Possible Purchase

get the hatch

The hatch would be better

+2 for the hatch.

For one, it'll be more practical for a DD because sooner or later, especially when it's a DD car, you'll wind up needing to buy a new top for it, and that right away will run you some $$$.

Secondly, a hatch will be quieter and more comfy than a 'vert.

Third, a hatch had WAY more cargo capacity. The 'vert has an even worse trunk than my notch, and that thing barely has room for my toolbox, jack, and a couple of jackstands. Forget trying to cram any fair-sized piece of luggage into the back of a 'vert, especially if the top is down; unfortunately, this is why Ford elected to make the luggage rack on the decklid of a 'vert, which is not only ugly as all hell, but utterly useless, too.

Fourth, a 'vert is heavier and, thus, slower.

Fifth, a 'vert has a buttload of body flex, which is non bueno for handling ... plus, it just feels weird, especially if you're used to driving around in hardtop cars.

Sixth, a 'vert is easier to break into than a hardtop. Sure, any moron can bust a window to gain access, but an even bigger moron will cut a hole in your roof and either reach in there to open it or actually crawl right on in there (heard of it happening to other folks) to steal your stuff and/or the car, itself. Dunno 'bout you, but I'd sooner pay for a new window than a new 'vert top.

Seventh, it's harder to put any kind of a decent stereo into a 'vert without eating up what little worthwhile interior/cargo space you've got to start with. If it was strictly a weekend toy or play car, then it's a moot point, but since you said this will be a DD ... different rules apply.

As far as gas mileage, it'll be about the same for both. I've seen folks average around the low 20's on the highway with either a T-5 or an AOD-equipped '86 to '93 5.0 Fox. Add a set of gears, and that may drop to around 19 MPG at best (which is about what I get in my notch with 4.10's).

I love mine

My 90 LX gets around 23-24 MPG. The only mods now are mufflers and intake.

Have you searched around on Craigslist? Dunno what the market is like in your area, but there's at least two or three quality 'Stangs for sale popping up every single day down in these parts. Hell, if nothing else, you could always find one for really cheap that's all Arizona rust-free, pay cash, ship it on up yonder, and then either fix up whatever needs fixin' and enjoy it, or turn around and sell it for a profit (since rust-free Foxes = $$$ ).

A 'vert is awesome as a weekend toy, pleasure cruiser, or road trip ride. But as a DD of any sort ... meh. Not such a good idea, IMO.

you will get better gas mileage with the hatch because its lighter. Verts fun and great in the summer but year round i would go with the hatch.

by 200 lbs if that!! FYI My vert with me in it weighs 3475. Subtract 160 for me and you get 3315, comparable to a GT hatch weighing around 3200!
A well kept vert is not the monster, terrible DD everyone makes it out to be. Some good SFCs will stiffen your chassis close to hatch specs.

Mine is well kept and pretty damn clean and fun to drive.

My last Mustang which had only CAI and full exhaust got 29 pmg on the highway and 23 around town.

My vert is a DD but if i had a choice i'd most likely choose the hatch. Alot more pracitcal...though the vert does come in handy.


girls may not know its a mustang, but being a convertible is enough to get them interested