purchasing a 2nd Mustang need help!
 

Hi everyone!

Nowadays all I can think of is Mustang gt. I would like to get a second hand one, between 2010-12. I thought here would be a great platform to learn all about Mustangs.

First of all is there difference between 2010-12 models. (visually, dynamically)

As far as I know base GT's don't have a leather s.wheel, is it easy to replace it with a leather one or gt500 wheel, vs.

Also in terms of dynamics is there any difference between a base and premium version?

Lastly what would be your advices, what to look for in a Mustang GT, what are the weak points?

Thank you so much in advance :)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Mu...fth_generation)

2010 still used the older 4.6 3V engine, whereas the 2011 and newer GT has the 5.0 4V. Both are good, durable engines, but the newer 5.0 is a much better performer, stock. I'd "pony up" the extra cash for the 5.0, since you like that body style.
I'm still liking the previous '05-'09 style a little better. :)

The 2010 has a 4.6 300hp v8

The 2011+ have a 5.0 400hp v8

PERSONALLY I'd like an 05-09 Mustang with a 5.0 swap...

The only weak point in a Mustang GT is the depth of your wallet. These cars can do just about anything for the right amount of cash lol

Have you considered purchasing a used supercharged GT500???
It has more horses than the 5.0 engine and you could get more bang for the buck.

GTs have leather steering wheels in the premium package for sure, not certain about the base trim level.

What year mustang do you already own? I would go with a 11 or 12 because it has a 5.0.

Don't even consider the 05-09. Sorry but the cars look terribly dated. 2010 has the 4.6 engine and you'll be kicking yourself if you get it. Get an 11 or 12 5.0. You'll love it. Anyone saying the 4.6 is a better performer is just lying to themselves.

Haha... You must be younger than I. Seems to me that the "retro" style of the '05-'09 cars appeal more to the older crowd (guilty). The whole purpose of its design was to resemble the look of the '60s Mustangs, but with a more modern feel, and flair.
If it wasn't for that S197 design exercise, many of us older guys probably wouldn't have bought new Mustangs... (I bought TWO)

BTW- Who said the 4.6 is a better performer? It's a very good, durable engine stock, but doesn't have the same potential as the 5.0, unless you want to completely go through it (spending big$$). Even then, I'd prefer to do that with the 5.0. Boost WILL make either engine perform well enough to give you a big $h!t-eatin' grin.

If the OP doesn't mind a slightly "nose heavy" car, then as stated above, a '10 GT500 is also a good option...but it's still about $10K more than a GT will cost. Thing about the GT500 though, is since it was designed for boost right off, it has the greatest potential for big HP #s with the stock bottom end. 700 RWHP can be quite reliable with them, given proper mods and good fuel. With a built engine and supporting mods, you can push 1200 HP... (positively nuts, for a street toy)

I drive a 2010 GT. Visually there is only one difference between mine and a 2011+ and that is the badging on the car from what I can tell. The side badges on the 2010 say GT while the 2011's up typically have a 5.0 badge. There are some differences in wheel styles as well and the stock sizes I think, but that could be a matter of personal taste and 1" difference in wheel size to me is negligible. Besides, I swapped out the stock wheels before I even drove the car off of the lot new. The stock style was not my taste at all.

Performance wise, the 2010 was the final year of the 4.6L motor. It is the pinnacle of that engine for Ford in the Mustang...why you ask? Well, they may be using it in other vehicles but not in the mustang. It was replaced by the 5.0L 302cui engine. From everything I've read on the boards, that engine is a solid performer. However, keep in mind that the early generation 2005+ mustangs it took a few years for the problems to pop up that were resolved in later years (such as 2 piece spark plugs breaking in aluminum heads.) Time will tell if this iteration of the 5.0 will have similar growing pains. As for other issues, there have been reports of transmission problems with the 2011+. An NTSB investigation chalked it up to user error usually exacerbated by cold operating temperatures. You will likely hear differently from these boards, but reality is the NTSB should have a more scientific, analytical approach to the issue than us rednecks posting youtube videos.

One perceived advantage you will have with a 2010 is that you get the body style of the newer cars, yet it is a significant discount. Performance wise, the 2011 up is a significantly stronger car. Also, because of the baseline power, if you are into performance modifications you will find greater opportunities with the 2011/12. It seems that there are some limitations in the performance upgrades regarding power with the 2010 (I know because Im going through some of those growing pains!) as it is a vehicle that straddles both body styles. Any appearance upgrades you may consider are to my knowledge exactly the same as the 2011+ with a 2010.

I'm on my third mustang. I've owned a 1997, 2006, and 2010. The 2010 IMO in stock form is a superior vehicle of the 3, but the other 2 definitely had their place in my heart. Performance has increased with every new one, albeit the 2010 only was a small increase over the 2006. As I customize my vehicles I can tell you that now I am extremely happy with my 2010 after I have supercharged it. It feels much quicker then the 3 2011/12's I have test driven. Now, that's not to say it is quicker off the line, etc... because the suspension on the 2011s up is better than the 2010, but I have more power than they do in the stock 5.0 form. The beauty at the end of the day there is I've saved about $7000 dollars through upgrades over buying a new 5.0 and I am happier with my car as a result.

If you have the resources to perform a SC or turbo upgrade, I would strongly consider a 2010 as you can have the best of both worlds through power and potential savings. However, if you would prefer driving a quick car off the lot that already looks good and doesnt require any modifications to be a great performer, you cannot go wrong with the 2011+ GT's. If your end goal is building an extreme car, you cant go wrong with some of the used GT500's or a 5.0 assuming you have the coin now or in the future to invest in performance upgrades.