Looking For A Mustang, Need Advice

[carjunkie]

Well, I am new here and do not have a Mustang yet. I am looking for one in my area because my daughter decided that this she want is what she wants.
I have seen a bunch listed in the 95-04 range that are priced fairly.
A few questions: How many miles is too high to buy? I found a nice one, an 04 but it has 200K. If all else checks out would you buy it, or keep looking?
How well do the Autos hold up? I know some cars have issues with this (90's Mopars).
Are all the 96+ OBD2? What about 95? OBD1?
Gas mileage of a V6 vs V8? What would I see real world for MPG?
I don't have a lot to spend, so I want to pick the best car to start with for what I can afford.

Thank you for all your help, and if there are any links to resources i should read, please let me know.
Scott

 

[Three50won]

200K miles for a Mustang as a first car sounds a bit too high for me...even if it was well cared for. I would look elsewhere. Try to stay under 100K miles.

All 96 and up are OBD2. 94 and 95 are OBD1. You might find a 94 or 95 with an OBD2 style connection under the steering wheel. However, it is still NOT OBD2.

Autos hold up fine as long as they aren't abused. Just like any other car. And they can hold a good amount of power...if you decide to throw a blower on in the future.

I never thought my 03 GT had bad gas mileage. But still tho, the V6 will have a noticeably better MPG. I'd still get the GT tho. They're soo much more fun.

Starting price, I would say look to spend somewhere in the $4K - $6K range. You might be able to find a 99 or 00 for around $3K if you look hard enough. And I would say to stick with the 99-04 GT.

 

[restomod66]

I would probably stick with the 99-04 cars due to them being better all around cars in general. I'm from the Bay Area and nice examples with around 100k miles can be had for $5-10k depending on overall condition/options. The automatics in these cars are very sturdy and as said before can handle a good amount of power. My 00 GT is lightly modified and I can knock down close to 30Mpg on the freeway if I cruise at 65Mph. When well maintained the 4.6L 2V can go seemingly forever and these motors see service in Police cruisers & Taxi's all across the country regularly making it to 300k miles.

 

[carjunkie]

Thank you for the reply. I found a great deal on a 96 4.6 5 speed GT. It has 104k on it. I am sure I will have more questions in the future.

 

[Three50won]

Thank you for the reply. I found a great deal on a 96 4.6 5 speed GT. It has 104k on it. I am sure I will have more questions in the future.

How much are they asking? Any pics?

 

[carjunkie]

How much are they asking? Any pics?

It was $1400 and came with a bunch of extra parts. Runs and drives very good. Still needs a few small things, but nothing major.

 

[Three50won]

That is a pretty good deal...as long as it doesn't need anything major. Post some pics!

 

[carjunkie]

This is what she looks like right now. It is in real good condition but the paint on the front fenders is not the best. All in all a nice car for the money. Runs and drives like a dream.
https://dl-web.dropbox.com/get/Came...AAeJAnV2QUDQbkBy1dsJPN_bzQayQxRfClYfnsoCrqHOA

 

[Three50won]

I don't have access to your photo album there...