1998 4.6L, how many miles can it handle??

Rusty12 · 11-15-2003, 10:57 AM

Well; obviously there is no "right answer". Given the ready availability of hundreds; even thousands of 1998 Mustangs up for sale across the country at any given moment...there would seem to be no pressing need for you to buy **that one**.

So; other things should enter into your equation. Overall; does the car please you? Is it's outward condition (the stuff you can see) pleasing? Do you like the color? Is it optioned as your "dream Mustang? Does it excite the hell out of you when you drive it? Is it truly unusual or special in ways that mean a lot to you?

As for the life left in it...there could be lots. Most any modern engine should last 200k miles if it was assembled correctly and was given average or better maintenance. Of course, that's a couple of BIG ifs. And, thats the main block that we're talking about...not necessarily the heads and certainly not the peripherals.

On the other side though...you could find a low mileage example and pay a hefty premium for it...and it could throw a rod tomorrow.

One way to lok at it...how much money could you save on this car compared to a low mileage one. Don't forget that just a simple valve job or tranny overhaul can erode a lot of that savings pretty quick.

So, to summarize...are you in love with this car? How good a deal can you get (I'd say that your budget shoud have at least 3 grand left over for "insurance" against major repairs down the road...) And; how much of a gambler are you?

If it were me...If I could buy a similiar car with a lot less miles and with evidence of average or better maintenance for; say...3 thousand $$ more than your hi-miler...I'd buy the low mileage one...

Come-on other posters...lets give this guy some more feedback...I'd bet most everyone here was in his shoes at one time or another...I know how it feels!

Rusty12

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11-15-2003, 10:57 AM	#1
Rusty12 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 10	Well; obviously there is no "right answer". Given the ready availability of hundreds; even thousands of 1998 Mustangs up for sale across the country at any given moment...there would seem to be no pressing need for you to buy that one. So; other things should enter into your equation. Overall; does the car please you? Is it's outward condition (the stuff you can see) pleasing? Do you like the color? Is it optioned as your "dream Mustang? Does it excite the hell out of you when you drive it? Is it truly unusual or special in ways that mean a lot to you? As for the life left in it...there could be lots. Most any modern engine should last 200k miles if it was assembled correctly and was given average or better maintenance. Of course, that's a couple of BIG ifs. And, thats the main block that we're talking about...not necessarily the heads and certainly not the peripherals. On the other side though...you could find a low mileage example and pay a hefty premium for it...and it could throw a rod tomorrow. One way to lok at it...how much money could you save on this car compared to a low mileage one. Don't forget that just a simple valve job or tranny overhaul can erode a lot of that savings pretty quick. So, to summarize...are you in love with this car? How good a deal can you get (I'd say that your budget shoud have at least 3 grand left over for "insurance" against major repairs down the road...) And; how much of a gambler are you? If it were me...If I could buy a similiar car with a lot less miles and with evidence of average or better maintenance for; say...3 thousand $$ more than your hi-miler...I'd buy the low mileage one... Come-on other posters...lets give this guy some more feedback...I'd bet most everyone here was in his shoes at one time or another...I know how it feels! Rusty12