2005 Mustangs.........

[matmoxon]

I have put posts on other forums (namely the Lotus, and TVR forums) as I am thinking about changing my car (later this year or early next year), from my Focus ST. I had to discount the Exige/Elise in terms of practicality, and the T350 due to lots of conflicting reports on the engine reliability.
Despite my love of British sports cars, I love the look and sound of a Mustang, but I have always been a bit iffy on buying one being LHD.

From reading other posts, I have found that the MPG (another stumbling block in today’s climate) isn’t as bad as I thought (My ST only gets 25mpg average) and the servicing isn’t that expensive (I can change oil etc myself without too much difficulty).

But what is it like living with a LHD car in the UK, do you ever have difficulties with it, and are they reliable cars, I have no room for one as a weekend toy so it would be my daily runner, doing 9 to 10,000 miles per year.

How are they for parts and spares availability, being ford I would imagine not that difficult, but I’d like to know of any experiences with getting spares.

Plus any other helpful hints on them that you may have.

Matt

[JulesV]

Matt

I have no direct experience of a mUstang in the UK. However I have owned a Chevy Camaro for the last four and a bit years. It has been used daily, taken the kids to school, shopping, work, holidays and everything else. LHD no problem at all. Give it a day or two and you will be perfectly used to it. Spares back up has never been a problem and a Mustang should be even easier than my car.

Go for it, you will not regret it.....

[LuS1fer]

matmoxon said:

From reading other posts, I have found that the MPG (another stumbling block in today’s climate) isn’t as bad as I thought (My ST only gets 25mpg average) and the servicing isn’t that expensive (I can change oil etc myself without too much difficulty).

It is true. The readout on US cars is in the smaller US mpg which often gives them an unwarranted rep for low mpg. In fact, converting it to UK mpg, they come out favourably and I get 24mpg in a commuting scenario. Even sitting in traffic for half an hour, the consumption dropped to 18mpg so try and avoid it. One guy with an auto driving sedately eked out 37mpg from the 4.6 V8.

matmoxon said:

But what is it like living with a LHD car in the UK, do you ever have difficulties with it, and are they reliable cars, I have no room for one as a weekend toy so it would be my daily runner, doing 9 to 10,000 miles per year.

It rather depends on your use. You can't generalise. I've used a LHD for work as a daily driver since 1994, all with total reliability (Corvette C4, 1981 Mustang and two Z28s. I would use the Mustang but am in a position that I don't have to nor need to now but would have no qualms about doing so if needed). The only bugbear is tolls, which I only ever use crossing the Severn Bridge and have to stop and get out for (if there's no front seat passenger and public car parks where I would never really park my cars. I have card entry for the works car park so a trip to Hypervalue yielded a pick-up extendable magnet (like a car aerial). I cut off and binned the magnet and made a small card holder with an elastic band. So card in, electric window down, extend aerial section to receiver and bingo, the gate opens, collpase aerial, stick in armrest cubby. Other than that, same as any other car. Just accept that as a daily driver you can't be as precious with it and come resale, you will take some form of a hit as you'll be selling against generally cherished low milers - that said, it should still have more appeal and keep it's value overall as well as any BMW. A local Mustang owner uses his for his daily business including UK-wide trips and has done well over 40k in 3 years with zero problems. It's one failing is a poorly designed fuel filler system which can sometimes make getting a full tank of fuel an amusing pastime. They changed it on later models to some slight effect but it remains a mystery why sometimes it fills and other times it don't.

matmoxon said:

How are they for parts and spares availability, being ford I would imagine not that difficult, but I’d like to know of any experiences with getting spares.

Service parts are easy. there are plenty of US parts distributors like US Automtive or North Hants Tyres who will get stuff to you by the next day and often cheaper than parts for a Fiesta. However, the plugs only need changing every 80k, the oil filter is a Mondeo V6 item and you can buy an everlasting K&N filter to avoid paying for paper ones every 15k. Stuff like cabin filters can be sourced from UK suppliers but if you go to the US, it's always a great time to stock up on consumables like wiper blades and so forth. As to other spares, there are many dealers in the UK now who service those needs should it ever arise. Roush UK can provide suspension upgrades. ervicing, according to the service manual, is a cinch - just keep changing the oil. Cam is chain driven, everything else by belts. 8 pack coils and the computer take care of the engine.

matmoxon said:

Plus any other helpful hints on them that you may have.

