I am among the many of these forums who is debating between purchasing a 2010 GT and a 2011 5.0 GT.

The argument for the 2010 GT is solid. The 4.6L engine is tried, tested, proven to work. The incentive program is growing increasingly attractive. And as of now, the after market support for the 2010 engine is much stronger.

The argument for the 2010 GT is further strengthen by suggesting that the 2011 5.0 GT's will have "bugs" in the engine. Being a first year model engine and the fact that the engine was fast tracked by a year ahead of schedule, there is strong speculation that the 2011 5.0 engine will have some bugs.

So, what kind of "bugs" are people referring to when this argument is made? I was not on the forums when the S197 4.6L engine was introduced in the 2005 model. Did the first year S197 engines have any bugs, and if so, what kind?

I can only assume that with the 3 year/36,000 mile warranty Ford will be placing on the 5.0L engine, that any bugs will be taken care of and worked out by them, free of charge.

 

I would check past history every time ford came out with a new engine and see how many bugs showed up. I don't think this new 5.0 will have any bugs..Ford has been putting fourth some good stuff lately, especially hybrid stuff which is way more complex. I have yet to hear any issue with those power plants..I'd go with 2011 if i were in your position.

 

-some examples are the 99 Cobra, it did not put out the advertised power. They ran the motor again in 2001 and it was fixed.

-the very early 2003 Cobra, they had a problem with the drivers side head.

-and the 2005 to 2007 3V GTs had the whole spark plug problem. It was fixed somewhere in 2008.

Who knows if there will be wide spread problems with the motor. everyone will have to wait.

 

"Bugs" are annoying pests that show up unexpectantly and eventually get exterminated over time when it is discovered where they come from.

It has been a common rule of thumb in the auto industry for years that you do not buy the first model year of a "new" car so that the manufacurer has time to work out the "bugs".

The manufacturer supplys the cars and the public is recruited to be the test bed for the elimination of said bugs...

I am sure people will chime in on both sides of this issue, some will never buy a new model because of past experiences and those that have had no issues.

Personally, I am leary of buying any new machine that does not have a track record, hell, a car's history is the foundation of magazines like Consumers Reports.

Shelling out 40 grand to test a new Mustang is a gamble for most, especially when for 30K you can get a like-optioned '10 with a proven track record.

That being said....A yellow 6-speed GT would look great in my driveway!!

 

It will be simple problems: cracked intake manifolds, premature headgasket failure, and timing chain issues....lol... Sorry just kidding, I can't believe that people would be worried about problems with the engine itself. If its a major concern, can't you get an extended power warranty?

Now - if the incentives to buy a 2010 GT become awesome, thats hard to beat, say a dealers got a few 2010's left and drop the price $5k and you can get them to stick to it - hard to decide esp if the car has the goodies/color you want. This is the reason I own a 09 V6 at all, the dealer in Daytona was screaming to get them off the lot and dropped the prices by $5K - they had
V6 premiums for 17-17.5K - lets hope some future 2010GT owners can get a deal as such when they go for a '10 instead of the '11.

In my way of thinking (hypothetical of course due to budget issues) - if I could affort to buy a 2011GT - I'd be all over it. Since the majority of the car is based on the 2010, you don't have all of the 'first year' bugs that usually cause you problems. It always seems to be the smaller things, not the engine itself. Again, I can't believe they would put out an engine with significant issues.

 

Several years back when the new F250 came out a friend had problems with the camshaft position sensor. It was taken care of under warranty, but he made several trips to the dealer including a couple of tows.

I biggest concern is the sensors and hydraulics that will control the camshaft variable timing. Alot of pieces.

 

05-07-08ish stangs can have a tick in the head caused by a Cam Phaser not functioning properly. This can lead to premature failure of the valve train from either improper oil flow or burning a valve from incorrect timing.

The 5.0 is completely brand new. There WILL be problems, not maybe. That's why I'm waiting for 2012 before I buy mine. 2 full years which is about what it took for Ford to get the bugs worked out of the 05-09 model.

 

This "NEW" 5.0 isnt new. It is essentially the FRPP "cammer" that has been used in the FR500C for the past 3 years, with a different intake.

 

I say get the 11, the power should be worth the time that it might to get something fixed by a dealer. Unless you are concerned about money and just want a solid DD, then I say go for the 10.

 

the S197 came out for 05, the first leak/Computer problems were posted here in 06, there was never a recall, just a TSB. the TSB came out in 07 and claimed that the problem affected 05-08 models, then they came out with a new TSB claiming that 09s were also affected. nice! thanx ford. my first question would be... DO THEY LEAK!?