So, after nearly 5 years, I got rid of the Mustang. It wasn't so hard after: 2 sets of headers replaced by Ford. alternator replaced by Ford. 2 lower control arms replaced by Ford. radio replaced by Ford. power steering pump being replaced. 22 mpg, at best. dealing with the ****ty suspension/chassis/brakes. lack of power. lack of refinement. Sold it for 4.4k, and got this:
ok. Your 03 sold for 4.4k? That seems a little low. Was that trade in or private sale? Or was it low because of all the repairs?
Hmm, I don't know what to tell you.. mine has 140k, nothing has ever failed on it, including the heads. I got 30 mpg last month going from Portland to Seattle. Well, to each their own. By the way, I work with claims for an auto warranty company, I just had an S2000 last week with a blown engine. I hope yours is the exception.
It was a private sale. It had been keyed from the back right corner over the gas cap/fake brake cooler to the front of the passenger door, er, forked really. The power steering pump needed to be replaced, and the throw out bearing squeaked non-stop. The front pads also needed to be replaced. The thing is, I told Ford about everything. Maybe mine was lemon-ish, but my aunt's (same year/model) is slowly taking the same path to failure. I hope you guys enjoy your cars, but damn I love the refinement/efficiency of the Honda. The chassis/suspension is flawless. Bumps are so pleasant now, and cornering is unreal. The transmission is perfect. Everything about the car is perfect, there can't be a better performance car out there for the money. Not to mention, I can get 30 mpg and have more fun than I ever dreamed of having in the Mustang.
There are flaws with every vehicle manufacturer. I could tell you stories of other horrow stories i've had with other makes but it's pointless, everyone's expeirence is completely different. I always say, "every automaker has a service department for a reason". My '03 has actually been the best car i've ever owned. Zero warranty issues, only failure ever was a $180 alternator, runs stong, fun to drive, etc. Not knocking your decision to sell though. If you are happy now good luck to you.
I'd love to buy another make of vehicle, but after working for Ford, I'm convinced they brain-washed me. All I have purchased in the last 10 years are Ford's. Plan on another Ford after this one. Foreign cars scare me, especially after Toyota wanted $800 to replace a catalytic converter on a Matrix. But that's just me. The only other vehicle I can see myself owning is a used Range Rover. But that is some time away...want a V8 Mustang next...
According to Consumer Reports,2002/03 Mustangs were in their list of cars to avoid.Simply because those 2 years had the most problems.99-01 were reccomended buys. ChingonStang (Toyota wanted $800 for a new Cat).That's typical.Factory cats are NOT cheap.On my 96 3.8 .. R&R Catalytic Converters = $2100.labor is only $100.It's the cats that's costing you.Dont matter if you do it yourself.Still $2 grand. I'm a proud Ford owner/driver.Have only bought 1 chevy in my life.That (88 Celebrity) was a reliable car. I thought about getting a Honda numerous times.But now,I've totally made up my mind and dont want anything to do with them.Those damn ricers have ruined it.They are all over the place.And I'm so tired of seeing and hearing those things.I'd be afraid of having the car jacked if I owned one.
Wow , nice car man. They are fast cars and reliable. I wouldnt go tryin to beat up on GT's though. My 03 GT that i had beat several s2000's on the track and stoplight to stoplight.
Never mind.It's the V8 models of those 2 years to avoid.The V6's of 98-03 were marked as reliable.Sorry,my bad. Posted via Mobile Device
Lack of power....lack of refinement...sh***y brakes/suspension.....replaced headers twice? Control arms?? Sounds like a perfectionist to me.It's a base model V6.It was meant as a DD...not a sports car.That's why they have the GT..DUH. And why would you need the exhaust headers replaced? Twice at that.Sounds like someone didn't do something right the first time around. I never had 1 single problem with my control arms.Was it driven rough? Do a lot of potholes? Riding with bad struts? Get into an accident? The alternator isn't a big problem.I've been through 7 of them on my 96.6 reman's and 1 brand new.Excessive use of the A/C here in south Florida is typical.Alternators get burned up from constant heavy current draw. My V6 may be weak,but I still like driving it.It's NOT a sports car but has decent handling.I allready have a sports car sitting in my driveway.My 92 5.0 convertible. Thank you
id have to agree that the v6 model is just a sports car look alike, very nice too look at but nothing compared to the quality u get with the gt, not to mention the power.
eh, mine has had its problems blown radiator hoses, f'ed up the distributor in the rain (ill never know how, just some light rain, not even any puddles), the cross member had just bout fallen off, new tranny mount, all at bout 70k miles. not too bad considering i've beaten the car like the silly whore she is. now im lookin at new rear struts at 85k. all in all im happy with my 6er. i'm a valet a local hotel so i drive other's cars all day long, i love the s2000, nice buy. however in the stang's defense they are some of the best wearing cars i drive. i drive hondas, toyos, and chevies that are just as abused as mine and are three times worse for the wear
I always find it quite humorous when someone tries to compare a vehicle that was priced at $19k with one that was priced at $30k+. Maybe the fact that it is a tiny little matchbox car is why you enjoy the suspension, cornering, etc.
To offer a counter point I used to work for a off lease liquidation center. I drove all makes and models of vehicles. I only had one mustang at the time my 91 GT. I was never dissapointed in any way with it. I understand we can't drive muscle cars all the time, two cars I really liked were the Mazda Tribute and the Lexus ES330. I was very suprised how fast the Tribute was, it runs something like a low 16high 15.
There's no way you actually meant a "Tribute".Those are Ford Escape lookalikes with the 2.3L I4.Those things are major dogs and take forever to get up to speed. You must have meant the RX-8 with the rotary engine.
