'05+ Mustang GT
11-02-2006, 05:08 PM
#1
Senior Moderator
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Better Neighborhood, Arizona
Posts: 45,640
Received 2,329 Likes
on
1,309 Posts
'05+ Mustang GT
How reliable are they? Anyone with real world experience?
Is Ford doing any deals on these?
I was quite impressed with my friend's '05 GT, might get one myself if the price is right.
Is Ford doing any deals on these?
I was quite impressed with my friend's '05 GT, might get one myself if the price is right.
11-02-2006, 06:14 PM
#2
Senior Moderator
My last car was a Ford w/ the 4.6, so I've been watching the used prices on the 05's.. not many used GT's out there yet. There are tons of the V6 ones...
With the 07's out now, you would think that the pricing would have come down towards invoice...
If you're looking for a rwd V8, the 'stang seems like a decent bang for the buck...
My only concern would be with gas mileage (tho' my 4.6 tbird got 22 mpg, but only had 210hp).
With the 07's out now, you would think that the pricing would have come down towards invoice...
If you're looking for a rwd V8, the 'stang seems like a decent bang for the buck...
My only concern would be with gas mileage (tho' my 4.6 tbird got 22 mpg, but only had 210hp).
11-02-2006, 06:18 PM
#3
Suzuka Master
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Chicago Suburbs
Age: 43
Posts: 5,579
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I've got an 05 GT, I can fill you in the best I can. I think Ford has 0% financing and I can point you in the right direction where to find the X-Plan(a bit over dealer invoice). My car has 26K miles and the car has performed flawless. I do have a couple of beefs with the car: Paint quality and rattles. The paint seems to chip very easily and I will have to repaint my front bumper this spring. As for the rattle, many are caused by the "drone" of my exhaust but it's mainly because of cheap plastic IMO.
11-02-2006, 06:29 PM
#4
Registered Member
I had a 1988 Mustang LX with the small block 302 engine (same as in the GT). The LX was both quicker and faster than the GT which made it more popular with the drag racing enthusiasts (like me). The car was solid as a rock and super reliable.. nearly on the top of the heap of cars in terms of reliability and that includes my '04 TL.
I love what Ford has done with the Mustang. I think it is one of the best values out there and certainly one of the best looking of the lot.
I love what Ford has done with the Mustang. I think it is one of the best values out there and certainly one of the best looking of the lot.
11-02-2006, 07:12 PM
#5
Drifting
Join Date: May 2001
Location: New Orleans, LA,USA
Age: 48
Posts: 3,166
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by SouthernBoy
I had a 1988 Mustang LX with the small block 302 engine (same as in the GT). The LX was both quicker and faster than the GT which made it more popular with the drag racing enthusiasts (like me). The car was solid as a rock and super reliable.. nearly on the top of the heap of cars in terms of reliability and that includes my '04 TL.
I love what Ford has done with the Mustang. I think it is one of the best values out there and certainly one of the best looking of the lot.
I love what Ford has done with the Mustang. I think it is one of the best values out there and certainly one of the best looking of the lot.
And now that my last CL is totaled I can pay off the Gt.... woot!
11-02-2006, 08:17 PM
#6
Racer
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 293
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
as long as you properly maintain it, you'll be fine..
american cars have a bad reputation.. the stigma has been tough to shake, even though their reliability has improved greatly over time. It may not outlast a civic or other such car.. but there are plenty of people with mustangs over 150k miles on them (and still working fine).
american cars have a bad reputation.. the stigma has been tough to shake, even though their reliability has improved greatly over time. It may not outlast a civic or other such car.. but there are plenty of people with mustangs over 150k miles on them (and still working fine).
11-02-2006, 08:25 PM
#7
Moderator
Originally Posted by the_Osk
as long as you properly maintain it, you'll be fine..
american cars have a bad reputation.. the stigma has been tough to shake, even though their reliability has improved greatly over time. It may not outlast a civic or other such car.. but there are plenty of people with mustangs over 150k miles on them (and still working fine).
american cars have a bad reputation.. the stigma has been tough to shake, even though their reliability has improved greatly over time. It may not outlast a civic or other such car.. but there are plenty of people with mustangs over 150k miles on them (and still working fine).
Trending Topics
11-02-2006, 08:41 PM
#8
Racer
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 293
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by SodaLuvr
And they've probably replaced almost everything...
and you say this, based on.... ?
besides, "replacing everything" on an american car costs about as much as replacing just a few things on an import.
i wouldn't think twice on pulling the trigger on an 05+ stang..