The KEY factor when buying a new Mustang is the quality of the SVA conversion. The electrics are very sophisticated and do not take kindly to "old school" cowboy conversions (like extra bulbs hidden in the boot) which can result in the Smart Junction Box burning out at any point in time and a £1000 plus bill. Always check who did the SVA conversion and always check the quality of the wiring for obvious bodging.

I would suggest you research it through the most comprehensive array of information on these cars at www.s197.co.uk which has loads of information it would be impractical to relate here.

I should add that Ford's warranty doesn't apply outside the US and many dealers will sell you a warranty package. that's a matter for the individual but I've never ever needed one.

Oh yes and VEL is £185 a year. Nice!

Edited by LuS1fer on Tuesday 15th July 21:37

[vaughan watkins]

I have been running one as my daily driver since March, have done 9000 miles and has not missed a beat, it is a V6 though (got a 75 Vette as a weekend V8 car) and it is just great fun, makes you feel a million dollars every day, gets lots of attention(more than the Vette) i have been driving left hookers for 12 years and apart from the obvious it really does not bother me, the only down side you will find is you always take the long way round and always looking for an excuse to pop out just for anything, i have dropped the car and fitted 20" rims, to me makes it a much better drive, i found it to soft and looked wrong but it is down to personell preference, cheap insurance, tax and i charge my company 40p a mile for business use, go for it you will not regret!

[LuS1fer]

Should add the basic Mustangs are very basic and use lots of plastic so aim for a Premium (leather seats) with an interior upgrade pack - chrome dials, leather wheel and gearknob (manual), 6 gauge instruments and message centre and vinyl inserts on the door cards. Insurance wise the V6 and V8 are pretty similar as is consumption.

[Twin Turbo]

Vaughan....glad to hear you finally got your 20s. What style did you go for? Any pics. We've got a meet on Saturday if you're around.

[matmoxon]

Thanks for the advice and information. I have spoke to Dave at Atlantic Sports Cars, and I am going to go down to Luton next weekend to their annual owners BBQ to speak to more people about them, and to take a test drive to see if I can get along with the LHD car. If any of you are going I'll see you down there, I guess I'll be the only one in a Euro Box and a bright orange one at that

Matt

[vaughan watkins]

Hi TT, yes got the Razors, bought the ones at Wheels Day, just love them, and got the bug for 20's, i have on order a set of torque thrust II's in 20" for my 75 Vette! Should look the nuts, sorry i have not been about much been to busy driving the mustang to stop anywhere! 9000 miles since march! I will hope to catch up soon.

[drichardw]

matmoxon said:

Thanks for the advice and information. I have spoke to Dave at Atlantic Sports Cars, and I am going to go down to Luton next weekend to their annual owners BBQ to speak to more people about them, and to take a test drive to see if I can get along with the LHD car. If any of you are going I'll see you down there, I guess I'll be the only one in a Euro Box and a bright orange one at that

Matt

I'll see you there! I bought my car from Atlantic and can't recommend them enough and the Mustang is very much a daily driveable car. Mine isn't driven daily, but it's definitley reliable and easy enough to live with if you wanted to.

LHD is not that hard to get used to at all. At the start you'll be reaching over to your electric window switches to change gear, but give it a few weeks and you'll be absolutely fine.

[300bhp/ton]

matmoxon said:

I have put posts on other forums (namely the Lotus, and TVR forums) as I am thinking about changing my car (later this year or early next year), from my Focus ST. I had to discount the Exige/Elise in terms of practicality, and the T350 due to lots of conflicting reports on the engine reliability.
Despite my love of British sports cars, I love the look and sound of a Mustang, but I have always been a bit iffy on buying one being LHD.

