I am looking topurchase a new 08 Mustang for a daily driver. Must be automatic. My daily work commute is 70 miles round trip andI am in it for the long haul - usually keepcars 10 plus years. I really like the look of the pony package (a touch more retro) butam mainly concerned with long term reliability of powertrain components. Is it worth the extra $4,000 to go with the GT?
I see that the 4.0 liter has a cast iron block and aluminum heads, vs the all aluminum 4.6. Will the 4.6 hold up better in high mileage use? I live in the midwest so harse driven conditions occur seasonally.

Any opinions from forum experts would be greatly appreciated.

 

This is a question better asked in the 2005-2008 forum. Here you'll obviously get biased answers.

 

Honestly, as far as longevity is concerned I think the 4.0 V6 would last longer than the V8.

 

Do they use the same trans?

 

Where in the midwest do you live?

 

I personally think it would be bad *** if the V-6 gets awesome gas milage while at the same time
get a good amount of HP out of forced induction.If I wanted to I could have went that route but I decided to get the GT because of the platform to start from and well..it's a v8 lol.

 

The automatics do, yes.

 

Chicago

 

I see your 4 liter and raise you .6 liters! this is only based on my first experiences and I know there are some die-hard FORD Fans that will disagree. I personally would never buy a 4 cyl ford, ever. And to me there V6's are ok. But i think ford really build thier V8's better than any other gasoline engine they make. From Contur, Tauras, Ranger, F150, and 3 mustangs. I have never had a drivetrain problem from the 94 F150, 96, 99, or 05 Mustang gt's all of these cars reached 100k+ miles, 2x's for the F150 and I have never had a drivetrain issue. Now the other 4 and 6 cylinders are another story with 2 of them never reaching 75k.
But usually with more time things get better so this 4.0 should be better. Now if you want a life-long drivetrain you better look at mopar's warranty. If you want a stang and save gas get the V6 pony package and add an extended warranty to pick up the bill if there ever is one.

 

The 4.0 v6 is poorly made and gets bad gas mielage for what it is. It's a great engine to tune up, but not so good in general. The v8 engine stands up to more strain but has a higher revline so it also experiences more strain.

Honestly Ford is a poor choice for a long lasting car, at least you're not trying to get a chevy though. They have the WORST turnaround in their cars. 60% of Chevys aren't driven more than 4 years.

Infinity and Accura are some of the best cars at high mielage actually.