RHD Mustang pros & cons re ownership?
Discussion
Owning a proper muscle car is still a box to be ticked. Now a new or nearly new Mustang GT could be within my budget. As I'm on the wrong side of 60 and keeping "her in doors " happy this could a long termer.
is there any issues regarding parts supply? What are the running and service costs. I'm sure I saw an EVO review quoting near 30mpg at a motorway cruise, is this just pie in the sky or is it really possible? Any other issues that I should know about.
Your thoughts please?
is there any issues regarding parts supply? What are the running and service costs. I'm sure I saw an EVO review quoting near 30mpg at a motorway cruise, is this just pie in the sky or is it really possible? Any other issues that I should know about.
Your thoughts please?
Shouldn't be any issue with parts supply per se; the cars are an official Ford UK car with main dealer support. OK, there's not an official FordStore in Aberdeen/Aberdeenshire but I believe that local dealers can source parts and cars via official dealers too. I've opted for the slight hassle of using People's in Edinburgh for mine as with a 100 units or so, they will have more experience of Mustangs than the local crew.
Ecoboosts will do 30mpg or so easy, my GT is averaging 23.9mpg with a mixture of country and toonser driving. That being said, on a driving-miss-daisy day out of town, I saw an average of 34mpg driving from Ballater-Braemar-Banchory. So if your usual driving is country, high 20s or even 30+ shouldn't be a problem with the V8. But floor it and those economy figures are right out the window.
In terms of issues, the cars are pretty reliable all told. The build quality isn't to millimetric precision like German stuff. On my car, some of the panel gaps particularly with front and rear bumpers could be better, but we are only talking a mm or two.
Had mine since Christmas and every day I love it a little it more. The burble of the Coyote V8 always raises a smile. Oh, and don't get one in a loud colour if you don't like attention!
Ecoboosts will do 30mpg or so easy, my GT is averaging 23.9mpg with a mixture of country and toonser driving. That being said, on a driving-miss-daisy day out of town, I saw an average of 34mpg driving from Ballater-Braemar-Banchory. So if your usual driving is country, high 20s or even 30+ shouldn't be a problem with the V8. But floor it and those economy figures are right out the window.
In terms of issues, the cars are pretty reliable all told. The build quality isn't to millimetric precision like German stuff. On my car, some of the panel gaps particularly with front and rear bumpers could be better, but we are only talking a mm or two.
Had mine since Christmas and every day I love it a little it more. The burble of the Coyote V8 always raises a smile. Oh, and don't get one in a loud colour if you don't like attention!
I have had my V8 only a couple of months so have no experience of parts supply.Apart from that I can confirm Downthepub's view.
If you stick to 75mph it will definitely average over 30mpg on the motorway- I suspect around 33- 34mpg on a long run without holdups.
I have seen 31 mpg on the trip computer on a journey from North Wales to South West London, mainly motorway, but including North/South Circular, and some motorway holdups.
Oddly, I find it easier to drive like Miss Daisy in the Mustang than I did in my previous car (a Maxda RX8, which, ridiculously, used more petrol). I love it, driving fast or slow, even when stuck in a queue!
Edit to add: Any colour will get attention- it's just a question of how much! Mine is Magnetic grey, about as inconspicuous as a Mustang can be, and still get comments and stares.
If you stick to 75mph it will definitely average over 30mpg on the motorway- I suspect around 33- 34mpg on a long run without holdups.
I have seen 31 mpg on the trip computer on a journey from North Wales to South West London, mainly motorway, but including North/South Circular, and some motorway holdups.
Oddly, I find it easier to drive like Miss Daisy in the Mustang than I did in my previous car (a Maxda RX8, which, ridiculously, used more petrol). I love it, driving fast or slow, even when stuck in a queue!
Edit to add: Any colour will get attention- it's just a question of how much! Mine is Magnetic grey, about as inconspicuous as a Mustang can be, and still get comments and stares.
Edited by mac96 on Monday 10th April 22:46
Thank for the input guys.
The fuel consumption doesn't sound as bad as I thought and by no means a deal breaker, it's a car that will only be used for weekends, holidays and the occasional car run. I'm sure the Ecoboost version would be more economical, but to me, it kind defeats the purpose of owning a Mustang in the first place......but that's just me.
The fuel consumption doesn't sound as bad as I thought and by no means a deal breaker, it's a car that will only be used for weekends, holidays and the occasional car run. I'm sure the Ecoboost version would be more economical, but to me, it kind defeats the purpose of owning a Mustang in the first place......but that's just me.
ian2144 said:
Thank for the input guys.
