Mustang V6

[JayB1127]

Hey guys, I'm new to the mustang world, and mostly new to the Ford world. I'm a GM and Camaro guy by heart but GM has me agitated and I'm looking for a new toy. I'm looking for a V-6 (I know, but its gonna be a work car to run the miles up on) Other than general mechanical things, what are specifics to look at on a 3.8 that's over 10 years old? General things that go wrong or to watch for. Just Mustang specifics that go bad? Any certain spots that rust out quick or I need to watch? What do you look for when you go to buy a 90's model? I know with hours of research I could find what I"m looking for but, Id like to actually get real, direct feedback on this. Plus it will be a good for future people looking to get a Mustang. Thanks ya'll and I greatly appreciate all the help and info you guys can give.

 

[Bullitt347]

Mostly I would be concerned with how well the car was maintained. I found my 01' V-6 with 124K on it and it ran almost like new. I have seen others that ran worse or looked worse with fewer miles on them. I now have 132K on the car and it still runs great with no problems or issues. If taken care of, there is really no "problem areas". All cars will need normal maintenance, fluid changes, tune ups, brakes, tires ect from time to time, so finding one that has been maintained is the key.

 

[JayB1127]

I know all the basics to check that you would check on every vehicle, but like camaro specific, you wanna check the truck right above the fuel tank to make sure its not be cut for a hack job fuel sending unit replacement. And there is several little things like that to look for on camaros, just wondering if there is anything or any areas prone to rust, areas to hit with a spotlight because it a mustang. I'm looking at a 2000 for 3200, no scratches no dents or dings. White with 150,000k highway miles as a pilot car. Has GT rims with 75% tread life and original rims with 50% tread life. It has a nice sound system, and leather, but an auto.

 

[Bubba Rodge]

I just had my break pads replaced at the dealer and he noticed something he said was common on 98-04s V6s. The differential covers are aluminum and prone to developing slow leaks. He didn't sound any major alarms but did suggest I get an after market steel cover and replace it. As long as I'm at it I'm also replacing the bearings (recommended over 70K miles) and thinking seriously about swapping out the whole differential for one from Ford racing and up gearing the ratio to either the 3.73:1 or 4:1.

 

[Killian Korth]

ehh....I think the dealer might have been pulling that out of his ass to get you to spend more. I haven't ever heard of any problems with the differential gaskets. But then again I'm not much of an expert really, just something new I haven't heard.

one thing is the factory headers are prone to cracking, and I wish I would have learned this earlier or I wouldn't have to be rebuilding my sixxer in a week or two. So maybe bring a flashlight and a mirror with you look them over, or you can always replace them if needed after you buy it.

other than that, I've heard of something to do with the valve covers a long time ago, but I can't remember specifically what the problem was and how to fix/avoid it so maybe look that up somewhere if you can.

and.....I think that all I got, pretty much like Builtt347 said, if it's been well cared for there won't be any problems and it should be kosher, but most times anymore people don't understand that, lulz.

anywho, always nice to see a Camaro --> Mustang convert what made you switch? if you mind me asking.

 

[buickgs_15]

under the battery tray is an area that you may need to look at for signs of rust. most of the time it's a surface rust that can be fixed with a wire brush and some primer but it's always nice to know it's a possibility.