Ford Mustang (2004 and earlier)

gt4me

I started this thread for new owners of Mustangs but feel free to leave anything concerning Mustangs here.

I've recently purchased an '02 Mineral Grey GT with the Deluxe Package. I'd like to chat with other new owners about Mods, any problems, any positive feedback, anything...concerning the new Mustangs.

My own personal feedback: Kick Butt Car! I paid $21k for mine after rebate and haggle. What did everyone else pay? I live in Florida and will have Steeda doing most of the work on my new car. I'm initially looking into Stage 1-3 suspension kits, brakes, steel brake lines, and some other small mods. I've joined a club that sponsors driving schools that take place at such tracks as Sebring International and Atlanta Motor Speedway to name a few. www.chinmotorsports.com if you wanna check it out. I'd like to learn to drive my car with these handling type mods before adding horsepower. I'm not looking to push horsepower until I have a firm grip on how the car drives in serious racing situations. I feel the lower the power, the more I'll have to drive the car to it's limits, making me a better driver.

Once I've got this down I'm thinking of the latest Super Charger kit that Steeda is working on for the '02 Mustangs. In speaking to one of the product managers at Steeda, they are 60 days out on the kit but when it hits, it should add about 120HP to the wheels. Wow!

Ok that's enough for now until anyone else posts...nothing like talking to myself. Hope to see some threads here!

Craig

shov6

Somehow I only just became aware of the upcoming Mustang for 2004... As per an old issue of Motor Trend, it will allegedly be based upon the same platform as the Lincoln LS-6, but shortened... Powered up to perhaps 280hp for the GT... 6spd manual in the GT... And that's the important stuff.

Now that article was based upon all the latest info as of six months ago, and surely something more current is floating around? I guess the car is due out in approximately 12 months as an '04 car, so it should be very near its' final specification and styling by now. Does anyone have ANY information on this car?

-SHOV6

michaellowrey

I have been trying to get more data as well and the MT issue is the only thing out there. I can't wait I'm sure it will look great and sound great with plenty of power. My main concern is the problem I have with the current model or for that matter any Ford Product. THEY SKIMP ON THE INTERIOR!!! alot of hard plastic, cheap fit, or just plan boring.

I think the interior need to make the driver feel like they are in a quality machine. I'm not talking wood grain just quality feel.

The current models 5 speed looks like they forgot about it till last minute in the design. I think they need to look at most sports models out there BMW, NISSAN MAXIMA, ACURA RSX, for what I'm talking about.

I know they need to keep cost down as the mustang is suppose to be affordable muscle power, But it can't cost much to make it not feel like a cheap rental car.....

ballpark

There is something about the next gen Mustang every month in Muscle Mustangs and Fast Fords magazine. Unfortunately the last issue reported that the car has been pushed back to the '05 model year.

andys120

The car in the sketch looks much like a '68-'70 Mustang Fastback with a "chopped" greenhouse.
Has anyone else seen it?

ballpark

I read in MM&FF that Ford had definately ruled out bringing back a fastback design. I'll have to get a look at that Automobile mag.

thedarkwolf

And its the exact same as yours . He bought it about a month ago for $22,500. He chose to take the 0% interest for 3 years rather than the rebate. He has already put around 6k miles on it and seems to really be enjoying it. I have only drove it twice sofar and thought it drove great and had plenty of power. I didn't really get on it much since it hadn't been broken in yet. The mineral grey is easily the best color and it is really looks good with the premium wheels. I don't see my dad making to many changes to it. He might do some exhaust and intake work but thats about it.

shayesky1

www.stangnet.com

Welcome to the club!

perritt

i recently read on blueoval.com and in usa today that because of the location of the gas tank on ford mustangs, lives have been lost and people injured, that Ford has settled several cases out of court(hello firestone). i believe there have been as much as 40 incidences more or less. it is my understanding that upon rear impact not necessarily at high speeds, the car can and has exploded into a ball of flames causing lives or serious injuries to others. The articles mention that this problem has occurred in mustangs throughout the 90's. My question is this:

Can anyone tell me if this also applies to the 2002 mustang? Is the 2002 mustang capable of exploding into a ball of flames upon impact be it mild or forceful impact?

I don't want to buy my daughter a car that has a high probability of catching on fire.

I await your response.

gt4me

I've been a Stangnet reader for years, even before I owned one. Great website. I wanted this chat to be more focused on our own opinions and future plans for our cars.

I'd also love to know what is up with the '02 and the fireball thing. Please advise us all of you knowledgeable Mustang fans.

