1994 Ford Mustang auto with the 3.8 v6 its got 109k miles with a supposed rebuild on the engine 35k miles on engine rebuild buying from an individual.
What should I look out for?
Ask for paperwork proving the rebuild was done and take it to a reputable mechanic for a professional look-over. If the engine was rebuilt at 70k miles, it sounds like it was abused. That transmission could be shot if it needed a rebuild that fast. Somebody drove the heck out of it, or they overheated it and blew it up. It's OBDI, but a good mechanic will still be able to check it out. I probably wouldn't touch it, personally, unless it were REALLY cheap. 70k miles and needing an engine rebuild job is a serious red flag in my mind. My Ranger has nearly 276k miles on the original engine.
So far every "rebuild" I've come across has been done by krylon. When I ask for receipts, etc "Oh I don't have that, I did it myself" (that's an instant walk, you don't spend all that money these days without some way of proof be it warranty or reciept) or they come up with some other excuse.
So as @Justin Shepard said, proof, proof , proof & more proof. Just like with antiques that derive their value due to provenance, if you can't prove it via legitimate documentation... it didn't happen & the claims are worthless.
True story, I had my Ranger's tranny rebuilt and kept the invoice if I ever sell it or insurance totals it. Sadly I didn't learn from Scotty to not trust rebuild joints until after I had it done. They messed up something and it shifts weird sometimes. Took 5 visits to get it tolerable. Never again. Junkyard or remanufactured next time.
@justin-shepherd It's cool to hear how unique your rare truck is and how long it actually last.
@Justin Shepherd Luckily the only rebuild I bought was a s/s TH350 for a Malibu I had, but east coast performance was one heck of a shop....with them gone I wouldn't trust any of the ones left.
The car has been gone since 2003 when it was stolen, still have the papers though!😄
Same for the crate 350 I bought for my Chevelle in hs.
That's what kills me about when sellers "can't find" major papers, I still have the title (minus the tearaway transfer section) for every vehicle I've owned.
I would suggest looking for another car that does not have a rebuilt engine.
I think there will end up being too many unanswered variables with the vehicle you are looking at.