11-02-2006, 08:45 PM
#9
Moderator
Based on the '96 Saturn SL2 I have. In 95k miles, the following has gone wrong:
Transmission top cover gasket leak (< 50k miles)
Upper Engine Mount (Sometime around 50k)
Crankcase Breather Hose (Sometime around 50k)
Alternator (70k)
Serpentine Belt Tensioner (85k)
Valve Cover gasket leak (70k)
Engine Coolant temp sensor + wiring harness
Wiring harness in the trunk, controlling lamp
Cruise Control (Intermittent, doesn't always "stick")
A/C (isn't blowing cold anymore)
"Morning sickness" power steering
And the infamous transmission valve body problem hasn't got me yet. Neither has the radiator, water pump, hoses, and thermostat.
May be not everything, but a lot of oddball items.
Transmission top cover gasket leak (< 50k miles)
Upper Engine Mount (Sometime around 50k)
Crankcase Breather Hose (Sometime around 50k)
Alternator (70k)
Serpentine Belt Tensioner (85k)
Valve Cover gasket leak (70k)
Engine Coolant temp sensor + wiring harness
Wiring harness in the trunk, controlling lamp
Cruise Control (Intermittent, doesn't always "stick")
A/C (isn't blowing cold anymore)
"Morning sickness" power steering
And the infamous transmission valve body problem hasn't got me yet. Neither has the radiator, water pump, hoses, and thermostat.
May be not everything, but a lot of oddball items.
11-02-2006, 08:52 PM
#10
One on the right for me
Originally Posted by SodaLuvr
Based on the '96 Saturn SL2 I have. In 95k miles, the following has gone wrong:
Transmission top cover gasket leak (< 50k miles)
Upper Engine Mount (Sometime around 50k)
Crankcase Breather Hose (Sometime around 50k)
Alternator (70k)
Serpentine Belt Tensioner (85k)
Valve Cover gasket leak (70k)
Engine Coolant temp sensor + wiring harness
Wiring harness in the trunk, controlling lamp
Cruise Control (Intermittent, doesn't always "stick")
A/C (isn't blowing cold anymore)
"Morning sickness" power steering
And the infamous transmission valve body problem hasn't got me yet. Neither has the radiator, water pump, hoses, and thermostat.
May be not everything, but a lot of oddball items.
Transmission top cover gasket leak (< 50k miles)
Upper Engine Mount (Sometime around 50k)
Crankcase Breather Hose (Sometime around 50k)
Alternator (70k)
Serpentine Belt Tensioner (85k)
Valve Cover gasket leak (70k)
Engine Coolant temp sensor + wiring harness
Wiring harness in the trunk, controlling lamp
Cruise Control (Intermittent, doesn't always "stick")
A/C (isn't blowing cold anymore)
"Morning sickness" power steering
And the infamous transmission valve body problem hasn't got me yet. Neither has the radiator, water pump, hoses, and thermostat.
May be not everything, but a lot of oddball items.
Anyway, I know quite a few people that jumped on the new GT's and are happy with them. None have serious mileage on them yet, but so far so good.
11-02-2006, 08:57 PM
#11
Senior Moderator
Originally Posted by SodaLuvr
And they've probably replaced almost everything...
11-02-2006, 09:27 PM
#12
Senior Moderator
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Better Neighborhood, Arizona
Posts: 45,640
Received 2,329 Likes
on
1,309 Posts
I'm quite sure the major components on a Mustang will hold up. I just dont want electronic glitches I can fix most of those things myself but I dont want one minor electrical gremlin ruining my day. This would be a second car (thinking of selling my '05 TL)
How are the rattles? Thats the one thing I'm concerned about.
Fuel economy on the 5AT GT I'd expect 23 or so on the highway, maybe 25. Is this realistic?
I can fix most of those things myself but I dont want one minor electrical gremlin ruining my day. This would be a second car (thinking of selling my '05 TL)How are the rattles? Thats the one thing I'm concerned about.
Fuel economy on the 5AT GT I'd expect 23 or so on the highway, maybe 25. Is this realistic?
11-02-2006, 09:54 PM
#13
Senior Moderator
Originally Posted by GreenMonster
I had more work done on my CLS in the first 22K miles then I did on my 94 tbird in the first 120K miles
My moms 98 altima has been a nightmare with only 70k miles on it.
