Hey scotty,
I’m 17 years old,
I’m planning on buying a SN95 generation Mustang as a first car, I’m definitely set on a manual one for sure, as well as the V8 (obviously 😉). I know that there is the 4.6 and the 5.0 engine for that generation. What’s your opinion on this generation of Mustang? which engine would you recommend, more so for reliability? And is there any problems or reasons to avoid these “ponies” in general.
Regards,
Ingram
p.s: I know how to wrench, if that makes a difference.
I’m planning on buying a SN95 generation Mustang as a first car, I’m definitely set on a manual one for sure, as well as the V8 (obviously 😉).
A V8 powered Mustang is not the best choice for an inexperienced driver, and insurance is going to be a killer. A V6 with a T-5 manual trans would be a better fit and is less likely to have been beaten to death by previous owners. However the engine choice is between you, your family, your insurance agent, your local police, and your local hospital.
You'd probably want to stick with 1996 or newer so it will have OBD2 diagnostics. If you buy a V6 model go for 1999 or newer because the earlier Ford "Essex" V6 engines were prone to head gasket failure. (They are old-school pushrod engines but with aluminum heads and earlier models had cooling issues that caused gasket failure.)
Cars this old are a poor choice for most people but for a young guy knocking around with it and doing his his own wrenching it could work out OK.
Thanks, man.
I appreciate the advice...
'call your local hospital' 😂😂😂.
But really! Thank you. 🙏 The only thing is, if I were to buy one, my dad would do me the favor of putting it under his insurance and leaving me as a secondary driver to one of his cars (thus also letting me drive the Mustang or any other car in his name). This would keep the insurance down while still building my record. That’s how it works in Canada, at least.
I would definitely stick to a 1996 or newer model for sure; I totally forgot about the OBD2 ports coming along in '96, that’s huge. But, man, it’s hard to pass up the V8… 😂. I’m gonna go take a look around and try to find one that’s had an older gentleman looking after it all these years, hoping I can get lucky 🤞.
Regarding my experience... I’ve been driving since I was 10; my pops used to have a 40-foot camper, and that’s what I learned to drive on. I’ve also driven some quick cars too 🤫. I’m also not the type to be ripping it all the damn time. All in all my dad trusts me enough to let me go under his name on his clean 40 year record so he knows I’m good enough at least.. I’m also not gonna do something stupid to ruin that record of course.
Again thank you SO MUCH for the advance man,
Regards,
Ingram
1996 is when OBD2 was mandated in the U.S., not sure about Canada. Probably the same but you'll want to check that. Good luck!
Hey scotty,
I’m 17 years old,
I’m planning on buying a SN95 generation Mustang as a first car, I’m definitely set on a manual one for sure, as well as the V8 (obviously 😉). I know that there is the 4.6 and the 5.0 engine for that generation. What’s your opinion on this generation of Mustang? which engine would you recommend, more so for reliability? And is there any problems or reasons to avoid these
Given the latest model available in that generation is from 2004, and people beat Mustang GTs to death, not to mention the car is 20 years old for the most recent cars in that generation, I would definitely pass. Your insurance rate will also literally skyrocket, given your age.
If you just have to have a Mustang, get the 3.8L Essex V6. Insurance will probably be a little less expensive. People also didn't beat them to death as much as the V8s. My friend had an automatic Mustang V6 that was a 2004, he drove it from 2010 to just last year. He wrecked it when there was freezing rain in St Louis. He had gotten over 200k miles out of it. For context, I met him in Cincinnati, he got a job in Baltimore and moved to St Louis last year, all in his Mustang.
Holy crap, 13 years is crazy. Thanks for the advice man. I appreciate it. 👍🏼
I read through the above responses, and I agree with the advice given.
HOWEVER, when I was 19, I had a LX 5-speed 5.0 along with the high insurance etc. At the time I didn't care, and looking back I'm glad I did it.
I would look for a '94-'95 GT with the 5.0. Even when beat on, these engines were strong.
If you want a 4.6l, skip the '96-'97' models, and look for a '98 or a '01-'04 4.6l GT in my opinion.
Look for a rust free and relatively low mileage car. Try to find a GT with the absolute least number of modifications to it.
Don't go cheap. Buy a solid car to begin with. Buy a car with the original paint job. You will need to spend 10K+. Check out the Carfax (avoid any car that had an accident) and make sure a good mechanic looks at it before you buy.
Appreciate that response man.
Thank you!