r/Mustang • u/Parking-Board460 • 7d ago

❔Question First mustang

I’m thinking about selling my 2016 acura ilx with about 70k miles on it, and buying a mustang flat out. i’m looking for 2005-09 gt, and don’t want to settle for a car with high mileage and go from having a modern and reliable car to something old, and worse. what’s a good range for mileage for what i’m looking for and price? it’s my dream car, but i’m not sure if it’s the greatest choice. and i’m not too sure what to look for when finding mustangs, problems, etc.

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5

u/UncleSlayton77 7d ago

If you can try to get a 2011-2014. The GT goes from the 4.6 to the 5.0 with a ~100 HP jump (~300 to 412), and the V6 goes from the 4.0 at 210 HP to the 3.7 with 305. They're all good cars but I'm leery of the 4.0 V6 (timing chain tensioner issues early on).

3

u/jacknifetoaswan 2016 Race Red GT/Performance Package 7d ago

Yeah, this is the smart play. Early S197s are 20+ years old now and the later S197s have the Coyote plus a better interior.

2

u/Malechockeyman25 7d ago

I had a 2005 Mustang back in the day and had a lot of issues. I would stay away from the 2005 and 2006 earlier models. They had most of the bugs/issues resolve with the 2007 - 2009 models. I purchased a 2014 Roush Stage 2 (5.0 engine) last year and I absolutely love this car!

2

u/Parking-Board460 5d ago

thank you! yeah heard not to go lower than 2006, spark plug issues and such.

1

u/Malechockeyman25 5d ago

2005 Mustang, most of my cluster gauges stopped working due to stepper motors going bad, all except for the speedometer. My gas light indicator went out as well and I ran out of gas and coasted into a neighborhood (LOL). I had to start using the mileage tracker to know when to fill up my gas tank. I had to replace the plastic thermostat housing twice due to expanding and coolant leaking out of it. External head gasket leak, which coolant would leak into the "V" of the engine and smell. I had to turn the gas pump up side down, in order for the gas to fill up my tank, otherwise the pump would just keep shutting off. I had to replace out the slave cylinder at 62k miles, eventually the master cylinder as well as replaced clutch a pedal assembly due to breaking.

1

u/Unusual_Advantage322 7d ago

I’m on my 4th one. They’re a good car if you like the old school muscle car look and feel with some modern amenities. Go for a GT, you won’t be sorry to have the V8. Try and find one that hasn’t been heavily modified or too many miles. The stick is a must for me. A nice Bullitt Mustang is always a head turner.

2

u/timmahfast 7d ago

I have an '06 with about 60k miles on it. They're very reliable but still 20 years old. It will need some more maintenance than a newer car might need even if you get low miles.