2005-2009 Mustang V6

[akboss]

Hey, anybody out there have any impressions on a 2005-2009 (most interested in '06 for my budget) Mustang V6 with 5-speed? I'd love the GT but can't deal with the fuel economy, I drive about 100 Km/day. I have been looking at all kinds of coupes, from BMW's to Volvo, VW's, etc. but the Mustang seems like an honest, simple car with good power but still reasonable at the pump.

I've heard 0-60 in 6.9, which isn't a rocket, but good enough. Any suggestions on real-world fuel economy and ride/handling would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers!

[MagicRat]

A friend of mine was looking at one a few years ago, and compared it to a Mazda 3.

The Mazda handled like a "scapel" and the Mustang was like........."an axe....... with a loose handle."

Still, 6.9 sec. is pretty good. 25 years ago, we were all in awe because the top-of-the-line GT (302+ 5 spd) had the same 0-60 time.

[akboss]

Originally Posted by MagicRat

A friend of mine was looking at one a few years ago, and compared it to a Mazda 3.

The Mazda handled like a "scapel" and the Mustang was like........."an axe....... with a loose handle."

Still, 6.9 sec. is pretty good. 25 years ago, we were all in awe because the top-of-the-line GT (302+ 5 spd) had the same 0-60 time.

That's an interesting comparo to the Mazda, as I drive a compact Mazda hatch now and would dearly miss the nimble handling of that car - I was under the impression the Mustang was still pretty nimble...perhaps not.

I like the idea of the Mazdaspeed3 but low ownership cost is important in my situation, so having the blown 2.3 is a bit of a worry, plus the previous owners are likely to have been fairly abusive considering the enthusiast nature of the car. The same could be said for Mustang owners but most 'enthusiasts' went for the GT - the V6's I've come across have been fairly low mileage summer drivers, which is perfect. The fact that the Mustang is naturally aspirated and takes 87 pump gas is also a plus as most turbo cars want expensive premium fuel and all synthetic oil changes.

[Shpuker]

Its weak sauce. If you want something in that gets the same mileage in the same price range just get a V6 Malibu. More power, identical fuel mileage and you'd be gettin a top model rather than a lowest end one

[akboss]

Originally Posted by Shpuker

Its weak sauce. If you want something in that gets the same mileage in the same price range just get a V6 Malibu. More power, identical fuel mileage and you'd be gettin a top model rather than a lowest end one

Agreed on the V6 sedans, most new family mobiles get high-6's to 60 (which is insane...) but it feels sloppy because they all have torque steer from the front-wheel drive layout. Plus, even if the V6 Mustang doesn't have the balls that the GT does, it still has most of the looks.

I'm comparing mostly coupes, and to be honest my searches haven't turned up much. I'm looking for about $15K, so that sets me back a few years - 2003-2006, depending on the car. So far I've found the Volkswagen GTI, the 2005+ Mustang V6, and the BMW 325i Coupe. Acceleration of the three is pretty close, but I know the BMW would cost the most to maintain, as would a 1.8T GTI, so that's why I'm looking at the Mustang...plus that whole RWD thing - Shpuker, I know you know what I'm talking about

[Shpuker]

Originally Posted by akboss

Agreed on the V6 sedans, most new family mobiles get high-6's to 60 (which is insane...) but it feels sloppy because they all have torque steer from the front-wheel drive layout. Plus, even if the V6 Mustang doesn't have the balls that the GT does, it still has most of the looks.

I'm comparing mostly coupes, and to be honest my searches haven't turned up much. I'm looking for about $15K, so that sets me back a few years - 2003-2006, depending on the car. So far I've found the Volkswagen GTI, the 2005+ Mustang V6, and the BMW 325i Coupe. Acceleration of the three is pretty close, but I know the BMW would cost the most to maintain, as would a 1.8T GTI, so that's why I'm looking at the Mustang...plus that whole RWD thing - Shpuker, I know you know what I'm talking about

I do but the old V6 Stang is a pos. The 325 is meh, better feel than the Rustang but slower than the GTI or the Malibu.

Other than that I'd say look at a Mazda RX8, better looking than the Stang IMO, handles better, more power, lighter I believe, and the rotary can be fun lol

EDIT: And its got half doors in the rear

[akboss]

Originally Posted by Shpuker

I do but the old V6 Stang is a pos. The 325 is meh, better feel than the Rustang but slower than the GTI or the Malibu.

Other than that I'd say look at a Mazda RX8, better looking than the Stang IMO, handles better, more power, lighter I believe, and the rotary can be fun lol

EDIT: And its got half doors in the rear

I would but an RX8 in a heartbeat if it used the 2.3L MZR I4 Turbo in the Mazdaspeed cars, but unfortunately it uses the oil guzzling, gas guzzling Rotary motor that has zero torque and needs to be at 5,000 RPM before anything happens. That being said it is an excellent car in almost every other way - practical, stylish, light weight, comfortable...heck, it's even good on insurance (4 doors).

[akboss]

Originally Posted by Shpuker

I do but the old V6 Stang is a pos. The 325 is meh, better feel than the Rustang but slower than the GTI or the Malibu.

Other than that I'd say look at a Mazda RX8, better looking than the Stang IMO, handles better, more power, lighter I believe, and the rotary can be fun lol

EDIT: And its got half doors in the rear

I would but an RX8 in a heartbeat if it used the 2.3L MZR I4 Turbo in the Mazdaspeed cars, but unfortunately it uses the oil guzzling, gas guzzling Rotary motor that has zero torque and needs to be at 5,000 RPM before anything happens. That being said it is an excellent car in almost every other way - practical, stylish, light weight, comfortable...heck, it's even good on insurance (4 doors).