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Ford Mustang (2004 and earlier)

2124 messages,  Last post on Aug 24, 2010 at 1:12 PM

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What is this discussion about? Ford Mustang, Coupe

Messages Page 108 of 213

#1067 of 2124 by lcorri

Feb 04, 2004 (9:46 pm)

john_324, thanks for the feedback re: bad repair service. In the past the dealer actually provided good service at times, but in the year 2003 there suddenly was a big change for the worse. I hope I can help someone else who may have the same problems as I did with my Mustang 3.8 V6. If any of you have a slow constant coolant leak, w/ no obvious external leak, don't let anyone make you believe this is acceptable. The last person I know who thought this was normal ended up having a blown head gasket (he has a Ford Crown Victoria). Lucky for him, because of my experience he knew right away that he was better off going to an independent mechanic & got the whole engine replaced for much less than what the dealer would charge. If you have a similar coolant leak (mine was due to a defective head gasket), don't let the mechanic get away with doing only a pressure test & telling you he can't find anything. Other tests that can help diagnose the problem are: a chemical test, compression test, & leak-down test. Also, especially now, be extra careful about making sure defective parts still under warranty get taken care of promptly before you unfairly have to pay for them.

#1068 of 2124 Sequence Lights by leftywayn

Feb 06, 2004 (1:09 pm)

CDC manufactures the sequential tailights and they are a good quality shop. They also make the most popular light bar. So I would think as long as they are installed correctly you would have no problem.

#1069 of 2124 sequence lights by scarletstang

Feb 06, 2004 (5:48 pm)

Thanks a lot for the info. My dealer recommended nothing but CDC also. I thought the sequential lights would be a nice change rather than having the euro lights that everyone has for around the same price.

#1070 of 2124 v6 vs. v8 convertible by scarletstang

Feb 06, 2004 (5:59 pm)

I own a premium V6 convertible. I suppose I might be a little older than the fellows that are discussing purchases. I bought a vinyl roadster cover to go over the back seats and my paint is diamond plated (red). It is an absolutely gorgeous car and absorbs mega-stares. You can also add exhausts to the v6s that nearly sound like a v8s so unless you are looking to burn up pavement and attrack tickets, the v6 is a nice choice if you are looking to save a few bucks. I choose the convertible over power I guess. PS: I have never been stopped by a cop (yet).

#1071 of 2124 What to checkout when buying by bmolloy

Feb 08, 2004 (3:06 am)

I'm looking to buy a '99 or '00 V6 Convertible shortly. Are there any specific things on these models I should be checking out when I'm looking at used Mustangs ? Any weak points on the car that needs specific attention? etc
Thanks

#1072 of 2124 by john_324

Feb 09, 2004 (8:01 am)

Bmolloy, thought you were "gonna have a V8?!" ; )
 
But re your question, nothing really to worry about...the V6s are more or less the same as the V8s with the exception of the engine, suspension and exhaust.
 
Something to be aware of: 15 vs 16 inch wheels ('99 V6s had 15 inchers across the board...I think in '00 16" ones came with the deluxe model). 16" ones are probably better looking (I think anyway).
 
Other than that, can't really think of anything. Best of luck.

#1073 of 2124 lolol by bmolloy

Feb 09, 2004 (9:01 am)

Thanks John,
well I looked at the bhp figures for the 99 and 00 V6's (190 bhp) and thought that it was enough for me, maybe the insurance would be cheaper too, and with going to be driving in and around Los Angeles I thought the extra power of a V8 would be a waste
 
Of course the V6 is a lot cheaper to buy too ...
 
So I was just checking if there were any specific stuff I needed to be on the lookout for when buying one. My girlfriend tells me that, in general, American cars are c**p regarding reliability .. and thats from her experience of being an American, but hey .. I'm a Brit .. going to live in sunny LA .. of course I want a convertible and an American car .. geez we have zillions of Mercedes, Audi's, Volvo's, VW and all the Japanese stuff over here .. I want something different.
 
Having said that, a Mustang isn't different over in LA, but it will be for a Brit

#1074 of 2124 by john_324

Feb 09, 2004 (10:33 am)

Fair enough...the V6 is a great car in its own right and plenty of fun. Look at it this way...the current V6s serve up nearly as much power as did the 1980s Mustang GTs. There's plenty of power to get you in trouble, no doubt about it.
 
Since you're English, you'll appreciate this: the character of the V6 Mustangs is similar to the 2.5 Capris avaible in the UK in the 1970s and 1980s. Just think of Bodie and Doyle as you careen around corners in your 'Stang. ; )

#1075 of 2124 Really ? lol by bmolloy

Feb 09, 2004 (12:05 pm)

I used to have a 1970 V6 Capri, 3.0Ltr many many years ago, .. and it went great
 
Mind you .. my current toy is a 4.2 Jaguar eType/XKE roadster .. now that is fun. It will be a shame to sell it as I've had it for years .. but I doubt it will pass the Calif emission standards without a load of expense
 
I'll just have to sell it and then look out for an Calif XKE when I've got settled in !

#1076 of 2124 by john_324

Feb 09, 2004 (1:00 pm)

The V6 Mustangs seem (to me anyway) to feel more nimble than the V8s. Don't know why, and the hard data doesn't bear it out, but I think maybe it's psychological: given that there's less power, you feel more comfortable pushing it to the limits...whereas with a GT, there's so much power that it's easier to lose control, and so you hold back. I dunno.
 
But regardless, the V6 Mustangs I think will remind you of your Capri a lot... : )
 
I'll get reprimanded if this thread gets offtrack, but I have to say this...Jaguar XKE = Best. Car. Ever.

Messages Page 108 of 213

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