Prospective Mustang Buyer

[billybob10]

I'm considering purchasing a 2011 or 2012 basic Mustang v6. I would like to get the convertible version, but I have some concerns:

- Is the top durable? Will it wear easily under snow and rain (I live in Ohio)?
How susceptible is it to leaks or tears?
- How is the road/engine noise with the top up?
- How reliable is the mechanism that lowers/raises the top?
- How severe is the cowl shake?
- Are there any other reliability issues for convertibles in particular?

I am worried that the convertible Mustang will be more trouble than its worth with maintence and repair (but I certainly hope this is not the case!)

I appreciate any advice you can provide. Thanks!

 

[billybob10]

Are there any convertible owners who can help me out?

 

[streethorse]

I had a convertable once.
Everything you mentioned is an issue.
I will never get another one thats for sure.
But sometimes its awesome to have the top down and go for a cruise.

 

[billybob10]

Hm.... Would it be better to go with the basic GT than a V6 convertible? Other than the obvious performance benefit, what are the advantages of a GT over the basic V6? I'm 17; it would be hard to justify a $3000 dollar price increase (over a convertible V6) to my parents just for 2 extra cylinders. I would LOVE a GT, but I need some good reasons for the added expense.

 

[katmando911]

This seems like a pretty good reason:

2011 Ford Mustang GT takes Best Resale Value honors - StangNet

With either the v6 or the GT, I'd recommend getting the Premium model to get Ford Sync.

 

[billybob10]

Thanks, resale value is a big deal since this is my first car. Any other advantages?

 

[billybob10]

Would it be better to get the V6 Premium or the basic GT?

 

[streethorse]

Hey if money is no object, go for the GT...
If you do want to save some $$$ on gas...insurance...total cost...tax
do the V6

 

[ccaron]

If you decide to go for the hardtop V6 but yearn for a little bit extra you could always go for the performance pack. Maybe not a power increase but better looks and a little more handling plus its a rarity...could help with v6 resale.

 

[billybob10]

What about the V6 Pony Package?

 

[billybob10]

Also, my parents are not convinced that the Mustang is safe enough. Are there any recent statistics other than crash tests that I can provide to convince them of its safety? The only safety discrepancy seems to lie with the rear passenger in the side-impact test; where can I find more information about this (other than IIHS)?

 

[stanmckinney]

Check insurance costs for someone your age. I have known people who could afford the car but not the insurance.
I envy you if you can pay for the car and insurance at your age. I hope you have a great job.

 

[kyle_99gt]

im not sure how good the new ones are but my car is 12 years old now with the original roof and its still runs great, even if i did have a problem you can buy a new one for like $400 and install it your self, if you're mechanically inclined. I dont store my car outside so i can comment how well it would hold up if you did. Only problem i had was a very small hole formed beside the back window it was under the flap beside it so it wasnt visible and took me a while to find it, easy patch job though and now visible. After 12 years i wouldnt call that bad though.

 

[stanmckinney]

I have a 2010 GT coupe and a 1966 convertible.
I live in Kentucky. In winter it is too cold for a convertible. In summer it is too hot, at least for me.
If it is not raining in spring, there area a few weeks you can enjoy the top down. It rained, or at least it seems, all spring this year.
Usually when I drive with the top down I get wind or sun burned.
I also believe that you will find that most convertibles, at least the older ones, do leak a bit. Maybe the newer ones are better. But I can tell you that in a car wash or in a heavy rain storm, you will see some water inside the car. I also had a T-top Mustang once and it also leaked.
Frankly considering the difference in cost and the number of days you can really enjoy the convertible, I would not buy one. I might consider the glass roof, but that is another issue.