wanting to buy a 2000 Ford Mustang GT convertible with 4.6 engine

ismail

New Member
Joined
Dec 29, 2020
Messages
13
Reaction score
1
10012399176.jpg 10012399180.jpg 10012399191.jpg

Hello guys,

From Morrocco ....
I' m on the edge of buying a Mustang New edge type and a black convertible.
We also have confinement for COVID and any citytrip needs a permission which I have in the meantime.
The car is a year 2000 and has 160000 km on the odometer.
Because of taxes and fuel consumption I must be one of the happy few who's interested in buying this car at the end of the year just before new road tax is waiting.

What should I explicitly look for because here no one expects a thorough survey of the car he is selling. You have to take the owners word for it. All is working, had no accident and was always well maintained and needs nothing to be looked after.... The standard praise of every car on sale.
Many times we lost all days and money to find out the car is ready for the scrapyard :)
The same will be the case with this Mustang which is a 300 km drive away from were I live.
So what is most important to check?
Thanks for responding in advance.
There may be quite a time difference between us so I'll be patient.
See you soon.
ismail
 
Last edited:

96blak54

Moderator
Staff
Joined
Feb 21, 2011
Messages
9,981
Reaction score
2,812
Location
In the shop
99 to 02 4.6l engines were prone to spitting sparkplugs out due to bad engineering. The sparkplug holes only had 4threads holding the plugs in. Any tune up swapping plugs out raises the risk higher. But not all is lost, long as you get in front of this situation. Their are tool kits made that are simple to use and cures the problem with a steel threaded insert. Do it yourself Tool kit normally costs $400. Ill also note their are cheaper routes with a similar product that only bandaid the situation that i would not suggest using. Delay the correction will leave you stranded on the road, most likely with a destroyed engine.

The intake manifold got revised somewhere around '01 with an aluminum water channel. The all plastic manifolds were prone to cracking. Typically the crack formed on the water passage directly behind the alternator. The unlucky had cracked in the same area but internally into the intake runner, filling cylinders up with water.
The updated aluminum water channel is an easy one to spot. Its on top behind the alternator. If its all plastic, no aluminum, its only a matter of time the crack will develop, so you may want to consider the costs of swapping to the updated version. New updated manifolds cost around $300 including new gaskets. Use only the Ford replacement if you want the factory performance. Another cheaper brand exists called dorman that has a good reputation for durability, but has a horrible reputation for destroying performance.

The fuel pressure rail sensor are prone to failure. Its a simple fix, swapping it out. Again, updated ford part.

Hope this helps!

Also welcome to the forums! Its always great to have distant members.

We are here to help. We can guide you through when you need help.
 

MyLittlePony

Active Member
Joined
Apr 2, 2009
Messages
830
Reaction score
426
Location
Dallas
I can’t tell much from the tiny thumbnails but check for matching VINs. Each panel should have a VIN tag on it. Pop the hood to find the front fender VIN. Trunk for the rear fender VINs. Bumpers have them too, but they’ll probably be more difficult to find. All the glass should be from Ford. Anything that’s not will be suspicious if it truly has never been in an accident. If you can find part numbers on anything, they will be date coded. Someone please correct me if I am wrong, but it should start with an F9 or maybe G0. Not 100% sure on Y2K models. And speaking of which, make sure that car is Y2K compliant, because you don’t want that OBDII thinking it’s almost 1921.

My 94 has lived a hard life, so I know it’s history. If the VIN is different, it was replaced with something salvaged. No VIN, means completely new replacement part. My radiator support frame is stamped with an F8 part number, indicating 98, which would be the year of my first wreck with it. This gets covered with my black plastic radiator shroud cover, so you probably won’t see the 2000s either.
 
OP
OP
I

ismail

New Member
Joined
Dec 29, 2020
Messages
13
Reaction score
1
99 to 02 4.6l engines were prone to spitting sparkplugs out due to bad engineering. The sparkplug holes only had 4threads holding the plugs in. Any tune up swapping plugs out raises the risk higher. But not all is lost, long as you get in front of this situation. Their are tool kits made that are simple to use and cures the problem with a steel threaded insert. Do it yourself Tool kit normally costs $400. Ill also note their are cheaper routes with a similar product that only bandaid the situation that i would not suggest using. Delay the correction will leave you stranded on the road, most likely with a destroyed engine.

