Do I really want one of these?

[Twin Turbo]

www.pistonheads.com/sales/85349.htm

I'm hankering after either the latest Mustang GT or a Monaro. Problem is, it'll be a couple of years before I can afford either.

Soooooooo, would one of these fit the bill for now? I'm currently running a Nissan 300ZX and a Ford Capri 2.8 and I see this falling between the two. I've driven a convertible V6 version down Highway 1 in California and had a great time. I'd definately go for the V8 and a manual box as the V6 auto felt very lethargic.

So, does anyone have any experience of these and what should I be looking at paying for a 2000/2001 model?

Cheers

Paul

[LuS1fer]

There's certainly nothing wrong with them. The rigidity isn't brilliant and neither is the handling but there's a vast aftermarket to make them go. Indeed, one of the contributors in an Amercan Mustang mag got his Cobra to lap a track as fast as a Ford GT. Prices vary but you should be looking at well under £10k. For my money, the Camaro Z28 with the LS1 is a much better and way faster car although it is physically bigger.

[Twin Turbo]

Cheers LuS1fer. I won't be rushing into this as I'm being made redundant at the end of September.....but I'm getting itchy feet. I may wait and go the whole hog on the new Mustang GT or Monaro VXR in a year or 18mths. But the Mustang does appeal in the slightly shorter term.

I'd only go for the one with the facelift (slightly more angular styling). Was this instroduced around the '99/'00 model year? There aren't many on Autotrader, but then that's probably not the best place to look. Guess the Mustang owners club would be the best starting point.

I do like the Camaro (not that dis-similar in looks to my 300ZX), but I prefer the look of the Mustang. I do prefer the Chevy engine though......it's partly what makes the Monaro such an apprealing prospect.

Oh, and I'm sure the two California road trips have a lot to do with my hankering after the Mustang. Oh, to live out there, the great weather, the wide roads and a place where even the average Joe in the street appreciates a nice car and you aren't made to feel guilty for being a Petrolhead!

[Mustang Baz]

Twin Turbo said:

I'd only go for the one with the facelift (slightly more angular styling). Was this instroduced around the '99/'00 model year?

I have had my 2000 GT conv - with the styling change that year if memory serves - since new (purchased Nov 99) and imported it back with me to the UK when I moved back last year. It has since covered 90k trouble-free miles and I have every intention of keeping it for good. I have had no mods done, aside from a flowmaster muffler system, and recently had it checked on a dyno at 305bhp (stock 260). Agree with Lucifer on the handling comments, and it is a world away from a TVR for example, but for motorway cruising and top down experience, it is a superb choice. Surprisingly rare, and a great soundtrack - although V8 manual is the only way to go! Servicing equally is not an issue - several specialists charging reasonable rates, and you could go the oil change route yourself for much less.

Twin Turbo said:

I'm sure the two California road trips have a lot to do with my hankering after the Mustang. Oh, to live out there, the great weather, the wide roads and a place where even the average Joe in the street appreciates a nice car and you aren't made to feel guilty for being a Petrolhead!

Oh yes indeed - I still miss it greatly! However, a good, empty A or B road in the UK is still a special place to be.

Edited by Mustang Baz on Thursday 10th August 10:29

Edited by Mustang Baz on Thursday 10th August 10:30

[LuS1fer]

The Mustang is certainly more practical, size-wise, but the power output of 260bhp is a lot less than the LS1 which was widely under-rated. I have a 2005 Mustang but still love my old Z28 more - it has a shedload of character and it's like an old pair of shoes, it just fits.

The SN95 Mustang came out in 1994, the "new edge" update you want in 1999 (which means a 1998 introduction in the US model year scheme of things). The LS1 Camaros arrived in 1998.

www.moddedmustangs.com/new-edge-mustang-history.html

[Twin Turbo]

Thanks guys (and for the link, LuS1fer, I'll have a decent look tonight from home).

I think I'll use the time between redundancy and my next job wisely, and do a bunch of research.

Oh, and LuS1fer, if I time it right, I may be in the market for the latest shape Mustang around the time you're looking at a new Challenger. So look after yours, I may be after it

[LuS1fer]

Twin Turbo said:

Thanks guys (and for the link, LuS1fer, I'll have a decent look tonight from home).

I think I'll use the time between redundancy and my next job wisely, and do a bunch of research.

Oh, and LuS1fer, if I time it right, I may be in the market for the latest shape Mustang around the time you're looking at a new Challenger. So look after yours, I may be after it

I've got too much in the Mustang to sell it and the Challenger will be replacing the Mazda 5 although by that time there may be a lot of bargain 2005 Stangs about for half the price.

[Mustang Baz]

Twin Turbo said:

I think I'll use the time between redundancy and my next job wisely, and do a bunch of research.

Paul - if you have the time, I would spend it researching the options for self-importation. The prices of some of the "new edge" 2004/5 models plummeted as I was leaving the states with the intro of the new model, and you could pick up GT Convertibles, fully specced, with delivery mileage for $21k - crazy. Yes, you would need to factor in VAT and Import duty, but spending £10k on an older model in the UK vs perhaps £15k on a far newer model imported with virtually no mileage may be an option worthy of consideration. Have a look at - www.import-car.info/index.shtml. Just a thought.

[Twin Turbo]

LuS1fer, the Challenger will replace the Mazda 5? The Challenger will be practical, but not THAT practical Still, the Mustang and Challenger will make an awsome pair.

Mustang Baz - thanks for the idea. I hadn't even contemplated self import, so I'll give it some thought.

Cheers

Paul