Ford Mustang (2005 and Newer)

blackmustanggt · February 2006

Just a brief V8 mileage note; My 06 is getting 21 MPG with a mix of city and hi-way driving. Not to shabby considering I like to stomp on the gas.

detailz · February 2006

I received my 06 Mustang GT back in September of 05 and it came with the satin finished "fan blade" type wheels which were the only type rims available at the time. Can anyone tell me the cost of a set of the 18" polished rims and should I get these through the dealer or through a different source?

bostonbrats · February 2006

Good morning--funny story about tires/rims--we bought our 2006 Mustang GT Premium convertible on Christmas Eve 2005 from Gillespie Ford in San Antonio--got it home--the next morning was giving it the first complete wash and detail--I am an anal type of guy--something made me look more closely at the tires--specifically the size--noticed they were 17" with the gray spoke rims--I immediately remembered our window sticker saying we had paid over $1K for 18" polished rims--as it was Christmas morning the dealership wasn't open--the very next day I was at the dealership when the doors opened and told them the dilemma--at first they didn't seem to receptive--but the proof was right in front of them--they finally admitted that my car had been on display at the San Antonio Auto Show and they had swapped out the rims (why I have no idea). We walked the entire lot and ironically the one set of 18" polished rims they had was on a black 2006 V-6--so they swapped them out for me and threw in a set of red pony logo floor matts for the inconvenience. My thoughts were/are--what if I wasn't anal and hadn't noticed the size of the tires--I would have been stuck with the stock tires/rims (with the Ford logo in the middle)--and whomever would have bought that V-6 would have lucked into the premium 18" rims (with pony logo in the middle)--I am so thankful I noticed this. By the way--I have not seen ONE Mustang in person with the 18" polished rims--all I have seen on the road have either the 17" gray painted or the 18" fan blades mentioned above--really makes our car stand out--take care and have a great Sunday! :shades:

macatowa · February 2006

One came into my dealership about a week before mine came in, I first thought they ordered mine wrong because it was due in about then. Vista blue with 18" polished Aluminum looks the best of all I have seen so far, I have the 17' Machined wheels with all option but the shaker 1000. The car is fantastic I wouldn't change a thing, except one day I may want those 18" wheels!

motionneon · February 2006

FYI. They make a 17" polished Aluminum bullit that looks the same as the 18", but with the obvious added benefit of a softer ride and no worries about bent rims. It can be found online at fordaccessories.com. I plan on order them once I buy my 2006 GT conv.

m1miata · February 2006

So you test drove a Fusion and like it. That is a good thing. Never hurts to drive it and a Stang a couple more times before making a decision. The Fusion is based on the Mazda6, which is a good FWD platform, and should handle well. The interior looks great. If you like the feel and drive of the FWD car better, I would go for that one over the Mustang. The Fusion and Mustang are both good cars. I too don't care for the dash, or the dash gauges. I owned a '65 Mustang, and never thought the dashboard was anything special. Actually prefer the previous Stang in a way. Mixed feelings about retro cars being seen as replica cars. The car does look good, at least the side and back views. Will see how the new car does for reliability, as something tells me a 2004 GT may be a safer bet in that respect. The new V6, if priced under $20K, may represent a decent value. I do recall a few years ago ads for Stangs around the $15K range though.

Loren

akirby · February 2006

I'm buying both! Just bought a Tungsten Fusion SEL V6 with every option as a daily driver and plan on buying a Tungsten Mustang GT convertible w/manual in a couple of years as a fun car. I really wanted a manual GT vert but was concerned about driving it every day. I also liked the Fusion a lot so this seemed like a good plan.

The Fusion has very good power (it's as quick as my 2000 LS V8) and drives and handles very good for a nose heavy FWD car. So you can't go wrong there. But if you just have to have a mustang - go for it!

mschmal · February 2006

Don't count on that, the old Mustang was AWFUL. Remember that it had such and old design that it really couldn't be built reliable.

