Hi guys,
My friend and roomate is looking to buy a '99 V6 he saw close by with 116,000 miles on it. It is a V6 manual convertible. He has asked me to pose the question to you about the longevity of these SN95s. Is there anything he should expect to go out on it first? Or ask if it has been replaced recently etc? He wants a car that can go up to if not past 200,000 miles. Thanks!

 

Let me first say that my only direct experience with Stangs has been 2 SN-95 Cobra's, and a 68 Coupe. That being said, I have had experience with the 3.8, albeit the older 3.8's. My first thunderbird was a 3.8 LX which blew the head gaskets at something like 50,000 miles. My second bird was the supercharged 3.8, and at 85,000ish I haven't had any problems with the engine. The earlier 3.8's were certainly not reliable engines, especially going on 200,000 miles unless you did some sort of fix to the head gaskets. That being said, I am pretty sure that the later 3.8's i.e. the 99 your looking at are more reliable.

My best friend has a SN-95 V6 vert that he's selling right now, I know for a fact he hasn't had any mechanical problems with it. I will ask him how many miles it has on it and get back to you.

Long story short IMHO, the 3.8 had a rough start, but by 99 should be a much more reliable drivetrain, particularly if properly maintained. Hope this helps!

 

Thanks Harris! We went to test drive it today. It looked nicer than it sounded. The alternator was making a horrific eerie buzzing noise, the engine made a thunking noise and the tranny whined. But he's going back on Saturday to take it to a shop and get it looked over. It has 117,000 miles on it. The place was asking $4999 which was high (in our opinion) compared to blue book at that mileage.

 

I own 2000 Mustang V6 which I bought new. I wouldn't bet on 200,000 miles club. Mine has around 54,000 miles and there are already few problems that even dealers can't figure it out what it is (car sometimes just wouldn't start).

 

My dad put 150k on a '96 V6 manual with no major mechanical issues at all. Also, the '99+ 3.8s got a new style head gasket that is much more reliable than anything from before then

 

got 150,000 and no problems other than running a little rich on start up.

 

The 94-97 3.8s had the head gasket problem. I had a 98 V6 and put over 80K miles on it without an issue, but you're smart in having it checked over thoroughly, especially with the issues you listed.

 

Thanks everyone for the information! I'll keep you all posted on the car tomorrow!

 

My '99 V6 Manual has 160K miles on it and it's still my DD in the winter. The only things I've had to replace since I bought it new 11 years ago (other than standard things like brake pads and tires) are.......the clutch and the tie-rods.

It's been a great car and I plan to keep driving it for many more years.

 

Awesome! According to my friend ( the one buying it) he is going to keep it for approximately 3-5 years...

 

Well, if he has the same experience I've had with mine, he'll be very happy. Let us know if he decides to pick it up.....and if he does, he'll have to join TMS!

 

Totally! I'll have to get him on here!

 

Im pretty much with everybody else. Ive had mine for about 6 years. Im up to 111K and lets just say I have not been very easy on mine. I've kept up with oil changes and all but with racing it sometimes every weekend
(drag and autocross) and beating the snot out of it every other day, I have not had a single problem with the motor. Been through my fair share of stock clutches and a DF clutch (that one was bad to begin with) and one rear-end, but other then that, no motor or trans problems have ever popped up.

 

Way to put his mind at ease Stephen

 

Well he asked about the motor, not that things that I broke.

 

As it turns out his mechanic is closed today so they are going on Monday. I can't go but I'm sure I'll hear about it.

 

Hope it all works out!!

 

Thanks! Me too!
Here's a pic of the car when we test drove it on Thursday!

 

From that pic, it looks pretty good from what you can tell.

 

it is. But there are some things that need attention. Not to mention the mechanical issues, but also the interior door trim piece surrounding the power window controls is cracked with a hole (needs complete replacement), the rear driver's side window does not roll down, the passenger's side door doesn't line up flush with the side of the car, various scrapes, the rear window and or top leaks.