Even a new car could have stood outside a dealer's showroom unprotected from the elements all winter, and you certainly have to look at it before you buy. That goes with any car, let alone a pony car, and while it is easy to but online from a site a few hundred miles away, how are you going to check it out before you clinch the deal? As long as you understand the pitfalls as well as the benefits, then you can carry on with a degree of confidence.

A guarantee or warranty from the seller regard condition of bodywork is an absolute must, and if that is refused then you must think that there must be a reason. The vast majority of car salesmen are honest, no matter what you are led to believe, but they should be willing to back that honesty up with a guarantee.

Ford Mustangs can be driven hard and that means that the maintenance must be good. Most Mustang owners love their cars and look after them, but there are the few that don't. Be careful if the price seems unusually low, even for online, since you can more than exceed the money you saved by spending a fortune on repairs a few weeks down the road. The standard of that maintenance might also be questionable, because a lot of people go for afterparts because they are cheaper, but these are not always as good as parts from the original manufacturer.

Before buying you should ask the seller for everything needed to identify the vehicle: its model, year, place of manufacture, and details of the engine, transmission and so on. When inspecting the vehicle make sure that details on the ID plate by the driver's door ties up with the Vehicle Identification Number (V.I.N.) under the hood (or on the dash after 1968). If they don't tally, or if you can't find the plates, then don't buy the car.

The parts of your Mustang that could go wrong, and be very costly to you, include the chassis, bodywork, drivetrain and suspension. The drivetrain especially can be expensive, and unless you are a mechanic the best way is to pay for a qualified vehicle inspector. A corroded chassis could mean that your lovely new Ford Mustang is fit only for the scrapheap, and even a new engine and gearbox is very expensive. You could buy another used car for cheaper.

The signs to look for in your test drive are squeaks and squeals, rattles and oil spots when parked. The gears should change smoothly and quietly without being forced and there should be no rust. A good driver who takes care of the car will keep the bodywork immaculate. After your test drive, keep looking: don't buy right away. Shop around online and get an idea of the market price for the model you just checked out. If you are buying online you might have to hire a local expert to carry out the test drive for you.

If you are still interested, check out the history of your model and year. Take note of the various changes and make sure that the description fits your car. You will be able to choose with much more knowledge if you understand the history of the car, and the way it has developed over the years. You will also be able to show a degree of know-how when you speak to dealers, who might then be less liable try to take advantage and sell you a lemon. Dealers are always more wary with customers that show that they know what they are talking about.

You should also have a clear vision of what you want your car for. If you want a car just to drive around in than a Cobra might be more suitable for you than a powerful GT. So keep your intended use in mind, and then check up on the average prices of the type of Ford Mustang you are looking for. Kelley Blue Book and NADA will provide you with the book price of any specific Mustang model and year of manufacture, so you will know if you are being overcharged or not. It is always best to be armed with the proper prices when you are looking to buy a used car.

The main problem with buying online is that the seller could be a long way away from your home town, and you might not find it easy to actually see the car before buying it. If this is the case, make sure you have a money back guarantee should the car prove faulty or not as advertised. Some buyers in that kind of situation employ a local mechanic or auto service company to check over the car and provide a report. At least then you can be sure that the car has been examined by an expert.

You could ask for photocopies or scanned files of the service and repair history, but there is very little else you can do when purchasing from a distance. It is possible to get some great bargains online, and probably the best tip is to pay by credit card if possible, since you then have some degree of protection. However, the vast majority of online automobile transactions are completely honest and you will generally get what you pay for.

It is even possible to buy your Ford Mustang online on eBay, and you can get some great prices that way. As long as you know what you want and what price to expect, and take some common sense precautions in having the vehicle inspected before use, there is no reason why you cannot clinch a great online deal for your Ford Mustang, and get a good car online at a great price.