The new Stang was in the TOP 3 for its catagory in the JD Powers Initial Quality Survey

m1miata · February 2006

JD Powers mechanical rating was better on the '04. There is nothing in the old design which would make it unreliable. My guess is that things such as the windows which move down when the door opens, then cinch up as it closes will be problematic, though I understand how it is suppose to be better. Don't recall any fueling problem on the old Stang, nor strange clunking noises. Will be interesting to see how the New Stang did in Consumer Reports. Will look for the mag.

Loren

jeffbog · February 2006

Has anyone used the AUX input for adding XM (or Sirius)radio to their car? I have temporarily installed the unit using the FM built in transmitter. Sounds OK, but I would rather have it hard wired and not use up an FM preset.

I have the Shaker 500. Any help or direction to other information on the web would be appreciated.

BTW - This is the best car I have ever owned. I can't wait for the spring. I've only had it out a few times since November. '05 GT manual. Sorry to hear that some posters are having problems. ~8000 miles so far.

detailz · February 2006

Thought I would throw this in as I took delivery of my 06' GT back in Sept. of 05'..when discussing "audio" options or ordering my true sports car, I told the salesman I really didn't really care about any kind of audio options.........being that I only really wanted to hear the "roar" of the V8 in the GT.......now THAT was music to my ears.

Anyway..........received it with the std. audio and CD player and it sounds awesome......can still fit 2 sets of golf clubs in the trunk without the obnoxious "shaker boom box" (or whatever it is called) in the trunk....what was Ford thinking when they made that an option????...18-20 year olds buying these things............like they can afford it??...... wouldn't think this is needed in these types of beautiful machines anyway.

Anyway, enjoy the GT and ALL the great things it has to offer........you WILL leave the work that you do and ABSOLUTELY forget what happened during the day....totally engrossed in the machine that you are driving....GUARENTEE
Look for a "statement" in NEWSWEEK magazine about the Mustang GT as I talked to a reporter while there on vacation in the Southwest....

Thanks.......

Dave

lmm · February 2006

Mercedes has been doing this for years. I was quite surprised to see this on the coupe.

"My guess is that things such as the windows which move down when the door opens, then cinch up as it closes will be problematic"

maligant1975 · February 2006

I own a 2001 V8 Mustang and I have been in love since the day I bought it. Lately I have been itching to buy her a companion and the 05-06 models are awesome. I heard a rumor that Ford would release a Bullitt in 08 if so, hell yea I am going to wait!!! But as with most rumors I have found no other confirmation than one line in a Stang mag. Any news?

m1miata · February 2006

Well, perhaps the next big change for the Stang is the concept car look. Some of the original styling of that concept car back in 2004, would spice things up a bit.

Let's see last time gas got tight, there was the '74 Pinto Stang. :surprise:
Sorry about that, must be a terrible flash back.

Anyway, I do hope they change the front and rear lights area to be more like the models shown a few years back. That would be a cool evolution of this old, but handsome looking retro car. And please, a new interior with a rounded dash, gauges close together so they show between the steering wheel, and less hard plastic, if possible without breaking the bank.

Loren

tmtgt · February 2006

I'm looking to upgrade my 05 GT with a set of axle-back mufflers. I like Bassani, but others seem pretty good, too. Does anyone have any input? I'm looking for good deep sound that doesn't sound cheap and too loud. Also, prices seem to vary. Is there that much of a difference in quality?---Thanks- Tom

lavrishevo · February 2006

I like Borla, fantastic sound and lifetime warranty; heard you actually loose horse power on Flowmaster. I like Magnaflow but I still think Borla is better. Bassani I have heard is good, don't know much about them.

tmtgt · February 2006

Thanks. I heard Borla is good, I just haven't heard the sound clip yet..I'll keep lookin...car's is still resting in the garage, waiting for spring.

islandbrah · February 2006

I bought the SLP loudmouth axle back exhaust and OMG! car sounds tons better. at idle the stang is a little throatier but at WOT look out! The note is huge. SLP unit is basically a double walled 12" exhaust tip. no baffles. may be too loud for the faint of heart but i get kudos everywhere i go. good luck on your search.. oh and it was only 249.00 through rpmoutlet.com

lmm · February 2006

Try the MRT axle back. They have it for either the V6 or GT. Some reports have shown an extra 10rwhp. It has convinced some not to go with duals for v6.

