What should I look for in an '88 XR7? June 20, 2005, 12:35:34 AM Hey all. This is my first post here. I'm considering buying this '88 XR7. I don't know a whole lot about these cars, so I'm asking you guys. I've driven by it a couple of times, and I finally stopped to look at it today. Since it was behind that fence, I didn't get to look at the engine, but it's probably an HO. It looks like it's been sitting there for a while, what with the vines in the engine bay, and virtually no clearcoat, but for $850 that ain't gonna stop me from jumping all over it if it still runs! Okay, here are the pics:http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y248/ranger-x/P6190311Medium.jpghttp://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y248/ranger-x/P6190310Medium.jpgI'm going to try to contact the owner. If I get a chance to look at the car up close, what should I be looking for? I was kind of hoping that this was an MN12 car with the S/C, but now I realize that it's too old for that. Anyhow, if it does have the 5.0L, what's with the 150 HP rating? I mean, even my dad's old 5.0 Explorer had more power than that. Thanks in advance for any help. Quote Selected
Re: What should I look for in an '88 XR7? Reply #1 – June 20, 2005, 12:46:57 AM Interesting.It has the power moonroof, yet no illuminated entry and a standard antenna.The car has the SO (standard output) 5.0 from the factory. According to my knowledge, only the Mustangs and Mark VIIs got the HO 5.0.'88 XR7s are great cars. I wish I never would have sold mine. Get us some more details, such as mileage, interior, options, etc... Quote Selected
Re: What should I look for in an '88 XR7? Reply #2 – June 20, 2005, 01:01:12 AM Well, unfortunately I don't know any of those details yet. Like I said, it was behind a gated fence. I too was wondering about the options--I thought it odd that it would have a sunroof, but no power antenna or leather interior. I am hoping it has the full buttstuffog gauge cluster. Did that year model come with a T5? I know the '87 models only came with the AOD, so just asking. Thanks for that bit about the SO motor, no wonder it's only rated at 150 HP. Do you think a carburetor conversion would free up some extra HP? It's in this little lot that had a sign that said "liquidation sale". There was no phone number, though...later on this week I am going to go back down there and ask someone at the gas station next door. I am a little concerned about it, since the price is so low, and it looks like it's been sitting there for months. But heck, that could explain the price. Mainly I just want it to drive, because this will definitely be a project car. My daily driver is also having problems right now, though, so I'm not sure I will be able to afford such a luxury as a project car. If there's anything else I should know before driving the car, I'd appreciate it. I will post some more details when I find out. Quote Selected
Re: What should I look for in an '88 XR7? Reply #3 – June 20, 2005, 01:11:24 AM http://www.coolcats.net/fox/1988.html . Check out coolcats.net extensivly. It has lots of info for that car and pretty much any 1983-97 cougar. Even if you dont buy the car, it might just change your mind. It is actually rated at 155hp by the way. Quote Selected
Re: What should I look for in an '88 XR7? Reply #4 – June 20, 2005, 01:25:18 AM Oops, my mistake. Yep, I've been looking at that site, it's great stuff. I've always wanted a late 80s cougar or t-bird, ever since I've known what they were (I had a TC matchbox car as a kid :)). I've come very close to buying one several times, but never did. Right now I drive a '99 camry, which is a great car, but even with the V6 it's just not very exciting, ya know? Plus like I said, it's having...issues...right now. I'm debating whether to use the money I have to fix my car, or get a project. I'm leaning towards the fixing my car option, but maybe I can talk the owner of the cougar into lowering the price. It all depends on the mileage, and how the cars runs. That is, if it runs... :rolleyes: Quote Selected
Re: What should I look for in an '88 XR7? Reply #5 – June 20, 2005, 01:49:48 AM Quote from: Ranger XOops, my mistake. Yep, I've been looking at that site, it's great stuff. I've always wanted a late 80s cougar or t-bird, ever since I've known what they were (I had a TC matchbox car as a kid :)). I've come very close to buying one several times, but never did. Right now I drive a '99 camry, which is a great car, but even with the V6 it's just not very exciting, ya know? Plus like I said, it's having...issues...right now. I'm debating whether to use the money I have to fix my car, or get a project. I'm leaning towards the fixing my car option, but maybe I can talk the owner of the cougar into lowering the price. It all depends on the mileage, and how the cars runs. That is, if it runs... :rolleyes:Dude, if you're looking at that for $850, look at this for another $400:http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=183006057&dealer_id=56360520&car_year=1988&search_type=both&make=MERC&sponsorModel=&model=COUGAR&distance=0&address=21157&advanced=&certified=&max_price=&min_price=&first_record=26&end_year=1988&start_year=1981&isp=y&pager.offset=25&lang=en&cardist=334 Quote Selected
Re: What should I look for in an '88 XR7? Reply #6 – June 20, 2005, 01:03:29 PM Wow, that's nice...I don't have that kind of money right now though. I'll probably try to talk the owner down, maybe offer $650 for it. Clearly that person doesn't know much about the car though, as they never made a GT cougar (at least not that I'm aware of), and also you guys said the 88's had SO motors...But seriously, that's in road island dude. No friggin way am I driving all the way up there, or having it shipped here. I live in Texas. Quote Selected
Re: What should I look for in an '88 XR7? Reply #7 – June 20, 2005, 01:17:57 PM I wouldn't pay over $500/$600 for it, and then only if it starts up and drives.... Quote Selected
Re: What should I look for in an '88 XR7? Reply #8 – June 20, 2005, 01:23:39 PM The car appears to have no clearcoat because it doesn't. That red was a non-clearcoat color. I would definately talk to the seller and lower the price. I paid 900 for mine which ran well, is fully loaded and has glossy paint. Granted it had 172,000 on it and was repainted but still. The registration and all was current as well. Paying 850 for a car that's been sitting is a bit much. If it runs I think your offer of 650 would be good and that too depends on how well it runs. Quote Selected
Re: What should I look for in an '88 XR7? Reply #9 – June 20, 2005, 01:33:48 PM No clearcoat huh? Well, that's interesting. Even so, you can see that the paint isn't that great...It's really worn, especially on and around the hood. I really want to go look at this car again, but I think I will have to wait until tomorrow. However, I might go this evening with my dad, who is also a big ford nut, and who would certainly show more consent for a project car than my mom. :D I'll let you guys know if anything happens. Thanks for all the advice. Quote Selected
Re: What should I look for in an '88 XR7? Reply #10 – June 20, 2005, 03:05:55 PM I had the same car, same year, same color.You must wax it once a month, or it clouds up and oxidizes. Red is one of the fastest-oxidizing colors for a car. Oh yeah, the rags turn pink when you wax it. I waxed the paint so thin that you could see the plastic color showing through the bumper covers. Quote Selected
Re: What should I look for in an '88 XR7? Reply #11 – June 20, 2005, 10:00:39 PM ditto, i see them all the time around hear for around 5-600 same condition running with v8Quote from: TurboCoupe50I wouldn't pay over $500/$600 for it, and then only if it starts up and drives.... Quote Selected
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