Test-drove a 2004 Mustang V6 5-speed

[kman10587]

As some of you may remember, I posted about a month ago when I test-drove a 2003 Mustang V6 that my sister was interested in buying. I didn't like the car too much; however, it was a 4-speed auto and I didn't take the time to properly adjust the seat to the best position for me.

Dealership
Well, I went down to the local Ford dealership afterschool today to see what they had for 2004 clearance, and it turns out that they have a large supply of V6 Mustangs left over. Prices start at $14,999; the one I was looking at had a few options installed, so the sticker price was $15,299. I checked out KBB and Edmund's TMV, and this is a very, very good price for a new Mustang. So I took it for a test-drive -- and this time, I made sure that I had time to adjust everything and get into a comfortable driving position. The car was a white V6 coupe with a 5-speed manual transmission.

Comfort
At first I thought the seat was way too far back because I could barely reach the A/C controls, but even when I pulled it way forward they were a bit far away. No big deal, I can get used to that, but now the steering wheel was in my chest, so I had to lower the seat a bit. Even with the seat lowered considerably, I still had a very good view out of the car and over the hood, and my foot and hand lined up with the clutch and shifter perfectly. However, the shifter is a little bulky. There is also an annoying button that you have to hold down in order to take the key out of the ignition.

Engine/Tranny
I hadn't driven stickshift in two months when I test-drove the 'Stang, so I was a little rusty, but luckily I didn't stall or grind once. I missed my gear a couple of times, but that was mostly because I was getting used to the shifter being slanted to the left, and the narrow gates and clunky feel of it. The motor felt very solid down low, and all the passing power I could ever need was below 3000 RPM. It did seem to sort of thrash along once it got past 3500, but I hardly ever had to go up there anyways.

Handling
I didn't really get a chance to test out the handling, nor did I want to seeing as how rusty I was at downshifting, but the car felt solid during normal street traffic. Quick passing maneuvers were no problem, and the body roll was quelled quite nicely. The ride was a bit harsh, but it didn't really bother me much, I have a pretty high tolerance for that sort of thing.

The Verdict
Overall, I was pretty satisfied with the car. It wasn't exactly fast, but it was sporty enough for me, and it turned out to be a much better daily driver than I would have ever imagined. And the best part is that my parent's credit is good enough that, with a co-sign, I don't even have to put anything down (but I'm gonna put $1000 down anyways). I still need to test-drive a V6 Camaro and see how it compares to its rival, and I'd also like to try out a new Mustang GT so I can see if V8 power is really worth it to me...not that I could afford insurance on a GT anyways.

[andrewespo]

If you can afford it go for the GT you'll be a lot more satisfied in the end. Plus if you decide to start working on the car you'll have a lot of options.

[kman10587]

First of all, the GT costs considerably more than the V6, especially since the V6 models are at a clearance price. Second of all, besides the cost of the car, insurance is way higher on GT models, especially for me (I'm only 18). Thirdly, if I had a GT model, I know I'd get into trouble with it all the time. I don't want that much power; the V6 is enough for me. Maybe in a few years, I'll pick up a Mustang GT, but I'm not quite ready for it yet; I'm still a little noobish at manual trannies and rear-wheel-drive.

[motor_head_429]

You could also just go for this. I think it would be a FINE daily driver..............That is, if you own Exxon

just kidding

[zx2srdotnet]

the v6 has a lot of mods avalable for it, a good driver can put one in the 15.3 stock, gt takes offs, pully kit, gears, intake can get constant 14's out of them. depends on the driver.


www.3.8mustang.com

[Muscletang]

Something I saw that was very interesting was Roush makes a nice package for V6 Mustangs. The engine is left pretty stock, but they push the HP past 200. They really go after the suspension and tune that thing up. The guy at the Ford place said it was enough to get you in plenty of trouble.
Anyway, it's an option to go with, thought you might like to hear it.

[zx2srdotnet]

umm teh motor is already 193 just a intake should put it over 200hp.

I'd like to get a 95 and SC it just get 230whp out of it ehought to keep me happy and enough to keep the honda boys seeing tails

[burly94gt]

ide like to get heads cam and intakes w/ a small shot and be pushen 350-400 Rwhp
im sorry i just cant do the v6...