[Mr 5 0]

The 5.0 Mustang is extremely reliable but in a car with mileage in the 80,000 range, you have to expect a few problems here and there. A lot also depends on how the '94 was driven and maintained. When you look for a: reliable, get to work, very low maintanence, daily driver" a V-8 Mustang is not the logical choice. Gas mileage won't be great, either.

For what it's worth, I've owned my 1990 Mustang LX 5.0 hatchback since it was new. It now has 123,000 miles on it and I've used as a daily driver most of it's life - and yes, I've raced it, too. Repairs to date have consisted of water pumps (replaced 2), new clutch (plus flywheel and release bearing) @ 87,000 miles, exhaust system replaced at 90,000 miles, radiator rotted in 1999 due to road-salt accumulation over 9 years (replaced with a 3-row from Ford) and I replaced the ignition module at 100,000 miles as a precaution. Many tune-ups, brake jobs and tire replacements along with a few batteries and 61 oil and filter changes, to date (all performed by me). My last repair was a leaky lower intake manifold gasket, replaced last year. Everything else is original. I believe this speaks to the quality of the car and the engine.

My '90 LX has a few modifications, including a Motorsport 3.55 ratio rear differential gear, Global-West tubular sub-frame connectors (recommended for any Mustang), aftermarket shocks and struts (stiffer), Moroso Cold-Air Induction, a 'Pro 5.0' shifter and a few lesser things but basically, the car is stock.

My experience is with a Mustang I bought new and have carefully maintained so it may not apply to a 9-year-old 'Stang bought used. All I can say is that the Mustang 5.0 is a great engine, the car is decently made and while not a typical 'daily driver', it can serve as one if you don't mind so-so gas mileage and a less-than-soft ride. I believe the sportiness of the '94 re-design which included better ergonomics, the use of the reliable 302 (5.0) engine and with the nice handling characteristics of the '94, it's a good choice, if a Mustang is what you want. On the other hand, a Honda Civic is probably a better choice if you just want a dependable, reliable and economical car.

Your choice, your decision.