Posts: 140
Joined: 1/20/2008 From: Los Angeles, CA Status: offline
I know I'm going to sound like a newb, but here goes... I don't own a V6 Mustang yet, but I'm 99.9% sure that that's the car I want to purchase next. However, because I've driven Japanese cars most of my life and have never experienced even a hint of engine or mechanical problems while driving them, I'm slightly hesitant because I've heard varying reports about the reliabilty of the V6 engine. Many who I've talked to say it's great, but others have said it's only average or below average in terms of dependability. I'm just wondering what others here have to say about it. How dependable has the car been for you? Would you rate it as a reliable car that will still be driving soundly ten years from now?
Sorry if this seems like a dumb question, and I'm sure this issue has been discussed here previously, but the dependabilty question is probably the only thing keeping me from buying the car now. Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks...
Could last for 10 years... Could last for 30 days...
I've had mine since 2002, and its supercharged now. And I drive it like I stole it at least once a day, biggest problem I've had was alternators going out[thanks to the audio system] and the manifold breaking [common problem/excuse to buy long tube headers]
Both 3.8's and 4.0's have extremely good reliability ratings. If your looking for the best reliability, i think an 01-04 v6 is the best. They are the last few years of the 3.8L v6 and pretty much any bugs that these cars had have been worked out. If your looking for the best moddibility (if thats a word) i would go with the 4.0. Downside is they cost a bit more, and they still have a few bugs to work out (not engine wise).
Well i hope this helped some.
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2000 Mustang 3.8L 5 spd M112 Project Status: Acquiring parts
Posts: 140
Joined: 1/20/2008 From: Los Angeles, CA Status: offline
quote:
ORIGINAL: fallfast90
Both 3.8's and 4.0's have extremely good reliability ratings. If your looking for the best reliability, i think an 01-04 v6 is the best. They are the last few years of the 3.8L v6 and pretty much any bugs that these cars had have been worked out. If your looking for the best moddibility (if thats a word) i would go with the 4.0. Downside is they cost a bit more, and they still have a few bugs to work out (not engine wise).
Well i hope this helped some.
Thanks for the input... I'm looking to get the '08 V6, which of course on the 4.0 engine. I pretty much agree with you: considering they've gone with this newer 4.0 V6 engine since '05 (I think), I'm hoping any bugs have long been worked out. Also, I'm not looking to do too much aftermarket stuff with the engine, so hopefully that'll increase its reliability.
< Message edited by Pony_car -- 1/20/2008 12:58:19 PM >
Posts: 11949
Joined: 12/22/2004 From: Ludlow, Mass Status: offline
excluding 89-96.5s (headgasket eaters) they are good motors, i flog mine all day and no problems, first real problem i had was blowing out the spider gears in the rear end
Our V6 2000 mustang has been a very reliable car. 60,000 miles and the only real work needed was to have the passenger exhaust manifold replaced, but that was a year or so after someone hit that front corner.
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V6 reliabity question from a new member... - 
RE: V6 reliabity question from a new member... - 
