Hey Mustang Guru's

[shakespearesdad]

I need some advice. I want to get a Mustang Convertible. I want a V6, 5spd. My budget is $5000. Any years to avoid or look out for? I know in my price range it will have to be late 90's or early 2000's.
I just moved to San Francisco and i guess I need another ragtop. I would be terrified to drive my old stuff out here

[Hookedtrout]

I need some advice. I want to get a Mustang Convertible. I want a V6, 5spd. My budget is $5000. Any years to avoid or look out for? I know in my price range it will have to be late 90's or early 2000's.
I just moved to San Francisco and i guess I need another ragtop. I would be terrified to drive my old stuff out here

Sorry I'm only familiar with the early stuff. I think you can find the late model converts for really good prices if you take your time.

[stronger66ratfink]

I've had 4 and looking at another one now,
07 shelby that was a lease ? low miles non supercharged so it's allot less than the others but in great shape

but in your case there are tons of them out there
would not buy one west coast unless you just fall on a good price somewhere just think cars are a little over priced there.

never had any problems with mine
and for your budget late 90s early 2000 in not impossible for a good deal
just start searching CL and EBM - coupes, easy, convertibles a little harder

[Uncle Skip]

Take a look at the SoCal Craig's List.
Its wet up there where you are and you already know what that means.
U@ss

[Hookedtrout]

Here's one down the street from where I work. No price, found another one for $5,000, 1999, but it didn't have a picture. Looks like they are out there and convertibles in this area aren't all that common with 7 months of winter 3 months transitioning in and out of winter and 2 months decent weather. Prices here are probably better than warm weather areas.

http://eastidaho.craigslist.org/ctd/2223098987.html

[stronger66ratfink]

how do you get 72,000 miles on a car and
HARDLY BEEN DRIVEN?
but it looked good is the main point

[Hookedtrout]

how do you get 72,000 miles on a car and
HARDLY BEEN DRIVEN?
but it looked good is the main point

Good Point! I'd say it's been driven...well 72,000 miles!

[Greg D]

The 3.8 V6 in the 94-04 cars is an unusual animal. Not at all like the earlier 3.8 which is a 302 minus 2 cylinders. The late 3.8 can be pricey to repair and a PITA to work on.
Why a V6 car? I think you might find that a 5.0 in real good tune with the 3.50 rear axle will be pretty similar in MPG (if you keep your foot out of it). Add a pair of Flowmasters, a K&N or Spectre oiled gauze air filter, E3 or Bosch +4 plugs and add 3 PSI to the fuel pressure and you may be quite surprised at the MPG. You should be able to find a real nice 5.0 LX or GT vert for the kind of money you want to spend or less and have a car that is easier to work on and IMHO has more character. the Fox cars are a bit more nimble and I think more fun to drive. I personally find the 94-04 literally miserable to sit in & drive. Kind of sucks cause I love the 03-04 Mach 1s.
If you don't mind a little swapping find an 84-86 CFI 3.8 LX vert and swap an AOD or T-5 into it (they come stock with a non OD tranny) - that would make a real nice driver with good MPG.