Mustang GT
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Don't listen to DD, those cars are for corporate tossers in the States that call AAA if their taillight goes out. However:
thrakazog wrote:
And according to my girlfriend "chicks dig it."
Because they want to drive one themselves. Get an SRT8 Challenger, or just wait for the '12-13 Cherokee SRT8
Craigslist Troll: litaly@comcast.net "I have a theory that the truth is never told during the nine-to-five hours. " — Hunter S. Thompson
wizardzz wrote:
in the States that call AAA if their taillight goes out
That says more about the people that buy them, in the States, rather than the car.
Steve Jowett ------------------------- Real Programmers don't need comments -- the code is obvious.
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So you're just regurgitating Top Gear?
Craigslist Troll: litaly@comcast.net "I have a theory that the truth is never told during the nine-to-five hours. " — Hunter S. Thompson
Hardly, I have owned several jags and driven American cars. They are tacky inside, cheap materials and barely nailed together. Mind you, I did enjoy driving the Pontiac Grand Prix once I figured out the sport option on the gearbox.
------------------------------------ I will never again mention that I was the poster of the One Millionth Lounge Post, nor that it was complete drivel. Dalek Dave CCC Link[^] Trolls[^]
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So my current car is starting to show its age. I've been thinking about setting some money on fire and buying a Mustang GT Convertible. Something about 400+ horsepower just sounds like a lot of fun. And according to my girlfriend "chicks dig it." Anyone own a Mustang they would care to share their thoughts on? I'd like to hear what people think about the build quality, reliability, etc.
I test drove one, considering a replacement for my heavily modified 2004 Pontiac GTO that gets 440HP and magically 31mpg. The Mustang only gets great economy with the highest gear ratio, the EPA allows different configurations for the MPG test. Furthermore, the wheels are massive. Which is great, until you replace them. The steering wheel doesn't telescope and while the steering wheel on my GTO doesn't telescope either, it isn't bolted straight to the dash. The interior is bleh, the really cool interior colors are limited to lame exterior colors. A fully loaded GT will set you back $43k and there is a mustang EVERYWHERE! My neighbor has 3 late model mustangs in his driveway. As for reliability, which is your question, it is Ford. Ford makes millions of cars I wouldn't be too concerned with getting a lemon. Build quality ... well, lets just say the Ford Emblem on my truck got replaced under warranty twice and you could cut your hand on the plastic in my 02 GT. Apples to Oranges yes but sit in a 3-series and sit in a GT and you will be amazed at the difference in interior quality. Of course, don't be fooled by the BMW, they seem to be maintenance nightmares. In my 6 months of research I decided to just keep the Goat until the wheels fall off. There is not a new car out there worth the money in my opinion right now except some of the sub 20 econo boxes ... but then is 20k an econo box? My 2002 Mustang GT fully loaded cost 21k out the door with an Automatic Transmission. (No comments, the GTO does have a proper gear box, however). If I were to truly do anything about my current car situation I would buy an off-lease. Unfortunately, for you that means no Mustang since the new 5.0 is only one model year old!. A 1-series BMW with a DCT is fast but maintenance PITA and the dealer's are proud of them if you know what I mean. I would say get a GTO but, well, hear is the dirty secret, KBB is 7k, most dealers want 18k and they are very expensive to replace parts on (high insurance too).
Need custom software developed? I do custom programming based primarily on MS tools with an emphasis on C# development and consulting. I also do Android Programming as I find it a refreshing break from the MS. "And they, since they Were not the one dead, turned to their affairs" -- Robert Frost
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wizardzz wrote:
in the States that call AAA if their taillight goes out
That says more about the people that buy them, in the States, rather than the car.
Steve Jowett ------------------------- Real Programmers don't need comments -- the code is obvious.
Well, it hints at the repair costs, but regarding your point, isn't that enough reason not to want to be confused with those wankers? Every engineer or trader that makes 70k a year gets a 300 series BMW. Like assholes, everyone has one.
Craigslist Troll: litaly@comcast.net "I have a theory that the truth is never told during the nine-to-five hours. " — Hunter S. Thompson
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Alternatively you could buy something good. Yank Cars are terrible at corners, shodily built and underpowered for the engine size. Better off with a Jaguar, BMW or Audi. Well engineered and reliable, and with more class than the 'Look at me' vulgarity of the GT.