From reading other posts, I have found that the MPG (another stumbling block in today’s climate) isn’t as bad as I thought (My ST only gets 25mpg average) and the servicing isn’t that expensive (I can change oil etc myself without too much difficulty).

But what is it like living with a LHD car in the UK, do you ever have difficulties with it, and are they reliable cars, I have no room for one as a weekend toy so it would be my daily runner, doing 9 to 10,000 miles per year.

How are they for parts and spares availability, being ford I would imagine not that difficult, but I’d like to know of any experiences with getting spares.

Plus any other helpful hints on them that you may have.

Matt

I've had British sports cars, I've had turbo charged Japanese coupe's I now have an American muscle car and I won't be going back to either of the others....

Being LHD is not such an issue. The only ones I've come across are:

-Macdonalds Drive-thru's

Solution, take a passenger or go in instead.

-Car parks where you take a ticket or have to enter a number to exit.

This may be more of an issue. Personally I don't often need to enter such car parks and if I do it's always with someone else anyhow.

But there are ways round it, lean across, get out or something, it just a compromise same as having no real boot in an Elise.

-On the road.

Honestly 99% of the time there is no problem at all. You'll get used to adjusting you line at junctions so you can see. Such as when you want to turn left at a T junction you need to pull up sqaure to the line, almost as if you are turning right, this means you can see fine. Over taking on narrow roads might be more difficult to see past the vehicle infront, but in all honesty you shouldn't be on their bumper anyhow, so if you are back a way you can see just fine. If you casn't see - don't overtake!!! It's as simple as.


I say GO DRIVE ONE and see what you think. Personally I think you'll love it.

However if you can I'd look at getting a few mods for the car as soon as. American cars are designed to be modded.

On the current s197 Mustang GT I'd say get an exhaust (cat/axle back) it'll give you that awesome V8 rumble and up the grin factor. SLP Loudmouth if you want in your face or Magnaflow if you want more subtle.

I'd also look at the suspension, while fully capable in stock trim, it is a bigger car than the ST and you'll probably notice it. I like the look of the Roush suspension. It'll tighten it all up and make it capable of rocking with the best in the corners.

Lastly get a CAI (cold air intake), most come with a tune for the ECU too. These are great mod and really wake the motor up. The tune is needed to account for the increased air flow, it's also worth ensuring it ups the fuel requirement.

The GT is tuned to run on US 87 PON octane petrol. We don't have anything like that here. You want a tune for 91 octane (US 91 PON octane is about the same as UK 95 RON).


Lastly, if you are looking at a new car then for similar or less money you might want to consider a 2003/4 Mustang Cobra (aka The Terminator). It's the previous shape Mustang, but has a T56 6 speeder, IRS, DOHC engine and a supercharger.

[matmoxon]

Thanks for the further replies; I like the honest opinions and advice that you have all given. I now feel like I have wasted you're time as I have just looked at how much my Focus ST is worth (if I can even sell it with the market the way it is) and unless the market picks up I won't be able to afford to buy the Mustang and I just cannot stomach loosing £6.5k in 2 years selling the ST I knew I was going to loose out buying new but that is beyond a joke . I have made the decision to keep the Focus for a bit and watch the markets and see what happens I might look into changing my car again next year, unless I find some extra cash from somewhere. I should still be at the BBQ tomorrow though, as I would like to drive the car and see what they are like.

Thanks

Matt M.

Edited by matmoxon on Friday 25th July 14:30

[Twin Turbo]

Hi Mat

See you in Luton tomorrow. Once you've seen, heard and driven one, you may still want one yet

I'm sure the guys at Atlantic would give you a good part-ex

[matmoxon]

Twin Turbo said:

Hi Mat

See you in Luton tomorrow. Once you've seen, heard and driven one, you may still want one yet

I'm sure the guys at Atlantic would give you a good part-ex

Ohh I still want one, I just probarbly won't be getting one this year

I'm glad I didn't set my heart on the Exige though, as I nearly hung myself getting out of an Elise (with the roof off) at the Motor Show Yesterday

Matt

[LuS1fer]

What you lose on the ST, the Mustang also loses. £11600 for a 2005 GT Premium on ebbay recently for a 40000 miler.

