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.