------------------------------------ I will never again mention that I was the poster of the One Millionth Lounge Post, nor that it was complete drivel. Dalek Dave CCC Link[^] Trolls[^]
Dalek Dave wrote:
Better off with a Jaguar
Jaguar (and Land Rover) was owned by Ford until March 2008 when they were sold to an Indian company, Tata. They are still built on a shared platform with Ford Models.
Pete O'Hanlon wrote:
I'm looking forward to it; primarily because it should wipe that smug grin off Steve Jobs face.
CPallini wrote:
You cannot argue with agile people so just take the extreme approach and shoot him. :Smile:
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As someone who likes these kinds of cars, unlike Dalek Dave, I think I can give my honest opinion.... I have rented several Mustang convertibles over the last 10 years and they are all excellent build quality and fun to drive. Having said that, I am a Camaro guy. I have a 2002 Z28 convertible. The 2011 Camaro SS convertible is 426 HP, fully loaded out is about 45K (yes I have priced one out). For me, if I were getting a Mustang, I would want a Shelby. The GT is nice, but I crave horsepower and throwback in the seat. The more the better, I say.... If you haven't looked at the Camaro, you might want to. It is an excellent car.... Wish I could get one!
This[^] was probably the best car I ever had in terms of driving pleasure, the Mk2 Toyota MR2. Fast, light, went round corners like it was on rails and always put a smile on your face.
------------------------------------ I will never again mention that I was the poster of the One Millionth Lounge Post, nor that it was complete drivel. Dalek Dave CCC Link[^] Trolls[^]
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wizardzz wrote:
in the States that call AAA if their taillight goes out
That says more about the people that buy them, in the States, rather than the car.
Steve Jowett ------------------------- Real Programmers don't need comments -- the code is obvious.
True; but in the states even if you're a first class gearhead and modified your import to perform well above stock; 99% of people seeing you drive it will think that of you. If they notice it's been souped up they'll also assume you're sufficiently underendowed to pay someone $$$Stupid to do that work for you. :rolleyes:
3x12=36 2x12=24 1x12=12 0x12=18
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Alternatively you could buy something good. Yank Cars are terrible at corners, shodily built and underpowered for the engine size. Better off with a Jaguar, BMW or Audi. Well engineered and reliable, and with more class than the 'Look at me' vulgarity of the GT.
------------------------------------ I will never again mention that I was the poster of the One Millionth Lounge Post, nor that it was complete drivel. Dalek Dave CCC Link[^] Trolls[^]
Dave, please check the "consumers report" from the last three years. It’s an English not American magazine and they make their researches among 1.5 million car owners. The car makers you have listed are on the very bottom of the list for reliability. The most reliable car makers for the last two years are Honda, Toyota, Ford, GM, and Nissan in this order. Make some research; you are too intelligent to be a slave of some stereotypes coming from the mid-90s.
There is only one Ashley Judd and Salma Hayek is her prophet! Advertise here – minimum three posts per day are guaranteed.
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haven't owned one since I had my old school Mach1. Have to say it was bad@@@ though. :-D Having said that, in spite of technological innovations and whatnot, I just have not been impressed with modern day "muscle" cars. I would take a rebuilt late 60's muscle car over a new one any day. Edit: Course, I might of forgot to mention that my old Mach was custom built and packed over 600 horses..... So I'm slightly prejudiced in its favor.
Programming is a race between programmers trying to build bigger and better idiot proof programs, and the universe trying to build bigger and better idiots, so far... the universe is winning.
gavindon wrote:
Having said that, in spite of technological innovations and whatnot, I just have not been impressed with modern day "muscle" cars. I would take a rebuilt late 60's muscle car over a new one any day.
I concur.
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"Some people are making such thorough preparation for rainy days that they aren't enjoying today's sunshine." - William Feather
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Hardly, I have owned several jags and driven American cars. They are tacky inside, cheap materials and barely nailed together. Mind you, I did enjoy driving the Pontiac Grand Prix once I figured out the sport option on the gearbox.
