3.8 V6 - Reliable?

[DonRich90]

I have an opportunity to buy a high mileage stick shift '94 V6 that is in nice condition. It's original 3.8 engine was replaced with another 3.8 with about 80,000 miles on it but it really runs and sounds good. It's white with a red/black interior and has a beautiful set of Bullitt wheels.
Having owned a '94 Taurus wagon with a 3.8 V6 that developed a head gasket problem at 60,000 miles, I'm wondering if there has been a similar problem (or any other problems) with that engine in Mustangs?
I bought my first Mustang (6 cyl.) fastback in 1965. It was the first one in the Baltimore, MD area and really turned heads. It was a great car and really started my love for Mustangs.
The '94 I'm considering is just a toy for me and not a daily driver. But, I take pride in my cars and want it in as nice a condition as I can make it.
Thanks.
Don

 

['66 coupe]

Same head gasket problems as your Taurus in '94-'95 Mustangs. Some people here have cars that were recalled/serviced by the original owners. If that's been done, you should have no problems.

If you really want a V6 Mustang, I'd suggest '96+ for reliability; '99+ for speed.

If this car is just going to be a toy, look for a GT. The V8 will be more fun and the car won't depreciate nearly as quickly as the V6.

 

[Lambostang]

My 98 has 116,000 miles and is still strong. No problems * knock on wood*

 

['66 coupe]

My 98 has 116,000 miles and is still strong. No problems * knock on wood*

Well he's looking at a '94 which really has a greater risk of going out. My friend's '94 went out last year at around 104k and we had to swap in a '97 engine.

If you're looking for a reliable '94/'95 get a GT:
http://forums.stangnet.com/showthread.php?t=665563
The 5.0 doesn't have as many quirks as the 4.6es(like plastic coolant crossovers) and aren't nearly as expensive to work on.

 

[trock]

My brother had a 96 V6 that developed problems between 105 and 110 thousand miles. He likes his 02 GT though if you were lookin for an opinion on that.

 

[DonRich90]

Thanks guys! Helpful answers. I think I'll pass on this '94 and keep on searching.
Great forum - I'll be back.
Don

 

[97sally6]

my 97 has 128k and its running better than it was new, things are just getting broken in.

 

[philoldsmobile]

my 96 is perfect so far... but it still has less than 30,000 miles on it..

anyone have the date the revisions were made? i know the 96 model year was revised, but auto manufacturers normaly start the new model year in abou tsept the previous year.. so does it follow that post 9/95 build is ok?

 

[rock4451]

i had a 99 v6 b4 my notchback, and it ran fine no problems WITH THE ENGINE. strongest v6 i ever drove. raced a new eclipse with it...barely took it.

 

['66 coupe]

i had a 99 v6 b4 my notchback, and it ran fine no problems WITH THE ENGINE. strongest v6 i ever drove. raced a new eclipse with it...barely took it.

What kind of Eclipse? My friend had a V6 GT, and my '01 was about the same. A 99+ V6 should own the crap out of a normal 4-banger Eclipse.

 

[U2SLO450]

I have a 96 that has over 168,000 miles on it and ive only had to replace the clutch

 

[V6muscle00]

[QUOTE='66 coupe]What kind of Eclipse? My friend had a V6 GT, and my '01 was about the same. A 99+ V6 should own the crap out of a normal 4-banger Eclipse.[/QUOTE]

are u talkin about the brand new eclipse? the gt has somethin like 260hp.. but id agree a v6 should do a 4 cyl eclipse, my friends got one and i have yet to race him