RHD Mustang pros & cons re ownership?
Discussion
kwarden2004 said:
I'll tell you why I got 5.0 badges put on it. My personalised number plate starts with V8. Totally shameless, says the guy who back in the 80s got a 316i (the limit on my bank's car scheme) and the dealer offered to take the 316i badges off so it looked like a 320i. But that was over 30 years ago and I'm all grown up now.
non mustang owner here...
practically every one i see is modified to a greater or lesser extent, in a sea of white audis, it is lovely to see and i approve wholeheartedly.
do they take you to one side at the dealers or something and give you a catalogue or is it a throwback to the whole american thing of 'buy the standard car and then make it your own' that we don't really get over here in the UK.
Regarding the safety 'thing'. is that something that bothers you owners. Or have i missed something and the fault is now being rectified by the factory (surely it isn't that difficult to put new airbags and pre-tensioners in???)
However, as an inexpensive way into a very individual car, i think they have a lot to commend them...
practically every one i see is modified to a greater or lesser extent, in a sea of white audis, it is lovely to see and i approve wholeheartedly.
do they take you to one side at the dealers or something and give you a catalogue or is it a throwback to the whole american thing of 'buy the standard car and then make it your own' that we don't really get over here in the UK.
Regarding the safety 'thing'. is that something that bothers you owners. Or have i missed something and the fault is now being rectified by the factory (surely it isn't that difficult to put new airbags and pre-tensioners in???)
However, as an inexpensive way into a very individual car, i think they have a lot to commend them...
Greg_D said:
non mustang owner here...
practically every one i see is modified to a greater or lesser extent, in a sea of white audis, it is lovely to see and i approve wholeheartedly.
do they take you to one side at the dealers or something and give you a catalogue or is it a throwback to the whole american thing of 'buy the standard car and then make it your own' that we don't really get over here in the UK.
Regarding the safety 'thing'. is that something that bothers you owners. Or have i missed something and the fault is now being rectified by the factory (surely it isn't that difficult to put new airbags and pre-tensioners in???)
However, as an inexpensive way into a very individual car, i think they have a lot to commend them...
The adult occupant rating is alright. The lack of collision assist stuff is pretty poor but new orders get all that stuff anyway. Child occupants are screwed but since I don't have any it's not of any concern to me.practically every one i see is modified to a greater or lesser extent, in a sea of white audis, it is lovely to see and i approve wholeheartedly.
do they take you to one side at the dealers or something and give you a catalogue or is it a throwback to the whole american thing of 'buy the standard car and then make it your own' that we don't really get over here in the UK.
Regarding the safety 'thing'. is that something that bothers you owners. Or have i missed something and the fault is now being rectified by the factory (surely it isn't that difficult to put new airbags and pre-tensioners in???)
However, as an inexpensive way into a very individual car, i think they have a lot to commend them...
No brochure given to me, modifying them is very cheap thanks to the demand for such things in the US so I guess that explains why so many people do it.
kwarden2004 said:
I took delivery of my 2.3 Auto Ecoboost in Magnetic Grey with the custom pack on March 1st and have just done a 1000 mile roadtrip from Edinburgh, via North Yorkshire, Guildford, Windermere and back and the car was brilliant. A true GT cruiser with poke as required.
The first leg from Edinburgh to Helmsley at 190 miles averaged 37.4mpg using the cruise control down the A1. It went down to 34mpg after blasting through the North York Moors and by the time I had completed the trip (usual M25 stop-start and a blast round Lake Windermere) I got back to Edinburgh averaging 34.9mpg. I have to say I think that's not bad.
The satnav was also really good. I had some reservations when I first used it as I was wedded to my Garmin Nuvi, but it was really top notch. We were in a total snarl-up on the M25 and it piped up that it was rerouting us off down to M3 and it must have saved us a good 45 mins minimum. Destinations were easy to input, even co-ordinates once I worked out it was Google maps style co-ordinates, not Garmin (I'd been a bit of a prat here).
