Five Months Gone: 1996 Ford Probe GT – Sold?

November 25, 2022, Update – While this “Classifind” expired recently, given the seller’s history, we suspect it may not actually be sold yet.  For now, we’re labeling this ride “Sold?” However, we will keep an eye out for an updated listing. In the interim, please reach out either by email or call Rudy directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

October 24, 2022 Update – After no sale in the spring, the seller of this family-owned 1996 Probe GT apparently decided to enjoy the car one more summer before listing it again on Craigslist.  However, they likely did not drive much since May because they still list the mileage at 138K and change.  In addition to using the same pictures from earlier this year, the seller decided to keep the asking price at $9,500.

June 16, 2022, Update – We just confirmed the listing for this “Classifind” expired, so with no replacement found we’re assuming this ride “Sold?” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call us directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

The late 80s and early 90s were an interesting time at Ford and GM due to upstart models threatening the relevance of long-serving performance models like the Corvette and Mustang. Over at GM, the Fiero was getting too powerful for its own good, while at Ford there were discussions about having the Probe replace the Mustang as the predominant sports car in the lineup. Of course, the Corvette and Mustang emerged victorious and the Fiero and Probe were both canceled, but these two-door upstarts made an impression. This 1996 Ford Probe GT was originally listed in May 2022 on Long Island and is said to have belonged to the seller’s aunt before he claimed ownership and began a mild mechanical restoration. The asking price is $9,500 and comparing that price against the Classic.com model profile for the Probe shows us that the seller is looking for a little more cash than the average sale price of $6,279.

Ford and Mazda were cozy bedfellows for a time and yielded some interesting badge-engineered offerings. The Ranger pickup spent some time living as the Mazda B-Series, and similarly, the Probe got a facelift and some upgraded trimmings to be offered as the Mazda MX-6. While enthusiasts generally don’t love the idea of selling one car as two distinct models, the MX-6 and the Probe at least did a good job of differentiating themselves. In both cases, the V6 engine option was the way to fly, as this mill not only offered very respectable performance but also had one of the most stirring exhaust notes in the business, especially for a car that cost less than $30,000. You’re welcome to go on YouTube and search for some Ford Probe GT videos with a basic Magnaflow exhaust. I had a friend with a GT in school, and it left me convinced that any list of “Best Factory Exhaust Notes” needs to include the early 90s Probe GT.

The MotorWeek Retro Review Channel features this 1992 vintage road test of the then-new 1992 second-generation Ford Probe:

The problem with cars that are cheap and “sporty” is that they often fall into the trap of being modded to death. Despite all of its virtues, a Probe or an MX-6 are not being treated to Concours restorations. The best way to find a Probe of any era is to land one that was used as a retirement gift or fun commuter car and preferably owned by the proverbial hairdresser or school teacher. The seller snagged this Probe from his aunt who he claims owned it for 20 years, so it sounds like he bought one out of the exact scenario I described here. He then proceeded to refresh the car with a variety of new parts and upgrades, including a new clutch kit, power steering pump, water pump, and much more. The air conditioning blows cold and it sounds like the engine is a replacement unit with the listing noting 64K on the engine but 138K on the chassis. All of this should make for a reliable and affordable weekend corner carver for the next owner, with lots of hard work already done.

Here’s the seller’s description:

“26 years old beauty running just as good as it looks. Only 64k miles on the engine. Runs like a clock. V6 2.5L, Stick Shift. Runs on Super! Small tank, great on gas. Everything done on the car: full OEM clutch assembly with slave cylinder, power steering pump, water pump, timing belt etc. AC runs cold, LED fog and headlights, clean in an out. Dual exhaust with very nice sound on low rpm, but quiet enough on higher rpm for the long highway trips. Full size matching rim spare tire in the trunk, backup camera and a decent pioneer sound loud enough to cover the muffler sound if needed. This is a head turner and a great car for a teenager or adult. Everywhere i go, i get compliments. I hate to let it go, but it’s time. Cash or certified check only.

This baby belonged to my aunt for 20 years and then i restored it to what you see. It’s a rare car and in great condition. You can get historical plates and insurance will cost you nothing..”

Under-appreciated and under-valued: is the Ford Probe a sleeper in the emerging collector car market?