Unlike the girlfriend's 98 sebring with 70k miles, hell her dad has over 100k miles on his Ford Van without issues either.
Difference between the cars is that the girlfriends father takes care of them with routine maintenance unlike my mom.
As far as rattles between the two... yikes, the americans cars rattles much more.
11-02-2006, 10:29 PM
#14
Suzuka Master
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Chicago Suburbs
Age: 43
Posts: 5,579
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Ken1997TL
I'm quite sure the major components on a Mustang will hold up. I just dont want electronic glitches I can fix most of those things myself but I dont want one minor electrical gremlin ruining my day. This would be a second car (thinking of selling my '05 TL)
How are the rattles? Thats the one thing I'm concerned about.
Fuel economy on the 5AT GT I'd expect 23 or so on the highway, maybe 25. Is this realistic?
I can fix most of those things myself but I dont want one minor electrical gremlin ruining my day. This would be a second car (thinking of selling my '05 TL)How are the rattles? Thats the one thing I'm concerned about.
Fuel economy on the 5AT GT I'd expect 23 or so on the highway, maybe 25. Is this realistic?
Gas mileage...I get 19 mpg average. I have a 5 speed manual though and it's got an aftermarket intake and tune. Those numbers are very realistic, but it depends on your driving style.
11-02-2006, 10:39 PM
#15
Senior Moderator
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Better Neighborhood, Arizona
Posts: 45,640
Received 2,329 Likes
on
1,309 Posts
Well I might go aftermarket for the exhaust to keep the noise down (heresy I know!) or i'll just get some sort of undercoating/dynomat the interior. 
Thats good to hear about no electrical issues, that removes the main obstacle. Most reliability reports I hear about the Mustang range from average to above average. And lets face it, average these days is quite good compared to what we had to deal with in the 80's and 90's.
As for gas mileage, i do a lot of freeway miles at 75 mph, so mid 20's on regular is just fine for me.
Thats good to hear about no electrical issues, that removes the main obstacle. Most reliability reports I hear about the Mustang range from average to above average. And lets face it, average these days is quite good compared to what we had to deal with in the 80's and 90's.
As for gas mileage, i do a lot of freeway miles at 75 mph, so mid 20's on regular is just fine for me.
11-02-2006, 11:01 PM
#16
Drifting
Join Date: May 2001
Location: New Orleans, LA,USA
Age: 48
Posts: 3,166
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Maximized
I've had zero problems with the car. I've not read of any electrical problems with S197s. As for the rattles, the 2 annoying ones I need to take into the dealer to get TSB's done. I've been lazy and haven't taken the car in. I do have one rattle in my drivers door that drives me crazy as well. Honestly, most of the rattles are probably caused by the resonance that my exhaust makes throughout the vehicle over time.
Gas mileage...I get 19 mpg average. I have a 5 speed manual though and it's got an aftermarket intake and tune. Those numbers are very realistic, but it depends on your driving style.
Gas mileage...I get 19 mpg average. I have a 5 speed manual though and it's got an aftermarket intake and tune. Those numbers are very realistic, but it depends on your driving style.
I have to say I have owned nothing but honda and acuras up to this GT. A civic, integra gsr (totaled), prelude, 3.0cl, 01 auto 3.2 cl-s, 03 6speed cl-s (totaled) and now this new GT. I had the most problems with the two 3.2's over all the cars. I have 11k on my GT and yes I have replaced a lot on the car. But that is performance reasons. I have 16k into the car and its because they have a lot of after market support for good improvments. This car is unreal next to the cl with 465hp and 449 ftlbs and 305's out back. Lets just say I dont miss the cl that much...but it s a totaly different type of car.
Thats 12"'s of rubber on the ground.
Me and some friends installed that...it was simple!
11-03-2006, 01:03 AM
#19
Senior Moderator
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Better Neighborhood, Arizona
Posts: 45,640
Received 2,329 Likes
on
1,309 Posts
Very nice! 
I dont plan on modding the car much, seems good enough for what i'd like. But your setup IS tempting.
I dont plan on modding the car much, seems good enough for what i'd like. But your setup IS tempting.
