Living with a Mustang in the UK
Discussion
Having had a few Mustangs as rental cars for road trips in the States, I've really fallen for them and am strongly considering looking at getting an 05-09 v6 model in the future. It would be intended as a daily driver and I was wondering what they're like to live with in the UK. The main things I was wondering were:
-What's it like to get hold of parts? Are UK Ford dealerships able to get these in, or is it necessary to go to Mustang specialists? Are there long waits for parts, or is it usually pretty quick?
-Are they reliable?
-What are general servicing costs like? Is it easy enough to do yourself, or is it worthwhile taking to a specialist to maintain its value?
-How do you deal with automatic entry car parks with the left hand drive situation?
-What is it like driving an LHD car on UK roads?
-Are there any other things to consider?
Thanks in advance
-What's it like to get hold of parts? Are UK Ford dealerships able to get these in, or is it necessary to go to Mustang specialists? Are there long waits for parts, or is it usually pretty quick?
-Are they reliable?
-What are general servicing costs like? Is it easy enough to do yourself, or is it worthwhile taking to a specialist to maintain its value?
-How do you deal with automatic entry car parks with the left hand drive situation?
-What is it like driving an LHD car on UK roads?
-Are there any other things to consider?
Thanks in advance
6 cylinder cars like the type you describe are wheezingly crap - not to put too fine a point on it.
Get an 8cyl version - a little more to buy and insure, but a LOT more car and much more desirable when you come to sell it.
Current 6 cal delivers over 300hp - previous iteration suck balls, from a performance perspective.
Get an 8cyl version - a little more to buy and insure, but a LOT more car and much more desirable when you come to sell it.
Current 6 cal delivers over 300hp - previous iteration suck balls, from a performance perspective.
Tbh, the v6 had enough grunt for me as a daily driver. I have driven both the 200 and 300bhp versions when I was out in the states and I was happy with them. Maybe I'm just getting old now, lol Resale desirability is a good point though. I have never driven the v8 version, but definitely something worth considering. Thanks for the input
Resale desirability is a good point though. I have never driven the v8 version, but definitely something worth considering. Thanks for the input All relative, I suppose - if 210hp out of a 4.0l iron block V6 is acceptable to you, then fine - though I'd have thought it would be a struggle to find one in the UK, because importing one wouldn't really make any sense - most would insist on the 8 cyl variant (which only had 300hp).
The gen 6 aluminum V6 makes more hp that the previous V8 - but is still classed pretty much as a shopping car in the US, so I would imagine, also be hard to find in the UK. I suspect that almost every Mustang imported into the UK will have an 8 cyl motor.
The gen 6 aluminum V6 makes more hp that the previous V8 - but is still classed pretty much as a shopping car in the US, so I would imagine, also be hard to find in the UK. I suspect that almost every Mustang imported into the UK will have an 8 cyl motor.
Matt Harper said:
I suspect that almost every Mustang imported into the UK will have an 8 cyl motor.
Don't think so!!!! There's always a few for sale, and I personally know at least 3 regulars who come to Yorkshire meetings, and are very pleased with them as daily drivers. Sure, 6 pot drivers do get a bit of friendly ribbing from V8 owners, and personally that has always been my choice as they probably aren't that much more to run with the limited (around 5k miles per year) that I do. I'm not even sure if depreciation is worse on a V6, they just tend to be slower to sell. The V6/V8 price difference on an 05 is usually about £4k at the moment. If you buy a standard V6, they do look a bit plain - one of my mates has spent a fortune fitting a new front and rear end, bonnet scoop twin exhaust and 20" wheels. It looks great but could have had a V8 for the same money spent.Either V6 or V8, look out for premium interior (leather, 6 gauge dash, trip computer, better steering wheel, brushed aluminium dash inserts etc)as the base interior looks cheap and nasty.
The computer gives mpg, miles to empty and MyColor dash, and is very useful. Typical urban mpg for my V8 averages 18 as shown on the computer, rising to 25 on a steady run. These figures are US gallon, so the UK figures are 21.6 to 30 mpg
Insurance is reasonable through specialists, I pay just over £400 including wedding hire with 6000 mile limit. Unlimited mileage will obviously be higher.
My car has been totally reliable, only needing oil changes so far.
Things to look out for are bonnet corrosion on the leading edge and dodgy wiring conversions. Join the s197 (UK) forum and the MOCGB forum for more advice.
Good luck!
Matt Harper said:
Wow - as many as three!
As you live in the US Matt, you won't appreciate 3 as being significant - hence the sarcasm? (and I've just remembered another - so that makes 4) Edited by Matt Harper on Monday 17th February 18:16
Over here, seeing any Mustang is an event in itself. Looking back at your comments I think you are correct about not many V6's being imported now, but in 2005 at the cars launch it was a different ball game. The exchange rate was $1.90 (I know as I imported my 2003 Mustang at this time) and dealers were bringing significant numbers of cars over here, both V8 and V6. One of the V6 owners I know bought his car brand new from a dealer for under £17000, 9 years later these are still selling for over half that price, and don't seem to be dropping any further as the asking prices have been static for the last 18 months or so.
