SWYD

Hello.

My name is Dave and I'm from germany. I hope my english is good enough to understand.

I'm thinking about buying a 2001 Ford Mustang GT. You can buy these in germany, too. I guess they are all imported.

Would you say, that this model is reliable?

What are the technical issues which are typical for these cars?

Can you fix these cars yourself? I'm not a mechanic but the small stuff I can do myself. For example replacing the oil, replacing spark plugs. Stuff like that.

Is rust a big issue for these cars? especially in a region with hard winters.
What parts of the car tend to rust most likely?
Maybe a underbody sealing would be usefull.

As someone who has never driven a rearwheel drive car yet (in winter), can you handle this car in the snow? or are you constantly driving circles
I've driven a 1990 BMW 3 series and a 2009 BMW 5 series, and in the rain the newer one seemed to be more steady than the older one. maybe it's because of the ESP. I don't think that the mustang has this, right?

How the steering works in these models?
Does the mustang have a "modern" rack and pinion hydraulic steering? Or were they still using the old reciculating ball steering?

Maybe someone can help me out. In germany these models are pretty rare.

Greetings

KB00GT

I actually lived in and bought my 2000 mustang in Germany. This model if taken care of properly should be quite reliable. It was a PITA in the winter time to drive tho, I would suggest having another vehicle to drive in the winter months. This car is quite easy to work on but of course depends on your level of experience. It will have a rack and pinion style steering. You can get a traction control equipped car, which mine is not, this may help some in the winter but as a rule rear wheel drive in snow is a little sketchy. It was fun driving a mustang in Germany tho as they are somewhat rare and draw a lot of attention, I came out of businesses many times to people taking pictures by my car HAHA.

KB00GT

1 more thing I remember is that some local Germans were having problems with the TUV inspections. Which I am sure that you know more about that I do. But the problem was the rear marker lights, apparently they need to be AMBER and your 2001 GT will have Red only. I believe the rear taillights from a 99 cobra have amber marker lights and they will fit your car. Just something to look into but like I said I am sure you know more about your TUV rules than I do

Dooney

Traction control does not help at all in the winter (it actually hurts you) I would suggest a second car for the winter. They are easy to work on. (especially compared to a bmw)

ctgreddy

I drove my 2000 gt thru 2 Michigan winters with no issues. A good set snow tires will be your best friend. They are a huge help in winters. About rust, the only common places are rear fenders and under sides of the doors. And these cars are very easy to work on, easier than probably 90% of German vehicles.

hpwrestler220

Reliable, relatively easy to work on compared to most cars in general. Get it.

Mine sucks in the winter tho. Literally wont move in an inch of snow and that's WITH snow tires

Chubstang

I have never once gotten stuck with my snow tires on. The chin spoiler acts as a built-in plow too so it's perfect.

ctgreddy

Really? My gt was a friggin champ! I did put stock springs on in the winter tho, but with snow tires I remember 2 years ago we got ~8" snow storm and I made it to work thru unplowed roads ok. Only people on the roads were me and a truck every now and then.

hpwrestler220

How are you guys moving? I actually go backwards in the snow. Not even joking... I can't move from my driveway.