I'm investigating the possibility of a used Mustang and I'm looking for information on reliability and serviceability of various V6s used. I know there was the 3.8, 4.0, 3.7 etc. is there one to avoid? One to prefer?
NOTE: I'll probably look for a V8 but there seems to be a bunch of V6s available for reasonable prices.
I have an '09, v6, auto, convertible. Silver, black top. I love it. Plenty of power in stock form. It has 74,500 miles already!
Serviceability is great/easy.
I looked as long as I could for a 5 speed but the few I found all seemed beat to death. I settled for the auto and it's the best auto trans I've ever owned, and I'm keeping it.
Added a few mods, an SCT X3/SF3 Power Flash tuner, dual exhaust, JLT cold air intake, and... Seems like something else significant that I can't remember.
The car feels so much stronger now! Not sure about the actual power, but I'm happy because each mod gave me a better seat-of-the-pants feel! What more do I need?
Also added the sequential turn signals, a chin spoiler, GT style spoiler (black) to replace the low profile spoiler that was from the factory, and black tail light trim.
Soon to add 3.73 gears... I keep telling myself that. Soon to paint, blackout, the space between the tail lights.
Thanks for the information, '09 is probably way beyone my budget, I'm considering mostly '86 - '93 as I like the looks of the Fox bodied car, the prices are within my budget (although it's hard to find a clean one!)
I'm considering automatic ONLY! I'm looking for a semi-sporty convertible to replace my Mazda Miata which is a stick and my arthritic knees, hips, back, etc. have notified me that a clutch is no longer an posibility. I got the Miata as I found an almost brand new 1985 Mustang convertible in 1905 and was unable to work the clutch. Several people said I should look at a Miata as the clutch is very light so..... I've very much enjoyed the little critter for 7 years of fun driving but it's not fun anymore, I notice I don't shift smoothly now and it's fairly painful to drive it for any length of time....
Why? They're rated pretty good on reliability? My budget determined I'lll probably be looking at pre-1999, 1986-1993 is my preferred range based on price and that I like the look of the Fox bodied Mustangs much better than the later models.
Thanks, I'll continue my search. I'm looking a 86-93 because of price and I prefer the body style to the later Mustangs.
Gotta be auto, convertible and I'd prefer a V8 although I do recall a Thunderburp with a V6 and it moved pretty well.... I'm not going to be drag racing any Vipers.
I had an 88 notch 5.0 manual and a 90 vert LX 5.0 auto. The manual was a lot snappier. The 90 was fine for driving around and looked good. I have heard that the 88 were the most powerful even though the spec book shows them all the same. In the 88 I had to take the seat backs out, pull the upholstery and foam off and slip a piece of thin plywood inside teh seat shell to return a decent level of back support. Don't recall if I had to do that on the 90. But if you do get one and want to massage the seat back they are easy to take apart. Almost everything about them is easy to work on except the heater core.
I know '89 and later have that but I'm not sure when it started or if it was on only certain models?
My Miata has a very simple lumbar support system, the seat back cushions are attached at the top and bottem only, it's simple to fold a handtowel and slide it into postition and it's equally easy to remove it or refold it for more or less lumbar support. It would be equally easy to slide in an air bladder.
I'm sure Mazda didn't intend it that way but it's simple, cheap and easy.
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