The only issue with LHD is overtaking bus's when they stop in front of you, parking barriers, and drive-thru Maccy D's, all 3 need a passenger's assistance, or just avoid where possible
dabigginger said:
Having had a few Mustangs as rental cars for road trips in the States, I've really fallen for them and am strongly considering looking at getting an 05-09 v6 model in the future. It would be intended as a daily driver and I was wondering what they're like to live with in the UK. The main things I was wondering were:
-What's it like to get hold of parts? Are UK Ford dealerships able to get these in, or is it necessary to go to Mustang specialists? Are there long waits for parts, or is it usually pretty quick?
-Are they reliable?
-What are general servicing costs like? Is it easy enough to do yourself, or is it worthwhile taking to a specialist to maintain its value?
-How do you deal with automatic entry car parks with the left hand drive situation?
-What is it like driving an LHD car on UK roads?
-Are there any other things to consider?
Thanks in advance
Try and find a V8. the difference in running costs is very slight and the V8 will always be worth more. If you do go for the V6, look for one with the Pony pack as that gets the V8 suspension but a V6 will generally have less spec and an open diff.-What's it like to get hold of parts? Are UK Ford dealerships able to get these in, or is it necessary to go to Mustang specialists? Are there long waits for parts, or is it usually pretty quick?
-Are they reliable?
-What are general servicing costs like? Is it easy enough to do yourself, or is it worthwhile taking to a specialist to maintain its value?
-How do you deal with automatic entry car parks with the left hand drive situation?
-What is it like driving an LHD car on UK roads?
-Are there any other things to consider?
Thanks in advance
Part are easily available from RockAuto.com. The oil filter is a Mondeo V6 item.
Yes, they are reliable. The 4.0 is a derivation of the old Ford 2.8 Cologne engine. It is a weaker engine than the V8 however.
You can service it yourself. It's a very basic car. Depending where you live, there are specialists who can look after it at reasonable cost.
Car parks and tolls can be an issue - you actually have to get out and walk round. If you have some form of card, you can make an extending card holder to stick out of the passenger window.
Driving a LHD car is easy - you just use the kerb as your reference instead of the centre line, look up the inside, not the outside and try not to change gear with the door handle.
www.mocgb.com and www.s197.co.uk are the two main owner sites.
To be fair I have extensive experience driving LHD in the UK and RHD in Germany. You kinda get used to it, apart from the bus.... In the UK large motorway roundabouts can be tricky.
Soldiers in Germany have had UK spec cars for yrs, I took my V8 Hemi RAM 1500 back to the UK for a few months, which was mostly fine. There are advantages and disadvantages with both tbf.
Soldiers in Germany have had UK spec cars for yrs, I took my V8 Hemi RAM 1500 back to the UK for a few months, which was mostly fine. There are advantages and disadvantages with both tbf.
sonicbloo said:
As you live in the US Matt, you won't appreciate 3 as being significant - hence the sarcasm? (and I've just remembered another - so that makes 4)
Over here, seeing any Mustang is an event in itself. Looking back at your comments I think you are correct about not many V6's being imported now, but in 2005 at the cars launch it was a different ball game. The exchange rate was $1.90 (I know as I imported my 2003 Mustang at this time) and dealers were bringing significant numbers of cars over here, both V8 and V6. One of the V6 owners I know bought his car brand new from a dealer for under £17000, 9 years later these are still selling for over half that price, and don't seem to be dropping any further as the asking prices have been static for the last 18 months or so.
The only issue with LHD is overtaking bus's when they stop in front of you, parking barriers, and drive-thru Maccy D's, all 3 need a passenger's assistance, or just avoid where possible
Hello Paul and thanks for your time at Newby on Sunday, useful chat about the Mustang.Over here, seeing any Mustang is an event in itself. Looking back at your comments I think you are correct about not many V6's being imported now, but in 2005 at the cars launch it was a different ball game. The exchange rate was $1.90 (I know as I imported my 2003 Mustang at this time) and dealers were bringing significant numbers of cars over here, both V8 and V6. One of the V6 owners I know bought his car brand new from a dealer for under £17000, 9 years later these are still selling for over half that price, and don't seem to be dropping any further as the asking prices have been static for the last 18 months or so.
The only issue with LHD is overtaking bus's when they stop in front of you, parking barriers, and drive-thru Maccy D's, all 3 need a passenger's assistance, or just avoid where possible
Will need to sell off a few British "Classics" 2xTVR, 1x X Type Estate and a Mini to be able to afford a Mustang, looked at the PH Classifieds last night but now a consideration.