------------------------------------ I will never again mention that I was the poster of the One Millionth Lounge Post, nor that it was complete drivel. Dalek Dave CCC Link[^] Trolls[^]
Dalek Dave wrote:
They are tacky inside, cheap materials and barely nailed together.
See I get that from Jap cars. I had a loaner Acura, what a chintzy p.o.s. I think in the last decade, the higher end American cars have come around, especially when compared to their counterparts in their price range, but it really depends on the Make/Model. I like 4x4 and larger vehicles, I will admit the Audi Q7 is a very fine piece of machinery (and my girlfriend was pushing for one), but for the same price I can run a sub 5-second 0-60 in an American SUV.
Craigslist Troll: litaly@comcast.net "I have a theory that the truth is never told during the nine-to-five hours. " — Hunter S. Thompson
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Get the coupe. Convertibles weigh more, and that damn top WILL decay on you (and leak when it rains). This is the Mustang I used to have: 302, dual-qual, toploader 4-speed, 9-inch rear with gusseted axle tubes 31-spline axles, staggered shocks [^] beauty shot[^] I wasn't about chrome - I was about performance. All of the removable body panels were maded of fiberglass (including the rear bumper), side windws were lexan, fiberglass racing seats bolted to the floor 9as opposed to being adjustable), no back seat, 4-point roll cage, 5-point racing harness, and no carpeting. If it wasn't structurally required or a speed part, it wasn't on the car. That was my daily driver, too. :)
".45 ACP - because shooting twice is just silly" - JSOP, 2010
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You can never have too much ammo - unless you're swimming, or on fire. - JSOP, 2010
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"Why don't you tie a kerosene-soaked rag around your ankles so the ants won't climb up and eat your candy ass." - Dale Earnhardt, 1997modified on Thursday, May 19, 2011 4:16 PM
John Simmons / outlaw programmer wrote:
Get the coupe. Convertibles weigh more
They do weigh more, but it's a lot harder to get the top off a coup. Probably something in there about voiding the warranty also.... :laugh: I just dig the open air feel of convertibles so that much of the decision has been made at least.
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Dalek Dave wrote:
Better off with a Jaguar
Jaguar (and Land Rover) was owned by Ford until March 2008 when they were sold to an Indian company, Tata. They are still built on a shared platform with Ford Models.
Pete O'Hanlon wrote:
I'm looking forward to it; primarily because it should wipe that smug grin off Steve Jobs face.
CPallini wrote:
You cannot argue with agile people so just take the extreme approach and shoot him. :Smile:
Shelby Robertson wrote:
Jaguar (and Land Rover) was owned by Ford until March 2008 when they were sold to an Indian company, Tata. They are still built on a shared platform with Ford Models.
Shhhhh... And never, ever mention that Mercs and Audis are used as taxis in Germany.
Never give aversion therapy to a masochist. The results are unpredictable. My Mu[sic] My Films My Windows Programs, etc.
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Get the coupe. Convertibles weigh more, and that damn top WILL decay on you (and leak when it rains). This is the Mustang I used to have: 302, dual-qual, toploader 4-speed, 9-inch rear with gusseted axle tubes 31-spline axles, staggered shocks [^] beauty shot[^] I wasn't about chrome - I was about performance. All of the removable body panels were maded of fiberglass (including the rear bumper), side windws were lexan, fiberglass racing seats bolted to the floor 9as opposed to being adjustable), no back seat, 4-point roll cage, 5-point racing harness, and no carpeting. If it wasn't structurally required or a speed part, it wasn't on the car. That was my daily driver, too. :)
".45 ACP - because shooting twice is just silly" - JSOP, 2010
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You can never have too much ammo - unless you're swimming, or on fire. - JSOP, 2010
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"Why don't you tie a kerosene-soaked rag around your ankles so the ants won't climb up and eat your candy ass." - Dale Earnhardt, 1997modified on Thursday, May 19, 2011 4:16 PM
Here's what I used to have (but in blue). Well, actually it was my Sister's car[^], which my Dad bought for her. From the kid across the street. For $75.
Never give aversion therapy to a masochist. The results are unpredictable. My Mu[sic] My Films My Windows Programs, etc.
