Getting the Pony bug!
 

Hello, everyone,

I've been driving a 2000 Acura TL for the last 11 years, which have served me well aside from a blown tranny that was fixed under warranty that was extended due to this known problem. So for the last 3 or 4 months, i've been getting obsessed with a beast called the 5.0 that's come to the horizon. Needless to say, going from the TL to a 5.0 will be a huge wake up call, but the obsession seems to be getting stronger. I'm attracted to the power, the updated electronics, and definitely the looks. To a much lesser degree, the mustang specially the 5.0 is a much rarer breed in the streets around vancouver with its high number of import cars.

There's nothing wrong with my TL at all, at 220000km's, but after 11 years, i'd say i'm wanting a change. (Wife doesn't quite understand this part but that's another story)

So at this point, having driven an automatic the last 20 years and a wife who has to drive my car once in a while, i'm contemplating the auto tranny. Friends have been telling me that to get a 5.0 and not get it manual would be wrong...but...have to consider the wife. I'm also thinking that with my TL being an auto and being happy with its performance, an auto mustang would be leaps and bounds ahead in terms of power and response to what i currently have. It'll be a mix of city and highway driving for us, no tracks, etc.

Now, how does a mustang perform with winter tires in the winter? Doesn't snow much out west, but it still does, and have to account for this. I always use winter tires in any case.

I understand there's not much changing between 2011 and 2012 5.0's so whatever good deal i can get would be fine.

Thanks and looking forward to your posts!

Welcome to the site dude - buying a stick is the best way to keep the wifey out of the new 5.0. - sounds like a perfect plan to me. lol Let her drive the Acura if she doesn't understand your need for speed - can't be worth much to trade in or sell, so sounds just about perfect. Winter is no big deal, just get a set of winter tires and you're good to go

welcome to the club man

the best way to drive a mustang in the winter is to not to. they look very nice in the garage under a car cover while you destroy something else in the winter month. just an example an acura TL with 220k on it sounds like a wonderfull winter/wife car :D just a thought lol
never driven a mustang i nthe winter so im not gonna be of much help, but i always say a winter beater is the best bet

as for the auto its up to you, can you be happy driving an auto? if so then do it! if not then the wifes driven the acura or learning to drive stick. personally no chance ill be driving an auto mustang in the life time lol:P

Good luck and happy hunting and oh welcome lol. As far as an auto, I understand they shift lickity split nowadays (faster than the stick in some cases) so an auto is not something to overlook. I am old school so it's a 6 speed for me or bust. For the limited snow you get in Van snow tires would easily fit the bill. With all the moisture you get I would have the car sprayed with Krown (or something similar) to keep it minty clean. Good luck and I would chase after a 2012 personally.

^^^ What they said! Welcome to CMOC.ca.

Welcome!

I'm not sure why we think twice about rear-wheel drive in the snow.....that's all we had with the old muscle cars, no weight in the back, no snow tires, crap...sometimes we just put on whatever tires we could find cheap. My old '72 Mach I was great in the winter! It needed the occasional push, but I never hesitated to drive it.

I had the same dilemma over standard vs. auto. Buy what your gut is telling you you'll be happy with. Then you'll have no regrets. I'm sure you can teach the wife to drive the standard if that's your true choice. My hubby taught me many years ago and I'm really glad he did....your wife will be too. Having said that, I got the auto and it is amazing. The shift is fast, clean and precise and I know there's no way I could shift a standard like that. The acceleration is awesome! There's nothing lacking in performance, its only personal preference.

Patty

My '10 is an auto, and I really couldn't believe how it shifted when I test drove it, and I'm still really impressed. If your making that big of a purchase, I would suggest you test drive both the auto and manual, and make a decision after that. You may want to investigate the recent problems with the '11 manuals, with a grinding issue when they're cold. There has been some talk on this site, as well as in some of the magazines I have purchased. A quick google on that subject will likely get some info.

I'm just going to agreee with all the above,and welcome aboard!:)

Welcome 2 the ZOO :tup IMHO I'd keep the Oriental thing 4 a beater & 2nd ride. Hate 2 see a NEW 5oh in the salt. If ur comfy with the auto, stay with it, U won't spill as much coffee.:wink:

I'd be all over the manual. Just teach your wife to drive it. Resale value is always better on a manual Mustang.