The fuel consumption doesn't sound as bad as I thought and by no means a deal breaker, it's a car that will only be used for weekends, holidays and the occasional car run. I'm sure the Ecoboost version would be more economical, but to me, it kind defeats the purpose of owning a Mustang in the first place......but that's just me.
Don't worry, that's not just you!The fuel consumption doesn't sound as bad as I thought and by no means a deal breaker, it's a car that will only be used for weekends, holidays and the occasional car run. I'm sure the Ecoboost version would be more economical, but to me, it kind defeats the purpose of owning a Mustang in the first place......but that's just me.
Most people are getting around 20/22mpg that I know (in the GT). 30mpg or more is possible on a run, but how realistic is it that that's all you'd do (or want to)? We have 3 V8s at home - an S5/Monaro and Mustang - none get much more than 22mpg over time.
Mind you; I couldn't care less
Parts-wise; the RHD thing is a HUGE deal for Ford so parts won't be a problem for a long long time.
Mind you; I couldn't care less
Parts-wise; the RHD thing is a HUGE deal for Ford so parts won't be a problem for a long long time.
ian2144 said:
I was wondering about options and what ones are worth having. Sat Nav not bothered about , I've never found any built in system that's as good as TomTom. What about the standard sound system. My current car is not that great in this respect, so something better would be good.
Can only talk from experience of the 13-speaker Shaker Pro system with Sync3, it's pretty good with a nice wee thumpy subwoofer in the boot. Not as awesome as I was hoping for (high expectations I guess), but with a little tuning I'm now very pleased with it. Sync3, available on MY17 and on cars, is good and amongst the best infotainment systems I've used. The Nav itself is decent with traffic updates, certainly I use it in preference to Google on my phone; hate having stuff stuck to the windscreen and I'm not sold on Android Auto.I took delivery of my 2.3 Auto Ecoboost in Magnetic Grey with the custom pack on March 1st and have just done a 1000 mile roadtrip from Edinburgh, via North Yorkshire, Guildford, Windermere and back and the car was brilliant. A true GT cruiser with poke as required.
The first leg from Edinburgh to Helmsley at 190 miles averaged 37.4mpg using the cruise control down the A1. It went down to 34mpg after blasting through the North York Moors and by the time I had completed the trip (usual M25 stop-start and a blast round Lake Windermere) I got back to Edinburgh averaging 34.9mpg. I have to say I think that's not bad.
The satnav was also really good. I had some reservations when I first used it as I was wedded to my Garmin Nuvi, but it was really top notch. We were in a total snarl-up on the M25 and it piped up that it was rerouting us off down to M3 and it must have saved us a good 45 mins minimum. Destinations were easy to input, even co-ordinates once I worked out it was Google maps style co-ordinates, not Garmin (I'd been a bit of a prat here).
My wife absolutely loved it. Very comfy, quiet at cruising speed and not at all tiring at the wheel.
My conclusion - best car I've bought, and I've had a few, and really glad I took the leap to buy as it's already up by £2,000. The same spec with the 5.0 engine is now just under £42,000. The other conclusion is that most of the car reviews of the Ecoboost are cobblers. To ask why you would settle for a 2.3 Mustang prompts my response. Great fuel economy, large boot for luggage, great engine sound from the cockpit, not the growl but I was perfectly content and lots of chat with people coming up and admiring the car, not knowing or caring what version I had. Is there any other car that ticks the boxes without costing a lot more? If there is I haven't seen one.
Next really big road trip is Monaco but that's for another time.
The first leg from Edinburgh to Helmsley at 190 miles averaged 37.4mpg using the cruise control down the A1. It went down to 34mpg after blasting through the North York Moors and by the time I had completed the trip (usual M25 stop-start and a blast round Lake Windermere) I got back to Edinburgh averaging 34.9mpg. I have to say I think that's not bad.
The satnav was also really good. I had some reservations when I first used it as I was wedded to my Garmin Nuvi, but it was really top notch. We were in a total snarl-up on the M25 and it piped up that it was rerouting us off down to M3 and it must have saved us a good 45 mins minimum. Destinations were easy to input, even co-ordinates once I worked out it was Google maps style co-ordinates, not Garmin (I'd been a bit of a prat here).
My wife absolutely loved it. Very comfy, quiet at cruising speed and not at all tiring at the wheel.
