Now that the kids are getting a little older, I have the opportunity to trade for a 2005 model with some tasteful mods. I think that it would make a nice bookend to my 68 fastback. Does anyone here have any real world experience with these modern ponys?
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Nov. 7, 2008 12:32 p.m. Brett Melancon New Reader
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Nov. 7, 2008 3:45 p.m. Gary Reader
I was talking with a colleague just yesterday about his ’91 V8-5 speed. He’s owned it since ’96 and he loves it. Other than a couple clutches, 2-3 water pumps and new plugs and wires (in 2003) it’s never needed major work. He never changes the oil, just tops it off occasionally. Yikes! But it’s still going strong at 200K miles. The body looks like crap. The paint’s faded and there’s rot around the rear quarters. He uses it from March through November here in New England. Oh yeah, and there hasn’t been a hood on the car for a couple years! It was dented in a minor accident so he took it off. The engine's been exposed to rain and hail. Incredible. I told him it’d make a great donor for a Factory 5 kit but he won’t hear it.
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Nov. 10, 2008 6:52 a.m. MustangSix Reader
Wash, wax, turn key, drive. The '05-up Stang is a typical newish car. Pretty reliable, but thirsty in town, even with V6/manual. Cheapish interior on base models takes some getting used to.
Should be easy to find a cheap GT in this market.
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Nov. 10, 2008 2:39 p.m. mattmacklind PowerDork
They are huge, thats my only complaint about them.
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Nov. 11, 2008 7:27 a.m. Brett Melancon New Reader
Ok, I took the plunge and traded for the stang...I can honestly say that I have wanted one of these for a long time. Yes, it makes no sense but who cares. It has the tasteful mods that make it mine.
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Nov. 11, 2008 8:53 a.m. Tom Heath Production Editor
We've had them in the office press pool before. For a modern car, it looks and sounds just right. If I didn't have kids and a turbo Miata already, I'd shop one too.
What sort of tasteful mods?
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Nov. 12, 2008 8:42 a.m. Brett Melancon New Reader
Mine has the predator engine management and CAI + very free flowing exhaust. The wheels are similar to what is on a GT Ford and look great on this car. The body has had some of the Mustang styling cues added such as the vent scoops and Mach 1 spoiler on the front with a Roush style spoiler on back. This added with the cool red leather and subtle red exterior really make it a fun ride. It feels MUCH stronger than the GTs that I drove at the dealers. I will add some pics soon.
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Nov. 19, 2008 1:15 p.m. Brett Melancon New Reader
Well, here she is. I traded the MazdaSpeed 6 for her and am lovin every minute.
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Nov. 20, 2008 5:36 a.m. ddavidv SuperDork
Chrome rimz, y0!
Gonna let me drive it if I visit?
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Nov. 20, 2008 7:44 a.m. Brett Melancon New Reader
Yeah, I was not crazy about the rims. They are the GT Ford rims in shinny aluminum. I may eventually put a more vintage looking rim on but for now, they fit.
I must admit, this car is much more fun than I thought it would be. I didn't realize how much I missed the good ol Merican muscle.
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Nov. 20, 2008 4:42 p.m. ddavidv SuperDork
Brett, DO NOT LET ME DRIVE IT. I'm afraid the same thing will happen that occurred when I was tossed the keys to a 911. I will want one. I don't need that.
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Nov. 21, 2008 1:27 p.m. David S. Wallens Editorial Director
That car is very, very red. Looks great.
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Nov. 23, 2008 6:29 p.m. B02S4 Reader
Very nice. You know what, a set of American Racing Torq Thrust wheels, in the iteration of your choice, would really set it off very nicely.
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Nov. 24, 2008 6:58 a.m. Brett Melancon New Reader
I thought about that. I have a nice set of Vintage 45s from my 68 fastback but I am not sure they would fit. I may try that. These shinny wheels are starting to grow on me though. I would NEVER put a shinny wheel on one of my Euro cars but it seems to fit this ol brute. These are the same rims that are on the GT Ford and look better in person. I usually get lots of compliments on the rims believe it or not.
