Claiming that any classic with decades of active service could be one of the best original examples left is bold, but the overall condition of this 1989 Ford Mustang LX makes the seller’s claim plausible. It presents superbly, from its sparkling paint to its spotless interior and engine bay. That is understandable because this survivor has a genuine 17,800 miles showing on its odometer. The time has come for it to find a new home, with the seller listing the Mustang here on Craigslist in Plainfield, Illinois. The price of $27,900 is above the market average, although rising values and the car’s overall condition could make it an excellent long-term investment. I must say a big thank you to eagle-eyed Barn Finder Tony P for spotting this stunning survivor.
Ford introduced its Third Generation Mustang in 1989 as a replacement for the much-maligned Mustang II. Based on the Fox platform, the new model is considered by many to be the most unusual Generation of Ford’s iconic pony car range. Unlike its predecessor and those that followed later, the Fox-Body carries no staying cues that hark back to the original 1960s Mustang range. This one is a stunning survivor finished in Bright Red. The seller claims the paint is original, and they recently had it metered to confirm this. It retains an impressive shine for a vehicle with over three decades under its belt. There are no significant marks or imperfections, with areas like the damage-prone front bumper and hood looking spotless. The panels are laser-straight, and the gaps are tight and consistent. The trim and glass are excellent, while the immaculate factory alloy wheels are wrapped in new Uniroyal Tiger Paw tires. Those craving authenticity will welcome the seller’s decision to include the original tires in the deal.
In 1989, buyers could equip their new Mustang with the 2.3-liter “Lima” four that provided adequate performance. However, many chose the 5.0-liter “HO” V8 that placed 225hp and 300 ft/lbs of torque at their disposal. This LX features that motor, with the original owner adding a four-speed automatic transmission and power assistance for the steering and brakes to guarantee an effortless driving experience. The V8 should allow the LX to cover the ¼-mile in 15.1 seconds, with the aerodynamically efficient body ensuring it will top 130mph. Potential buyers can consider this Mustang a turnkey proposition. The seller claims it has a genuine 17,840 miles on the clock, although they don’t mention supporting evidence. They include the original Window Sticker, a Marti report, Service Records, and other paperwork. There may be documentary evidence for the mileage claim in that collection. The V8 features a cold air intake and Flowmaster mufflers, but these are the only additions or modifications. It recently received a complete fluid change, allowing the new owner to fly in and drive this classic home.
The positive vibes continue when we focus on this Mustang’s interior. I’ve scrutinized the supplied images and can find nothing worth criticizing. The wear-prone outer edges of the front seats are perfect, and I suspect nobody has ever used the back seat. It is a similar story with the trunk area, with no signs of scuffed plastic. The dash, console, and other plastic components are excellent, and the carpet is spotless. There is more to this interior than a pretty face because the new owner receives air conditioning, power windows, power locks, power mirrors, cruise control, a rear defogger, and an AM/FM radio/cassette player.
This Ford Mustang LX is thirty-five years old, but you wouldn’t know it. The overall condition could allow a Ford dealer to buy it for display on their showroom floor to draw enthusiasts through the door. However, it deserves to be let loose onto the open road and driven as its creators intended. The price is above the market average, but its condition and odometer reading justify that. I think it will find a new home fairly quickly, but are you tempted to make it yours?
Thank you Adam. Very nice Fox Body. The automatic transmission holds back the value, as does the fact that it is not a notchback. It has a window sticker and a Marti report; show us please. Always good to see one which has not been abused.
Here is some history on the car:
Oct 2022 17786 miles sold $22000 Mecum Chicago
Feb 2023 18 k miles bid to $20250 at Bring A Trailer
Mar 2024 17840 miles advertised $27900 at dealer/broker
Where are these low mileage Fox bodies coming from? Well if they were hoarding them I suppose now is the time to move them. Prices for fox body Mustangs are going crazy! Agreed though that transmission is doing the car any favors, a T-5 would bring more bucks, but picking is getting slim, or is it if you’re willing to step up?
Wow. Arrest Mr Red sure looks great on a gox body. I agree with Bob and Cadmanls, I’d want one with a 5 speed. A buddy of mine had one just a year or so out of high school. Black 88 with a 5 speed. Man was that thing quick. I seem to remember him getting in trouble once or 3 times too. Ah youth. But this is just beautiful. Im sure it will sell to the right buyer.
I’m not a blue oval guy but I love the fox body Mustangs. Owned a ’91 back in the day but jettisoned it shortly after due to the auto. Ford, in their infinite wisdom, geared the auto for mileage, not fun. The ONLY fox body to own makes you row through the gears.
3.27 gear ⚙️ i believe came std w the AOD transmission bw.
But i agree the 5sp box is the cats meow for sure.
Fox body started in 79 not 89.
2.73s came standard. 3.08s were optional on 5-sp cars while 3.27s were optional with the AOD.
A 2.73 auto is the kiss of death.
Even though it seems that a zillion of these were made, most of them WERE wasted by boy racers who either wrecked them or drove them into the ground, and that’s why any Fox Body 5.0 in this condition will only appreciate. Because it’s not a 5-speed, the price is a little rich right now but I do see this as a $30k car in 3 years.
Yeah, I was one of those “boy racers” at 19 that lost my notchback 87 off of the expressway offramp during a early fall rain. Car rolled so it was in very bad shape and totaled. Of course being 19 and full of wisdom, I took the insurance payout and went and bought another LX, this time a hatchback 89. That car survived my ownership and I sold it a guy that was buying it for his just turned 18 year old son. Fifty fifty whether or not that one survived. I’d love to have another. They’re lots of fun but it has to be the shift your own version.
More than a few were stolen. I worked at an auto parts store in the early-2000’s that sold a lot of performance parts a few miles south of Oakland. We had a couple of counter guys that had gone through their 5.0’s so they had a strong customer base with those cars, almost every week someone would come in to ask if we could keep an eye out for a car matching the description of theirs or the parts they had installed. Most of the cars stolen were pretty nice, they weren’t safe anywhere, we had one customer whose car was stolen from a local college’s parking lot even though he removed the rotor every time he park in a public lot.
Steve R
When I saw the headline, I thought, “gotta be an automatic. Nobody could resist driving a 5-speed example. Believe me, I owned both right out of CMU.
Great car, but $27k? With an auto, I will pass.
She’s a beaut. Great color and love the pattern cloth interior. The LX is a perfect package because it all hardware that doesn’t look like it’s trying too hard.
As for price, this is why I loath cars like these. They’re just too nice. They’re not worth the asking price but you’re not going to find another. If you do buy it or take it in trade you’re buried up to your waist. Then the experts all come out to tell you why you’re wrong. Please don’t take offense. I’m just speaking as an observer.
Mine was this exact car, except it was a ’90, with the newly added time bomb in front of my face. So I didn’t get the nicer steering wheel, or a tilt wheel. But I had the 5 speed.
I had a couple 90up cars, and hated the loss of the tilt column. 1989 is the sweet spot.
If only Me and Granny were decades younger. It would be nice to just cruise responsibly and enjoy the day. Oh well… Best wishes to new owner and treat her nice.
Hey what do you know? Another overpriced foxbody for sale.Go and do a 7.3L Godzilla swap and a few other things,then try and ask $27k.Just like the white 1990 LX on here for sale for $32k,that is about as ridiculous….
They won’t be getting cheaper anytime soon.