The intake manifold got revised somewhere around '01 with an aluminum water channel. The all plastic manifolds were prone to cracking. Typically the crack formed on the water passage directly behind the alternator. The unlucky had cracked in the same area but internally into the intake runner, filling cylinders up with water.
The updated aluminum water channel is an easy one to spot. Its on top behind the alternator. If its all plastic, no aluminum, its only a matter of time the crack will develop, so you may want to consider the costs of swapping to the updated version. New updated manifolds cost around $300 including new gaskets. Use only the Ford replacement if you want the factory performance. Another cheaper brand exists called dorman that has a good reputation for durability, but has a horrible reputation for destroying performance.

The fuel pressure rail sensor are prone to failure. Its a simple fix, swapping it out. Again, updated ford part.

Hope this helps!

Also welcome to the forums! Its always great to have distant members.

We are here to help. We can guide you through when you need help.
 
OP
OP
I

ismail

New Member
Joined
Dec 29, 2020
Messages
13
Reaction score
1
Thank you very for the information.
In this country there's no hope to find qualified specialists.
So if there is a problem. It becomes your problem only.
I haven't seen the car yet. The owner doesn't answer his phone anymore.
Perhaps he's got Covid. Let's hope for the best.
I was hoping to find in the Mustang 4.6 a very reliable car. So I could keep it for 4 more years when it will become a collector's item and no more taxes have to be paid.
I would run the car only once in a while to keep everything lubricated.
In the US it is easy I presume to find solutions for all American car problems.
Here it isn't.
I'll keep it in mind! :)

I owned a 1970 Ford Torino GT convertible before. A unique black car with white leather interior made on special request by the buyer. Very nice car. Never had problems except for the vacuum box which got leak. The headlights then would turn open by themselves after stopping the engine.

Best regards to all of you.
 
OP
OP
I

ismail

New Member
Joined
Dec 29, 2020
Messages
13
Reaction score
1
I can’t tell much from the tiny thumbnails but check for matching VINs. Each panel should have a VIN tag on it. Pop the hood to find the front fender VIN. Trunk for the rear fender VINs. Bumpers have them too, but they’ll probably be more difficult to find. All the glass should be from Ford. Anything that’s not will be suspicious if it truly has never been in an accident. If you can find part numbers on anything, they will be date coded. Someone please correct me if I am wrong, but it should start with an F9 or maybe G0. Not 100% sure on Y2K models. And speaking of which, make sure that car is Y2K compliant, because you don’t want that OBDII thinking it’s almost 1921.

My 94 has lived a hard life, so I know it’s history. If the VIN is different, it was replaced with something salvaged. No VIN, means completely new replacement part. My radiator support frame is stamped with an F8 part number, indicating 98, which would be the year of my first wreck with it. This gets covered with my black plastic radiator shroud cover, so you probably won’t see the 2000s either.
 
OP
OP
I

ismail

New Member
Joined
Dec 29, 2020
Messages
13
Reaction score
1

Thanks for replying,
I cannot send bigger photos unfortunately.
On the other hand.... in case of an accident there are no donor cars around in Morocco.
So it's either intact or has been repaired by a bodywork specialist which are good in this branche.
The VIN numbers will most probably match. Anyway I'll check them when I get there.
In this country... unless you buy new (and even then the specifications and quality is different!) you always hope for the best.
This summer I sold my Mitsubishi Pajero (Montero in the US I think) 3.5 which gave me 3 years of trouble free driving in good comfort.
Actually I own a 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee with the CRD Mercedes 3.0 diesel engine.
Drives fine and a lot of torque but electrically it's a mess. To much to mention. :)
It needs a diagnostic make over.
 

MyLittlePony

Active Member
Joined
Apr 2, 2009
Messages
830
Reaction score
426
Location
Dallas
One thing to think about, I don’t know what your country requires, but if it has to pass an inspection, if the car is 96 or newer, they will plug into the computer and read the codes. It may not pass if there’s a code. Anything older, even if it HAS OBDII, won’t be checked, even if there is a check engine light.

