i have a 2000 v6 stang
it is decently fast, decent gas mileage, cerrtainly nothing special
just your average american "sports car" ....
if you demand alot out of a car, speed, handling, something specific, you may look elsewhere
but for just the normal driver , it is FINE. the interior is plastic
mine doesn't have ABS either, woopdy do, its not hard to get used to that, just be careful in the rain or whenever it is slick, it WILL get out from under you if you do not pay attention in turns
i have not had ANY problems with my car,.. it has been totally reliable for me thus far, I am a college student also, so I expect it to last me as long as i need it to. regular maintenance/fluid change will make enough difference that I recommend it
I dont know pricing of new v6 stangs, I got mine on a dealer discount through my dad anyway.
overall, I say it is a good car, if that is all you want. Like I said, if you demand good handling or something, you can modify it as much as you want, sway bars, the works. (I have not because I can't afford it)
But do NOT drop a v8 in it. If you want a v8, BUY a v8, trust me, it is not worth sinking the money in a v6