My wife absolutely loved it. Very comfy, quiet at cruising speed and not at all tiring at the wheel.
My conclusion - best car I've bought, and I've had a few, and really glad I took the leap to buy as it's already up by £2,000. The same spec with the 5.0 engine is now just under £42,000. The other conclusion is that most of the car reviews of the Ecoboost are cobblers. To ask why you would settle for a 2.3 Mustang prompts my response. Great fuel economy, large boot for luggage, great engine sound from the cockpit, not the growl but I was perfectly content and lots of chat with people coming up and admiring the car, not knowing or caring what version I had. Is there any other car that ticks the boxes without costing a lot more? If there is I haven't seen one.
Next really big road trip is Monaco but that's for another time.
I thought the ecoboost would be a bit better than that on fuel, I just did a very similar trip and over the 800 miles i averaged just over 29mpg in the v8. Ive found the v8 surprisinly good when there is any cruising involved.The first leg from Edinburgh to Helmsley at 190 miles averaged 37.4mpg using the cruise control down the A1. It went down to 34mpg after blasting through the North York Moors and by the time I had completed the trip (usual M25 stop-start and a blast round Lake Windermere) I got back to Edinburgh averaging 34.9mpg. I have to say I think that's not bad.
The satnav was also really good. I had some reservations when I first used it as I was wedded to my Garmin Nuvi, but it was really top notch. We were in a total snarl-up on the M25 and it piped up that it was rerouting us off down to M3 and it must have saved us a good 45 mins minimum. Destinations were easy to input, even co-ordinates once I worked out it was Google maps style co-ordinates, not Garmin (I'd been a bit of a prat here).
My wife absolutely loved it. Very comfy, quiet at cruising speed and not at all tiring at the wheel.
My conclusion - best car I've bought, and I've had a few, and really glad I took the leap to buy as it's already up by £2,000. The same spec with the 5.0 engine is now just under £42,000. The other conclusion is that most of the car reviews of the Ecoboost are cobblers. To ask why you would settle for a 2.3 Mustang prompts my response. Great fuel economy, large boot for luggage, great engine sound from the cockpit, not the growl but I was perfectly content and lots of chat with people coming up and admiring the car, not knowing or caring what version I had. Is there any other car that ticks the boxes without costing a lot more? If there is I haven't seen one.
Next really big road trip is Monaco but that's for another time.
Greg_D said:
non mustang owner here...
practically every one i see is modified to a greater or lesser extent, in a sea of white audis, it is lovely to see and i approve wholeheartedly.
do they take you to one side at the dealers or something and give you a catalogue or is it a throwback to the whole american thing of 'buy the standard car and then make it your own' that we don't really get over here in the UK.
Regarding the safety 'thing'. is that something that bothers you owners. Or have i missed something and the fault is now being rectified by the factory (surely it isn't that difficult to put new airbags and pre-tensioners in???)
However, as an inexpensive way into a very individual car, i think they have a lot to commend them...
The modification thing is really strange. Ford have very few options for the Mustang. Almost everything that you see done to a Mustang is done after purchase, by the owner. I think they make the car to a budget and make it good enough for the market but not as good as it could be.practically every one i see is modified to a greater or lesser extent, in a sea of white audis, it is lovely to see and i approve wholeheartedly.
do they take you to one side at the dealers or something and give you a catalogue or is it a throwback to the whole american thing of 'buy the standard car and then make it your own' that we don't really get over here in the UK.
Regarding the safety 'thing'. is that something that bothers you owners. Or have i missed something and the fault is now being rectified by the factory (surely it isn't that difficult to put new airbags and pre-tensioners in???)
However, as an inexpensive way into a very individual car, i think they have a lot to commend them...
I started out with the intention of not changing anything, except the exhaust (standard one is very quiet) and 3 months down the line I have a few more than planned and a few more in the pipeline. Looking at a supercharger in the next 18 months or so.
kapiteinlangzaam said:
It's always been the case that the Mustang is modified aftermarket..... That's the whole point 
Ford Racing is an official subsidiary and have a HUGE catalogue in the US. There's certainly a market in the UK/EU for the dealers to offer more, but it's worth remembering that (on the whole) the Mustang is a niche product for a select amount of dealers. They'd rather sell 100 fiestas than 10 Mustangs.
