Need help on what to look for

[Wendel]

I'm 16 and recently got my license. I've been looking at V6 Mustangs and have generally found that 2005-2007 is my price range. I was wondering if these years have had any problems like the gauge cluster issue. I want to know what to look for in these Mustangs such as a recurring problem people have noticed.

Thanks

 

[HitandRunDriver]

What is your price range first off? First thing most people on this forum will chime in with is "get a v8". I'm not quite as familiar with the v6's and their problems but I'm sure there's a lot of people here that can help you. Also try searching around to see if anything pops up.

 

[BleedinBlue]

At 16, do NOT get a V8. Ignore anyone who says otherwise and keep doing what you are doing. Get a V6, learn to drive, learn to be responsible, and make it the prettiest 05-09 V6 in your area.

I know of no specific or recurring problems with the cars.

 

[Renesis07]

I'm 16 and recently got my license. I've been looking at V6 Mustangs and have generally found that 2005-2007 is my price range. I was wondering if these years have had any problems like the gauge cluster issue. I want to know what to look for in these Mustangs such as a recurring problem people have noticed.

Thanks

I don't know too much specifics but I can speak from plenty of V6 05-09 Mustangs I've taken in on trade at my Dealer. Here's 2 things I noticed that were consistent with most of them.

Paint contamination (looks like rust) was extremely common on any 05-14 Mustang on the front of the hood. Keep an eye for that.

Front suspension on early V6's was also a weak point (seems like every one I've seen with over 50K has clunking rattling front ends). I'd keep an eye for that as well.

I know a few people locally that drive these as dailys and racked up a ton of miles and they seem to hold up decent (mechanically), hopefully someone more seasoned in V6 models chimes in.

FWIW, I do agree with the other post to get a V6 at your age. You'll catch some grief from V8 owners over the years but insurance will be a ton cheaper and you can learn how to properly drive and take care of a car with it.

 

[eighty6gt]

You're in a great position. Get a clean, clean V6, and worry more about the condition of the paint and body, interior.

Shoe some giant rubber on there, I'd get these, or in silver depending on the color of the car:

http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/Whee...heelModel=Boss+302R&wheelFinish=Black+Painted

Save up a ton of money, call Vorschlag and get a suspension. They won't steer you wrong. Also, some brakes! Some cheap brembo's that come up once in a while, front and rear.

THEN, in 2-3-5 years, when you're older (and have been putting 50% of your money away for when you're 30 and can retire,) get a 6.2L LS engine with a T56 and build it up. Swap it in with a custom exhaust - throw that shitty factory cluster away and put a Haltech IQ3 in there.

Bam, 500rwhp n/a car that sounds awesome, handles awesome, looks awesome, is awesome.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ymxrbEyqCbQ

 

[Wendel]

HitandRunDriver, my price range is about $8000-$8500 tops. Out of the 5 I've looked at, they've all had what looks like rust bubbling under the paint. I also am not looking for a V8, mainly because my dad won't let me have that much power haha. I appreciate the input guys!

 

[BigSkyGT]

I don't see very many S197 V6 cars in my area. I have seen quite a few older Mustangs (94-04) though. This is pretty typical of what I have seen.
http://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/635643629/overview/

 

[SomeMichael]

My mom has an 05 v6 with about 80000 miles on it. So far we've seen the same issues you would see in any from that era. I did fix the cluster (45 dollar fix if you are willing to do some soldering) The leather in the door panels coming off, you may not have that problem up north. The Shaker 500 head unit started draining the battery so we replaced it with a cheaper touch screen unit and that was just a nice upgrade in itself. Otherwise at this point we are just having to replace some worn pieces from age and mileage, like brakes and need to do the tire rod ends. Nothing major. Havn't had any problems with the hood but it was replaced after an accident. We did have problems with the convertible top but doesn't look like you are looking at those. The v6s are still fun cars and get decent mileage. I thought I would be happy with one myself until I drove a GT

 

[JimC]

A very common and persistent problem is the plastic thermostat housing. They tend to split, look for signs of leak on the rear of the housing. They usually spew coolant under the intake manifold and is frequently mis-diagnosed as a hose or water pump issue.

No common time frame or mileage for when it goes. On my 2006 it lasted 199,881 miles before letting go. Others have replaced it multiple times in 60,000 miles. It is an easy replacement and there is now an aluminum replacement (search Amazon or Ebay).

 

[AndrewS197]

I had an 05 gt when I was 19, so I would say as long as you're responsible and respect the power, you'll be fine with a v8. I'm 23 now and I bought a brand new 5.0 last May. Just be responsible and don't get sucked into friends, people, etc trying to get you to show off.

 

[Wendel]

Alright, this should help me out while looking. Thanks again all!