Cheap Pony: 2012 Ford Mustang GT
We typically don’t feature many newer classics at Barn Finds, although sometimes one appears that is impossible to ignore. Such is the case with this 2012 Ford Mustang GT. Its presentation is reasonable for a vehicle of this age, and it could potentially offer a new owner a rapid motoring experience. However, it is the price that could turn heads. The seller has listed the GT here on eBay in Fresno, California. The BIN of $4,600 is not a misprint, so let’s take a look and see what you would receive for your money.
Ford introduced its Fifth Generation Mustang in 2005, continuing its predecessor’s trend of utilizing retro styling cues that harked back to the glory days of the First Generation. The car rode on a new platform and remained available until 2014. This car rolled off the line in 2012, with its original owner ordering it in Code UA Black. Combine that shade with the color-matched 18″ wheels, and this Mustang looks genuinely menacing. The seller states it carries the hallmarks of a car that has been well-loved, acknowledging it needs TLC to return to its best. The first step would be to treat the exterior to a wash and polish to ascertain how well it would present without a cosmetic refresh. The lack of panel damage or obvious paint imperfections suggests the results should justify the effort. There are no signs of rust or other problems that may cause sleepless nights. The plastic and trim are in good order, and there are no visible glass issues. First impressions are largely positive, but will that trend continue?
Lifting the hood reveals what made the 2012 Mustang GT an exceptional performer. It derives its power from the DOHC 32-valve 5.0-liter “Coyote” V8 that sends 412hp and 390 ft/lbs to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. With a ¼-mile ET of 12.5 seconds and a top speed north of 160mph, those figures stack up well twelve years after this car rolled off the line. Okay, this is where we learn why the price of this Mustang is so modest. The seller indicates that the engine runs and the drivetrain is in good order. However, the V8 has a knock, and its origins are unknown. It could be relatively minor, but budgeting for a rebuild or replacement would be wise. That process won’t be cheap, but the car’s potential value may justify the expense.
The first thing I noticed when examining the interior shots supplied by the seller was the massive seam separation on the driver’s seat. That might not be a problem because a leather specialist may be able to address the issue without the new owner spending nearly $500 on a pair of replacement front seatcovers. However, the partial emergence of the airbag from the wheel center is of more significant concern. This doesn’t rate a mention in the listing, and with no evidence of accident damage, it is unclear why this occurred. It is a similar story with the airbag cover on the passenger side, meaning the seller may face some difficult questions about this car’s history. The rest of the interior presents well for its age. Life on the road should be pretty pleasant aboard this GT with air conditioning, power windows, power locks, power mirrors, power seats, and a premium CD stereo.
It will be fascinating to gauge your feedback on this 2012 Mustang GT and whether any readers might consider pursuing it further. The price is undeniably affordable, and it appears to be rock-solid. The question mark hanging over the engine is a concern, as are the emerging airbags. Negotiating an in-person inspection would be wise, or do you feel there are too many questions to warrant the effort?
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Comments
Massive separation on the driver seat has to do with the airbag in the seat being deployed obviously this car has had airbag deployment probably need seatbelts also and the module does not make it a very good deal especially with an engine knock. Easy 5 grand just for the airbags and seat belts.
Hood/fender gap looks off on the passenger side and maybe a trick of the camera but something looks funny with the way the right side rear wheel sits.
More than a few people like to suggest derelict rusted out hulks should be turned into a race car. This is a much better candidate for an open track car, which realistically is expendable since you wouldn’t shed many tears if you wad it up into a tire barrier. It looks to have blown air bags which wouldn’t need to be fixed, belts which would be swapped out for a 5 point harness, then find a take out engine from a totaled late model GT, better brake pads and rotors, clutch, shifter and anything else that fits within your budget. This is perfect to run NASA or any other track day style event.
Steve R
Engine rebuild, air bag replacement and whatever hidden unibody work – the air bags didn’t just decide to go off – makes this not such a cheap set of wheels.
For that it’s going to cost you – even if you ‘free’ the labor, you’re better off just buying a car that is good to go as is.
“The Fresno metro area, located in California, has one of the highest motor vehicle theft rates in the United States. According to data from the FBI, there were 4,072 vehicle thefts in the metro area in 2020, or 409 for every 100,000 people – far higher than the motor vehicle theft rate nationwide of 246 per 100,000 people.”
Good luck!
This pony was rode hard, and put away wet.
The image under the hood looks like a flood car .
Good fixer-upper for someone living in central CA. Even though the mileage is high, these are still fetching low five figures when they’re dialed in. This one led a hard life and further negotiation is needed to take this one home.
Hard rider, by the time you find all the problems
You’ll be wondering why you bought it.
The smart move in my view is to stay away from this. Far away. I see nothing but problems here.
I think this poor stang has had a rough life and has been beat on. I dont see any thing positive here to attract a buyer even at the price they think will turn heads. Id give it a miss and …..walk on by !
Ya “fix” the body, then don’t at least put another seat in it? Sounds like a Midnight Auto Supply special.
Looks like a money pit to me…
If the price makes it seem as if it’s too good to be true, it probably is…like this car. Definitely pass.