Craig

ps
If I have to go down in flames, I hope it's in the front seat of my new Mustang...That way no one else can have it!

shaman3

Hey Craig. Great idea with this. I could use some ideas for mods seein' as I don't really know much about that kinda stuff.

I've had my '02 GT with the premium package for about a month now. I paid about 21,400 after rebates (which were pretty awesome I thought). I went with the black w/ dark charcoal. Was lookin' at the grey, but my sales guy said the only colors that stangs should be in are white, red, & black. I'm in FL too. West coast, south of Tampa about an hour.

The only changes I've made so far were to the Mach 460 system. Not that it really needed it (best factory system I've ever heard). I added an Infinity BassLink and the sound is incredible now. I love that sub! I didn't want to give up the space in the trunk to a double sub box. What's the point in having fold-down seats if you can't utilize them, right? I had the BassLink mounted on the driver's side, rear-back corner. Now I can still toss a set of clubs in the back and have a kickin' sound system.

Dealership was getting ready to do some work on my car and put it on the showroom floor the day after I met with my sales guy. He had to tell them it was already sold. They were talking about adding springs, flowmaster, and some kinda chip to increase the HP. May look into having that done sometime soon. Have you seen those taillight covers everyone has been adding? What are your thoughts on those? The mainly clear ones selling for about $260. I can't decide if I like them better or not.

The only problem I've had so far was with the in-dash CD 6 player. Discs you burn and add labels to are getting stuck and jammin' up the drive. Pretty annoying. Had to bring mine in last week to have them pulled out. Tech. told me not to use the labels anymore because they'll negate the warranty. Heads up if anyone else out there has the same system.

Hope we hear from some more people. Peace.

Gary

gt4me

I burn discs a lot. Thanks for the info Gary.

I've not seen the tail light covers you are talking about, link? That's great you added a sub. I was thinking about that too. I've done some homework and I'll probably have Steeda doing my suspension work. They are located in Ft. Lauderdale right off of M L King Blvd.

Where are all the gearheads?!

Craig

john_324

Just picked up a new GT, and have been unsure as to the proper break-in procedure for the car...the owner's manual is vague at best, merely noting that "there is no specific procedure". Any thoughts on the proper procedure, and for how long it should be done? Thanks!

pinetted

I have been told for the first 2k miles never to drive at the same speed for a long period of time. Avoid situations that require hard or emergency braking. Avoid full throttle, but the flip side of this is the theory that the harder you drive the car during break in, the faster it will be. I have no idea if that is true. Also change the oil after 1k miles.

ndmike88

I had a '00 GT vert. Traded it on a '01 GT vert. Ford just bought that one back, now I have a '02 GT vert. (black of course.) Best one of the 3. I think Ford finally got it right on this one. I've had it since March 15 and have a total of 293 miles on it. It's just a toy. Good luck with yours and welcome!

snakerbill

Well, I did it, I bought a Focus PZEV Auto in Egg Yolk yello, and I really like this little car. The dealer I bought it from, made a deal that he would take it back in trade when the 05's appear, and if I do not damage it he will give me 3/4 of what I paid for it. I have bought several cars from him over the years and he has always done what he said he would do, so I think I have a really nice little car to drive for the next year, and it seems that I will not lose my shirt in the process. This little car is way faster than the Honda Civic I previously had, and I am surprised at it's handling and brakeing. Super.

gt4me

I've got 5000 miles on my 02GT. It's only 45 days old :-/ I drive a lot of hwy miles for work and have been driving at constant speeds pretty much all of the time I've been breaking it in. A few hard accelerations (hey, it's a GT!) but mostly babying it. Can anyone else help us out with what the proper procedure is on breaking in?

Craig

snowbaby17

hey everybody. okay so i really want a 96 mustang coupe but im a lil confused. obviously the cheaper is the STD, and then the GTS, then the GT....so whats the difference with each one? and how are the stereo systems? i probably wont be able to find my way back to this message board so if you could email me with answers, if you have any that would be awesome. and then again, if you dont feel like goin to all that trouble, just post in here and ill try and find this site again. thanks so much for any help you can give. oh and my email is takemewhereyouare@juno.com. thanks again!!!

gasguzzler007

Well the basic is the STD. It has a V6 with about 140 hp and runs a 1/4 in about 17 seconds. Its very slow. I wouldnt recommend getting a V6. Next its the GTS. Iam not really sure if it was produced in 1996. I think it was a 1995. Anyways, it was a stripped down version of a GT. It had the V8 but no p/w p/l. I recommend something like this for racing. Then it was the GT. It was a 4.6 V8 SOHC with 215HP stock. Ran a 1/4 in the high 14s. I had one myself. Its a great car. Its available with a stock stereo which isnt that good and a MACH 460 stereo. The MACH is much better. But thats the last thing that Iam worried about when looking for a stang. Good luck finding a ride!

