Finally sold my Z, eli5 about Mustangs...

[370Z]

Thinking about getting my very first Mustang... must be manual, likely a V8 but would be open to the newer small engines. My budget would be $25k max though... and I'm mainly concerned about reliability as I've always had mostly Jap sports cars...

What should/can I get??

Would getting an almost new turbo 4 incredibly lame??

The other question I had is winter performance...I drove my 370 this winter and with new winter tires, it was impressive with it's nearly 50/50 weight distribution, lsd and traction control... will it be as decent on the winter with the newer mustang's? Lastly, how would they compare to Camaros?

[Disoblige]

What should/can I get??
90193
https://www.kijiji.ca/v-cars-trucks/calgary/2003-ford-mustang-cobra/1430652229

[ExtraSlow]

@kilramos how are they in the winter buddy?

[killramos]

@kilramos how are they in the winter buddy?

Really not that bad, I winter DD’d mine on p-zero all seasons for a year. With real winters it would have been great.

I have one that’s perpetually for sale, Auto V6 Vert though. But won’t cost you anywhere near 25 grand.

It’s also been deadly reliable, only thing I have ever needed on it was a 150 dollar alternator and a set of tires.

[03ozwhip]

Really not that bad, I winter DD’d mine on p-zero all seasons for a year. With real winters it would have been great.

I have one that’s perpetually for sale, Auto V6 Vert though. But won’t cost you anywhere near 25 grand.

It’s also been deadly reliable, only thing I have ever needed on it was a 150 dollar alternator and a set of tires.

Ya but that's not a cobra....

[dirtsniffer]

A bit above you max
https://www.autotrader.ca/a/ford/mustang/edmonton/alberta/5_46153856_20180725134523091?showcpo=ShowCpo&ncse=no&orup=9_15_105&pc=T2W%203V9&sprx=500

[killramos]

Ya but that's not a cobra....

The only thing comparable is the ford logo on the boot. Even then. Not so much.

[370Z]

A bit above you max
https://www.autotrader.ca/a/ford/mustang/edmonton/alberta/5_46153856_20180725134523091?showcpo=ShowCpo&ncse=no&orup=9_15_105&pc=T2W%203V9&sprx=500

That one is nice... I'm waiting for recession deals though...

Is that really all they worth though right now? I thought those current gen GTs would be more... I'm guessing rebuilt.

[03ozwhip]

The only thing comparable is the ford logo on the boot. Even then. Not so much.

Exactly my point lol but I'd love to drive a cobra on studded winters. Decrease the value a fuck of a lot I would think though.

[killramos]

Since I saw you are considering a new turbo 4. Don’t.

They are absolutely terrible, in so many ways.

[370Z]

Ya that's what I kept hearing... what about the middle trim V6?

Im assuming the turbo 4 in the current Camaro sucks too? Doesn't it actually have better suspension setup though? (Camaro)

[killramos]

I wouldn’t personally buy a V6 mustang by choice, just not in the character of the vehicle.

That being said the current v6’s are way better than the V8’s were prior to the 5.0’s.

I feel like you will regret not getting the V8 every day if that’s the direction you take, less because the V6 is bad but more because the V8 is just awesome.

[ExtraSlow]

Mustang is all about sound and feelings. V8 is best for sounds and feelings.
Turbo engines are awesome, but, in a mustang..... Nah.

[03ozwhip]

I wouldn’t personally buy a V6 mustang by choice, just not in the character of the vehicle.

That being said the current v6’s are way better than the V8’s were prior to the 5.0’s.

I feel like you will regret not getting the V8 every day if that’s the direction you take, less because the V6 is bad but more because the V8 is just awesome.

I 100% agree. You will regret not getting a V8.

[ExtraSlow]

I mean, if you want a sorta-fun car that has terrible visibility, but sounds weird, you have a lot of options.

[bjstare]

The 5.0 V8 in these cars is quite enjoyable. Rented a 2017 GT like in the ad above, and it was actually a really good car to drive. Would make an awesome DD... only downside is they're huge. I would stretch the budget (or find a higher mile one) in order to get a 5.0 GT.

[370Z]

Ya, I guess like other things in life I'll get the lower engine and eventually want the V8, might as well go straight to the V8.

[2020]

Get a V8 mustang, I’ve only ever seen woman drive V6’s. It’s like a white girls miata.