It's much different in the US, and the dealer & aftermarket have adapted accordingly.
This is changing, to a point.Ford Racing is an official subsidiary and have a HUGE catalogue in the US. There's certainly a market in the UK/EU for the dealers to offer more, but it's worth remembering that (on the whole) the Mustang is a niche product for a select amount of dealers. They'd rather sell 100 fiestas than 10 Mustangs.
It's much different in the US, and the dealer & aftermarket have adapted accordingly.
Hendy Ford Southampton have started a Ford performance centre and they'll be offering all manner of upgrades for their sportier Fords, including the Mustang. I am already booked in for a test drive of both of the Roush Mustangs they are getting in.
bigblockmark said:
IronPaul said:
Do we know when they started adding all the extra safety bits ... I mean I pick mine up today ... should I expect them to be there ??
No, facelift 2018 model mondeo lookalikes only. The 2018 is supposed to see a marked improvement I believe but NCAP haven't got their mitts on one yet.
TackMEU said:
This is changing, to a point.
Hendy Ford Southampton have started a Ford performance centre and they'll be offering all manner of upgrades for their sportier Fords, including the Mustang. I am already booked in for a test drive of both of the Roush Mustangs they are getting in.
Could this mean Roush supercharged Mustangs with ford warranty. I'm in Hendy Ford Southampton have started a Ford performance centre and they'll be offering all manner of upgrades for their sportier Fords, including the Mustang. I am already booked in for a test drive of both of the Roush Mustangs they are getting in.
TackMEU said:
This is changing, to a point.
Hendy Ford Southampton have started a Ford performance centre and they'll be offering all manner of upgrades for their sportier Fords, including the Mustang. I am already booked in for a test drive of both of the Roush Mustangs they are getting in.
Could this mean Roush supercharged Mustangs with ford warranty. I'm in Hendy Ford Southampton have started a Ford performance centre and they'll be offering all manner of upgrades for their sportier Fords, including the Mustang. I am already booked in for a test drive of both of the Roush Mustangs they are getting in.
mac96 said:
ian2144 said:
Thank for the input guys.
The fuel consumption doesn't sound as bad as I thought and by no means a deal breaker, it's a car that will only be used for weekends, holidays and the occasional car run. I'm sure the Ecoboost version would be more economical, but to me, it kind defeats the purpose of owning a Mustang in the first place......but that's just me.
Don't worry, that's not just you!The fuel consumption doesn't sound as bad as I thought and by no means a deal breaker, it's a car that will only be used for weekends, holidays and the occasional car run. I'm sure the Ecoboost version would be more economical, but to me, it kind defeats the purpose of owning a Mustang in the first place......but that's just me.
) Managed mid twentys in a 4.2 Cerbera haven't ordered the Mustang yet but am hoping to get at least 20mpg overall even with my fridge of a right foot
Had my GT now for 19th months now and covered nearly 30k
Spent 12k on mods...its what you do!
Its is a truly amazing car. I love every single trip I do in it, whether its a road trip round the NC500, a business trip to Birmingham or popping down the shops.
Not just the best car I have ever brought its the best 'thing' I have ever owned.
I would sell my house, garden, wife, kids and dog before I sold the Mustang. Well, maybe not the dog!
Spent 12k on mods...its what you do!
Its is a truly amazing car. I love every single trip I do in it, whether its a road trip round the NC500, a business trip to Birmingham or popping down the shops.
Not just the best car I have ever brought its the best 'thing' I have ever owned.
I would sell my house, garden, wife, kids and dog before I sold the Mustang. Well, maybe not the dog!
Greg_D said:
non mustang owner here...
practically every one i see is modified to a greater or lesser extent, in a sea of white audis, it is lovely to see and i approve wholeheartedly.
do they take you to one side at the dealers or something and give you a catalogue or is it a throwback to the whole american thing of 'buy the standard car and then make it your own' that we don't really get over here in the UK.