Also, some countries are bad about their own laws, so if you don’t have folding mirrors or amber lenses in the rear taillights, they may not pass you if the car is still new enough. Then you have to track down those parts on eBay, which are pretty rare. So see what’s legal in your country.

about the no contact... ...with those pics, either the car doesn’t really exist or isn’t really for sale. (Owner would rather keep it)
 
OP
OP
I

ismail

New Member
Joined
Dec 29, 2020
Messages
13
Reaction score
1
One thing to think about, I don’t know what your country requires, but if it has to pass an inspection, if the car is 96 or newer, they will plug into the computer and read the codes. It may not pass if there’s a code. Anything older, even if it HAS OBDII, won’t be checked, even if there is a check engine light.

Also, some countries are bad about their own laws, so if you don’t have folding mirrors or amber lenses in the rear taillights, they may not pass you if the car is still new enough. Then you have to track down those parts on eBay, which are pretty rare. So see what’s legal in your country.

about the no contact... ...with those pics, either the car doesn’t really exist or isn’t really for sale. (Owner would rather keep it)

This country (Morocco) requires a yearly technical inspection.
Try to imagine people bring cars from the 70ties the 80ties and they all pass.
Never they would controle OBD with a computer.
They check the chassis number . Go underneath to see if you can safely leave their premisses and put in a CO sensor for the show. They might even adjust your headlights if too high against a small fee.
If you know the controller you will always leave with a blanco sheet. :)
You are safe for 1 more year.
And the seller... he answered chat. He asked my phone number to pass his location on Whatsapp. It is still for sale.
But then... no more news. Sold? Don't think so. Nobody is interested in such a tax expensive and thirsty car.
Anyway, I got time. Sold my Grand Cherokee today. Tomorrow my Suzuki motorbike.
Then we'll see. :)
Thanks for your concern.
 
OP
OP
I

ismail

New Member
Joined
Dec 29, 2020
Messages
13
Reaction score
1
99 to 02 4.6l engines were prone to spitting sparkplugs out due to bad engineering. The sparkplug holes only had 4threads holding the plugs in. Any tune up swapping plugs out raises the risk higher. But not all is lost, long as you get in front of this situation. Their are tool kits made that are simple to use and cures the problem with a steel threaded insert. Do it yourself Tool kit normally costs $400. Ill also note their are cheaper routes with a similar product that only bandaid the situation that i would not suggest using. Delay the correction will leave you stranded on the road, most likely with a destroyed engine.

The intake manifold got revised somewhere around '01 with an aluminum water channel. The all plastic manifolds were prone to cracking. Typically the crack formed on the water passage directly behind the alternator. The unlucky had cracked in the same area but internally into the intake runner, filling cylinders up with water.
The updated aluminum water channel is an easy one to spot. Its on top behind the alternator. If its all plastic, no aluminum, its only a matter of time the crack will develop, so you may want to consider the costs of swapping to the updated version. New updated manifolds cost around $300 including new gaskets. Use only the Ford replacement if you want the factory performance. Another cheaper brand exists called dorman that has a good reputation for durability, but has a horrible reputation for destroying performance.

The fuel pressure rail sensor are prone to failure. Its a simple fix, swapping it out. Again, updated ford part.

Hope this helps!

Also welcome to the forums! Its always great to have distant members.

We are here to help. We can guide you through when you need help.


It helped indeed. I lost my beliefs in Ford Mustangs :) Certainly here in North-Afrika.
A Renault would then be more appropriate.
2011 Renault Clio III RS 2.0 is nearly as fast as the 2000 4.6 Mustang but much cheaper to run and spare parts available everywhere. It only costs a lot more to buy a descent one.
Thanks.


It helps indeed.
 

MyLittlePony

Active Member
Joined
Apr 2, 2009
Messages
830
Reaction score
426
Location
Dallas
And the seller... he answered chat. He asked my phone number to pass his location on Whatsapp. It is still for sale.
But then... no more news. Sold? Don't think so. Nobody is interested in such a tax expensive and thirsty car.

what on earth is that? Facebook marketplace? Does no one list cars for sale for real anymore? If they’re not willing to give you their own phone number, or their own email address, then it’s really not for sale.