[Disoblige]

Dunno why you want a Mustang, even the newer ones with the V8 are boring unless you go for something a bit higher revving. In your price range, the GT350 is out of the question so really try to get 2018 or later model GT with 7500 rpm redline or if you're lucky find an older '12-'13 Boss 302.

[Sentry]

Do some super basic suspension mods and you won't be missing japanese cars, mustangs are quite nimble.

[370Z]

No love for Camaros here?... I've read they out perform the 370Z in many ways...

[Disoblige]

Ugly and doesn't age well. That's why. And for Mustang, dime a dozen. I would take 370z anyday. But I understand why you want something different. Seriously, test drive a 2018+ GT vs. older Coyote. There is a noticeable difference when you open it up.

[370Z]

The other option is to buy a newer 370Z lol... that, or an N55 135i, but I'd kick myself for never trying out a Mustang.

I hate the older Camaros but love the new face lifted ones.

[2Legit2Quit]

I bought a 2019 SS in January so I'm bias but I'd go check out some used stock at dealerships to get a grasp on the interior/exterior, if you're not partial to the look of either car then that gives you an alternative at least. I don't overly like the look of Mustang's, and in Jan I had a turbo 4 cyl rental mustang for 2 weeks and hated it every day, piece of shit.

The V6 Camaro's are great bang for your buck, however if you're looking at used then in the 2016-2018 models with the automatic 8 speed auto trannys are known to have shudder issues. Supposedly the issue is resolved by getting the fluid flushed and a newer appropriate fluid used but I've read several flushes may be needed or even the torque converter replaced as well. If you Google it you'll see endless stories on forums about it, folks on the Camaro forums are reporting getting the fluid swapped out has remedied the issue but something to be leery about.

[ThePenIsMightier]

Aren't you going to end up buying CanAm Trike by the time this thread is half over? (Depending on what it can tow).
Am I hash tagging your "eLi5" woke enough for you, brah?

[03ozwhip]

The other option is to buy a newer 370Z lol... that, or an N55 135i, but I'd kick myself for never trying out a Mustang.

I hate the older Camaros but love the new face lifted ones.

I had a dinan stage 2 X1 35i M-Sport and it was insanely fun, one of the vehicles I miss the most. I know you just got rid of your X1, but look into the X1 35 M-Sport, seriously.

[370Z]

I just couldn't get over the X1 looks lol... but ya, 135i's are nice. I'd consider an X1 35i but I'd have to do a lot of mods to make it how I want, aesthetically.

No towing with this car, it's going to be my daily lol

Also, no autos, period.

[M.alex]

90193
https://www.kijiji.ca/v-cars-trucks/calgary/2003-ford-mustang-cobra/1430652229

that was my first thought!

do an 03/04 cobra.

I've been daily driving my 2004 cobra 'vert for almost 15 years and it's been rock solid. Ported/pullied/intake/exhaust/tune. About 275k kms on it and aside from tires/oil/brakes all I've had to do for maintenance is throw-out bearing x3 (they eat TOBs), rear hub (forgot to tighten axle nut, oops), front driver spindle and rear pinion seal. So about $1,000 in parts and my time in labor.

In October I throw on Blizzak an roll out, even when it's -50* outside and snow up to your knees :burnout:

[The_Rural_Juror]

89 Mustang coupe is the best hands down.

[Pacman]

89 Mustang coupe is the best hands down.

Really miss my '92 LX 5.0 that I had back in 1997. Bought it with 5,200 Km's on it, drove it daily (including winters) and sold it 7 years later with 150,000 for 2k less than I paid for it. Those fox body cars were a lot of fun.

[jwslam]

Really miss my '92 LX 5.0 that I had back in 1997. Bought it with 5,200 Km's on it, drove it daily (including winters) and sold it 7 years later with 150,000 for 2k less than I paid for it. Those fox body cars were a lot of fun.
89 coupe joke went way over your head...

[never]

that was my first thought!

do an 03/04 cobra.

I've been daily driving my 2004 cobra 'vert for almost 15 years and it's been rock solid. Ported/pullied/intake/exhaust/tune. About 275k kms on it and aside from tires/oil/brakes all I've had to do for maintenance is throw-out bearing x3 (they eat TOBs), rear hub (forgot to tighten axle nut, oops), front driver spindle and rear pinion seal. So about $1,000 in parts and my time in labor.

In October I throw on Blizzak an roll out, even when it's -50* outside and snow up to your knees :burnout:

Yeah, the OP would have a lot of fun with a Terminator. Plus it loves mods so when it gets less exciting, spend a bit on parts an go faster.

