We sometimes need to drill down to determine what a classic car brings to the table. That is undoubtedly the case with this 1988 Ford Mustang LX Convertible. The seller doesn’t drown us with information, and their photo quality is sadly lacking. However, it does appear to be in exceptional condition, and the V8 under the hood should provide a new owner with energetic performance. The Convertible is listed here on Craigslist in Long Branch, New Jersey. It could be yours for $18,000, and I must thank eagle-eyed Barn Finder Mitchell G. for spotting it.

This Mustang is a fairly conservative-looking vehicle, although that doesn’t mean its combination of Oxford White paint and a contrasting Dark Blue power top is unattractive. It is understated, and many buyers find that approach quite appealing. The paint shines nicely, with both it and the top appearing in excellent order. I can’t spot any significant flaws or defects, and the same is true of the panels. They are as straight as an arrow, with no dings, dents, or evidence of rust. The plastic hasn’t succumbed to UV rays, and the original alloy wheels are among the cleanest I’ve seen on a Mustang of this vintage. I’ve never been a fan of luggage racks, but I acknowledge they are a practical addition to a vehicle where trunk space might be limited. Most owners don’t find that an issue with Fox-Body Mustangs, but if that is ever the case, it offers an alternative to throwing items on the back seat.

The lack of information and poor photo quality reveal themselves when we examine this Convertible’s interior and mechanical health. You almost need binoculars to see inside this classic, but what is visible of the Dark Blue vinyl upholstery and trim looks in good order. There are no rips or signs of physical damage, although it requires an in-person inspection to confirm this. I can’t spot any apparent aftermarket additions, but I will qualify that by saying we can’t see whether the factory radio is intact. The buyer receives power windows, power locks, power mirrors, and, I believe, cruise control. The engine bay houses the 5.0-liter V8 that sends 225hp and 300 ft/lbs of torque to the road via a four-speed automatic transmission. The American auto industry was emerging from The Malaise Era when this classic rolled off the line, meaning that this Ford’s ability to cover the ¼-mile in 15.3 seconds before reaching a top speed of 130mph were welcomed by potential buyers. The seller describing the Mustang’s condition as mint suggests the vehicle is in excellent mechanical health. It has a claimed 36,000 miles on the clock, but there is no word on supporting evidence. Potential buyers must hope this seller is approachable because the number of questions they may want to ask is as long as your arm.

If I could ever provide a classic car owner with valuable advice when offering their vehicle for sale, it would be to take their time composing their listing. Photos are the first thing that draws the attention of potential buyers, so taking the time to shoot some decent snaps could be the difference between someone reading or overlooking an advertisement. The same applies to the listing text, and the one for this Mustang is a prime example. It deserves more than four words in its description because it is a desirable car offering a lot. Recent sales results suggest the seller’s price is competitive if the vehicle is all it seems. With what you know from the Craigslist advertisement, would you be tempted to pursue this Mustang further?