COVID SCHMOVID. We have over 340k deaths and almost 20 million cases in my country alone. People still sell complete strangers their cars... ...sometime even while showing symptoms. Ain’t that nice? :D I could see waiting until after the pandemic, but if that were the case then they wouldn’t have listed during unless they were desperate for the money. Yes, it’s possible that the sellers silence may be due to medical reasons, but I just looked at Morocco’s numbers, and it’s more likely he/she is ill/dead with something else.
 
OP
OP
I

ismail

New Member
Joined
Dec 29, 2020
Messages
13
Reaction score
1
what on earth is that? Facebook marketplace? Does no one list cars for sale for real anymore? If they’re not willing to give you their own phone number, or their own email address, then it’s really not for sale.

COVID SCHMOVID. We have over 340k deaths and almost 20 million cases in my country alone. People still sell complete strangers their cars... ...sometime even while showing symptoms. Ain’t that nice? :D I could see waiting until after the pandemic, but if that were the case then they wouldn’t have listed during unless they were desperate for the money. Yes, it’s possible that the sellers silence may be due to medical reasons, but I just looked at Morocco’s numbers, and it’s more likely he/she is ill/dead with something else.
 
OP
OP
I

ismail

New Member
Joined
Dec 29, 2020
Messages
13
Reaction score
1
Quite possible badly injured or death... Except for myself (I'm only 72 of age) young people driving around in cars like mustangs, camaro's, chargers, hummers and mercedes 55 AMG's earn their money maybe in not so legal ways.
Anyway, he published his phone number for all to see.

Here's the site. With his photographs which are bigger.
https://www.avito.ma/fr/casablanca/voitures/Ford_Mustang_Essence_43640133.htm
 

MyLittlePony

Active Member
Joined
Apr 2, 2009
Messages
830
Reaction score
426
Location
Dallas
Still crappy pictures, but enough for me to question it more. You’re after a 4.6 GT, right? Where on here does it say it’s one? I am unfamiliar with what “essence” and “28CV” is, but with confirmation from others on here, I am pretty sure that GTs have a nonfunctional hood scoop, instead of this V6 looking indentation. GTs have a badge in the trunk lid which I can’t really tell if it exists, nor can I tell if the fenders have GT badges either rather than the V6 tribar pony. The vehicle should have dual exhaust if truly a GT, and this looks to have only one. GTs also have fog lamps. Again, bad pictures, so I can’t be 100% certain on it. But I’m really suspecting this is a V6 with the quality of photos we have here.

Car has aftermarket headlamps which might indicate a collision, but these vehicles, if not garage kept, would haze and yellow, so replacement might not be that big of an issue, but you’ll want to inspect them in person to make sure they’re ok.

Kinda bothers me that there are no side photos of either side. Is the seller trying to hide more, or is this just plain ignorance? More questionable ignorance... ...the windows. You DO NOT drive a convertible with the top down and all 4 windows up, let alone take a picture. Worried about sand? You don’t get a convertible. Rules are rules. I have spoken. ...why are these windows up? Is one or more window motors broken? This happens with age/use. It’s obnoxious, but you can fix it yourself.

If this vehicle is truly for sale, (why is it listed as having 5 doors?) I would determine if the vehicle is indeed a V6, and what those really go for. The car will be lower in value, but still fun to drive, especially since it will get slightly better fuel economy. It can be a great car if the price is right. Just don’t pay GT money for a V6 car.
 
Last edited:
OP
OP
I

ismail

New Member
Joined
Dec 29, 2020
Messages
13
Reaction score
1
Still crappy pictures, but enough for me to question it more. You’re after a 4.6 GT, right? Where on here does it say it’s one? I am unfamiliar with what “essence” and “28CV” is, but with confirmation from others on here, I am pretty sure that GTs have a nonfunctional hood scoop, instead of this V6 looking indentation. GTs have a badge in the trunk lid which I can’t really tell if it exists, nor can I tell if the fenders have GT badges either rather than the V6 tribar pony. The vehicle should have dual exhaust if truly a GT, and this looks to have only one. GTs also have fog lamps. Again, bad pictures, so I can’t be 100% certain on it. But I’m really suspecting this is a V6 with the quality of photos we have here.

