Purchasing a Mustang

[smithsi]

Having seen a very nice Mustang at Black Tie & Pie, I was browsing the classifieds and came across a 3.8i V6 manual.

www.pistonheads.com/sales/112921.htm

I know nothing about Mustangs and personally I would prefer a Rousch Mustang which go for a lot more money. The girlfriend wants a car and as she was bought a Mustang when she was 14 in Mexico (driving is a little more relaxed over there) she would like me to buy her one.

What should I be looking out for over the normal stuff?

I'm a TVR owner until recently when my Cerbera caught fire, the girlfriend says I can have another one if I buy her a Mustang and has spotted this one.

Your opinions/advice would be greatly appreciated.

[ewenm]

Personally I'd always go for a V8 but if she's happy with the V6 then fine...

Edited by ewenm on Monday 20th November 15:24

[Twin Turbo]

I've driven a couple of previous generation V6 Mustangs in the US, and it's not a great engine. It seemed pretty underpowered although that could well be to do with the autobox that attempts to get into top gear ASAP.

I'd deffo go for the V8 and a manual box, and try to get the '99 (I think) facelift model as it looks a bit less bland.

Problem is, V8s and manual boxes are hard to find in this country. I've kept my eye on this for the last couple of months. Guess it's not sold as the price is pretty high, although the mileage is low.

I could be tempted to get one to replce my 300zx as a weekend toy. Ideally I want a current shape Mustang, but a recent change in job means that'll have to wait a couple of years. So, do I wait and keep the Zed for a few years or go for one of these?

www.pistonheads.com/sales/85349.htm

[smithsi]

Power might not be the end of the world if the car is for my fiancée.

The important thing is I get the green light to buy myself a Supercar of some description.

[Shellz_Mach1]

If she's just going to pootle to work and the shops, then a V6 will be sufficient. But if she enjoys driving - it's got to be a V8. I've driven V6's on hire in the US and they really do lack power. The V8 will have better re-sale value too.

[evolutionvalet]

Hey, what a predicament to be in...LOL

I drive a 2006 Saleen Mustang and thats a manual. It has taken a bit of getting used to but if your girlfriend is used to stick shift in a LHD car then she should be ok.

The only other concern is whether your girlfriend has driven the above here in the UK. Driving whilst sitting on the 'wrong' side has its advantages and disadvantages.
1) Closer to kerb when parking (wife complains now as I park kerb to me so she has to get out into traffic..LOL)
2) For a lady who shops, the car parking ticket machines are on the wrong side meaning either carrying one of those litter picker contraptions or climbing over the passenger seat.
3) When overtaking, need more awareness and observation (in itself a good thing)

I am sure there are loads more.

Hope this helps.

Kev

[LuS1fer]

Worth bearing in mind that the last Mustang has it's roots in a 1979 chassis and it's a flexible friend. The 2005-on Mustang gets very good reviews because it's a whole new ball game. But the lesser-engined Stangs have never sold well and are much harder to sell on. If you buy a 3.8, a convertible might be a better bet in terms of depreciation. Also bear in mind a lot of the last generation Mustangs on the market were imported from Japan.

[smithsi]

Thanks for the advice guys - will talk with the girlfriend and see how she feels about things.