Piston Slap: The Aston Martin of Ford Mustangs?

Bill writes:

I am considering adding a fourth car to my family fleet, and I’m seriously weighing the options between a new Ford Mustang GT coupe with a manual or a 2005-2008 (or so) Aston Martin DB9. This would be a car I would drive around 3,000 miles per year.

In anticipation of your first questions, my other cars are a 2004 Honda S2000 AP2, which I plan to keep forever, a 2013 VW Touareg VR6 and an utterly original 1991 Mercedes-Benz 420 SEL (W 126) with just 113k miles. I can afford, within reason, higher ownership costs associated with a luxury GT as long as the engine doesn’t have to come out of the car for service (like seemingly every Ferrari before the 360).

It looks like a DB9 coupe with under 30,000 miles can be had for around $45k or so. I’d love to find a manual gearbox but they are rare.

Please give me three good reasons why I should run to my local Ford dealer and find a ‘Stang. Or not. Thank you!

Sajeev answers:

Since you requested “three reasons” to find (or at least test drive) a new Mustang, let’s ensure you experience the “Aston Martin of Ford Mustangs” (AMFM):

1. Performance: If a stock Mustang GT’s performance doesn’t impress, imagine your “AMFM” with:
   1. A tune that eliminates the looney throttle lag/torque management.
   2. Comparable make/model of tires found on an Aston.
   3. Fancy adjustable shocks from the likes of Koni. (Same logic as the tires)
2. Interior design: Fans of S2000s and your German Iron certainly appreciate a well-constructed interior. I reckon the Mustang’s fit/finish is on par with a run-of-the-mill Mini Cooper. Consider an “AMFM” with cloth seats with the intention of aftermarket leather covers (better quality hides than factory) to narrow the interior quality gap.
3. Money (time or real value of): New cars need little in terms of out-of-pocket repairs. Not so with a used Aston Martin. Factor the replacement cost of potential Aston-specific wear items (suspension items bashed senseless by potholes, failing electronics, general maintenance, etc.) and you’d be mighty foolish to avoid a test drive.

BAM SON! Now you got your reasons!

[Image: Aston Martin]

Send your queries to sajeev@thetruthaboutcars.com. Spare no details and ask for a speedy resolution if you’re in a hurry…but be realistic, and use your make/model specific forums instead of TTAC for more timely advice.