My conclusion - best car I've bought, and I've had a few, and really glad I took the leap to buy as it's already up by £2,000. The same spec with the 5.0 engine is now just under £42,000. The other conclusion is that most of the car reviews of the Ecoboost are cobblers. To ask why you would settle for a 2.3 Mustang prompts my response. Great fuel economy, large boot for luggage, great engine sound from the cockpit, not the growl but I was perfectly content and lots of chat with people coming up and admiring the car, not knowing or caring what version I had. Is there any other car that ticks the boxes without costing a lot more? If there is I haven't seen one.
Next really big road trip is Monaco but that's for another time.
ian2144 said:
Owning a proper muscle car is still a box to be ticked. Now a new or nearly new Mustang GT could be within my budget. As I'm on the wrong side of 60 and keeping "her in doors " happy this could a long termer.
is there any issues regarding parts supply? What are the running and service costs. I'm sure I saw an EVO review quoting near 30mpg at a motorway cruise, is this just pie in the sky or is it really possible? Any other issues that I should know about.
Your thoughts please?
Owned mine for just over a year, and have done 12k miles.....not a single issue other than the silly mirror puddle lights breaking up (to be fixed under warranty)is there any issues regarding parts supply? What are the running and service costs. I'm sure I saw an EVO review quoting near 30mpg at a motorway cruise, is this just pie in the sky or is it really possible? Any other issues that I should know about.
Your thoughts please?
Full service at 10k was £155 which included another year of Ford Rescue..
The biggest problem I have, is spending cash on un needed bits n bobs
30mpg is easy on a run
My overall average for the 12k miles is 24mpg (this was at 8k miles, but it hasn't changed.
0-60 is adequate.
Just done 18 months and 24k in mine. Its a daily driver.
Average mpg is 23mpg and I can get 30 on a long trip, that includes A roads and Motorways
Average MPG was better but the I got a Roush exhaust. The exhaust itself does not affect the MPG but my right foot seems much heavier now that the soundtrack has improved. Plus, once I proved I could get good MPG, it didnt seem to matter anymore
Average mpg is 23mpg and I can get 30 on a long trip, that includes A roads and Motorways
Average MPG was better but the I got a Roush exhaust. The exhaust itself does not affect the MPG but my right foot seems much heavier now that the soundtrack has improved. Plus, once I proved I could get good MPG, it didnt seem to matter anymore
Quinny said:
ian2144 said:
Owning a proper muscle car is still a box to be ticked. Now a new or nearly new Mustang GT could be within my budget. As I'm on the wrong side of 60 and keeping "her in doors " happy this could a long termer.
is there any issues regarding parts supply? What are the running and service costs. I'm sure I saw an EVO review quoting near 30mpg at a motorway cruise, is this just pie in the sky or is it really possible? Any other issues that I should know about.
Your thoughts please?
Owned mine for just over a year, and have done 12k miles.....not a single issue other than the silly mirror puddle lights breaking up (to be fixed under warranty)is there any issues regarding parts supply? What are the running and service costs. I'm sure I saw an EVO review quoting near 30mpg at a motorway cruise, is this just pie in the sky or is it really possible? Any other issues that I should know about.
Your thoughts please?
Full service at 10k was £155 which included another year of Ford Rescue..
The biggest problem I have, is spending cash on un needed bits n bobs
30mpg is easy on a run
My overall average for the 12k miles is 24mpg (this was at 8k miles, but it hasn't changed.
0-60 is adequate.
Also which would be the best Forum to join ? Re UK Mustangs.
Not sure about auto Vs manual for fuel consumption, but I suspect they're similar if driven in the same way...
Auto is certainly quicker of the mark though, and although it's not PDK type Auto it's still fun using the paddles...
As for forums Mustang 6G has a UK section which is quite active and friendly.....
Auto is certainly quicker of the mark though, and although it's not PDK type Auto it's still fun using the paddles...
As for forums Mustang 6G has a UK section which is quite active and friendly.....
ian2144 said:
I was wondering about options and what ones are worth having. Sat Nav not bothered about , I've never found any built in system that's as good as TomTom. What about the standard sound system. My current car is not that great in this respect, so something better would be good.
Be bothered about the Sat Nav. Not only is it a really good system, it will affect the resale value and ease of selling. I have had my 2017 manual GT since April, am currently with the car in France, near Dijon. The Sat Nav was and is faultless all the way down and for the many journeys out. I am a technology retard but find it really easy to use.
As far as fuel consumption goes, I recorded an average of 24.6 mpg inc the s
te nose to tail m25 to the ferry, with air con on the whole way. In my opinion the sound system is very good once you get it set up, inc the blue tooth. Again, very easy to use, even the Dab radio works.
