1983 Ford Mustang GLX 3.8L from North America
Summary:
A very fun car
Faults:
Already had some problems when purchased, including a minor accident resulting in damage to the driver's door.
Exhaust turned very black at 130,000 miles. (I was told a valve job would fix it.)
The exhaust separated somewhere under the middle of the body at 131,500.
The carburetor leaks gas onto the engine.
The engine leaked a lot of oil, but seems to have stopped inexplicably (even though it's still topped off with fresh oil.)
The power steering pump should be replaced soon, is starting to sound very bad, but still works.
The fuel pump is failing, but still able to be worked.
General Comments:
It started to fall apart at 125,000, which is what I had expected. It was a very, very cheap find, and a convertible in Southern California. The most impressive thing is even with all of the problems above, it still runs. I need to put it in neutral at stop lights or it stalls out sometimes, but even if it stalls it always starts right back up again.
There's still a bit of power left in it as well, the fuel problems have made it slow of the line, but once it passes 1500 RPM it still has a lot of pickup.
It handles great for a rear wheel drive, and even though the leather cracked with some cheap seat covers, it's a comfortable car.
I drive a lot of new rental cars at work, including several newer Mustangs, and this is without a doubt the most fun car I've driven. At the moment I can't afford the upkeep to make it worth keeping, but I plan on getting another 1983 Mustang convertible once I'm in a better financial position to restore it.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 19th July, 2003
24th Nov 2004, 09:04
Is this GLX convertible located in Hollywood?...I remember this black GLX 5.0L/5speed in our neighborhood that I would always check out... cool car!
25th Jul 2007, 09:22
I know someone with the same problems. It turned out the float valve was stuck. It was hard to start because the gas drained out after sitting.
7th Aug 2008, 09:53
The diaphram in the accelerator pump may be leaking... it is a cheap fix... ~$14.00 and 4 bolts, but with that leaking onto the manifold it is a fire hazard. After changing mine the Mpg improved and the stalling at a light quit and the kick down improved... 83... GLX... 3.8L.
8th Oct 2004, 22:06
Well written. It sounds like your describing my 83 mustang convertible.