Again, i know this is the Blazer Forum, but you guys are the only ones that actually have correct answers...

So I'm probably going to purchase this 2003 Mustang GT with only 10k miles on it tomorrow, everything is right on the car, its like brand new, good carfax, execpt i feel that the 5-speed manual trans is like "loose?", or has more play in the gears than other mustangs i've driven... for instance when you are in 2nd or 3rd gear, give it some gas and let quickly off, you can feel the trans ( and car itself ) kinda like going back and forth as the rpm's go back down, is this normal for 10k miles owned by an older man? or did the guy beat on it?... ive had some other mustangs, i know they all do this to an extent but it just seemed like alot for such a new car with low low miles... whatdya guys think? and what causes this?

Thanks a ton,

-Wick

Any comments would be much appreciated!

-Thanks guys...

probibly not beat on, but possibly didn't drive a manual transaxil often and the tranny has some wear, or possibly the rear end is sloppy, nothing to be to worried about with such low mileage though, have a warrenty? if not, is the price right? and finally, if not, talk them down, say your not quite sure on what, but the transmission isn't as solid as a 10k mile car should be, my 2 cents is possibly just wear from rideing clutch, if it doesnt 'grind' going into gear it should be ok

What do you mean by old ? I am 40 and I drive my T/A like it was designed. PERFORMANCE . Most older guys I know , my dad included have built up engines in trucks or muscle cars parked in the garage for weekend play . But with limited knowledge of Ferds , I can think of a couple of general things that could cause a loose feeling you describe . Rear shocks , trailing arms , u-joints,engine mounts, pinion gear play, querk of a single car , clutch pressure plate. engine misfire during decelleration.
It might be wise to get a good (older) mechanic to look it over before you get it . Rob

I guess it doesnt matter how old you are, but if you drive your T/A hard, do you have play in the gears?

Playing the gears is fine on any vehicle that's built for it. Including the mustang.
That is as long as you know how to drive like that.

I would think that it's something simple like Rmbodie said.
Those mustang transmissions and rear ends are built to handle the power.

Congrats on the car, I hope that it works out for you

No , I do not have any play like you have described . But when I decellerate using the transmission the rear end lifts due to axle wrap . I don't know what type of suspension is on your pony car but this may give the same feeling. If posible , look at the front of the differential for oil spots . See if you can move the drive in any direction or twist it while the wheels are braked . Rob

Ford Just doesn't build their Mustangs like they use to... the 2003 didn't get a very good performance rating...