The only downside is that I want to drive the car so much that it is seriously taking a toll on my red wine intake. Must try harder
Mark
ian2144 said:
I was wondering about options and what ones are worth having. Sat Nav not bothered about , I've never found any built in system that's as good as TomTom. What about the standard sound system. My current car is not that great in this respect, so something better would be good.
Be bothered about the Sat Nav. Not only is it a really good system, it will affect the resale value and ease of selling. I have had my 2017 manual GT since April, am currently with the car in France, near Dijon. The Sat Nav was and is faultless all the way down and for the many journeys out. I am a technology retard but find it really easy to use.
As far as fuel consumption goes, I recorded an average of 24.6 mpg inc the s
te nose to tail m25 to the ferry, with air con on the whole way. In my opinion the sound system is very good once you get it set up, inc the blue tooth. Again, very easy to use, even the Dab radio works.
The only downside is that I want to drive the car so much that it is seriously taking a toll on my red wine intake. Must try harder
Mark
I've had a Magnetic auto Ecoboost with all the extras since March 1st and took it on a 1,000 mile road trip round Britain (Scotland, North Yorkshire, Guildford, Lake District) and got just over 34mpg. I caned it through the N. York Moors and cruised the motorways. The satnav was brilliant and chipped in to direct me off the M25 to the M3 out of the blue and saved me half an hour. Pros: so much interest from people, superbly comfortable and a joy to own, DAB brilliant - I get Jazz FM and can't get it in the house. Cons: none, nada, zero. I use it on a daily basis. I find the engine noise on the Ecoboost pretty decent and I got 5.0 badges put on it, actually they offered to do it. Get the rear camera as well as I back into my drive and it's a godsend. Great to hear the satnav is great in France as that's on the agenda, as far as Casino Square in Monaco.
kwarden2004 said:
I've had a Magnetic auto Ecoboost with all the extras since March 1st and took it on a 1,000 mile road trip round Britain (Scotland, North Yorkshire, Guildford, Lake District) and got just over 34mpg. I caned it through the N. York Moors and cruised the motorways. The satnav was brilliant and chipped in to direct me off the M25 to the M3 out of the blue and saved me half an hour. Pros: so much interest from people, superbly comfortable and a joy to own, DAB brilliant - I get Jazz FM and can't get it in the house. Cons: none, nada, zero. I use it on a daily basis. I find the engine noise on the Ecoboost pretty decent and I got 5.0 badges put on it, actually they offered to do it. Get the rear camera as well as I back into my drive and it's a godsend. Great to hear the satnav is great in France as that's on the agenda, as far as Casino Square in Monaco.
Can I ask why you put 5.0 badges on it?As for cons having driven a tad over 2000 miles in mine I think the soundproofing isn't great particularly around the wheel arches meaning every stone that gets flicked up can be heard in the cabin, the seats don't offer much in the way of side support, the auto gearbox is a tiny bit sluggish and the headlights even at the highest angle have pretty terrible range for a modern car. All these fairly minor things are far outweighed by appearance and feel of the thing, the engine is great and even with a standard exhaust (trying to keep the neighbours on side) the V8 sounds great, I really do enjoy driving mine. The car attracts enormous amounts of positive attention which is a bonus.
27,000 miles in my Ecoboost since March 2016 with no problems at all. It does not have the premium pack but has the Nav and parking sensors, and I though the reversing camera was standard. Very pleased with the Nav and the voice activation. I'm on the 2nd set of tyres and front brake pads and the servicing costs are pretty cheap. Auto box and a real mix of town and county driving gives 27mpg. It's fast, comfortable, quiet and turns heads every day. The only down side is the size - its a bugger to park in narrow streets and small spaces.
I'll tell you why I got 5.0 badges put on it. My personalised number plate starts with V8. Totally shameless, says the guy who back in the 80s got a 316i (the limit on my bank's car scheme) and the dealer offered to take the 316i badges off so it looked like a 320i. But that was over 30 years ago and I'm all grown up now.
kwarden2004 said:
I'll tell you why I got 5.0 badges put on it. My personalised number plate starts with V8. Totally shameless, says the guy who back in the 80s got a 316i (the limit on my bank's car scheme) and the dealer offered to take the 316i badges off so it looked like a 320i. But that was over 30 years ago and I'm all grown up now.
Ha you should have just bought the GT then! Good bit of man maths in there, sorry dear I need the V8 because my plate starts with V8!Gassing Station | Mustangs | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff