So, I've been debating between the rx-8 and mustang gt for the past few months. Finally got around to test driving both, and the Mustang sold me right away. I got the chance to drive an 09 Mustang GT 5spd.

Anyway, I plan on purchasing relatively soon but I wanted to know how the reliability is on the Mustang GT. Should I be worried about things breaking? Or the vehicle not starting?

I'd be purchasing used, and I was going to plan on going for 06+, what do you guys think?

P.S. I did a quick search but didn't find anything.

 

I didn't buy a Stang for its reliability. I bought it for the wood I get when I drive it. Although I expect it NOT to fall apart before it turns 75k-100k miles, I'm not holding my breath. For reliability, I'll stick with my DD; a Toyota 4Runner. I've owned 5 Toyotas and 4 had over 200k miles when I got rid of them with no more maintenance than basic PM stuff. My current DD is just broken in with 147k miles. I don't expect that from Ford.

 

Hiyas! I have owned a 2006 GT since Jan 06 when I drove it off the lot with 6 miles on it. Although mine is automatic, so I can't speak to a clutch, I can tell you that I have had ZERO problems with it since I've owned it. I get the maintenance done through Avis Lube and after about 12000 miles starting using synthetic oil, so now I change it out every 4k or so instead of 3k miles.

Just recently I have added a CAI, tuned it with a flashpaq superchips tuner for 91 Octane/CAI tune (before the tuner I never ran anything but 87 octane), and magnaflow cat-backs...those mods should tell you I am sometimes an aggressive driver (no racing, but zero to 60-70 floored to access highways, etc....just cause it sounds so good!)

Actually the first mod I made was to get rid of the Shaker 500 and replace it with an Alpine head w/ipod controls/xm radio, a JL Audio 450w amp, and four Memphis speakers. I kept the shaker woofers and it is absolutely amazing how much bass they put out with a proper amp.

If you're buying used, it's always a crapshoot on how the previous driver treated and maintained the car. If they can provide maintenance records and you have a mechanic look at it first, I'd say your golden...bill

Edited to add that I am at 27k miles...

 

how much money are you willing to spend?
you can look for 2008's for under $25000 even less now.
i have been having my car for close to 5 months now and it has never broken down on me,
failed to start, pieces havent broke off, and the car is crazy good!
there is some tsb that earlier models had to deal with and this and that, so its better to get the newest model possible. either way the mustang will be reliable and fun!

 

Had mine since 05 with 30k miles and no problems to date other than a plastic piece in the trunk comming loose which was covered by the warranty.

 

From what I have read the stang holds up pretty under alot of mileage, unlike what I have seen first hand on the rx8, but the rotary wasn't designed to last in the first place

 

If you drive a rotary like you stole it all the time and let it warm up to operating temps you will not have any problems with the rx-8 but BUT BUT when either one breaks I would rather fix the 4.6 over the rotary ANYDAY. 7000 for an engine without labor! P.S. you have to remove motor,trans, and complete front frame/suspension to replace the rx-8 engine. "Master Mada Tech" yay

 

I will say the rx8 is a big step up from the rx7 which I had, but I agree with you on one point, operating temp really is the key

 

66k+ on an '05 DD and no issues besides the door handle sticking. Heck I'm still on the the original brake pads!

Scott

 

Wait so your looking at an rx8 too but your worried about reliability? As far as ease of fixing and reliability, I'd much rather have a mustang. Mine is a 05 with 24k on it, no problems.