Somebody teach me...

Is it true that Mustangs are known to break down often? I'm just asking cuz a friend of mine has his heart set on buying one, but he's afraid of all the rumors that fords are not reliable (FORD = Fix Or Repair Daily) So any assistance on this matter would grealy appreciated.

Well, here's a few case studies....

1) A friend of mine with a 94 V6 has had to replace a ton of stuff on his! unite@af could explain everything better than I can, but you get the idea.

2) Another friend (with a mustang emblem tattooed on his arm..drives a ranger) saw a ZX2 for sale that had 100,000 miles on it....his first thought was utter amazement that it lasted that long. Even Ford fans diss on their reliability.

But, as with every car, there are lemons out there. Some cars will die, some will drive forever. It's just a matter of luck. Of course, picking a make and model that aren't as prone to it of course helps, but there is always risk. I would suggest to your friend to get any car he may be considering (if it's used) with a warranty, low miles, and get it checked and rechecked by some mechanics. He may be able to haggle the dealer to pay for a compression test, or something.

Thanks for the information. How about resale value? I've heard that resale value for Fords are bad, also.

Originally posted by johnny
Thanks for the information. How about resale value? I've heard that resale value for Fords are bad, also.

I won't go that far to say that. In general, domestics tend to lose their value a lot quicker than foreign because of the reliability factor. I've had many cars in my time and have to say that domestic brands, not all, tend to breakdown often, repair more than a foreign car. Has to do more with manufacturing than anything. Like previously mentioned, it's kinda like luck. I have a friend who owns a, I think 96 or 95 Mustang. To date, I have yet to see him take it to the shop for repairs. Then again, he's modding the hell out of that car. Major Ass Hauler!!

But, don't sweat it! You take a risk everytime you buy a car. Just hope or pray that it doesn't give you problems.

Yep. Just make sure to take care of your baby, I guess. My roommate really wants to get a new car for himself. He's just worried about the potential problems that may arise.

If he's that worried, make sure he gets whatever he looks at checked out! It's a better bet to spend a few bucks now than a bunch later.

Oh yeah, of course. But that's not the case. He plans on buying a brand new car. It's either he's gonna get a Mustang GT, or a Celica GT-S.

OK, I am a mustang freak so here you go. The fos body mustangs tend to break quicker than most. The '94-'98 are better but can still use a little work everynow and then. I have a '98 V6 with mods and have had no problems. I also had a '74 maverick with 120,000 on it and it ran perfectly better than a Chevy ever will. Any ways, the '99 and up body style have better engines and components in them, he should be fine. THe car will love him if he treats it right. IF not it will break on him, NEVER miss an oil change.

Between a Mustang GT and a Celica GT-S I'd take the Celica, personally.

a celica over a gt are you crazy man i would rather a gt with out a doubt they are faster and easier to mod, cheaper to mod too, mustangs do not always break down i can attest to that being that i own 2 i have not had a problem with mine since i baught it...

I'm on Mustang # 3, all have been pretty good...much better than my 90 IROC or Chevy Van. I've had really good luck with Ford product since '89..I think they're reliability is pretty good.


Chrome

If your friend is really interested in performance, then DEFINITELY get the Mustang GT. It'll blow the doors off a Celica GT-S in any venue other than Solo 2 autocrossing, plain and simple.

As for Fords being unreliable, well that's a reputation the domestics earned (and they did earn it) in past decades. But they do build much better cars now, the '95 Mustang I used to own only had one problem that wasn't fixed under warranty or somehow caused by my own modifications to the car... a blown head gasket. I sold the car for a decent price after 93k miles and bought my current Prelude, but I will always love that car and plan to buy another Mustang in the future. The thing you have to remember about Mustangs is you aren't so much buying a car as you are buying a kit to build your own car from... there is (arguably) no bigger aftermarket for any car ever built than the Fox and SN95 Mustangs.

Ps- Just FYI, DON"T let your friend buy and automatic transmission Mustang. While they have improved upon almost everything else, the Ford AOD is still a POS without a good rebuild, the T-45 manual is a much better match for the motor.

dont believe all that that crap about how domestic cars are all clunkers...those who honestly believe this, please get out of the 80's ...domestic stuff has vastly improved over fox-body stangs and 3rg gen. camaros+firebirds

if hes buying a GT, it will hold its value pretty good (94' GTs still go for around $12k around here) and cobras will hold their value even better...V8 american muscle dosent depreciate as much as some people would like to believe (the v6's on the other hand...i got mine for $4600 and its in great shape)

a mustang isnt gonna campare to a $60,000 supercar, but it will more than hold its own in its class (and kick the living crap out of a celica)(...i know that camaros/firebirds are faster...but all i got to say there is 2002!:( ) if you have a GT: n/a four-banger cars= :wave: besides that, its a distinctive car, huge aftermarket, cheap parts, and theyre rear-wheel drive...if youve ever worked on a front wheel drive car, you'll know why RWD is so much better (not to mention the whole weight transfer thing)

i agree with texan on the tranny bit...dont buy an auto, the t-5/t-45 are really good trannys, but the AODE isnt

I have a 90 5.0 coupe, and have had only to change the normal wear and tear items; water pump, alternator, starter etc. But as far as any major work needing done no problems. It is now my project car and hoping to get an engine swap in the near future.
We're talking 550 plus ponies! Go for the GT. my .02:silly2:

Originally posted by enzo@af
Between a Mustang GT and a Celica GT-S I'd take the Celica, personally.

Bettween a Ferrari and a Celica GT-S I'd take the Celica, personally:D

Well u bet u would take a Ferrari over a Celica, or even a GT buy you are talking a hundren and fifty grand more than both the stang or the toyota, so that isn't even a legitimate comment.

Please, ONLY post to threads that are 3 months or newer. This thread is too Damn old!