jaki30

Need help. Trying to find a 00 or 01 V6, AT, loaded, tan leather, Laser Red or Dark Green convertible.
The prices went from 16,495 last week in Raleigh to 18,500 all over.
Was told to wait until June for the price drop with the 03 production and the spring vert season over. Any truth to this?
Trade in on the 01 is only 15k. 40% drop in the first year.
How are these cars? (Currently drive a 98 Nissan
pickup). Are they worth it to buy? I think 17k for an 01 and 15k for
the 00 are reasonable prices. 02 rentals showing up on the market for
19k-19.5k. Need help, have conv. bug! (Wife wants a Sebring:()

ricsch

Can anyone direct me to where I might find some information from owners of '79-'93 Mustangs who had installed subframe connectors? I have a '93 5.0 ragtop and was thinking of putting some on and would like some ideas on what brand or type to consider. Thanks.

demonspeed

I have maximum motorsports full length subframe connectors on my GT. They really made a huge difference, and mines a hardtop. Check out http://www.maximummotorsports.com and http://www.stangnet.com

Kirstie_H

Do you drive the new Ford Thunderbird, the Ford Mustang or the Porsche Carerra? If so, and if you're willing to talk with a major daily newspaper about your car, please send your vehicle info and contact info by Wednesday, May 22 to jfallon@edmunds.com. Thanks!

supersajin

I'm looking at '02 GT with Steeda exhaust, throttle bodies, pulleys, suspension & other minor additions vs. '03 Mach 1...has anyone made any additions yet? if so is it worth it

demonspeed

Go with the Mach 1. Anyone can throw on that stuff. That stuff is all pretty cheap and easy to do yourself.

hoss99

any information on this subject would be greatly appreciated. i am shopping for a 2002 mustang gt with auto trans. in the new york area. i have heard from a number of dealers and compared to the price on cars direct.com, which is 22,535 with rebate included the closest dealer was 400 over this price. can this be for real? has anyone dealt with carsdirect? thanks.

john_324

Call this a dumb question, but hey, first-time GT owner. I have a 2002 GT with a 5 spd, and am finally past the break-in period. I've starting to enjoy the uniquely fun aspects of a rwd V8 car (previous car was a fwd econo-car) However, I can't get the tires to "chirp" on upshifts. Proper techniques for doing this? After all, what's the fun of a pony car if you can't do this sort of stuff occasionally... Thanks for the help. -John

raiiden

Get rid of those stock yellow bulbs and get Super white hid class bulbs. I sell them cheaper than anyone. these are high performance bulbs check out the picture it speaks for itself.

http://www.stockprofilers.com/mtec

demonspeed

Wind it out... that's about it besides shifting faster...

rowlandj

I am looking into buying a 02 and I did not have the opportunity to see a leather interior. In reading the literature it states the front buckets are leather but no mention of what the rear seating is made of. I am interested in the leather but I just hope that they did not leave the rears cloth as that would look a bit shaky in a new car.

Can anyone shed some light on this for me please.

Thanks very much

revdrluv

The back seats are leather don't worry.

NSORIC

Last I heard, the newer Stangs have a vinyl ("pleather") covered back seat, while the fronts are leather... Chalk it up to cost savings by the bean-counters at Ford.

The older Stangs, like my '95 GT, have leather front and back.

fdthird

I don't think Ford expects anyone to really ride in the back of the Mustang. Not only do the front seats only get leather, but my 2000 Mustang convert only came with front floor mats!

rowlandj

I appreciate the feedback and that does clear things up. At least things will "look" the same even if the seating is different materials. I thought so, but it never hurts to ask.

JR

sammiegrl

I'm seriously considering an '02 coupe. I live in Chicago and have some concerns about rear wheel drive and how it will handle in winter conditions-snow, ice.... Anyone have any experience???

john_324

I used to live in Chicago myself, and before buying my current 2002 GT, I rented a v6 coupe for a week over the winter holidays to make sure I liked the car. I didn't really have any major problems. The key is to remember what sort of car it is, and respect that when driving in bad weather. I found the biggest things are to be careful with the throttle and smooth with the steering. In a Mustang, you'll definitely have to pay more attention to your driving during inclement weather than if you have say a Honda, but hey, that's part of the fun of owning a pony car. Get the Mustang...you won't regret it! -John

NSORIC

http://www.stangbangers.com/Winter_Driving.htm

machiavelli

This thread seems to duplicate another thread already here about the 2004 Mustang.

