S351: Should I?

[Black95GT]

Talked to the owner, Has 36k miles. He said the overall condition is ok, one crease/dent on passenger side. Said the car number is #104. He is the third owner. I'm going to give Mark at PAS a call on Tuesday see if knows anything about this car, since I can't call any other day. I notice on the car, the numbers aren't on the front end, the rear decal is on the right side of the trunk. I didn't ask about repaint or anything. I had him send photos(they were pretty shitty too), he didn't take any of the engine, or badges. I'm still deciding if its worth going out there, Zim offered to check out the car for me. He wants 32k for it, with the mileage, It should be around 28 or so.

The only thing I'm worried about is the owner's lack of knowledge of the car. I'm really buying it for shows and weekend fun, I don't want something that has been beaten bad. Cause the 95's aren't tuned well, and have a weak fuel system, and the block isn't forged so without that tune, I'm not sure how the motor is. He sounds younger so I worried about abuse to the car, but I shouldn't really judge it on that since, when I first get that thing, lol god knows what Im gonna do

So blah blah blah, what do you all think, should I have Zim check it out, or wait for something else to come across. Performance Auto Sport in Richmond, Virginia or PAS has these cars for sale every couple months, and they tune em up and make sure you get what you pay for. I'm kinda leaning to waiting, its hard since this is my dream car, and I am an impatient bastard. Paying a loan for this is gonna suck The main thing with waiting is, 96+ have 6 speeds, and the block is forged so its just finding a white one I guess.

oh yea I know how people are, I brought pictures.
Here are some pictures.






White is hard to judge in pictures, because it hides stuff well.

[lowflyn]

That's a beautiful car...

If only I had the cash laying around for what I wanted lol.

[Black95GT]

I wish I had it laying around, Ive only got 1/3 of it, so Ill need a loan, selling my GT isn't and option

[lowflyn]

If you can handle the payments and that's what you want, then go for it man.

Hopefully within the next year I'll be able to get what I want...

[sonic04edge]

I'd love an s351 by far one of my favorites.

[JROC]

The S351's are pretty bad ass, but for that kind of money you could get a very nice low mileage Terminator and have much more fun.

[Black95GT]

My friend has a terminator, there are a lot in my town, I need to be different, stand out

[Zim]

32k for a 12 year old MUSTANG is kind of hard to justify IMO. While a sweet car, I think 32 grand is a bit steep.

[Black95GT]

I agree it is, they are rare cars, and from what i've seen its worth around 28k for the mileage, Im not sure how firm he is on the price

[matthews.stang]

Quote: Originally Posted by Zim 32k for a 12 year old MUSTANG is kind of hard to justify IMO. While a sweet car, I think 32 grand is a bit steep.

Good to know the price hasn't dropped.

[Black95GT]

That article is on the T-code which is the standard model, this one is the R-code which is supercharged.

[SpectorV]

I wouldn't drop that kind of cash for a car that is not in top notch condition. That includes no need for a repaint or other such drastic upkeep that can be avoided if the vehicle is taken care of like it should be. If it is not in great condition (I mean really great) I would pass on it.

I would explore all my options, for that kind of coin you could buy a Cobra and fix it up and make it better than that Saleen. Sure you wont have the authentic version but... is that what you really want or do you want the nice looking car and something to have fun with on the weekends.

[wiarumas]

while the s351 is one of my favorite mustangs... 32k is a joke. i would never pay that much for a used car.

[Black95GT]

It wasn't really a question like, should I get a S351, it was more like should I get this car, or wait for another s351, I know its a ton for a used car, but they hold the value fairly well, and I just looking for show/cruising/fun car

[Zim]

If you like it, go for it... and Ill be happy to go check it out for ya.

[SpectorV]

if that one has ever had any major work done to it like a paint job or such then pass on it. you can find one that is in perfect shape if you keep looking.

[Black95GT]

Yea, he just emailed me, it was rear ended. Thats why the rear decals are messed up. I looked at the front numbers, they aren't lined up with the corner light, So I think that was repainted or replaced also. Im going to pass on it.

[matthews.stang]

Quote: Originally Posted by Black95GT Yea, he just emailed me, it was rear ended. Thats why the rear decals are messed up. I looked at the front numbers, they aren't lined up with the corner light, So I think that was repainted or replaced also. Im going to pass on it.

Good, cause for 32k...I would pick up a new Saleen.

[SpectorV]

Quote: Originally Posted by matthews.stang Good, cause for 32k...I would pick up a new Saleen.

let me know where you can get a new saleen for 32k cuz that is a steal.

[matthews.stang]

Quote: Originally Posted by SpectorV let me know where you can get a new saleen for 32k cuz that is a steal.

Well it's a start.