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As someone who likes these kinds of cars, unlike Dalek Dave, I think I can give my honest opinion.... I have rented several Mustang convertibles over the last 10 years and they are all excellent build quality and fun to drive. Having said that, I am a Camaro guy. I have a 2002 Z28 convertible. The 2011 Camaro SS convertible is 426 HP, fully loaded out is about 45K (yes I have priced one out). For me, if I were getting a Mustang, I would want a Shelby. The GT is nice, but I crave horsepower and throwback in the seat. The more the better, I say.... If you haven't looked at the Camaro, you might want to. It is an excellent car.... Wish I could get one!
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Shelby Robertson wrote:
Jaguar (and Land Rover) was owned by Ford until March 2008 when they were sold to an Indian company, Tata. They are still built on a shared platform with Ford Models.
Shhhhh... And never, ever mention that Mercs and Audis are used as taxis in Germany.
Never give aversion therapy to a masochist. The results are unpredictable. My Mu[sic] My Films My Windows Programs, etc.
Last trip to Germany it was cheaper to get a car at the hotel than a taxi at the place I was visiting (ten minute walk)- it was a Merc in great condition. A luxury ride doign 150kph on the autobahn. Meeeeeeeeeeeeeeowww!
Join the cool kids - Come fold with us[^] "Program as if the technical support department is full of serial killers and they know your home address" - Ray Cassick Jr., RIP
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I test drove one, considering a replacement for my heavily modified 2004 Pontiac GTO that gets 440HP and magically 31mpg. The Mustang only gets great economy with the highest gear ratio, the EPA allows different configurations for the MPG test. Furthermore, the wheels are massive. Which is great, until you replace them. The steering wheel doesn't telescope and while the steering wheel on my GTO doesn't telescope either, it isn't bolted straight to the dash. The interior is bleh, the really cool interior colors are limited to lame exterior colors. A fully loaded GT will set you back $43k and there is a mustang EVERYWHERE! My neighbor has 3 late model mustangs in his driveway. As for reliability, which is your question, it is Ford. Ford makes millions of cars I wouldn't be too concerned with getting a lemon. Build quality ... well, lets just say the Ford Emblem on my truck got replaced under warranty twice and you could cut your hand on the plastic in my 02 GT. Apples to Oranges yes but sit in a 3-series and sit in a GT and you will be amazed at the difference in interior quality. Of course, don't be fooled by the BMW, they seem to be maintenance nightmares. In my 6 months of research I decided to just keep the Goat until the wheels fall off. There is not a new car out there worth the money in my opinion right now except some of the sub 20 econo boxes ... but then is 20k an econo box? My 2002 Mustang GT fully loaded cost 21k out the door with an Automatic Transmission. (No comments, the GTO does have a proper gear box, however). If I were to truly do anything about my current car situation I would buy an off-lease. Unfortunately, for you that means no Mustang since the new 5.0 is only one model year old!. A 1-series BMW with a DCT is fast but maintenance PITA and the dealer's are proud of them if you know what I mean. I would say get a GTO but, well, hear is the dirty secret, KBB is 7k, most dealers want 18k and they are very expensive to replace parts on (high insurance too).
Need custom software developed? I do custom programming based primarily on MS tools with an emphasis on C# development and consulting. I also do Android Programming as I find it a refreshing break from the MS. "And they, since they Were not the one dead, turned to their affairs" -- Robert Frost
Ennis Ray Lynch, Jr. wrote:
In my 6 months of research I decided to just keep the Goat until the wheels fall off.
