Ive driven a few mavericks, and I love em, but a bunch of people Ive talked to said they were just an upgraded pinto basically. Are they good cars that last, or are they needing work alot. I'm asking because I'm a student on a bit of a budget. The one I'm looking at buying is a 71'. How's their mileage, thats about all I don't really know. Thanks for any feedback. Sam
They have nothing to do with the Pinto, it was designed way before the Pinto was even thought of. You have to remember the last NEW Maverick/Comet was built in 1977!! 31 years ago, so any way you look at it, it's atleast a 31 year old car, and will need work, as for lasting, there still here. 31 years ago fuel economy was nothing like it was now or even 10 years ago.
These are great little cars. My 69.5 started right up after a long winters knap. I didn't have to prime the carb like I did on the other one. I drove my '71 across coutry....had to replace the alternator in Missouri (no other problems). I got better fuel mileage than my '07 truck....
Welcome aboard! :Handshake These cars were built in the 70's with budget on their mind. Compared to other old cars, they are still a good choice because they are not outrageous in price yet. Get one while you can because I do't think they'll stay cheap for much longer. The prices are going up as we speak. Good luck with your new car if you get it. We'll help you in any way we can.
the mustang II was the upgraded pinto mavericks were more along the lines of shrunk down early 70's mustangs. my friend was originally going to be the person buying my maverick but i decided to tag along with him and look at it. once i seen it i really liked it tho and in the mean time the kid's dad had him convinced it was just a POS pinto. so the next day i rode out there and bought it myself
I think you got honest answers. Most of us here are happy with our mavericks or comets. I don't think any old car is maintenance free, but the Maverick is a great car, and it is still relatively affordable. you can see from the forum that more parts are starting to be made and the network of enthusiasts on here are second to none.
I understand, and I appreciate the fact that I will need to work on a car, that doesn't really bother me, I enjoy it. But I do have work, and school, and my band, and I need a car that is fairy dependable. Thats all i needed to know, was that, if the works good, is it a good car.
I havent got mine up and running yet running yet, but it is possible to do, ust like you i got school, work and a band and i still find time to do small stuff on it. So far ive set aside a grand to just get it up and running good. Spent bout 300 thus far, but Ive been buying more of the cosmetical stuff, only mechanical components ive bought so far are the springs for the front brakes since theyre stuck, rear shocks, and thats about it. I save on the labor done to the car since i learned mechanics from my dad (certified grease monkey), then his friend owns a body shop so i also get to have it painted alot cheaper, but either way, figuring out how to fix it aint that hard, go to a bookstore and see if you can find a manual for it to make fixing it easier. These old cars are alot easier to work on since theyre plain janes, you wont have to worry about all those crazy sensors, computers and what not, and best of all you wont have to worry about undressing an engine just to get to a spark plug, or remove the intake to get to a starter as some other cars................ either way good luck on your car, and trust me youll start to love it, before i got this car i would only drive a chevy, now im starting to like ford better................
I don't have a porblem getting plugs in or out of my '73.. Spark plug socket and a gear wrench and a 2" lendth of vacuum line for a handle to put them in
I guess if you are worried about it being a pinto all I have to say is look it up. Look at the engine/transmission combinations available in first the Pinto, then the Mustang, and then the Maverick and from that order you will be able to tell what it is closely related too. The cars are relatively cheap to upgrade this being so because they use so many Mustang parts (64 1/2- 73 not the Mustang II). They have the same if not upgraded drivetrain, they are actually lighter then the Mustang and you can actually get someone in the back seat of the 2 door model that is over 4 feet tall. Anyone here that drives them on a regular basis will tell you they are reliable cars, they are easy to work on, they are fairly cheap to operate(depending on how you modify it), and to be honest I get more attention driving around town from my car then the guys with just another Mustang(especially when I leave them standing at the light).
