Ford Mustand, should I or should I not

microdmitry · #1 10-15-2005, 11:42 PM

I'm thinking of buying a second car, and I've been looking for either an efficient or for a fun one. Since efficient ones (diezel and hybrid) are all waitlisted right now I've been looking at fun ones today. One of the fun ones I've looked at was Ford Mustang, the new model. I can get good pricing on it (invoice), but I'm kinda wary about the reliability of US cars. They're cheaper to fix, but I'd rather own a car that doesn't need fixing often.

So should I buy it, or should I not - I'd like to hear from current owners of 2005/2006 models specifically.

microdmitry · #2 10-15-2005, 11:43 PM

BTW, my budget is limited at $25-27K, so I can't really buy a BMW instead, except maybe a used one. :-)

vette6600 · #3 10-15-2005, 11:52 PM

if you're looking for a fun car and have 25k to spend there are tons of options. why a new mustang? there are so many used imports that'd be a blast. mazda rx-7 ( twin turbo, WOOT! ) comes to mind. or a late 90's mitsubishi 3000gt vr4 ( so yeah, im a turbo fan). both cars are sharp as hell, offer great performance, and not everyone has one (mustangs, especially). i'd look through your options

**elcid** · #4 10-16-2005, 12:38 AM

As a die hard Ford hater, I have to say the new Mustangs are really nice I too am actually considering one, although more than likely for the same price I would go with an early 2000s Corvette. Nothing feels better than a big engine and rear wheel drive.

microdmitry · #5 10-16-2005, 12:48 AM

I've been driving a Japanese car for the past 4.5 years, and I don't think I'll buy another one. It's a good family car (Camry), it's very reliable and practical, but its engine is kind of asthmatic in terms of low-end torque.

BTW, $25K limit includes sales tax.

bammbamm · #6 10-16-2005, 12:53 AM

GEt an Acura RSX, lots of punch, upgradability and easy on the wallet. MUCH more reliable than FORD. ALthough I think they really hit the nail on the head with the new design. I'm with you on reliability.

mike2558 · #7 10-16-2005, 02:18 AM

go for the mustang.

Flobanez · #8 10-16-2005, 02:53 AM

I own an '03 convertable. Bought it last year at 12,000 miles. I love it. I park it in the winters though.

There is a pic on my site- www.shawncastonguay.homestead.com

I know Mustangs are Ford, and I get alot of crap for driving one. I've always loved the Mustang though regardless. It's my second one. I had a '97 black coupe that I traded in for this one. Great car. It has 27,000 on it now.

ibanezrg520kid · #9 10-16-2005, 03:23 AM

hell for 5k you could go my a mitsubishi/chrysler starion/conquest. Get an 89. We got a sweet blue one that kills mustang gt's! Turbo's are they way to go! But the rx7 twin turbo would be sweet!! the vr4's are too heavy. Or a newer nissan 240sx turbo. Or a 95 toyota mr2 turbo!! Those are sweet cars!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

jay ratkowski · #10 10-16-2005, 02:33 PM

All these used car recomendations are really fun if you're a skilled mechanic with lots of tools, time and money. Since you said you're weary about a car that needs fixing often, a used sports car is a silly idea. Especially when looking at a 90's sports car. By now it will have probably had several owners, at least one of which being a kid. Sounds like a reliability nightmare (been there, done that, won't do it again).

For a fun/reliable/practical car in that price range... a Mazda 6 comes to mind. The V6 model is fun to drive, handles nicely and as a 6'2" individual, I had no problem fitting in the back seat. Lots of trunk space too. Enough power to have fun with, but certainly no sports car.

A Subaru Legacy GT is anought very nice option. Rock solid engine, very comfy/smooth ride and the 2.5l turbo is a bunch of fun around town or on twisty backroads.

Both those cars have higher MSRPs, but it's easy to talk the dealer down into your price range.

jay ratkowski · #11 10-16-2005, 02:35 PM

Oh and if I absolutely had to buy a US car...

I'd probably walk... but an Impala wouldn't be a bad ride. Or any Caddy.

Mustangs look neat for now (until every 16 year old girl on the planet owns one in the next year)... but they have ALWAYS been so cheaply put together. Within 20k miles every part on that car starts to come loose and rattle. Such a pain in the butt to live with.

sanitarium · #12 10-16-2005, 05:55 PM

Honda civic type r. I got the 1.6 sport and that's an amazing drive but the faster type r is great value for money and very reliable from what i hear.

megadeth · #13 10-16-2005, 06:03 PM

i'd suggest a pontiac.

rgr · #14 10-16-2005, 07:25 PM

I'm with Jay, Subi's are the way to go. The WRX is sweet, as is the Legacy GT. I can say that as a former WRX owner, had to let it go for the practicality of a truck though. My wife has a Legacy 2.5 wagon, no turbo, but enough low end, the GT has the same engine but with the turbo it is pushing 300hp and with a 5 speed it would probably eat the 'stang. I know the STI would, but that's up a few notches in price.

$0.02,
Roger

VanWyck · #15 10-16-2005, 09:52 PM

I really like the new Mustang's look. New and Retro at the same time. Haven't priced one though, one with a upgraded engine may exceed your $$. Afriend had a convertable 'stang a few years back - a 5.0 - fast, really fun and FAST. He went through a few clutches and some brakes - not suprising considering the way he drove...