Quality budget front end fix

[CarmeloS]

Long story short, my bro wants to sell his V6 and move onto a S650 GT, buuuuuuut its either the tie rod, end links or UCA that causes his car to clunk hard taking certain turns, and because he got love tapped ages ago, you know he's gonna get basically nothing with a trade in.

I figure I'd come here and see what you guys recommend for a suitable budget fix so he can private sell it with confidence as the cars garage kept with 35k miles, basically lives up to her name "Beauty". Again, just point me in the right direction so I can help him help himself, we got a shop that'll do the work, so just need the quality parts

Thanks in Advance

Carm

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[MAGS1]

I’ve not had to do any of that particular work on my S550 yet, but check out Steeda for parts. They make quality stuff and with Black Friday sales going you can probably get a good price.

 

[Crew4991]

I'd say get quality parts like what MAGS1 recommended above to fix it yourself, but first take it to a reputable shop to see if they can quickly diagnose the actual problem and give your friend a quote. No point in ordering a bunch of good parts when you don't know which part is the part that needs to be replaced. If I had to guess based on a clunking while turning, it might be a tie rod or a ball joint. Possibly a hub.

As for the accident, does your friend have photos of the accident? If so, those will come handy when selling privately. He could show potential buyers what exactly was damaged and they can see for themselves that the car was repaired correctly. Will also give your friend the appearance of an honest seller (when the majority are not lol).

Either way, even a minor accident V6 with 35k miles should still be worth ~$13k-17k depending on the local market, vehicle condition, and various other factors.
We are going into winter season though... so that might lower the realistic amount he should expect to get privately.

One last note... has your friend seen the prices of S650 GTs?
That alone might scare the crap out of him to then continue to drive his 6 cylinder a bit longer.

 

[MAGS1]

One last note... has your friend seen the prices of S650 GTs?

Depends how you option it. Can still get a decently equipped GT Premium in the low/mid $50’s. Start throwing on the PP and a bunch of other stuff and it adds up quick, then it may or may not be worth it. A base Dark Horse in the mid $60’s isn’t a bad proposition IMO.

 

[kz]

I'd check first if this aren't loose sway bar links before going and buying the parts. They're most often source of a front end clunk.
If not, check other connections and inspect the bushings.

 

[tj@steeda]

I’ve not had to do any of that particular work on my S550 yet, but check out Steeda for parts. They make quality stuff and with Black Friday sales going you can probably get a good price.

True story - happy to help at [email protected]

 

[Steeda-Sergio]

I'd say get quality parts like what MAGS1 recommended above to fix it yourself, but first take it to a reputable shop to see if they can quickly diagnose the actual problem and give your friend a quote. No point in ordering a bunch of good parts when you don't know which part is the part that needs to be replaced. If I had to guess based on a clunking while turning, it might be a tie rod or a ball joint. Possibly a hub.

Couldn't say it better myself! Have it inspected, then grab some parts.

Those are the likely culprits of a clunk. Another thing that can clunk, while less common is the Strut Mount. There is a bearing there that can let go.
Once you know what needs changing, come check our Black Friday sale:
Steeda 555 1040 Mustang Adjustable Front Swaybar Endlinks (15-26)
Steeda 555 4905 Mustang Front Control Arms Lateral & Tension Links w/ Bushings (15-23)
Steeda 555-6045 Mustang Upgraded Front Knuckle and Hub Kit (15-23)
Steeda 555-8139 Mustang Camber Plates All (15-26)

 

[CarmeloS]

I'd say get quality parts like what MAGS1 recommended above to fix it yourself, but first take it to a reputable shop to see if they can quickly diagnose the actual problem and give your friend a quote. No point in ordering a bunch of good parts when you don't know which part is the part that needs to be replaced. If I had to guess based on a clunking while turning, it might be a tie rod or a ball joint. Possibly a hub.

As for the accident, does your friend have photos of the accident? If so, those will come handy when selling privately. He could show potential buyers what exactly was damaged and they can see for themselves that the car was repaired correctly. Will also give your friend the appearance of an honest seller (when the majority are not lol).

Either way, even a minor accident V6 with 35k miles should still be worth ~$13k-17k depending on the local market, vehicle condition, and various other factors.
We are going into winter season though... so that might lower the realistic amount he should expect to get privately.

One last note... has your friend seen the prices of S650 GTs?
That alone might scare the crap out of him to then continue to drive his 6 cylinder a bit longer.

I figure between that and taking a break from work, I'd advise he'd wait until spring. As for the prices, probably would, but he makes enough and he's one of those "I'm gonna sell her" guys, so on the off chance he was serious, he was gonna get something newer anyway, so why not replace a V6 with a V8

Depends how you option it. Can still get a decently equipped GT Premium in the low/mid $50’s. Start throwing on the PP and a bunch of other stuff and it adds up quick, then it may or may not be worth it. A base Dark Horse in the mid $60’s isn’t a bad proposition IMO.

I'll have him keep an eye out for a base dark horse, although I could see him in a FX package

True story - happy to help at [email protected]

I'll send him your way

I'd check first if this aren't loose sway bar links before going and buying the parts. They're most often source of a front end clunk.
If not, check other connections and inspect the bushings.

Will do, blue.

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