in the near future, and if you do that, have the HG's done at the same time--it will save you a good chunk of cash in labor costs over doing them separately, and it will save you a bunch of work if you do the work yourself. Other than that, check the regular things like oil, brakes, clutch....definitely check the plugs and wires out. Let the car tell you what shape it's in other than that.

Good luck with it and enjoy--it's a very cool ride to get used to driving....

[skydivr7673]

one more thing--be sure to use only 91 octane or higher gas in it...