IMHO rust is the first and foremost thing to look for. Check out this link to the Pantera Place page, print it out, and take it with you to look at any car you are thinking about. (http://www.panteraplace.com/page57.htm) The website is a treasure check it out and yes the trans would be the next thing to look at. if you want to see a fairly stock car(mine) with just a few upgrades and it would be in the reasonable price range hit the specific forum here and search for 6656... Mine is not for sale but I have seen some that would be a great deal for a good price.
If you get a solid car and don't mind wrenching on it(to me that is why I own it) you can get a deal. Good luck in your search and check out this whole site any help I can be just ask. Everyone here is very helpful.