Car has aftermarket headlamps which might indicate a collision, but these vehicles, if not garage kept, would haze and yellow, so replacement might not be that big of an issue, but you’ll want to inspect them in person to make sure they’re ok.

Kinda bothers me that there are no side photos of either side. Is the seller trying to hide more, or is this just plain ignorance? More questionable ignorance... ...the windows. You DO NOT drive a convertible with the top down and all 4 windows up, let alone take a picture. Worried about sand? You don’t get a convertible. Rules are rules. I have spoken. ...why are these windows up? Is one or more window motors broken? This happens with age/use. It’s obnoxious, but you can fix it yourself.

If this vehicle is truly for sale, (why is it listed as having 5 doors?) I would determine if the vehicle is indeed a V6, and what those really go for. The car will be lower in value, but still fun to drive, especially since it will get slightly better fuel economy. It can be a great car if the price is right. Just don’t pay GT money for a V6 car.
 
OP
OP
I

ismail

New Member
Joined
Dec 29, 2020
Messages
13
Reaction score
1
Lots of questions indeed. And I haven't seen the car yet nor did the seller answer my renewed contact.
28 CV (chevaux= horses) is an indication for the road tax you will have to pay.
A V6 would be only 20 CV so it has to be a V8 when its was imported to Morocco.
The car could have come from Europe or from the US or Canada.
The odometer will be in km/hour if from Canada or Europe. In miles/hour if from the US.
The 5 doors... Arabs don't even understand the French form the are filling in.
It's clear this car has only 3 doors.
But I've lost much of my appetite for it I must say. :)
When I go to Casablanca it will not be for this car alone.
Thanks.
 

MyLittlePony

Active Member
Joined
Apr 2, 2009
Messages
830
Reaction score
426
Location
Dallas
This car is 2 doors. All mustangs are 2 doors. We do not count the trunk as a 3rd door. As for filling out the form, it’s possible that some things were cluelessly selected or defaulted. I noticed that this car is a standard. Many times American listings will be standard when they were only offered as automatic. It’s strange because autos have a higher value (theoretically) than standard. Anyway, the photos showing the interior cleverly blocks view of the shifter which would determine what transmission is truly is.

Anyway, good luck to you. Hope you find something worthy of your ownership when you visit Casablanca.
 
OP
OP
I

ismail

New Member
Joined
Dec 29, 2020
Messages
13
Reaction score
1
This car is 2 doors. All mustangs are 2 doors. We do not count the trunk as a 3rd door. As for filling out the form, it’s possible that some things were cluelessly selected or defaulted. I noticed that this car is a standard. Many times American listings will be standard when they were only offered as automatic. It’s strange because autos have a higher value (theoretically) than standard. Anyway, the photos showing the interior cleverly blocks view of the shifter which would determine what transmission is truly is.

Anyway, good luck to you. Hope you find something worthy of your ownership when you visit Casablanca.

Thanks for your wishes. We'll see next week what I can find. Perhaps a Renault Clio III RS with not to much km on the counter.
I wish all of you the best for 2021 and the years coming after that in good health, and in a stable country that used to inspire the world an still das.
 

PinkieT

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jun 22, 2015
Messages
2,471
Reaction score
938
Location
Cleveland
You DO NOT drive a convertible with the top down and all 4 windows up, let alone take a picture. Worried about sand? You don’t get a convertible. Rules are rules. I have spoken. ...why are these windows up? Is one or more window motors broken? This happens with age/use. It’s obnoxious, but you can fix it yourself.

I drive with the top down and windows up/heater on when I want the convertible experience but it's too damn cold to run full open.
 
OP
OP
I

ismail

New Member
Joined
Dec 29, 2020
Messages
13
Reaction score
1
I drive with the top down and windows up/heater on when I want the convertible experience but it's too damn cold to run full open.

Tomorrow we'll get 60°F which is OK for a convertible. But not for more than 100 miles or you'll end up with a serious headache.
In full summer you need the roof up or you'll die from sun streak. :)
 

Latest posts

Forum statistics

Threads
77,439
Messages
1,502,159
Members
14,920
Latest member
marktuck99
Top