First car in the US

Hi,

In a few days, i'll arrive in the US for a half-year long internship. As for my future car, I have decided to indulge myself with some fine piece of american car: the Ford Mustang.

I have already sorted out I wanted a '99, probably convertible to enjoy the summer months, and most likely a 3.8 V6 since I cannot afford the V8's MPG.

Now I wanted to know if you guys would recommend this car. Relaibility is my main concern, yet I will take no jap-crap.

I don't know much of Ford's V6 engine and for that matter I hesitate between GM's excellent 3800 Series II on a Camaro or Firebird.

Another issue is the mileage. I have found some of these cars with around 80,000 miles onboard. I have heard that some American cars have major breakdowns around 100,000 miles. Is it a good idea to buy a car under 100,000 since necessary major repairs might not have been made yet?

So what do you think?

http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/Reliability.aspx?year=1999&make=Ford&model=Mustang

Not a bad car, decent speed with the V6 I spose. Decent mileage. Keep it in good base condition and I'm sure it'd be a great car for ya.

I don't know if you'd want a convertible in the winter in Maryland though lol

If you're here for a half-year internship, get the V8, you can't have an American Mustang experience with a V6...you might as well just cut off your balls and get a Sebring. 2005+ 'Stang V8, or if you're looking for cheaper, 1999+. As for reliability, nothing is a guarantee, even on low mileage cars - budget for $1500 worth of repairs in your first year, then you're covering all the bases.

If you're here for a half-year internship, get the V8, you can't have an American Mustang experience with a V6...you might as well just cut off your balls and get a Sebring. 2005+ 'Stang V8, or if you're looking for cheaper, 1999+. As for reliability, nothing is a guarantee, even on low mileage cars - budget for $1500 worth of repairs in your first year, then you're covering all the bases.

V8 sounds nice, and that was my initial choice, but the problem is that I'll have to comute 90 miles a day back and forth from Laurel, MD to Dulles, VA. I simply cannot afford the V8.

What kinda budget are you lookin at?

V8 sounds nice, and that was my initial choice, but the problem is that I'll have to comute 90 miles a day back and forth from Laurel, MD to Dulles, VA. I simply cannot afford the V8.

Wow! I had no idea you were looking at 90 miles, my mistake. OK in that case yeah, you basically want a VW TDI! lol.

I'm not trying to deter you here, just offering my humble opinion - you have to figure out why you want a Mustang, and if a V6 Mustang will live up to what you want it to be. The only reason I say that is there is a lot of other cars for similar money that will be quicker, handle better, and be more comfortable...if you are after the 'look and feel' of a Mustang, well, you won't find that anywhere else so go for it.

What kinda budget are you lookin at?

My budget is up to $6,999.


Wow! I had no idea you were looking at 90 miles, my mistake. OK in that case yeah, you basically want a VW TDI! lol.
I'm not trying to deter you here, just offering my humble opinion - you have to figure out why you want a Mustang, and if a V6 Mustang will live up to what you want it to be. The only reason I say that is there is a lot of other cars for similar money that will be quicker, handle better, and be more comfortable...if you are after the 'look and feel' of a Mustang, well, you won't find that anywhere else so go for it.

Under no circumstances will I buy a Diesel VW. Europe - where I come from - is full of those dull wagons. Basically, I am chosing the Mustang for the looks and the fun. Therefore, this also excludes Japanese cars.

Here are some examples of what I consider buying:
http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/cto/1724061245.html
http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/ctd/1720858189.html
http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/cto/1725305130.html
http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/cto/1721430014.html

Or maybe if I go for a GT:
http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/cto/1727109057.html

What do you think?

My budget is up to $6,999.



Under no circumstances will I buy a Diesel VW. Europe - where I come from - is full of those dull wagons. Basically, I am chosing the Mustang for the looks and the fun. Therefore, this also excludes Japanese cars.

Here are some examples of what I consider buying:
http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/cto/1724061245.html
http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/ctd/1720858189.html
http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/cto/1725305130.html
http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/cto/1721430014.html

Or maybe if I go for a GT:
http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/cto/1727109057.html

What do you think?

Don't buy either of the last two - you don't want anything that's been modded, because chances are the driver love to drive and wanted his car faster, therefore chances are very high that it was driven hard. You want a bone-stock 'granny car', one that was owned by a little old lady and driven to the store. The top 3 look OK, but none with a 5-speed manual! I'd have to say I like your third pick, the dark car on tan roof, 2002 I think.

akboss, do you think a stickshift would be nice on a V6? Tis is not exactly a sports car, plus the old lady you told me about is most likely to drive automatic :smile:

akboss, do you think a stickshift would be nice on a V6? Tis is not exactly a sports car, plus the old lady you told me about is most likely to drive automatic :smile:

Do you know how to drive stick? If so, you may be able to appreciate how it can make an even less-sporty V6 car 'feel' like more of a sports car, just cause you get to row your own gears and do some hard launches if you're in the mood. I drive a compact 4-cylinder hatchback, but because it's a manual, it's actually a lot of fun.

I'm not sure if the Mustang V6 convertible was even available with a manual tranny. As far as old ladies, you're probably right there, but even a model that has been well-cared for is OK, just not one that's been heavily modified or tuned up.

Keep posting though, I'm interested to hear what you end up getting and how you like it.

Do you know how to drive stick? If so, you may be able to appreciate how it can make an even less-sporty V6 car 'feel' like more of a sports car, just cause you get to row your own gears and do some hard launches if you're in the mood. I drive a compact 4-cylinder hatchback, but because it's a manual, it's actually a lot of fun.

I'm not sure if the Mustang V6 convertible was even available with a manual tranny. As far as old ladies, you're probably right there, but even a model that has been well-cared for is OK, just not one that's been heavily modified or tuned up.

Keep posting though, I'm interested to hear what you end up getting and how you like it.

I sure can drive sticksifts. These cars are very common in Europe and I have driven them for 3 years now. I don't remember having seen any convertible Mustangs with manual tranny.

Here's a nice coupe:
http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/ctd/1730606572.html

there is the option of going for an XJS convertible.
http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/cto/1788125772.html