reliability for 1999 V6 STD???

I found a 1999 V6 Standard 103,000 mile Cougar. I tried it out with my dad, the engine sounds sweet, drives well, clutch and gears are smooth. Basically, i need a car that's reliable and wont need constant maintenance/repair so I can make 350mi. trips home w/o worries. I dont need it for racing and constant beating. I'm getting an awesome offer for $4600. Any advice? I saw a previous thread were it was responded that the 2000 model is better. Is the '99 a good bet? Things I should know?

Thanx a ton.

A side note: I was really excited about the car til a friend said he wouldnt trust a Mercury with 100,000 miles on it. His voice haunts me! What's the deal w/ the comment?