LJL

I'm looking to buy a used Mustang. Anywhere from 2001-2017,coupe. Bullitt is on top of my list. I see many reported issues about hood paint bubbling. I was going to buy a 2008. In my research I did notice the the 2008 is one of the years with the issue . I also see that Ford seems to want nothing to do with the problem Can anyone advise me which year does not have any issue with the problem. Thank you, LJL

08'MustangDude

Oh well, had a whole thing here for ya, went to another page by accident, came back hoping
the Restore Content tab would come up, nope, and I am not typing that all over again....

LJL

Hello, Thanks for trying. I don't know why i didn't get you reply ,but do thank you for trying, LJL

99GTvert

I think all of the s197 cars have that issue, 2005-2014. Not sure if the newer cars have improved.

LJL

Thank you very much for that info.. Lou

Tberg725

Man 01-17 that's a huge gap not sure how much you know about mustangs and don't know your budget BUT if I was shopping for a mustang in the years you said
anything from 01-04 pass on anything that's not a 4V
05-10 I would not even consider 3v motors suck
11-17 would be your choice on body styles you like anything with a 5.0 is a win awesome motors and respond great to mods

LJL

I just started to look for them. It's a car I will hardly use. Maybe a few thousand miles a year. I will take your advice for sure. I know very little about Mustangs. Maybe its because I'm a senior and chasing his past. The issue I am very concerned about is the aluminum hood paint bubbling problem. Do all of them have aluminum hoods? I don't want to buy one just to find out I need to replace the hood with a carbon fiber hood. Not worth it! Please give me you opinion and feedback. Lou

99GTvert

Lou, the hood paint issue sucks but if you find a car that otherwise checks off every box for you then I wouldn't have the paint issue be a deal breaker. Maybe keep a 'well, sh*t' fund set aside for the hood. You don't need a new carbon fiber hood. Actually, if the car will not see the road year round then there's less of a chance of having the hood bubbling issue if you only plan on driving it on nice days in my opinion.

The newer cars are going to be a more comfortable cruiser with a better ride and some more creature comforts (especially 15-17) compared to the 01-04 cars. Those older cars feel more raw, but if the car is a manual then the shifter location might be a bit of a reach. My '99 has the shifter further forward than my '12. I don't personally mind but it is noticeable and many people do have that complaint. If you prefer an automatic, then the newer cars have better and quicker transmissions than the older cars.

LJL

Hi, Thanks again. So it looks like the 2015-2017 is the way to go I guess. Do those years also have the hood issues? i did see a 2015 for sale by a pvt. owner. It was a V6 not the V8. Car is mint and I thought of buying it. Don't know how good the V6 are though. Lou

99GTvert

Those new V6's are pretty good. They make decent power at about 300 hp. Unfortunately, Ford really **** on then because there were barely any options made available on those as they are base model cars. The Ecoboost 4 and Coyote motors meant having more options available like leather, navigation, etc.