Hoping to join you...

[dubbs]

I didn't realise the modern version of my fave car (GT500 "Eleanor" was so affordable!!!

I'm looking to buy mid/late Summer July/August.(Wife wants extension on house and I need to extend the drive first!)

So I can start the research....

I'm in SE London/NW Kent (Sidcup) and would like to find somewhere I can have a look at a Mustang. Any ideas?

I also need to know where's a good place to buy (I've noticed some dealers charging FAR too much) and where's near for servicing?

What's the score with buying these? You can't get a FFSH so what do you do in terms of servicing and finding a good from bad?

RHD would be a fave (do lots of town driving so don't want the hassles of LHD plus missus will need to drive) any ideas?

A very EXCITED Dubbs

[LuS1fer]

There are very few RHD cars about. There was one for sale recently and the finished cost was somewhere around £38k. That one was for sale for £21k but it's gone and they don't come up often. Most Mustang buyers prefer LHD, it's a part of the whole American car thing.

There are lots of Mustangs in the UK and the market is flooded with them at the moment. As you say, there are lots of importers selling for high prices compared to what the secondhand market is now going for with small mileage top spec cars going for less than £20k. Ebay and Auto Trader are the places to find them. As for looking at one, you're just going to have to find one you like and go and see it.

Essentially, there are V6's (just over 200bhp)and V8's (300bhp)and they come in basic or Premium form. You should be looking for one with the interior upgrade which has a silver dash and leather and inserts on the doors. Your main choice will be auto or manual 5 speed. If you're new to LHD, you may find an auto suits you best in and around London. The American autos are very good and very little maintenance (a fluid and filter change every 30k) and you won't ever have to worry about the clutch wearing out.

There is no official Ford warranty. American cars tend to be very reliable but there are plenty of people out there who can diagnose and fix problems if they arise. In the main however, you're looking at basic servicing routines like oil and filter changes every 5k. The engine is designed to look after itself and the computer controls all and everything so far as tuning is concerned. Most competent mechanics can look after the car if you don't want to do it yourself, it's all fairly basic stuff.

There are specialist American insurers who are pretty cheap too. Any issue of Classic American magazine will point you in the right direction.