Regarding the safety 'thing'. is that something that bothers you owners. Or have i missed something and the fault is now being rectified by the factory (surely it isn't that difficult to put new airbags and pre-tensioners in???)
However, as an inexpensive way into a very individual car, i think they have a lot to commend them...
The mods are addictive...practically every one i see is modified to a greater or lesser extent, in a sea of white audis, it is lovely to see and i approve wholeheartedly.
do they take you to one side at the dealers or something and give you a catalogue or is it a throwback to the whole american thing of 'buy the standard car and then make it your own' that we don't really get over here in the UK.
Regarding the safety 'thing'. is that something that bothers you owners. Or have i missed something and the fault is now being rectified by the factory (surely it isn't that difficult to put new airbags and pre-tensioners in???)
However, as an inexpensive way into a very individual car, i think they have a lot to commend them...
I've done wheels, lowered, arb's, cold air intake, headers, full cat back, remap, stripes, strut brace, Alcantara interior and I'm currently sorting a brake upgrade.
As for safety ratings. I came from an LS powered Griff, no abs, no airbags, no TC and made of fibreglass..... The Mustang is probably the safest car I've ever owned..
Edited by Quinny on Saturday 22 July 12:40
I'd agree with what's been said previously, there aren't many come if you go in with your eyes wide open. Also worth noting if you buy a car registered on or after 5 April it will only cost £140 a year to tax.
Only downside of ownership for me is the car is so damn big! Makes navigating narrow roads and car parks more of a challenge. That said you do adjust to the size, but it's useful if you have access to another car for popping to the shops etc.
All in all it's a great car, couldn't be happier with mine. If you get one I think you'll be chuffed to bits.
Only downside of ownership for me is the car is so damn big! Makes navigating narrow roads and car parks more of a challenge. That said you do adjust to the size, but it's useful if you have access to another car for popping to the shops etc.
All in all it's a great car, couldn't be happier with mine. If you get one I think you'll be chuffed to bits.
CaptainSensib1e said:
I'd agree with what's been said previously, there aren't many come if you go in with your eyes wide open. Also worth noting if you buy a car registered on or after 5 April it will only cost £140 a year to tax.
Only downside of ownership for me is the car is so damn big! Makes navigating narrow roads and car parks more of a challenge. That said you do adjust to the size, but it's useful if you have access to another car for popping to the shops etc.
All in all it's a great car, couldn't be happier with mine. If you get one I think you'll be chuffed to bits.
Last week I was in Cornwall driving down their lanes. Not a problem at all. It doesn't feel as wide as it looks and I find it very easy to judge the width, the length not so much!!Only downside of ownership for me is the car is so damn big! Makes navigating narrow roads and car parks more of a challenge. That said you do adjust to the size, but it's useful if you have access to another car for popping to the shops etc.
All in all it's a great car, couldn't be happier with mine. If you get one I think you'll be chuffed to bits.
djc206 said:
CaptainSensib1e said:
I'd agree with what's been said previously, there aren't many come if you go in with your eyes wide open. Also worth noting if you buy a car registered on or after 5 April it will only cost £140 a year to tax.
Only downside of ownership for me is the car is so damn big! Makes navigating narrow roads and car parks more of a challenge. That said you do adjust to the size, but it's useful if you have access to another car for popping to the shops etc.
All in all it's a great car, couldn't be happier with mine. If you get one I think you'll be chuffed to bits.
Last week I was in Cornwall driving down their lanes. Not a problem at all. It doesn't feel as wide as it looks and I find it very easy to judge the width, the length not so much!!Only downside of ownership for me is the car is so damn big! Makes navigating narrow roads and car parks more of a challenge. That said you do adjust to the size, but it's useful if you have access to another car for popping to the shops etc.
All in all it's a great car, couldn't be happier with mine. If you get one I think you'll be chuffed to bits.
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