macatowa · February 2006

Had the rev limiter kick in for the first time today, It was around 6,300 - 6,400 rpm's Is this normal and what rpm has anyone else noticed their's kick in.

tmtgt · February 2006

It's happened to me when I wasn't watching the tac. It just loses power and for a second, and you think you blew the engine. Also, about 105 mph, (happened once, but this car is great at high speeds!) the car just lost power. I'm thinking of putting in a chip, not that I want to redline it, but I've heard about a noticable increase in performance and no regulators. I'm also upgrading the exhaust and the intake, so a chip would help.

pony_pirate · February 2006

The way the cops have been eyeing me, even when I'm not speeding, has made me invest in a good radar detector. :shades:

macatowa · February 2006

Well you know what they say, "power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely" this applies to the GT absolutely!

pony_pirate · February 2006

The Consumer Reports site (fee required) quotes researchers at Johns Hopkins as finding that the chips in ignition keys can be easily hacked, that passive security systems thus offer little protection.

tomford1 · February 2006

Hey I just bought an '06 blue 4.0 liter! Traded in my 2005 Ford Five Hundred. It just felt like a generic old mans family sedan. What a difference! Awesome. I read the Mustang engine is built in Germany. Is this a good engine? I had a 3.0 Duratec in the 500. Pretty gutless. I can't find much info on the Mustang engine because there is no trade name on it. Thanks!

akirby · February 2006

Commonly known as the Cologne engine. It's been used (in it's present SOHC form) since 97 in the Explorer and just after that in the Ranger. Early problems with the cam chain were fixed and it's been bulletproof since then as far as I know.

mschmal · February 2006

Here is the link to the John Hopkins article.

Its pretty appearent that the "easily hacked" is an gross overstatement. Thats like saying shooting 3 point baskets is easy just because guys in the NBA do it. Or that heart surgury is easy because lots of doctors do it.

Here is the relevant quote:

In 15 minutes time, the researchers found they were able to uncover the secret code which is encrypted in a RF device by linking 16 inexpensive microchips that they purchased for $200. Once they knew this code, they could input it into another gadget that would imitate the original RF device.

The Johns Hopkins researchers were able to successfully use this method to hack into a SpeedPass token and make purchases with it. In addition, they uncovered the code in a 2005 Ford Escape. By then transmitting this code, they could use a normal ignition key to start the SUV, as opposed to normally needing a secure immobilizer key.

Your key is what is transmitting the code and the range is very short.

To steal your car, someone would have to capture the RF code transmitted by your key and they would have to get with in 3 to 5 feet to do it. Also this code once captured would only be good until that key is used again after which time the code for that key changes.

Even with the code, they would still have to engage the ignition of the target car.

Oh and it takes 15 mins just to get the code, not counting tiem for "hot wiring" the ignition once you have the code.

Sounds like an awefull lot of trouble to steal a Ford Focus.

Mark.

tomford1 · February 2006

pony_pirate · February 2006

mschmal, Consumer Reports states that anyone with a lapton sitting next to you in a Starbucks can hack the codes of keys and passes you are carrying on your person.

The researchers broke a code by bringing a hacking device, a simple laptop, into a car. They furnish a video of how its done --- it takes mere seconds. They insert a key without the radio chip into the ignition and wave an antenna hooked up to the laptop as they turn the key. Voila! The car starts. They give instructions on the internet on how to set up a laptop to break codes (see link below).

A thief, who obviously is unlikely to have a copy of your key, only has to hotwire the ignition instead.

The hacker has to break your code only once to steal your car. Thus the resetting of the code is of limited protection.

Further the information you furnish about hacking being possible at only short distances, inches, is false. The hacker can eavesdrop at a range of "tens of feet" when you use your key.

Hopkins researchers state that the codes in use are unacceptably short and should be lengthened.

I think it's only a matter of time, a very short time, before car theives start using this technology to steal expensive cars. The return on their dollar, the investment they have to make vs the profit they can realize, is a huge inducement for them to adapt and overcome the new technology. If experience has taught us anything, it is that every cyber security system can and will be breached, especially one as primitive as the car ignition key codes.

Do what you want, but I use a steering wheel lock device, this in addition to my active theft system.