11-03-2006, 07:32 AM
#23
Got da Internet Goin Nutz
Originally Posted by SodaLuvr
Based on the '96 Saturn SL2 I have. In 95k miles, the following has gone wrong:
Transmission top cover gasket leak (< 50k miles)
Upper Engine Mount (Sometime around 50k)
Crankcase Breather Hose (Sometime around 50k)
Alternator (70k)
Serpentine Belt Tensioner (85k)
Valve Cover gasket leak (70k)
Engine Coolant temp sensor + wiring harness
Wiring harness in the trunk, controlling lamp
Cruise Control (Intermittent, doesn't always "stick")
A/C (isn't blowing cold anymore)
"Morning sickness" power steering
And the infamous transmission valve body problem hasn't got me yet. Neither has the radiator, water pump, hoses, and thermostat.
May be not everything, but a lot of oddball items.
Transmission top cover gasket leak (< 50k miles)
Upper Engine Mount (Sometime around 50k)
Crankcase Breather Hose (Sometime around 50k)
Alternator (70k)
Serpentine Belt Tensioner (85k)
Valve Cover gasket leak (70k)
Engine Coolant temp sensor + wiring harness
Wiring harness in the trunk, controlling lamp
Cruise Control (Intermittent, doesn't always "stick")
A/C (isn't blowing cold anymore)
"Morning sickness" power steering
And the infamous transmission valve body problem hasn't got me yet. Neither has the radiator, water pump, hoses, and thermostat.
May be not everything, but a lot of oddball items.
11-03-2006, 07:48 AM
#24
Cars are cars, you get good ones you get bad ones, you get picky owners & you get content owners.
A good friend bought an 05 5MT when they first came out. He was the fool on the wait list & paid sticker. I always hounded him about that & told him he would be sorry etc. Well I ate my words.
He just past 65K miles. Car is stock.
The only problems he had were
uneven tire wear(bad suspension part)
a faulty radio, &
a fuel injector went bad.
You can go to http://www.nhtsa.com
Or
www.alldata.com
You can see what the common problems are & what TSB's have been issued.
A good friend bought an 05 5MT when they first came out. He was the fool on the wait list & paid sticker. I always hounded him about that & told him he would be sorry etc. Well I ate my words.
He just past 65K miles. Car is stock.
The only problems he had were
uneven tire wear(bad suspension part)
a faulty radio, &
a fuel injector went bad.
You can go to http://www.nhtsa.com
Or
www.alldata.com
You can see what the common problems are & what TSB's have been issued.
11-03-2006, 08:18 AM
#25
Drifting
Join Date: May 2001
Location: New Orleans, LA,USA
Age: 48
Posts: 3,166
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by fuzzy02CLS
Cars are cars, you get good ones you get bad ones, you get picky owners & you get content owners.
A good friend bought an 05 5MT when they first came out. He was the fool on the wait list & paid sticker. I always hounded him about that & told him he would be sorry etc. Well I ate my words.
He just past 65K miles. Car is stock.
The only problems he had were
uneven tire wear(bad suspension part)
a faulty radio, &
a fuel injector went bad.
You can go to http://www.nhtsa.com
Or
www.alldata.com
You can see what the common problems are & what TSB's have been issued.
A good friend bought an 05 5MT when they first came out. He was the fool on the wait list & paid sticker. I always hounded him about that & told him he would be sorry etc. Well I ate my words.
He just past 65K miles. Car is stock.
The only problems he had were
uneven tire wear(bad suspension part)
a faulty radio, &
a fuel injector went bad.
You can go to http://www.nhtsa.com
Or
www.alldata.com
You can see what the common problems are & what TSB's have been issued.
Exactly! Also when you get the first model year expect some bugs! I got one of the first 06's after the bugs got worked out and mine has been trouble free! My 01 cl-s auto went through 3 trannies all faulty and I made them switch me into the 03 6speed...that had its fair shar of problems. But before that all my other cars ran great with no problems.
Whats funny about the parts your buddy had problems with on his 05 I already changed
rims tires and most of the suspension, Different radio in there already, and I changed my injectors already too lol. I got mine for 2k under msrp...so invoice pretty much. 24k before tax...but I got mine with only key options because I knew I was changeing everything.You can go to www.modularfords.com and www.themustangsource.com to get more info as well. They are like here with a welth of knowledge!
Last edited by NOLACLS; 11-03-2006 at 08:23 AM.
11-03-2006, 08:19 AM
#26
Race Director
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Illinois
Age: 45
Posts: 10,741
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Pure badass with that black Mustang!
Only thing is I don't like the external antenna,
Why didn't Ford just put it into the windshield like what other car companies like do these days?
