One of the stars of the classic market during the past decade has been the Fox-Body Mustang. While many people focus on the GT and SVT Cobra variants, cars like this 1989 LX have gained a strong following. The result is steadily climbing values, which could make cars like this 1989 example a winner on two fronts. It is a low-mile and unmolested survivor with a V8 under the hood that promises impressive performance. However, the seller’s price could make it an excellent long-term investment. That makes it worth a closer look.
This Mustang is a car that nearly didn’t exist. Ford faced dropping sales for its iconic pony car during the 1980s, planning to replace it with a more modern front-wheel drive model shared with Mazda. However, the response from potential buyers was so strong that the Fox-Body soldiered on until 1993. The first owner ordered this LX in Bright Regatta Blue, with the listing suggesting it is an original and unrestored survivor. Its presentation is tidy, with no evidence of significant panel or paint problems. I can spot a few minor chips and scratches, but that is to be expected from any thirty-five-year-old classic that has been enjoyed as its makers intended. The plastic hasn’t succumbed to UV exposure or minor bumps, and there is no evidence of rust. The glass is crystal clear, and the alloy wheels look flawless.
Ford did a wonderful job of modernizing its venerable 5.0-liter V8 during the 1980s, with this Mustang featuring the fuel-injected “HO” version producing 225hp and 300 ft/lbs of torque. Shifting duties fall to a four-speed automatic transmission, while the power-assisted steering and brakes accentuate the effortless driving experience. The Coupe variant is finding favor with those considering racing a Blue-Oval vehicle, because not only are they lighter than the Convertible and Hatchback, but the body offers greater torsional rigidity. This LX is in excellent mechanical health. The seller claims it has a genuine 48,000 miles on its odometer, although they don’t mention verifying evidence. However, the car’s overall condition makes it plausible. They raise the possibility that this Mustang could function as an effective daily driver, suggesting that it is a turnkey proposition.
One aspect of this Mustang that seems above criticism is its interior. The first owner selected Blue cloth and vinyl trim to complement the exterior, and its condition is impressive. The seats have avoided the typical outer edge wear, and there are no visible carpet or plastic issues. It is common to find these cars with updated stereos, but this Mustang retains its factory AM/FM radio/cassette player. The new owner also receives power windows, power locks, power mirrors, and cruise control.
The seller listed this 1989 Ford Mustang LX here on eBay in Meridian, Idaho. They set their BIN at $15,500, with the option to make an offer. It is hard to fault the car’s presentation and originality, which is reflected in the healthy viewing history and the number of potential buyers who have placed it on their “watch” list. I think it will find a new home, but it is a question of whether someone jumps early by hitting the BIN button, or whether the seller accepts an offer as the listing heads to its conclusion. What do you think will happen?
Nice Fox. This blue has always been a favorite of mine. Low miles, notchback, looks to be in good shape. Those who prefer an automatic, here you go. I don’t think these aero nose Foxes are going to get any cheaper in the future.
Stop it, stop it, STOP IT,,,pretty darn close to mine. I know I make a big tzimmes about these cars, what a poor experience I had, It wasn’t really so bad, heater core debacle aside. Probably as close to a SSP as you’ll get. Mustangs got better from here on in, and these shine in the 1/4 mile. It’s what happened to mine. It’s the one thing these cars do well. I miss the authors signature performance times, these will do the 1/4 mile in 15 flat, at 91 mph.( 5 speed at 14.9) 0-60 in 6.8 sec. and a top speed around 128mph although a Neb. trooper was clocked at 146 in one. Mustangs went from the most simple cars to snarling beasts, this was just one of the many phases it went through. Not many other US cars can make that claim.
Heater core failure seems to a common complaint about the Foxbody, although any car over 20 years old will probably have that issue. It’s about a four hour job if you know which end of a screwdriver to hold, but . . . whatever.
This is really a great looking car and well worth any vexing maintenance issues. The automatic is a dealbreaker for me, but plenty of folks prefer it. GLWTS
Great looking car, will be considered great buy in the near future if the ad is legitimate.
Steve R
My first new car was a white version of this car. I can tell you that the automatic transmission is a real downer in these. Under light throttle, it is tuned to get into overdrive as quickly as possible, sometimes before you’re through the intersection. Under heavy throttle, if you happen to lift off the accelerator, it will slam into a higher gear hard enough to make you think you’ve been hit. It was fun to own what I called my “stealth bomber”, but I owned it less than two years because of the transmission. Traded it on a 5-speed GT convertible.
CCFisher: Excellent description of the auto trans shifting … mind of it’s own, sadly.
Never bought a notchback but owned several Fox 5.0 hatchbacks, all 5 speeds (4 spd on my ’82 ).
Really enjoyed these all very much but that description of the sluggish Auto also fits for my 2005 GT I had, plus reluctant kick down.
Stick with the 5 speed as we all seem to agree.
Otherwise, this looks like a nice ’89 LX.
IDK, mine seems to shift just fine. A quick stab of the go pedal and I get a downshift when cruising on the highway for passing. Maybe the previous owner installed a shift kit? I have noticed some shifts that felt inappropriate for the speed and the load on the engine but nothing jarring.
In my case, there was no previous owner. Two different dealers told me “that’s just the way they are,” so I think it’s more likely that yours has been massaged after so many years. It’s good to know they can be tamed a bit.
I forgot about the reluctance to downshift. I remember giving it more and more throttle until it finally downshifted. Unfortunately, that resulted in the car lunging forward, as I was pretty deep into it by then.
This is the better looking mustang built until 1993 and they came out with that ugly rounded thing until 2005 when they started to look decent again
Great looking LX Notch here! Thanks Adam, for completing the Red, White, Blue series :)
SOLD!
That was a very tempting BIN price.
Sold this morning, not sure if for $15,000, maybe. I like the 87 Mustang HO 302 that is in my 66 F-100 with the AOD trans. It has a Holley 4 barrel on it though. No issues with shifting with foot down. I’m old enough to not need a clutch, especially in city traffic, so that car looked fine.
I’d definitely be looking to swap in a manual.
Nice car.
Still available, looks like. Too bad it doesn’t have the GT seats, which some of the ’89 LX 5.0s did.
Also, the way Ford “updated” the body has always screamed “cheap.” Especially gluing the new flush rear window glass right over the still-visible fake-louvered roof stamping of the earlier cars. But as long as the performance is there who cares? (5-speed manual only; the auto takes much of the driving fun out of these if you are looking for performance).
It was just relisted. It seems like a good deal, the only visible thing that might hold it back is the automatic transmission, but value should trump preference. There is something not right that isn’t apparent, when the as was taken down yesterday it had been listed for a couple of weeks, it should have sold if it is as nice as it appears.
Steve R
Price has also been lowered to $13,500 or best offer.
Mine was almost identical except for a manual transmission. Sharp car and lots of fun. Seemed to perform better than the 225 HP rating. If I didn’t have my ’12 Boss, this car would tempt me !!!