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  • 2005 - 2014 S-197 Mustang -General/Talk-

Buying Advice - What Year/models Are Best?

  • Thread starter Thread starter bgprest
  • Start date Start date Feb 28, 2017
B

bgprest

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Feb 28, 2017
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#1
  • Feb 28, 2017
  • #1
Hello all -

I'm wanting to finally buy a Mustang and I really like the 2005-2009 body style the best, but may also consider the 2010 and up ones.

I'm looking for style and drivability over performance. I'm hoping to take my time and find a stock "cream-puff" with no accidents and low mileage. I most definitely want a manual transmission and probably a V6. I also really like the look of the grill and striping on what I think is the "pony package". I also really like the Bullitt style wheels.

Any advice would be welcome as to what year models to concentrate on or which to avoid. Like I said, I prefer the styling of the pre-2010 models, but are there any compelling reasons that I should rather look at the 2010+ ones?

Thanks for any input.

Brian
 

BlackBuggy

Active Member
Aug 6, 2011
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Indiana
Feb 28, 2017
#2
  • Feb 28, 2017
  • #2
If you aren't concerned with performance, a Toyota/Scion/Subaru BRZ or FRS is a better bet and value.
 
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bgprest

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Feb 28, 2017
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Feb 28, 2017
#3
  • Feb 28, 2017
  • #3
BlackBuggy said:
If you aren't concerned with performance, a Toyota/Scion/Subaru BRZ or FRS is a better bet and value.
Click to expand...


Thanks, but the thing is that I've always wanted to own a Mustang and I really do like the styling of the 2005-2009 model years.

I do like the BRZ and FRS cars but I'm thinking they are a little cramped as far as getting in and out and I'm tall - and certainly not a young guy anymore!
 
R

rogerblose

Member
Jan 11, 2007
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Feb 28, 2017
#4
  • Feb 28, 2017
  • #4
Buy a 2008 and up GT and you will be just fine. 2008 has the revised one piece spark plugs and updates from earlier years. The engine will last a long time and sounds so good stock. I have a 2006 GT and have fixed all of the early engineering issues...water leaks, hood corrosion, spark plug break offs, front suspension popping noises, and more. Still love my car and the way it looks. Find an older owner for a well care for car. The Bullet wheels are the best and can be purchased from New Take Offs . com if you buy car without them.
 
B

bgprest

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Feb 28, 2017
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#5
  • Feb 28, 2017
  • #5
rogerblose said:
Buy a 2008 and up GT and you will be just fine. 2008 has the revised one piece spark plugs and updates from earlier years. The engine will last a long time and sounds so good stock. I have a 2006 GT and have fixed all of the early engineering issues...water leaks, hood corrosion, spark plug break offs, front suspension popping noises, and more. Still love my car and the way it looks. Find an older owner for a well care for car. The Bullet wheels are the best and can be purchased from New Take Offs . com if you buy car without them.
Click to expand...

Hey - thanks for the great advice.

So you'd recommend the GT (with a V8) over the V6? I was kind of thinking that it might be more likely to find one that's been less abused if I concentrated on V6 models.
 
R

rogerblose

Member
Jan 11, 2007
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Mar 1, 2017
#6
  • Mar 1, 2017
  • #6
The V-8 is much smoother than the rough V-6 and it comes with a beefier 8.8 rear axle and two piston front brakes calipers. And the true dual exhaust with H pipe from the factory are to die for. The 5 speed automatic is actually faster than the stick and makes a great cruiser . All of this is coming from a certified MCA judge.
 
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bgprest

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Feb 28, 2017
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Mar 1, 2017
#7
  • Mar 1, 2017
  • #7
Okay, thanks for the additional info/recommendation. I'll follow your advice!

Brian
 
B

bgprest

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Feb 28, 2017
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#8
  • Mar 1, 2017
  • #8
Okay, thanks for the additional info/recommendation. I'll follow your advice!

Brian
 

BlackBuggy

Active Member
Aug 6, 2011
223
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29
Indiana
Mar 3, 2017
#9
  • Mar 3, 2017
  • #9
bgprest said:
Thanks, but the thing is that I've always wanted to own a Mustang and I really do like the styling of the 2005-2009 model years.

I do like the BRZ and FRS cars but I'm thinking they are a little cramped as far as getting in and out and I'm tall - and certainly not a young guy anymore!
Click to expand...

Agreed. I used to own a Nissan Altima SE-R 6-speed. Thought I wanted a Nissan 370Z until I test drove it. I felt like I was drive a tiny, RWD version of the Altima.

I also recommend V8. The price difference on a used car should be pretty minor at this point.
 

ABC

Active Member
Feb 28, 2017
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Newark, OH
Mar 17, 2017
#10
  • Mar 17, 2017
  • #10
bgprest said:
Hey - thanks for the great advice.

So you'd recommend the GT (with a V8) over the V6? I was kind of thinking that it might be more likely to find one that's been less abused if I concentrated on V6 models.
Click to expand...
That's actually an interesting thought. People with a GT are more prone to drive the vehicle hard than someone might with a V6, but it definitely depends on the driver. Maybe you can interview who drove the car you want to get a feel on how they treated the car. LOL Me, I've driven my V6 hard here and there but have also done some things to it to make it faster. If I were to sell mine, I'd put all the factory stuff and settings back on and offer the extras at a reasonable price.. or sell them online. I probably wouldn't tell someone I drove the vehicle hard, but if they asked me, I'd probably divulge a little of that. Good thinking.
 
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