Ahem... This is a "Goat":http://www.flickr.com/photos/appleman64/279835672/[^] This is merely a gto: http://www.gmhightechperformance.com/tech/0607htp_2004_pontiac_gto_header_installation/photo_01.html[^]
There is no failure only feedback
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Get the coupe. Convertibles weigh more, and that damn top WILL decay on you (and leak when it rains). This is the Mustang I used to have: 302, dual-qual, toploader 4-speed, 9-inch rear with gusseted axle tubes 31-spline axles, staggered shocks [^] beauty shot[^] I wasn't about chrome - I was about performance. All of the removable body panels were maded of fiberglass (including the rear bumper), side windws were lexan, fiberglass racing seats bolted to the floor 9as opposed to being adjustable), no back seat, 4-point roll cage, 5-point racing harness, and no carpeting. If it wasn't structurally required or a speed part, it wasn't on the car. That was my daily driver, too. :)
".45 ACP - because shooting twice is just silly" - JSOP, 2010
-----
You can never have too much ammo - unless you're swimming, or on fire. - JSOP, 2010
-----
"Why don't you tie a kerosene-soaked rag around your ankles so the ants won't climb up and eat your candy ass." - Dale Earnhardt, 1997modified on Thursday, May 19, 2011 4:16 PM
long since have had no pics of my old one , but this is almost identical in looks to mine. My powertrain and chassis were custom though so had a lot more oomph than the one in this add.
Programming is a race between programmers trying to build bigger and better idiot proof programs, and the universe trying to build bigger and better idiots, so far... the universe is winning.
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So my current car is starting to show its age. I've been thinking about setting some money on fire and buying a Mustang GT Convertible. Something about 400+ horsepower just sounds like a lot of fun. And according to my girlfriend "chicks dig it." Anyone own a Mustang they would care to share their thoughts on? I'd like to hear what people think about the build quality, reliability, etc.
thrakazog wrote:
Something about 400+ horsepower just sounds like a lot of fun.
Yeah 400 hp in a straight line maybe, don't take it for a cruise on a twisty highway though or you'll be disapointed. Honestly unless you take it to a track where are you going to really get a chance to open it up that is both straight and flat enough and with a lack of police to get any kind of fun out of it. These are the kind of cars that you invest in, as in a classic from the late 60's early 70's and you take it out once in a while, have fun with it but you certainly don't drive it every day. Modern ones are just a pale shade of the original.
thrakazog wrote:
I'd like to hear what people think about the build quality, reliability, etc.
You don't buy a sports car for the build quality and reliability. If that's your thinking go buy a Honda Civic instead. That being said if you want a truly well built car that is fun to drive, sporty, and won't attract the police like ants to honey then get something like a high end Subaru Imprezza or Mitsubishi Evo instead.
There is no failure only feedback
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Alternatively you could buy something good. Yank Cars are terrible at corners, shodily built and underpowered for the engine size. Better off with a Jaguar, BMW or Audi. Well engineered and reliable, and with more class than the 'Look at me' vulgarity of the GT.
------------------------------------ I will never again mention that I was the poster of the One Millionth Lounge Post, nor that it was complete drivel. Dalek Dave CCC Link[^] Trolls[^]
Dalek Dave wrote:
Better off with a Jaguar,
I agree. My Jaguar is very reliable and fun to drive. And Ford fixed the nagging problems that plagued previous Jags.
CQ de W5ALT
Walt Fair, Jr., P. E. Comport Computing Specializing in Technical Engineering Software
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thrakazog wrote:
Something about 400+ horsepower just sounds like a lot of fun.
Yeah 400 hp in a straight line maybe, don't take it for a cruise on a twisty highway though or you'll be disapointed. Honestly unless you take it to a track where are you going to really get a chance to open it up that is both straight and flat enough and with a lack of police to get any kind of fun out of it. These are the kind of cars that you invest in, as in a classic from the late 60's early 70's and you take it out once in a while, have fun with it but you certainly don't drive it every day. Modern ones are just a pale shade of the original.
thrakazog wrote:
I'd like to hear what people think about the build quality, reliability, etc.
You don't buy a sports car for the build quality and reliability. If that's your thinking go buy a Honda Civic instead. That being said if you want a truly well built car that is fun to drive, sporty, and won't attract the police like ants to honey then get something like a high end Subaru Imprezza or Mitsubishi Evo instead.
There is no failure only feedback
John C wrote:
You don't buy a sports car for the build quality and reliability
My concern there is that sometimes things are done poorly or overlooked. An example being a suburban my dad owns. The paint had to be stripped and redone because a poor grade was used. The dashboard also had a problem of disintegrating when exposed to sunlight. A Nissan I had was built with a computer issue where the car wouldn't start if it was below freezing. A Hyundai I own had a problem of the door handle coating flaking off in razer sharp chunks. Things like that are what I want to avoid. In any car really.