Help me decide: 93 EB for cheap or go for 5.0 for $7k+????

[blue88mustang]

A guy I work with is the original owner of a 93 EB Exp. It has 107k miles, but looks to be in GREAT shape and he has never had any problems with it. Newer tires, paint is good, no rust... it is in XLNT cond. He said he would sell it to me for $3500. I could pay cash going this route

Or I can keep looking for a V8 96/97 Exp and pay anywhere between $7,000 and $9,000. This route I would have to take out a loan.

Give me your opinions please. I just bought a house, so I would prefer not to take out a car loan right now. I like the ride, power and looks of the newer ones, but the older ones are fine too.

Any major problems with 93's??

 

[Black Magic]

There shouldn't be any problem with the 93. Plus I actually like the look of the 1st gens over the 2nd.

 

[X24]

Is the 93 4wd?

 

[blue88mustang]

Yes, the 93 is 4x4. He said the only "major" part he can remember having replaced was the 4x4 solenoid and it cost about $300 at the dealership to have fixed.

He said that he has towed his boat to and from the lake each year. His wife put 75k miles on it in 3yrs because she had a job in Wyoming going from town to town. Our towns here are very widespread and it is pretty much 2hrs between each town.

Is $3500 a good price for a near MINT condition 93 EB Exp??

 

[X24]

Sounds like a good price to me. Just make sure it engages into 4wd the first time you press the button. Make sure low works too. Put it back in 2wd and drive around in circles with the wheel turned really sharp and make sure there isnt any grinding. That's about the age where the auto hubs start to die.

 

[NOTAJP]

I love Wyoming. Welcome to mountain standerd time and the forum! That's not a bad price for the '93. You might be able to work him down a little bit. Highway miles are a good thing. Watch for the auto trannys...they don't seem to last with much abuse. Do you plan to mod the X any or just use it for a daily driver? With the '93 just plan on a little more maintenance.

 

[blue88mustang]

Strictly a DD to be used for hauling the dog around, going on trips, winter days, grocery getting, etc.

I have 2 stangs that I like to mod when I have the spare $$$, so the X would be strictly for reliable/good looking/comfortable transportation.

 

[NOTAJP]

Originally posted by blue88mustang
Strictly a DD to be used for hauling the dog around, going on trips, winter days, grocery getting, etc.

I have 2 stangs that I like to mod when I have the spare $$$, so the X would be strictly for reliable/good looking/comfortable transportation.

Just for that I think I'd go with the later 5.0. It'll be a much smoother ride and more comfortable seats. My wife does not like the seats in the first gens but we like the body style better and building for off-road. I'm looking for a set of later leather seats now.

 

[X~FACTOR]

If its gonna be a daily driver then it HAS to be reliable- so get yourself a Honda.

Seriously though, I would get the 2nd Gen with the V-8. Eventhough you don't plan to mod it now it gives you an option to mod it nicely in the future since it looks like its in your blood by having 2 Mustangs in your garage.

 

[blue88mustang]

Seriously, I won't mod whatever I buy. I have enough headaches with the mods on the stangs, so I am 100% sure and deadset on leaving my Explorer stock.

I just want a nice smooth ride, power everything, AC, push button 4x4, etc. If I had *****, I would be a soccer mom waiting to happen. :lol: So with that in mind, give me more detailed info on why the 93 isn't for me.

I will be selling my truck to my brother for $1900, so that would make this 93 only $1600 out of my pocket. I would really like the V8, but they are out of my self-set price range. However, if the 93's are a money pit waiting to happen, I would gladly shell out a couple thousand more just to have the V8 reliability.

 

[NOTAJP]

Originally posted by blue88mustang


I will be selling my truck to my brother for $1900, so that would make this 93 only $1600 out of my pocket. I would really like the V8, but they are out of my self-set price range. However, if the 93's are a money pit waiting to happen, I would gladly shell out a couple thousand more just to have the V8 reliability.

$1600 out of pocket is a great arguement. A loan on $5k will allow you small payments if you wish or a short duration. There is no guarentee with any used car but here are some factors I'd look at. The '93 has 100k+ miles. Normal stuff wears out: Brakes, bearings, ball joints, hubs, shocks tie rods and bushings. The TTB is good but will not give you the smooth ride the '97 torsion bar will. The 4.0L will not give you the smooth power and drive the '97 will. The '97 can have the same problems but much less likely for a while.

 

[EliteConcept]

i would say the newer 5.0 will cost you less in the long run, the 93 is coming of age and the problems will probably start arising shorly after you get it. however it may not and could run good with no problems for years, you never know.

but for power and reliablity i'd go with the v8. stronger tranny stonger engine and about the same gas milage vs the v6.
i used to have a 92, now i have a 97, and believe me i loved the 92, but the 97 is better in so many ways. my 97 is a v6 so i'm not bias towards the v8....
GO V8 and don't look back

 

[james t]

not that im against the 93, but plan on putting a tranny in it within the first year you have it. im sorry guys, dont hate me, but its proly the truth. the A4LD is not well known for going much over 100k miles, although im sure several guys who own 91-94's will chime in here with great records of their trannys. if you get a 96-whatever 5liter, you really dont have anything to worry about maintanence wise. just think, if you drop 3500 cash right now.... would you have $800-1500 for a tranny six months from now? who knows.... it may last another 5 years.... but like i said, plan on replacing it so you arent shocked when you have too.

 

[Charlie's_93EB]

I love my 93 EB. I think that 3,500 is great. I just paid 4k for mine, with 70,000 miles. I think it was good deal here in southwest FL. You are going to be happy ether way. let us know what you decide.

 

[DaHeinah]

I'd go with the 93 since of the low initial cost. The 4.0 L is known to be a reliable motor, and considering this vehicle has been cared for I very much doubt that you will have significant mechanical problems.

although im sure several guys who own 91-94's will chime in here with great records of their trannys.

BURN HIM!!! BURN HIM!!!!!
Sorry, I had to...
But I do have to admit, my bros 97 V8 makes my 92 4.0 look wimpy.

 

[NICE59FORDF100]

i know this is off topic, but are you supoosed to go in reverse after turning off the 4x4 to disengage the hubs? this is really bothersome if you think about it. not easy use. hehe, just curious.

 

[X24]

Originally posted by NICE59FORDF100
i know this is off topic, but are you supoosed to go in reverse after turning off the 4x4 to disengage the hubs? this is really bothersome if you think about it. not easy use. hehe, just curious.

10 feet.

 

[NICE59FORDF100]

oh pooie. i just dont seem the point of that? they engage at any speed (the hubs i mean) but not when didengaging....looks like ill have to hurt j mays

 

[Deak]

Ask him if the motor uses oil. If it uses a lot and in my opinion, more than a quart in 3-4 months is excessive, then I would consider switching to a thicker oil and plan on a rebulit engine in 1-2 years. I would also look up the blue book value for retail. Just to keep him honest. Just because you know him, doesn't mean he's giving you a "special" deal. But then on any car less than 5,000 and 10+ years old I would prepare myself to pay 1500-2000 in repairs and maintenance in next 2 years. When cars get that old things "quit working" for whatever reason.