My only concern would be, I hope they keep the price in-line with what it currently is and not make the Mustang a $30,000+ car.

rea98d

That might actually be a valid concern. The Mustang is going to be put on the same platform as the Jag S-Type, and so far every car they've put on that platorm sells north of the $30,000 mark. I'm just wondering if that's just a really really huge profit margin, or if it's a complicated chassis that takes a bit of work to make. It'd be interesting to have a $20,000 Mustang riding on the same platform as a Jaguar costing twice that much.

btate2002

Ford sells entirely too many V6 Mustangs around 19 or so to do something stupid....But then again I never thought the Camaro would die.....

revdrluv

Well look at the price difference between the Audi TT and a Volkswagen Golf GL (same platform). Is that huge profit margin our huge brand positioning.

tomcat630

The 6 cylinder Mustang stays for 2005. No matter what, there will be those that hate it at first, then like it after they "get used to it". Happens with every new Stang.

machiavelli

Yep, that's very true tomcat. The owners of the current gen will probably hate it when it first comes out, then end up buying one 2 or 3 years later.

verozahl

I'd like to see the Mustang fastbacks return.

judas

The platform is basically the same but they're using a lot of steel in place of aluminum which will keep the price down.

One of the big things is the GT getting a 6 speed.

Another is that all Mustangs will have IRS, even the V6's.

280 HP is the rumored amount for the regular GT.

200-215 is the rumored amount for the 6, coming from either a SOHC 4.0 or a DOHC 3.0, I believe. They may even offer both, one as an option.

gt4me

Wanted to keep this thread going if possible. My '02 GT now has over 12k miles on it. Let me say it rides better everyday I get to drive it, which isn't that often as I travel for work 3of4 weeks a month :-/ Anywho, very happy with cars handling in heavy rain (I live in Orlando, rains a lot!) which was one of my main concerns. I can't say if or when the traction control has kicked in but I've only slid once or twice while accelerating from a red light. Nothing scarey, just the wheels letting go a bit.

With the latest hype of the new Cobra and upcoming GT models coming standard with 6-speeds and even Superchargers in '05 (read that in Popular Mechanics Detroit Spy Page) it has been somewhat difficult wondering if I jumped the gun on my purchase. I guess I'd have to say I'm happy with the GT for now being as it was my first new car and first 8 cylinder Coupe. I'm looking forward to seeing what comes from the Oval in upcoming years with the mustang. I've even considered moding this car as a weekend racer and getting into a Jaguar (Shaguar Baby!) or BMW somewhere down the road. Jags are Ford so it wouldn't be that bad of a purchase...right?

Anywho, I'm just wasting a bit of time on my laptop in a lonely hotel room. Hope you are all enjoying your Mustangs and will keep updating this chat with any new or cool findings you come across in your everyday Mustang travels. Till next time!

Craig

philliesgirl

I own a 2000 Mustang. I've noticed that the plastic chrome area where the pony on the front grill is has some water spots and maybe a little fading. I do clean it with automotive soap when I wash the car, but I was wondering if anyone knows of a safe cleaner/polisher that I can put on it to polish it up a little bit. Thanks for any help.

ndmike88

I had a '00 GT for 8 months, traded it for a '01 GT. Had it for 16 months till Ford bought it back. Now I have a '02 GT. (all convertibles) By far the '02 is the best. Tighter ride, best overall quality. Ford finally got it right in'02.

rea98d

IRS is nice. I didn't realize how much I appreciated my T-Bird's IRS suspension until I went back to driving a car with a live axel. It's one of those things you don't notice until it ain't there.

kc_stang

Hi everyone! I'm new to the board as well. I test-drove an '02 GT Premium a few nights back. I loved the car and was considering purchasing it. The dealer wanted to install a few "after market" parts for me. They suggested the chrome wheels and the MagnaFlow exhaust system (anyone know about those???). Anyway, my sales guy called today saying that they have a 2001 GT Rousch Stage II that they "just put on sale". He said they're trying to sell the brand new 2001 Rousch for the price of the 2002 GT (approx. $23K). What should I do? Stick with the 2002 GT Premium (black) or opt for the 2001 Rousch (Mineral Grey)?

I assume that there's a reason the dealer hasn't been able to unload the Rousch Mustang yet. This would be my first Mustang purchase although I've been an enthusiast all my life (of 27 years). Any input, suggestions or comments are greatly appreciated. Thanks!

demonspeed

http://www.roushperf.com will give you the info on the roush products. Http://www.stangnet.com and http://www.corral.net will also a lot more info for you. Good luck with your purchase, but make sure if you're going to begin modding the car you choose the right combination, not just some stuff that a dealer wants to put on.