The Hopkins report can be found at:

http://www.rfidanalysis.org/

mschmal · February 2006

Did we read the same report?

Dude I don't think we have to worry about your average car thief carrying this out.

IT would have to be a pretty well organized and calculated.

Mark.

pony_pirate · February 2006

mschmal, did you download the video which shows them starting a car without a chip, with just a laptop and chipless key? A few waves of the antenna paddle to read the code and that's it. It literally took them no longer than turning the ignition key. Link above in my last post.

As far as car thieves being "organized and calculated" enough to pull this off, where do you live, Mayberry? Car theft is big business with highly organized and very calculating car theft rings in every major US metropolitan center. Your car or its parts can be in Brazil, or any other country in the world, within a week. It seems GT's are fetching $50k in Germany, $40k in Puerto Rico (see other thread).

explorerx4 · February 2006

if your vehicle is in demand but too tough to steal, they may just stick a gun in your back to get it. :mad:

pony_pirate · February 2006

no joke.

lmm · March 2006

They can steal any car any time if they want it bad enough.

they can always tow it away.

not worth worrying about it.

pony_pirate · March 2006

Agree, but might as well make it as difficult as possible for them, hence the bar on the steering wheel and active anti-theft, with flashing light on the dash. Anything that slows them down might discourage them. Thieves are looking for easy, quick targets, to minimze their chances of getting caught.

explorerx4 · March 2006

some car thieves are looking for opportunities. others are looking for specific vehicles.

pony_pirate · March 2006

Well, in that case, why don't you just leave the doors unlocked and the key in the ignition? :shades:

lmm · March 2006

the pros will get it no matter what you do.

it's the guy looking for a joyride that the little things you do will discourage.

rorr · March 2006

I wonder how easy it is to hack some of those new 'Keyless Ignition' systems where the 'key' (with transponder) never leaves your pocket and there is just a 'start' button on the dash.

edit:

hey! How did you guys get all that crap up in the title bar?

mschmal · March 2006

I remember reading in South Africa, car jacking was/is so bad that people are rigging up flame throwers that shoot from just under the doors and they ARE NOT illegel.

Must be hell on your paint job though.

I also think that its a good idea NOT to take your hot car to places like the mall etc where the theives are hanging out.

It sucks trying to park the Mustang with the long doors.

Mark.

pony_pirate · March 2006

Car theft is the least of S. Africa's worries, where a rape occurs every 60-90 seconds.

tranti · March 2006

I love my mustang but I miss a sunroof. I owned VW, Civic, Accord. All of them have sunroofs. I searched and found out one company inalfasunroofs.com that installs aftermarket sunroof on Mustang 05. Anyone knows about aftermarket sunroof, please tell me your opinion or experience about it.

pony_pirate · March 2006

I don't how you guys do it, put an American flag by your name, but I have a small flag on my rear window, driver's side, in an area, San Francisco, unfriendly to such displays of patriotism. :shades:

akirby · March 2006

Go into your profile and select a country.

pony_pirate · March 2006

Thanks. Isn't it funny how the solution is so often right under your nose? :shades:

mac92 · March 2006

I have had my 06 mustang since 12/29/05, and I love it!!!! I have had it in the shop once for a grinding noise when there is a lot of weight in the car (ie. 4 people) and I had total withdrawl while it was there.It is fixed now... knock on wood!!!
It is definitely like my 3rd child, and I am very possessive!

No one is allowed to drink, eat, or especially eat lollipops in my stang! I have NEVER felt like this about a car before. Very wierd! My husband says it's something like that Christine movie from 10 or 15 years ago.

pony_pirate · March 2006

I feel exactly the same way-- we're both "car crazy." (Actually thought mac was a guy, until the last sentence. Surprised, heartened, women can also go nuts over a car like us.) :shades:

dodgedriver2 · March 2006

I live in Ohio and we tend to have some bad winters'. I was wondering how well Mustangs go in the snow.

akirby · March 2006

They'll go fine with Traction Control and a good set of snow tires.

pony_pirate · March 2006

Crimson red GT convertible on local dealer's lot this weekend is no longer there. Yeah, sure, demand is drying up.

Ford Mustang (2005 and Newer)

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