Is the Mustang the "right" car
 

Hello Everyone

Since my wife and I have been motorcycling for 20 plus years, my self 30+, we have decided to change "fun" vehicles". Due to my long body, 6'3'', the mustang seams like a good fit. My wife wants a convertible as she hits the mid life point. I have found a local 2008 Mustang convertible v 6 with only 25K at the dealership. The original invoice copy reads $36,000 in 2008. They want $ 19,000 today . It is fully loaded with upgraded suspension, 500 shaker, MP3, leather , heated seats, power seats and 17in rims. My concern is the engine. The 4L is so so on power and not great on gas mileage. Since we both are working, this car will need snow rims and tires. Yes I know, a rear wheel drive in the snow can be a challenge. The good news is Kingston Ontario gets maybe 3 storms during the winter. Any comments?

Welcome to the ZOO !!! Sounds like a pretty nice car, what colour? I've been drivin RWD cars & trucks with various trans & HP 40+ years now, throw some weight in the trunk & take er ease, you'll be fine.

I think if you go with the v6 you will regret it over time ....v8 all the way just as good on fuel and much nicer car to drive....I also prefer rwd over fwd in snow but it depends on what your used too....:cheers:

Good rubber and winter is no problem and plus one on the v8. You will regret it

x4 on the 8 and all is good

Welcome aboard.
Doesn't sound to bad at all,if that is what you want.I would think about it though.The V8 isn't to bad on fuel itself compared to the V6.Both would need the same winter care.
Just go with what feels right for the both of you.

Sounds good, but if you can swing it the new V6 is easy on fuel and has lots of power.
I have a motorcycle (2005 Goldwing) and a 2011 Mustang convertible. I still enjoy the bike but the Mustang has reduced my motorcycle mileage quite a bit. I waited 'til Ford had family pricing and a $2000 delivery allowance which made the price very reasonable.
I have been riding motorcycles for 55 years and hate to give it up. (I'm 71 and still a kid)
Here we are on our way to Yuma, Az for the winter.

Harvey

Welcome to CMOC. Get the stang!!!

Geeeez Harv, ur older than me!!! I'm 59 & been ridin for 46 years & love the desert also, I'll bet we're the same age (inside), enjoy ur winter. :tup

Thank Harvey

Congratulations on your trip to Yuma AZ. My father winters in Apache Junction AZ (just outside Phoenix). You mention a very good point on the 8 cyl. Right now the issue is of course “price point”. The overall afford ability is very important. I will not be racing this car as the point of having it is to cruise during the 3 nice seasons we get in Canada. Thanks for the comments and take care.

Dale

We have an oldtimer from the Calgary club that has been in the Phoenix area for a month already-lucky dog.

Hi,

As a V6 Mustang owner who's car puts out 318 bhp with very little work (the car was rated by Ford at 193 bhp new) I wouldn't worry too much about making it go faster. If you like the car, and the price is right (and at $19K on an 08 V6 Vert I think you could talk him down a bit..like around $17.5K I would think is about right maybe $18K) Once you get it look at Tom Morana racing and Super Six Motorsports. Both sell tonnes of V6 bolt on go fast parts. I went with Morana and I'm very happy with the power gains I got. If you do buy it I can help you with your decisions on upgrades. Oh and by the way Tom is in Scarboro so you could take the car to him if you wanted to.

^ i want a pic of your car and a list of parts ! ^

and welcome to cmoc and what ever mustang you get will be the one

I have a 2006 V6 and have driven it for four winters with Michelin X-Ice on all four corners and winter is no problem. The fuel mileage isn't the greatest I'll have to admit but I love the car and I'm sure you and your wife will enjoy yours too.

There is an old saying my grandpa used to say"There is no replacement for displacement" plus six's suck. Just facts

Well,

As much as I agree with you Stealth, for some of us price of the car is a BIG factor in our purchases. I could have bought the exact same car but in a GT for $4k more. Couldn't justify the cost at the time. But, slowly but surely I have built my car to a place where I now run with the GT's...and when I tell them it's an NA V6...I get instant respect. So look out..there could be a V6 just lookin to spank you!!

Blackheart, you are on the money....no pun intended. The factors I must consider are affordability, Insurance cost and the wife is happy to drive it.
StealhStang, I agree that displacement always rules however at a certain point in the life journey that does not mean as much. Would I like the roar of true 8 cylinder dual
exhaust with huge get up and go, you bet I would. Is it worth my wife staring at me with her hand on the hips! Not!
This "possible" purchase of a 2008 Mustang Vert v6 is a compromise. My oldest son has already beat me over the head with the running joke that his rice burner (2008 Honda Accord 2.4L) would out perform the v6 mustang and get better gas mileage.

Bigfoot, I really wouldn't worry to much about what a Honda driver says...it's all a matter of taste...LoL! As for power and sound a bit of work and a few parts from Tom Morana racing and dual exhaust and you'll be surprised as to how good it will sound! Not to mention if you wanted to you could go forced induction on it and put a Supercharger on it. Personally I perfered to go NA and do the heads/cam route...for 318 bhp!!

So what's grandpa driving now?

^^^ Boy, I hope it's a boosted stroker!! :cheers:

First off blackheart you can build up the six to run with the gt's but its still a six. If thats what your budget allows then ya but if preformance is going to be in the cards in the future than the V8 is the way to go. How much $$ will it take for a six to keep up with a stock GT. You will be over that budget for what a high 13 second timeslip. The 2011 six is the way to go but pre 2011 is not worth it. Opinions are like assholes I understand that but reality is unless your car comes boosted factory(that gets expensive) than go with the V8. If not for power at least for resale. As for the six spanking me maybe but he will have to spend a hell of a lot more money than I have in my car which is not all that much. IMO

LoL...

Well Stealth when your married and have kids and a mortgage a car that is a summer toy is definitely limited by one's budget. But many of the bolt ons for a GT are also available for a V6. As noted, my NA V6 is pushing 318 bhp with very little work having been done. As for timeslips...most people want a well mannered car they can drive on the street and not worry about drawing the attention of local law enforcement and not a quarter mile bruiser. My car will NEVER see a drag strip. It is meant to be a summer daily driver and a car I can take to local car shows. If you like drag racing (as long as it's at a strip and not on the street) then good for you..I hope you get many runs without breaking expensive parts and I will enjoy driving mine to the local car shows with my kids and instill a love for our hobby in them.

^^^two very good posts guys. This 6vs8 can get nasty fast but it seems like we have very mature members so two thumbs up

Not everybody is a two-bit racer and needs a V8, some people just want a DD that doesn't look like a cookie-cutter ricer.

Is this where someone steps up & says: Don't matter what it is, as long as it's got wheels or tits it could be FUN !!!! :) or somthin like that.

You post some valid points. I guess in the end its a matter of cost vs power. Either or its still a mustang and that makes it a good thing. Good luck with your purchase

CMOC Members

I thank all of you for the excellent opinions and views. They are exactly what I was hoping for and the comments you guys provided me will allow a balanced decision. My wife and I are sold on the mustang. The fun will be which one!

Dale

Good Luck Bigfoot,

Hope you find the right one for you and your wife. It can be hard to pick out just the right one..so take your time and have some fun. I know Autotrader.ca was a big help for me when I was looking to buy.