[Black95GT]

New ones are pieces of shit from what I hear, rear's blow, engines bad, paint falls off. And they dont have a 5.8L with a vortech

[SpectorV]

I dont like any of them for a performance vehicle... they wont take much more than they have stock from the factory which is damn sad... minus the few 03/04 cobras they made.

[matthews.stang]

Quote: Originally Posted by SpectorV I dont like any of them for a performance vehicle... they wont take much more than they have stock from the factory which is damn sad... minus the few 03/04 cobras they made.

From my viewpoint, I've always seen Saleen as an AutoX car.

[Zim]

Quote: Originally Posted by Black95GT Yea, he just emailed me, it was rear ended. Thats why the rear decals are messed up. I looked at the front numbers, they aren't lined up with the corner light, So I think that was repainted or replaced also. Im going to pass on it.

Act interested and let me go check it out... I just wanna drive it and tell you that its "mechanically unsound"

Seriously... act interested cause its an excuse for me to drive one of these things.

[matthews.stang]

Quote: Originally Posted by Black95GT New ones are pieces of **** from what I hear, rear's blow, engines bad, paint falls off. And they dont have a 5.8L with a vortech

Quote: As you guys already know, I've got my 2005 GT back on the road again. The rear end had to be rebuilt using updated gears (under warranty). Thank God I didn't have to pay for it. They told me it was at least $2000.00 worth of parts and labour (if I had to pay). They gave me a rental car for a day while it was being repaired. Apparently there's a service bulletin for this problem on the 2005 Mustang. I'm not sure whether the 06 models are included but I'm told that it all depends on when the car was built. They can tell you this by checking the VIN. I think my car was built in early 2005. Here's what my bill says... Overhaul rear differential as per TSB / Installed updated clutch pack. -Parts.... 1 Gear and Pinio, 3 oil, 1 additive, 1 sealant, 1 axle dif kit. There is also another service bulletin . I was experiencing with a noise coming from the steering, so they installed a front spring sleeves. It didn't get rid of the noise that I've been hearing. .

That explains the rear end.

[Black95GT]

The new owners of saleen care more about the money then the quality of car they put out. From what I am told, last year was the 1st year saleen numbers were 4 digits.

[matthews.stang]

But that is what keeps Saleen afloat sadly.

[Black95GT]

Yea, I guess the whole ownership changed just made it worst. They aren't even holding car shows anymore. Quite sad.

[matthews.stang]

Pretty soon everyone will forget about Saleen and Roush as they jump on other car manufacturers.

[bullitt482]

Quote: Originally Posted by Black95GT New ones are pieces of **** from what I hear, rear's blow, engines bad, paint falls off. And they dont have a 5.8L with a vortech

Stick with what you want man. I swear, if I hear one more time in this thread, "You should get x car," or, "You could get something else for that much" I'm going to be sick. The man even said he didn't want a common car in his area and the S351(R in this case) is one rare piece of mustang.

Get what you want and what makes you happy. Also glad you decided to go with another S351 since this one was so far away from good condition. I love the way the SN-95's look, especially the S351's and they are definately against the grain. Go for it

[bullitt482]

Quote: Originally Posted by Black95GT New ones are pieces of **** from what I hear, rear's blow, engines bad, paint falls off. And they dont have a 5.8L with a vortech

Agreed, several magazines tested them and they ran HORRIBLY lean from the Saleen factory(plant or whatever you want to call it) when put on a dyno with a wideband. Of course, this was the first few from Saleen and they were likely to have fixed the problems in later years.

[Black95GT]

Quote: Originally Posted by bullitt482 Stick with what you want man. I swear, if I hear one more time in this thread, "You should get x car," or, "You could get something else for that much" I'm going to be sick. The man even said he didn't want a common car in his area and the S351(R in this case) is one rare piece of mustang. Get what you want and what makes you happy. Also glad you decided to go with another S351 since this one was so far away from good condition. I love the way the SN-95's look, especially the S351's and they are definately against the grain. Go for it

Yea, I'm going for it. Always was my favorite mustang, and so many people in my area have Cobra's I just need something different. I really love the SN-95 style and the saleen's of those years look amazing. I'll come across the right S351 over time. While I wait, I can just save more There is another one on ebay, but thats a none R-Code as well, does have a built motor and Vortech, Price wasn't bad 25k, I'm looking though.

[Black95GT]

Quote: Originally Posted by bullitt482 Agreed, several magazines tested them and they ran HORRIBLY lean from the Saleen factory(plant or whatever you want to call it) when put on a dyno with a wideband. Of course, this was the first few from Saleen and they were likely to have fixed the problems in later years.

Yea, seemed they let go of a lot of the older tech's from what they talk about on the Saleen forums. And now they cant put anything together or paint a car.
I watched a video a few days ago, some guy tried to run a Saleen 2005, might have been an extreme. The saleen was walking away, then his rearend blew. smoke all over....spending that kinda money for that to happen The new cars are bad news, make all kinds or crazy noises.