so been looking for a replacement for my ancient G35. Decided to test drive the 5.0, might as well test drive the best "stang for the buck," as people say.

going to keep it short, hard ass gear shifts from (1-4), used car rental interior, cheap feel everywhere, i mean everywhere. was not impressed by the handling, nor the steering feel, nor the steering wheel feel.

One good quality about the car...Is the obvious power, dat torque blows away my G anyday.

I guess the power is what makes this car a bang for the buck, but there are many areas that i feel its lacking. I'm now considering the 370z as i feel it was MUCH better all around, the power in it is sufficient enough to hang.

What your guy's thoughts? I just felt dissapointed with the thing.

 

There are a few guys here with Mustangs that will be able to give you owner feedback.

I felt the same as you sitting in them. If the Mustang had an interior like the Focus, it'd be hard to not get one.

If you sat in a base GT, that may explain it. The better leather and the touch navigation makes the car look a little less cheap. But there are a ton of square yards of very hard, shiny plastic in them.

But like you said, as performance cars go they are hard to beat for the price.

 

I think it's just an American car thing...my fathers Vette is FULL of cheap plastic & the same radio that's in his Silverado. The thing about the Mustang I don't like is the same interior that' in the 25k V6 model is also in the 100k+ Richard Petty edition.

Finding the silver lining in that, its easy to keep clean, it's durable and I'd be more than happy living with the plastic interior for the sound it makes.

 

The Camaro has a better interior than the Mustang. The trade off is that it's a boat.

But I would think a SS would be an option in that price range.

 

Wait for the next gen Mustang.

 

Not overrated for what you pay.

OP, which GT trim did you test drive?

For just a base GT, the MSRP is only $30,750. GT Premium starts at $34,750, and the electronics package only brings it up to $37,090. And we haven't even yet to begin to talk about a deal or bargain - and yes, they will come down.

All of that for 420hp/390lb-ft of 5.0L V8 goodness!

I'm assuming you tested the MT version, OP? I test drove one last July and I thought the tranny was amazing. Loved the feel of the ride, too.

In comparison, the 370z starts at $33,120. And if you want the electronics, the Touring starts at $37,820.

But honestly, I love the Z and think it's a great car. You'll have to decide which is more important to you - the V8 muscle or the refined import coupe.

 

Did you test drive the base or the premium model?
While the premium isn't up to BMW/Audi standards or anything like that, it's quite an upgrade over the base model. They feel dramatically different. I have a premium while my friend has a base and I spend quite a bit of time in both and they're pretty different. His feels like a rental, IMO.

Also, if you weren't impressed with the handling, were you driving a base GT? There's also the Brembo-pack GT with upgraded suspension and the Track Pack GT.
And regarding the steering feel, did you try out the different settings for comfort/standard/sport?

 

That was pretty much my impression on the interior of the 5.0 I recently sat in. The only car that I sat in (in recent memory) that felt cheaper -- and this may have more to do with the kind of cars I typically venture into -- was a Dodge Caliber.

All that being said, a 5.0 is a terrific bang for the buck and I'd still get one as a third car (read: weekend ride w/o kids or any need to go food shopping and/or something to bring down to Etown on street night).

 

I've sat in all the different trim levels and thought they all felt cheap, and dated. My wife was with me and echoed my sentiments(not something she often does), she hated the interior. The new Focus has a MUCH better interior. I'm not in any hurry to buy a new car yet, and might wait to see what the next gen Mustang has to offer. I have a feeling it'll be worth the wait.

 

the next gen mustang renderings look horrible.

 

To be fair, most of those are being done by the different publications. I haven't seen anything from Ford yet.

 

and its also just a rendering.
but i hope it doesnt come to fruition

 

I would love it if Ford just keep everything the same but change the interior to Focus-ish one.

 

Personally, I love the interior! Very simple, great fit and finish and looks like it would be easy to keep clean/maintain. I test drove the 6MT GT premium w/ red leather, Shaker PRO sound system, Brembo brakes and Recaro seats.

IMO I think they've come a long way with the Mustang. It may not be everyone's cup of tea but I guarantee that Stang will outlast most other cars...the interior, the engine, the transmission, etc. It's like a damn tank!

Edit: To me, the Mustang interior is a lot nicer and better looking than my 8G Accord.

 

Tell that to my buddy who's '12 GT's engine blew with less than 5k miles on it.

And as far as the interior goes, the premium is WAYYYYYYYY nicer than the standard interior.

 

What did your buddy do to that engine? 100 shot of NAWSSSS?

 

Well he is an agressive driver, but no NOS lol.

 

I strongly considered the 5.0 mustang before I got my G37. I'm like you, while I love the new body style, the interior kind of turned me off; of course nothing compared to my TL, or G and I was still looking for a little more luxury in the interior. But on that same note, the interior of the Mustang has greatly improved from the last two Mustangs I have had (99 V6 and 01 GT). Both of my mustangs were auto trannys and I have always said I will go back and get and get a GT in a manual when I got older.

I almost got one last year, but I figured once the thrill of all the power wore off on me, I would tire of it quickly; just as I did with my 01 GT.

I'm kind of missing the manual transmission I had in my TL, so I still may actually end up getting another V8 Mustang again someday as maybe just a weekend driver, but it will be pre-owned and it won't be until long after I pay the G off and get the issues with my house sorted out.