Ok, I'm looking to purchase my first Mustan, very excited about it. What I found so far that seems like the best deal and condition, is a 1999 Mustang V6 3.8L. The cars interior is pretty much brand new for the most part. The outside paint has a few chips and a dent on the rear fender, hardly noticeable. Theres also a crack in the windshield, which I can fix easily. He was asking $7,500, I got him down to $6,000 cash.

I test drove it and when idling you can feel the car shaking or rumbling. It isn't too bad but it's noticeable, and it's sort of loud out the muffler/exhaust. Is this common with mustangs? It's not a bad thing, I just don't know if it means something is wrong or if that is just how Mustangs run. Also, is this a good price? Carfax shows a clean history. One owner, no wrecks or damage.

 

from what i remember of v6's is that they are quiet as hell at idle and even acceleration stock. But im not to sure what it could be. how many miles does the car have?

 

88.000 miles.

 

if it is the stock muffler it will be a little loud and gurgly so to speak. that is normal i think. As for the rough idle, at 88k it could probably use a complete tune-up

spark plugs
spark plug wires
fuel filter
air filter

6k is to much. Offer him 5 or no deal. Then I say bring it home and the first thing you should do is a tune-up as above. Change the oil, and have the transmission flushed by a ford dealer, or other reputable shop.

That is the only maintenance that car will need for awhile, and if you do it right after you bring it home you won't have to worry about the car for a good while. Also if you have a good family mechanic see if he will do a once over on it and make sure there are no big problems. All in all our cars are pretty reliable, some minor problems, but usually powertrain is very dependable. best of luck

 

I do have a family mechanic, very good at what he does, but he's off shore at the moment

You think 6 is too much? I brought him down from $7,500, remember bro, the inside is EXTREMELY clean. Outside is almost perfect except for the dent.

 

blue book value for excellent condition on a 1999 mustang w/auto and with 88k miles is 5200. Now I didn't have your zip code so I used mine, but the difference probably won't vary taht much. The value for good condition, which is more likely what it is, is 4700. Offer 5 and tell him that is kelley blue book. Or pay 6 and be happy with the car. It is your money, and if you think 6k isn't to much then pay it and be happy, but you can probably get a better deal if you wait a bit.

Best of luck.

 

could be anything but i say if you cant bring him down to 5k leave it. if you want a v6 wait there WILL be better deals out there
dont rush. i picked my car ina hurry and got a v6 if i ahd known what i know now id have gotten a gt


my point is if he wont go to BB value wait and kee[ searching craigslist or whatever

 

yeah 6k is too much. i got mine for 4650 with 77000 miles.

 

What about this rumbling issue?

 

see my post about a tune-up. The 3.8L is NOT a quiet, or smooth motor, some roughness and noise is normal. If it is shaking a bit and rumbling it most likely merely needs a tuneup. 88k is near the scheduled service interval for a full tune-up. If you purchase the car, please perform ALL maintenance listed in my earlier post. This will ensure the car drives and runs much better.