I recently got a 2004 3.8 V6 Base model used, around 80,000 miles. Its also my first car. I wanted to know if there are any maintenance issues to check around this mileage point. I also wanted to know about any inherent mechanical issues I could be facing soon.

Its only had one owner, and never been in any accidents. Always passed inspection. I love my car and want to take the best care of it.

 

Only one real problem, semi-common. The a/c leaks onto the passenger side exhaust manifold and it is prone to cracking. Can normally be welded back by an exhaust shop for not too much money. Other than than, common maintenance as with any car. Since your nearing 100k, personally I think it wouldn't be a bad idea to do the spark plugs, wires, fuel filter, and things like that.

 

^exactly what he said. Instead of having the old manifolds being rewelded you can also buy a pair of used 94-98 used 3.8 manifolds as they flow better and are not prone to the cracking issue.

Matthew

 

Thanks for the advice!! Is regular gasoline fine or does it require premium? Also, what kind of oil do you think is best?

I got a lot to learn...I'd like to have this car for another 10 years if possible.

 

These cars are ment to run on 87 octane unless you have a tune like me, or some of the other 6ers running around here. I use Castrol Full Synthetic for mine and never looked back.

Matthew

 

87 Octane...they sell that everywhere? Thanks for the oil tip

 

They're tuned for 87 octane from the factory. Its common in New England. Where are you from in Mass? As for the oil I would definitely run a synthetic or synthetic blend if you want the car to last awhile, everyone will give you a different answer for oil. I run valvoline max life synthetic blend, haven't had one problem. Personally I would just never run the like oil you can get thats like ten bucks for 5 quarts and a filter or whatever the no-name oil.

 

oil is oil. If you change it like you are supposed to, the engine will last. I run Motorcraft 5-30 synthetic blend and a Motorcraft fl-400s oil filter, and it's fairly inexpensive.

 

I really don't feel like "oil is oil" anymore. If you compared amsoil to the autozone conventional that you can get for next to nothing I think the amsoil would come out so far on top. However I don't want to clutter up the thread with useless posts.

 

Wow this is all good stuff. Im from Western Mass (Amherst). Is the 87 Octane more expensive? I'm so used to pumping the "regular" gas.

Why do the spark plugs, fuel filter, wires, etc. need to be replaced? Whats their function?