Only thing is I don't like the external antenna,
Why didn't Ford just put it into the windshield like what other car companies like do these days?
11-03-2006, 08:36 AM
#27
Drifting
Join Date: May 2001
Location: New Orleans, LA,USA
Age: 48
Posts: 3,166
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by 04EuroAccordTsx
Pure badass with that black Mustang!
Only thing is I don't like the external antenna,
Why didn't Ford just put it into the windshield like what other car companies like do these days?
Only thing is I don't like the external antenna,
Why didn't Ford just put it into the windshield like what other car companies like do these days?
You should have seen it before I took the bolt cutter to it
now its not as bad. I like watching my sub make it dance. One day I'll get a internal one and fill that hole. Ill also get the ducktail molded in then too
11-03-2006, 08:13 PM
#30
Senior Moderator
Originally Posted by NOLACLS
Front is 18x9 back is 18x10....look at the lip of those next to the stock ones...also these are chrome...stock is polished.
11-03-2006, 09:49 PM
#31
Drifting
Join Date: May 2001
Location: New Orleans, LA,USA
Age: 48
Posts: 3,166
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by GreenMonster
This is the stock polished rim that is close to mine...but look close.
11-04-2006, 07:51 AM
#32
Registered Member
Originally Posted by NOLACLS
I have to say I have owned nothing but honda and acuras up to this GT. A civic, integra gsr (totaled), prelude, 3.0cl, 01 auto 3.2 cl-s, 03 6speed cl-s (totaled) and now this new GT. I had the most problems with the two 3.2's over all the cars. I have 11k on my GT and yes I have replaced a lot on the car. But that is performance reasons. I have 16k into the car and its because they have a lot of after market support for good improvments. This car is unreal next to the cl with 465hp and 449 ftlbs and 305's out back. Lets just say I dont miss the cl that much...but it s a totaly different type of car.
Thats 12"'s of rubber on the ground.
Me and some friends installed that...it was simple!
Thats 12"'s of rubber on the ground.
Me and some friends installed that...it was simple!
Damn that's a good looking machine.
11-04-2006, 08:46 PM
#34
_____ like a rabbit
Originally Posted by NOLACLS
I have to say I have owned nothing but honda and acuras up to this GT. A civic, integra gsr (totaled), prelude, 3.0cl, 01 auto 3.2 cl-s, 03 6speed cl-s (totaled) and now this new GT. I had the most problems with the two 3.2's over all the cars. I have 11k on my GT and yes I have replaced a lot on the car. But that is performance reasons. I have 16k into the car and its because they have a lot of after market support for good improvments. This car is unreal next to the cl with 465hp and 449 ftlbs and 305's out back. Lets just say I dont miss the cl that much...but it s a totaly different type of car.
Thats 12"'s of rubber on the ground.
Me and some friends installed that...it was simple!
Thats 12"'s of rubber on the ground.
Me and some friends installed that...it was simple!
11-04-2006, 09:18 PM
#35
Senior Moderator
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Better Neighborhood, Arizona
Posts: 45,640
Received 2,329 Likes
on
1,309 Posts
Suddenly I have an urge to take a test drive...
11-05-2006, 12:19 AM
#36
Drifting
Join Date: May 2001
Location: New Orleans, LA,USA
Age: 48
Posts: 3,166
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I love driveing it and even on our shitty streets the ride isnt so bad. I am installing my boost gauge and fuel pressure tomorrow along with line locks...I plan to make some nasty burnouts!
11-05-2006, 09:24 AM
#38
Senior Moderator
Originally Posted by Ken1997TL
Suddenly I have an urge to take a test drive...
I've got a Ford dealership near work... I have to drive past it at least 2 times a day... Sometimes more if I go to lunch that way... It's actually the new home of the dealership I bought my tbird from.
I saw a Vista blue with polished bullits out front the other day and almost stopped to take a closer look...
11-05-2006, 10:20 AM
#40
Senior Moderator
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Better Neighborhood, Arizona
Posts: 45,640
Received 2,329 Likes
on
1,309 Posts
Originally Posted by GreenMonster
I've got a Ford dealership near work... I have to drive past it at least 2 times a day... Sometimes more if I go to lunch that way... It's actually the new home of the dealership I bought my tbird from.
I saw a Vista blue with polished bullits out front the other day and almost stopped to take a closer look...
So far I've resisted, but i think i'll give in soon