- - - Updated - - -


Mustang is all about sound and feelings. V8 is best for sounds and feelings.
Turbo engines are awesome, but, in a mustang..... Nah.

If you’re really cool, a turbo plus a V8 in a Mustang chassis is totally the way to go!

[Disoblige]

89 coupe joke went way over your head...
Probably not.
We all know The_Rural_Juror is the class clown but regardless Fox body's are fun.



On another note, all my replies on here are serious OP. Terminator, or higher revving Mustang option. Do that and you won't regret it. Otherwise, you'll be bored fast.

[Pacman]

89 coupe joke went way over your head...

lol, I've never been the brightest brick on the wall.

[Skrilla]

90193
https://www.kijiji.ca/v-cars-trucks/calgary/2003-ford-mustang-cobra/1430652229

This car is still for sale? Wow. Been keeping an eye on the Cobra market, would love to get another. as for OP, either get a Coyote Stang or save up if you want newer. That budget you could easily get one. Look for one with the upgraded Recaro interior and track pack for extra smiles. If you prefer the "New Edge" SN-95 style (99-04) you can also look at a Bullit or Mach 1, and for your budget get a great example car. I've owned 4 Mustang models, currently still have my Foxbody. Best bang for your buck though is the new 5.0. I believe it was 2018 they bumped the power output as well? Either way, I may be biased but you cant go wrong with an 8cyl Stang!

- - - Updated - - -


that was my first thought!

do an 03/04 cobra.

I've been daily driving my 2004 cobra 'vert for almost 15 years and it's been rock solid. Ported/pullied/intake/exhaust/tune. About 275k kms on it and aside from tires/oil/brakes all I've had to do for maintenance is throw-out bearing x3 (they eat TOBs), rear hub (forgot to tighten axle nut, oops), front driver spindle and rear pinion seal. So about $1,000 in parts and my time in labor.

In October I throw on Blizzak an roll out, even when it's -50* outside and snow up to your knees :burnout:

275k kms?? Damn that's impressive! Glad to see your getting your money's worth, that has gotta be one of the highest mileage Cobra cars out there. Always wondered what its like driving a vert in winter, especially a soft top.

[M.alex]

275k kms?? Damn that's impressive! Glad to see your getting your money's worth, that has gotta be one of the highest mileage Cobra cars out there. Always wondered what its like driving a vert in winter, especially a soft top.

Some guy on the forums has 400+k miles without any major work.

And believe it or not my car still has its original clutch; I don't know how I havn't had to change the clutch yet, especially since I'm not stock, but hey, I'm not complaining.

Soft top is fine, even when it's -50* outside. I can honestly say daily driving it through everything over the last 15 years I have never once wished I had a roof.

[Shlade]

Some guy on the forums has 400+k miles without any major work.

And believe it or not my car still has its original clutch; I don't know how I havn't had to change the clutch yet, especially since I'm not stock, but hey, I'm not complaining.

Soft top is fine, even when it's -50* outside. I can honestly say daily driving it through everything over the last 15 years I have never once wished I had a roof.

Saw you at Sobeys parking lot the other day. Was actually still surprised to see you still driving that thing. Was behind you in my raptor till you turned outta the lot.

Also, OP- I've seen some newer S550 5.0's for sale around the 22-25k mark. Not really holding their value too well it seems which is good for used car market I guess. An 11-14 5.0 is a good bet too. Especially if you can find a brembo package car.

[370Z]

Ya it's still near the top of my list... would be a perfect 40th birthday gift for myself and quite possibly the last car I ever buy (fun car anyways). Patiently waiting for deals after the world goes back to normal.

[riander5]

I had a 2013 GT Track Pack... Intake exhaust and a tune and that thing flew! Miss it every day......

Forgot to add - v8 or nothing!

[M.alex]

Saw you at Sobeys parking lot the other day. Was actually still surprised to see you still driving that thing. Was behind you in my raptor till you turned outta the lot.

Also, OP- I've seen some newer S550 5.0's for sale around the 22-25k mark. Not really holding their value too well it seems which is good for used car market I guess. An 11-14 5.0 is a good bet too. Especially if you can find a brembo package car.

Every year I think about switching to a 13/14 GT500, but end up abandoning the idea because I just like the vibe of the 03/04s more even if they're slower, plus it's treated me well so I'd feel guilty about letting it go.