Hello, 1st post Need help if possible.... My Girlfriend is looking at a 2000 3.8 V6 automatic Mustang convertible to possibly purchase. Does anyone on the forum have any experience with this particular model (engine/transmission). Interested if the vehicle model has any inherent mechanical problems? Another area of concern would be the convertible top and any problems associated with the mechanical or electrical functions. Also / Or if I am in the wrong site or forum, does someone know of a good or better source to go to to ask these questions? opps...almost forgot, the vehicle has 95000 miles.....can someone also comment on the high mileage as well please? Thanks, Nic
'00 3.8 is rock solid for me. Top condition depends on how often used and if the car was kept under cover and what not.
I just picked up a flawless '95 vert with the 6 for $500. and only 99k on it. It had a bad trans and sat for almost 3 years without being run. I picked up a salvage yard trans and put it in last Sunday and it runs great. The lady I purchased it from already had the head gaskets fixed, she just never changed the trans fluid and filter. Anyhow, the newer 6's didn't have the problems that the earlier ones had so if the price is right, go for it. I love going into my garage everyday and seeing my '95 vert sitting next to my '96 Gt vert.
Great car try geeting a carfax and check it out on kelly blue book to give you an idea of its condition but on a vert check the stitching and ask if the top was ever waxed cause wax can reall f'up the top
Most of the problems had been ironed out by 2000. They may have had an EGR sensor issue, but that's an easy fix and probably would've shown up WAY before 90k miles. Also don't be alarmed if you hear a sizzling sound after running the a/c. The condensation drips on the right side of the exhaust on V6es. As Robs96 said, the newer models didn't have the same problems as the '94/'95's. He changed his transmission at 99k, but that was a totally different kind of automatic. In '96 they started using the 4R70W which is an awesome automatic(as far as Ford overdrive autos go anyway); I actually wish my 5.0 had one, maybe one day. If you get the car just be sure to do all the simple maintenance. Oil+filter, Air filter, fuel filter, change the belt, have the tranny flushed, tune up, and you may even want to run some seafoam through it. That way the car will be like new.
my 96' has had no problems except the simple stuff go out like alt and compressor but i love my car and just keep it maintaned and she''l treat you right.
Yeah the '95 vert I purchased with a bad tranny had the AODE. The newer 4r70w is much better, especially a 2000 model.
I have a 2000 V6 convertible and haven't had any problems at all with it. I'm at 91K miles right now and 2/3 of those are highway from the lady who owned it before me. Fairly strong feeling for a V6 i think. Once you get above 1998 they have a lot more power than the pre 99s so i doubt she will be disappointed. The top leaks a little bit around the windows but only when i pressure wash it or get a really hard rain. Not a big issue though.