[matmoxon]

Well after spending the best part of the day at the Atlantic Sports Cars BBQ, I got a chance to get up close and personal with the cars and had a chat to some of the owners, and of course I got to drive one as well

My thoughts on the Mustang GT.
I was expecting nasty cheap plastics inside (allot of older cars and some newer ones are like this so I'm told) and I was pleasantly surprised by a decent finish and very good build quality and the seats were nice and comfy I was also happy to see the indicators and wipers on the same sides of the steering column as European cars (I was expecting them to be reversed for some reason). On the road it was very nice, didn't seem too wallowy (it has 19" rims on it) and the engine was very smooth, and pulled nicely, and when I put my foot down the sound was just lovely, even with the standard exhaust. It was fairly easy to drive it felt big and heavy but it didn't feel unwieldy, though changing gear is going to take a bit of getting used to. I did go for the door handle when I was looking for the handbrake mind you .

All in all I liked it, and I really hope to be getting one later this year early next, if I can get the right price for the ST.

Matt M.

[Twin Turbo]

Excellent, glad you liked it

[Stig]

Now try a tuned one (suspension rather than engine) - you'll be smitten!

[300bhp/ton]

matmoxon said:

Well after spending the best part of the day at the Atlantic Sports Cars BBQ, I got a chance to get up close and personal with the cars and had a chat to some of the owners, and of course I got to drive one as well

My thoughts on the Mustang GT.
I was expecting nasty cheap plastics inside (allot of older cars and some newer ones are like this so I'm told) and I was pleasantly surprised by a decent finish and very good build quality and the seats were nice and comfy I was also happy to see the indicators and wipers on the same sides of the steering column as European cars (I was expecting them to be reversed for some reason). On the road it was very nice, didn't seem too wallowy (it has 19" rims on it) and the engine was very smooth, and pulled nicely, and when I put my foot down the sound was just lovely, even with the standard exhaust. It was fairly easy to drive it felt big and heavy but it didn't feel unwieldy, though changing gear is going to take a bit of getting used to. I did go for the door handle when I was looking for the handbrake mind you .

All in all I liked it, and I really hope to be getting one later this year early next, if I can get the right price for the ST.

Matt M.

Cool, glad you enjoyed it.

BTW - it;s us that have the indicators on the wrong side. It appears cheaper for car makers to sell RHD cars with LHD controls these days, so they would be the same as a LHD.

Try and old MG, Landy or Triumph and you'll find the indicator on the correct side of the steering column

[matmoxon]

300bhp/ton said:

matmoxon said:

Well after spending the best part of the day at the Atlantic Sports Cars BBQ, I got a chance to get up close and personal with the cars and had a chat to some of the owners, and of course I got to drive one as well

My thoughts on the Mustang GT.
I was expecting nasty cheap plastics inside (allot of older cars and some newer ones are like this so I'm told) and I was pleasantly surprised by a decent finish and very good build quality and the seats were nice and comfy I was also happy to see the indicators and wipers on the same sides of the steering column as European cars (I was expecting them to be reversed for some reason). On the road it was very nice, didn't seem too wallowy (it has 19" rims on it) and the engine was very smooth, and pulled nicely, and when I put my foot down the sound was just lovely, even with the standard exhaust. It was fairly easy to drive it felt big and heavy but it didn't feel unwieldy, though changing gear is going to take a bit of getting used to. I did go for the door handle when I was looking for the handbrake mind you .

All in all I liked it, and I really hope to be getting one later this year early next, if I can get the right price for the ST.

Matt M.

Cool, glad you enjoyed it.

BTW - it;s us that have the indicators on the wrong side. It appears cheaper for car makers to sell RHD cars with LHD controls these days, so they would be the same as a LHD.

Try and old MG, Landy or Triumph and you'll find the indicator on the correct side of the steering column

I'll get to try that when the Spitfire I'm helping re-build (quite literally) gets back on the road

Matt