Howdy, I have a 5.0 and I am looking at picking up a V6 for my daughter (16). How reliable has your cars been engine wise? I am looking at an auto and it's probably going to have around 100k on the odometer. Thanks for any input. Brian
-get 99+ to avoid head gasket problems -99-00 had a PCV issue where sometimes small amounts of oil get sucked up the valve cover and into the upper intake. fixed by buying a 01+ valve cover with upgraded baffles. minor problems really. motor pretty durable from my experience. same wit the t5 tranny in the manuals. the autos last long too because they shift super slow.
As long as you avoid the '94-5's you'll be fine as far as any bad problems go and even then its not all of em, but you know.
I had to get my PCV valve replaced... also had transmission work done, and the clutch replaced at 75K miles
What is all this reliability crap, get a 99+ the 96 to 98's are just fine, the 94/95 had head gasket issues, but if it has been replaced under a recall or otherwise then your fine with those years as well. The PCV issue was also mentioned above on the 99+ cars. They are reliable cars as long as they are taken care of like any other car, just don't buy someone elses problem, get it inspected by a mechanic you trust, as I'm sure you will do. My 98 is coming up on 100k miles, only replaced the basics clutch, brakes, fluids, etc. If it is working well go for it.
I've gotta agree with GreenBeeeeeeeeeyotch Reliability, schmeliability.......the 94/95 were the only one's that I know of with head gasket problems. I have a 98 with 79,627 miles. It's been supercharged since 48,000 mi. I have no problems with it. Original clutch......2 sets of tires They're all good.....just get one that's taken care of. Take care of it and it will take care of you
I've got 60,000 miles on my 5spd '00 and about 3,000 of that has been with the Vortech. Runs better with the Vortech than it did N/A (although it ran just fine pre-supercharger). I've been blessed thus far in that I have not suffered any real mechanical problems. As far as the PCV valve issue, an easier fix than buying new valve covers is just deleteing that puppy. Plug the hole on the upper manifold and the other one in the inlet tubing on the pass side and put breathers in the valve covers. Problem solved.
I've got 146000 on the clock and running fine, the only problem is that a timing cover gasket went out, which the original owner did not replace under the recall on my 97, the engine takes hell every day and runs great, burns no oil, loses no water, and get's good gas mileage. Go for it man. Wayne
My 1986 LX is good.The owner before never had any problems,and my only problems are a tranny fluid and oil leak,but things just need tightened up.
Thanks guys! I didn't think there would be much problems with them. I'm thinking 98 since it was the last year of that body style and like it better than the 99 + (sorry). Was looking at an import for her but I think the bigger car would be safer than a little import. Plus it's something else I can tinker with when I am not modding my notch.
all those guys are right too. they are as reliable as any ford can be. so if you had a good experience with your 5.0L, you shouldn't have much problems wi the v6. the motor/tranny hold up fine, especially if you're not driving like an idiot. im assuming you properly mantain the car too. there are no known major issues witt he +99 cars. you should use http://autos.msn.com/ you can look up the particular vehicle you're interested in and get all sorts of info on it. including reliability ratings.
Ok, lemme tell ya, my father got me a v6 auto stang when I was 16. I am 21 now, and I still have the thing. Its a 94 and currently has 132000miles on it. Yes, the 94s had gasket problems, but if you get one, odds are they've been replaced by now. I had mine replaced in 99 and hadnt had a problem with them since. Ok, heres how reliable the car is. And keep in mind it is a 10 year old car, having me be its owner for 6 years... First, battery problem. But they only last for 5 years if lucky Second, head gaskets, but never again Third, fluids, big big thing to teach your daughter about. I have had to refill oil and radiator coolant so many times, but oddly enough never transmission fluid. Forth, once a year the O/D light blinks, clear the codes and it wont come back until next year. Fifth, 7 flats. But if you live in a safe environment someone always seems to help out. I havent change a single tire yet! (know how to, just not strong enough) Now then, most of these are maintence things. The only thing she'd probally hafta worry about is maintaning it, like the fluids I suggested. Oh oh, and get a convertible. All the guys will whistle at her, and all her female friends will want a ride. Also, chicks love accessories. I know, I am one. Get her a magazine showing her all the visual mods. Oh, but be careful, avoid the ones with bikini models drapped over the vehicle. They really **** off female mustang enthusiasts. We want to see the car, not her. Not to mention it makes us feel weird when reading it. Anyways, best of luck.
Thanks, but the wife doesn't want her having a vert and I don't think she wants one either. I appreciate the lowdown on the upkeep. I am pretty good about keeping mine in line so I will probably be doing the maintenance on this one. I think it being a bigger car will be a better choice. Her boyfriend looks at my Mustang mags, and he also said he would stop seeing her if she got a stang, so that's a good reason to get her one!
the only issues i have heard of besides mid 96 back head gaskets are the pcv system on 99 and 00 to much oil in the uppe... the 01 have a new type valve cover or soemthing but it still does it a tad, not a bad thing just something to look out for. and the trannsy get the shakes around 50k so drive it and see how smooth it is, keep the fluid changed of course and it should be fine.
Comin from someone who had a mustang from the time he was 17...Get one. I had an old pieceacrap 85 ranger when I turned 16 (typical first car), and i went in and got my 2001 V6 stang on the Osama BinLaden 0% interest sale. I had a couple problems with it, (mainly the one when a 76 yr old ran a red light and hit me going 65 mph....)..but I have an 02 vert now...I've had the same problem on both..the power window motor went out...and the oil sending unit on my new one..but nothing major wrong. I couldn't ask for a better car...and heck I got hit when the guy was going over 65 mph!!! AND IM ALIVE!!! WITH NO BROKEN BONES!!! How's that for safety? I was hit on the front quarter panel of the drivers side, into my door a little bit. Spun me 6 times. Went to the hospital for a week, walked out perfectly fine. I think that accident speaks for itself.
