T-Frog, Your New V8 LX May Be In The Pipeline

Oh, no, you don't... De-contented is YOUR thing, not mine. I'm happy with the new Mustangs as they are. I'm not really interested in ADDing any options, but I'm equally not interested in dropping any.

I like air conditioning, I like power windows, brakes, steering, etc. I'm not big on audio upgrades (I listen to AM news and sports, mostly, although an iPod connection is welcome), don't want anything that even looks like a GPS in the car, and if I have to pay more than the base price of a car, then the included options have to be really worthwhile.

So far, only the 3.73 gearing appeals to me in the 5.0. For the V6 model, I'd wait for the upcoming performance package.

Have you made a move yet, or is it dependent upon selling the Cobra?

dwight

I was ribbing you a bit. I do know, I think, you generally like more "functional" cars -- more subdued looks, and while not loaded, I think you like them "nicely equipped", right?

I've conceded on A/C. Cruising around 55-60, even 65 is cool. But with traffic now regularly flowing at 70+ going "windows down" isn't viable anymore.

I like power windows, brakes, steering, etc. I'm

Same here.

We have a Garmin and they do work well. Not interested at all with a built-in unit.

and if I have to pay more than the base price of a car, then

For me they have to make the car perform better. Faux spoilers & scoops, fancy upholstery, and electronic toys I can do without.

The Brembo brake package is a sweet deal. I've always hated Mustang brakes; hoping the Brembos finally match the car performance.

For the V6 model,

I like the V6 car; I'd just be worried by the time you'd get it to where you want you'd be better off with a base V8.

The car is on order. Should be here in another month or so. It's a base V8, 6-speed, 3.73s, Brembos, security package, no rear spoiler, and of course in black paint (charcoal interior).

I'm looking for the right buyer for the Cobra. Hate to sell it and see it a few weeks/months later sporting 22" spinners or some other atrocious look.

Patrick

I've seen these wheels on several cars and all I can say is these folks have taste for shi_!

Dick

Yes. I think the fake hood scoop is an abomination. The GT Appearance Package was simply ridiculous, especially on a GT. My wife's Escape has Sync, and my daughter's "new" 2008 Focus SES, too, but I could live without it. No spoiler, please, don't need leather seating surfaces, and I'm just not interested in any of the packages offered. Okay, still waiting to see the V6 Performance Package, but that's it. Oh, and the lighted door sills... Kewl.

I find that days over 92 or 93 degrees means "top up and AC on" in the convertible. And those especially muggy days... AC is a must. I always liked the fact that the old 5.0's knock out the compressor under heavy acceleration - priorities were always right in these cars.

The California Special Package, no thanks. I thought there was an SVT performance upgrade package for the 5.0, but I can't find it...

The Fox brakes was what got me started in upgrades. Godawful. But I'll pass on the Brembos - if I were to get into a new Mustang, I won't plan on stopping any time soon.

Nah. $23,390 for a base model with nothing but gears. Of course, it would have to be special-ordered, since almost every car on a dealer lot is a Premium or loaded with other goodies. Still, I understand that the interior in the base cars is not quite up to the standard of the Premium versions...

Optional packages: Exterior Appearance Package... please... V6 Pony Package... mostly stuff I don't want... Mustang Club Package... did someone say "tape stripe"?

With nothing selected other than the 3.31's, the price goes just over $27K for a coupe, and that's within spittin' distance of a base 5.0.

Same here, the day TFrog goes. I hope to never see it again, but...

It's been a bad week for the Frogs. TFrog's in the shop for steering pump and now steering rack. CFrog just lost overdrive and the top is separating from the body at one spot. Weeks like this, I start thinking about trading them both in.

But the mechanic took TFrog out for a spin on the highway, then raved about how strong it is. He doesn't believe that it has over 200K on the odometer. That little black 5.0 still moves me, and it's still the car that I swore I'd keep forever.

The quandary is, how do I keep TFrog AND have a new 2011 black Mustang coupe...? I may have to dig deeper and get a V6 convertible to replace CFrog.

Still going over the books...

dwght

I'm still trying to find out if the rumored twin turbo Ecoboost V6 with

400+HP will be available on the 2011 Mustang - at a reasonable price. Time will tell, Dick

To get any interior add-ons for both the V6 & V8 cars you are required to get the "deluxe" interior package. I wanted the better looking steering wheel and foot pedal surfaces that package offers, but was not going to spend the extra few grand [for the deluxe package] to get them.

I think that's standard on most everything now days.

Nope, just the Brembos and optional rear gears ratuios.

lol

I'm not taking a chance with the [stock] Ford brakes. Brembo's, please!

It's not. But when when you feel that acceleration push and hear the engine music it won't matter.

Yep, no way could I justify a loaded V6 car.

"But"... the cars (TFrog and my Cobra) deserve a new owner who treats them right, right?

The Cobra [too] has developed little annoyances that I'm tiring of.

My mechanic says the Cobra has another easy 100K left in the motor. (It now has over 140K.)

If I had a 3-slot garage I'd consider keeping the Cobra. But at my advancing age and with my other interests, I don't have time to tinker with it. That's why I decided to get an all-new romping daily driver.

My opinion. IF you decide to get a new one, let the two old ones go, grab a base model V8 and don't look back.

Patrick

Dick,

Looking for a modern SVO Mustang, are you? I think it would be a neat project for Ford. Though I don't know how many they'd sell when the

400+ HP GT is available because a turbo 6.would likely cost more than the naturally-aspirated V8. I think its [an Ecoboost V6] only purpose would be to give some street cred to the Mustang line amongst the import-tunner crowd.

Patrick

I recently purchased a 2010 Ford Flex from my neighborhood Ford dealer, so they would probably be agreeable to letting me take a nasty new Mustang for a test drive. But one thing would lead to another, and if I purchased a Mustang, I would wonder where I could store my beloved 84 Capri RS 5.0.

Note to myself: Dick, don't even think about it. :-( Dick

An LX is a good idea for those annoyed that Muscle cars morphed into luxury cars fully-optioned, with no choice as to what to pay.

The new 5.0 can be had for anwhere between $30K and $40K, depending upon options selected. The "stripped" 5.0 for $30K is a bargain, and comes with plenty of extras already built in.

If you want a muscle car for less, might I suggest a Honda Civic with a self-installed fart muffler?

dwight

Rich,

If you haven't noticed, all cars have done this. It's an effort to keep costs down to stay competitive. Variations slow down production; hence, raise the price of each car.

And if vehicles are coming "loaded" now, it's our/consumers' fault for demanding all the "bells & whistles".

That said, I'm with you. There's quite a few things I'd trim from modern cars.

Patrick