Re LHD, I can confirm that other than the likes of the Tyne Tunnel, car parks and the like it isn't a problem as I had an E30M3 for a couple of years.
Just get used to pretending you wanted something from the passenger side when you go back to it at the filling station.
Skyedriver said:
Hello Paul and thanks for your time at Newby on Sunday, useful chat about the Mustang.
Will need to sell off a few British "Classics" 2xTVR, 1x X Type Estate and a Mini to be able to afford a Mustang, looked at the PH Classifieds last night but now a consideration.
Re LHD, I can confirm that other than the likes of the Tyne Tunnel, car parks and the like it isn't a problem as I had an E30M3 for a couple of years.
Just get used to pretending you wanted something from the passenger side when you go back to it at the filling station.
Hi TonyWill need to sell off a few British "Classics" 2xTVR, 1x X Type Estate and a Mini to be able to afford a Mustang, looked at the PH Classifieds last night but now a consideration.
Re LHD, I can confirm that other than the likes of the Tyne Tunnel, car parks and the like it isn't a problem as I had an E30M3 for a couple of years.
Just get used to pretending you wanted something from the passenger side when you go back to it at the filling station.
Great to meet you and hope you've found your future car to fill your family showtime needs! As you're probably aware from looking at the ad's there aren't many convertibles for sale at the minute, but good luck with selling your fleet and hope you raise the readies sooner than later. I hope your wife approved of the pictures, although my colour scheme may be a little on the 'loud' side! A more discreetly coloured 2007 (auto) recently sold on the owners club website to give you an idea of prices http://www.mocgb.net/forums/showthread.php?60232-G...
Join the MOCGB forum (and the S197 forum which caters for the 2005-2014 mustangs) for friendly advice and sometimes cars for sale before they get advertised elsewhere
There's a few monthly meets up your way for US cars, where you would probably see a silver car the same year as mine. http://www.northeaststreetrodclub.co.uk/
I haven't been to any of the Northern meetings, but hopefully see you again soon
sonicbloo said:
Skyedriver said:
Hello Paul and thanks for your time at Newby on Sunday, useful chat about the Mustang.
Will need to sell off a few British "Classics" 2xTVR, 1x X Type Estate and a Mini to be able to afford a Mustang, looked at the PH Classifieds last night but now a consideration.
Re LHD, I can confirm that other than the likes of the Tyne Tunnel, car parks and the like it isn't a problem as I had an E30M3 for a couple of years.
Just get used to pretending you wanted something from the passenger side when you go back to it at the filling station.
Hi TonyWill need to sell off a few British "Classics" 2xTVR, 1x X Type Estate and a Mini to be able to afford a Mustang, looked at the PH Classifieds last night but now a consideration.
Re LHD, I can confirm that other than the likes of the Tyne Tunnel, car parks and the like it isn't a problem as I had an E30M3 for a couple of years.
Just get used to pretending you wanted something from the passenger side when you go back to it at the filling station.
Great to meet you and hope you've found your future car to fill your family showtime needs! As you're probably aware from looking at the ad's there aren't many convertibles for sale at the minute, but good luck with selling your fleet and hope you raise the readies sooner than later. I hope your wife approved of the pictures, although my colour scheme may be a little on the 'loud' side! A more discreetly coloured 2007 (auto) recently sold on the owners club website to give you an idea of prices http://www.mocgb.net/forums/showthread.php?60232-G...
Join the MOCGB forum (and the S197 forum which caters for the 2005-2014 mustangs) for friendly advice and sometimes cars for sale before they get advertised elsewhere
There's a few monthly meets up your way for US cars, where you would probably see a silver car the same year as mine. http://www.northeaststreetrodclub.co.uk/
I haven't been to any of the Northern meetings, but hopefully see you again soon
well the Red Wedge (TVR) went a while back, the Chimaera on Thursday and the *Classic" Mini today.
So will start looking for a convertible Mustang shortly, two more problems have arisen though, we are talking about moving house and the wife thinks the proceeds of those sales may come in handy and I still don't think I have enough of the readies yet anyway. Needs to be a 2005 onwards V8 manual and I don't like silvers and black. Expecting the impossible maybe but I'll start looking shortly.
Great news Tony, glad you're sticking to your plan!
I went to the CITP event a couple of weeks ago at Lotherton Hall, and was hoping to see you there. Next spring I'm going to go the diner on the A19 up North, as there is a monthly Mustang meeting started up recently.
Keep us posted with your progress, and hope you get a new house AND Mustang soon
I went to the CITP event a couple of weeks ago at Lotherton Hall, and was hoping to see you there. Next spring I'm going to go the diner on the A19 up North, as there is a monthly Mustang meeting started up recently.
Keep us posted with your progress, and hope you get a new house AND Mustang soon
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