Just Got My First Car. Tips and Advice?

General Discussions Forum
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Just got my first car, a 2016 Mustang V6 3.7L with 69k miles! :red_car:

Since I mostly use public transit for work, it won’t be my daily driver. I’m pretty new to Mustangs and cars in general, so any tips for a beginner would be really helpful. I’m especially interested in knowing what kind of maintenance will keep this car running well for years to come.

Right now, I’m not able to do much of the work myself, but learning to do it in the future is definitely a goal of mine.

Any advice, questions, or comments are welcome. Thanks in advance.

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Congrats on the car! Just keep up with oil changes and check the owner’s manual for service schedules. It’s a great way to keep it running smoothly.

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I’ve got a V6 Mustang too. My advice is skip performance mods—they’re not worth it on this model. If you like the car and its power, save for a V8. For personal touches, focus on exterior stuff like wheels, a spoiler, tint, etc. Also, set aside $500–$1,000 each year for basic maintenance. Think about resale value too, and make sure any changes can be undone. Performance mods don’t really add value.

4

Welcome to the Mustang club! Keep up with the maintenance: oil, brake pads, filters, etc. A simple but helpful addition would be an oil catch can.

Also, check the battery health regularly and look for any blue buildup (a sign of battery issues). It helps to apply some terminal cleaner and protectant.

The manual says it runs fine on 87 octane, but many of us prefer 91/93 for better longevity!

5

Don’t listen to any negativity—your car’s still powerful and looks great. Just stay on top of oil changes and take it out for some nice drives.

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Definitely join a few forums and do research on mods or maintenance. Working on cars isn’t too hard, but it can take time, so be patient and do it right.

7

Avoid cutting off the muffler! Get to know the car first—maybe find an empty lot, turn off traction control, and see how it handles. Enjoy it … it’s a great ride.

8

Skip the car washes with brushes. They can mess up the paint over time.

9

Seems obvious, but don’t drink and drive! Way too many people overlook that.

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Be careful with the bumper covers. They’re expensive to replace if they get damaged. Makeshift repairs don’t look great either.

Also, I’d suggest changing the oil a little more often than the manual says for better longevity.

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Keep up with regular oil changes, and use good gas like Shell. Keep it clean, and it should serve you well.

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Having a Mustang as a first car can be a bit like starting with a challenging game … take it easy, don’t push it too hard right away. Gain experience so you don’t end up with an accident right after getting it. Just go slow and learn.

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@Gabrielle
Did not expect a gaming reference in the Mustang forum today, but I get it!

14

When it snows, just call for an Uber or Lyft!

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Remi said:
When it snows, just call for an Uber or Lyft!

I actually drive mine in the snow all the time. Key is snow tires and some weight in the trunk. Without snow tires, though, it’s probably better to stay home.

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@Gray
I’ve driven my V6 in snow with all-season tires. It’s a challenge but doable if you know your car.

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Advice: you’re only young once, so enjoy the car, cherish your friends and family, and do what you love!

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Keep it stock, get to know cars better, and go to some car meets! Down the line, maybe upgrade to a GT or GT350.