Will buying a 2003 Mustang be good idea?

I've seen a lot of 2000-2004 v6 Mustangs around with over 200,000 miles on them. Just like any 15 year old car, It might be a great car or it might be a money pit

 

I have 213k on my '99, same car same setup. No major maintenance has been needed, except a fuel pump at 100k. If you can find out fluids have been changed regularly then you should have a generally solid car. The 3.8 is a good engine in general especially these latest ones.

 

I don't think they are any more of an issue than any next car really. Mine got the squeaks one time, so I replaced them one time in 17 years of owning the car. I've since replaced mine with a bumpsteer kit, since mine is lowered, that has spherical bushings in it, but beside the point. Compared to other repairs like a head gasket or something (just a for instance), tie rod ends aren't hardly a huge deal to replace if they do go bad.

 

I have put over 150000 miles on mine got at just over 90000 miles other than fuel pump change I have been running strong. So I recommend

 

Before you buy any 99-04 mustang, try to get under it and check for rust. If it was kept outside I’d for sure Check. I’ve seen a bunch of the 99-04’s rusting on the quarter panels above the tires. Physically press on the quarter panel and listen for crunching. I don’t think Ford coated the exposed areas under the car very well. The rust starts out of view and then it presents in bubbles on the top side of the paint.

 

Buying any Mustang you find is a good idea.

 

Your major concern is going to be the back end of the car, from the
rear bumper support, to the gas tank. They rust, and badly back there.
If rusted bad enough, the gas tank falls out. My son got a 2002
V6 with about 115,000 for $2700, and the rust is manageable because
it was garage kept. I was going to buy it, but I needed a few more
MPG, and it was just too low, so he bought it. Plus, a 3.8 only getting
190 HP, when my former 3.5 V6 Charger was doing 250HP, nope...

Shortly after, the thermostat stuck closed. The owner had been getting
a check engine light, and claimed there was no code stored, well he
was a liar. It was for a cylinder head over temp, and as I said, shortly
after the thermostat failed. Luckily, there was no discernible damage to
the motor after replacing it. IT had over heated three times, and we
talked to the guy who sold it to us, he decided to have a hissy fit, and
said he'll just take it back. Well, my son wanted to keep it. This dude
is a cop too, and even when not on duty, don't know how to talk to
people.

He has had no problems with it otherwise.

 

Header leaks, just be prepared.

 

I bought a 2001 v6 3.8 convetible in 2007 and put 243,000 miles on it..I loved it
And I was hard on it the last 5 years.
All minor repairs. .Nothing major.
Coil packs 2 and oxygen sensors 2


So I just bought a 40th Anniversary edition 2004 for 5k
white on white convertible
Everything works very well...Seriously it almost looks new...A little head turner
It had been garaged by its owner and serviced the last 10 years by Rancho Santa Margarita ford dealership...Ive had it only for a week now
And love it...I will be putting it through its paces though I'm traveling through the desert heading to Las Vegas from California in 110° to 120° degree temps
At the end of this month.

MUSTANGS FOREVER!!!!