At this point a lot of the 3.5 litre equiped cars are going to be for sale. As long as one factors in putting a short block 3 litre in you should be safe. If the 3.5 litre lives fine if not you have allowed for it. A not unreasonable barganing point at time of purchase. If you see the lack of material between the bores on the 3.5 engine versus the 3 litre it gives some insite to the probable causitive factor. Or perhaps just the contributing lack of strength compared to the 3 litre. If you cannot factor it into the deal I would purchase a car with perhaps a better engine track record. Just some observations as to how I visulise a car with that particular engine. Others opinions will totally vary and thats what makes the world go round. As mentioned the balance of the car should be really checked out by somebody with extensive knowledge of this model anyways.