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):
- Performance: If a stock Mustang GT’s performance doesn’t impress, imagine your “AMFM” with:
- A tune that eliminates the looney throttle lag/torque management.
- Comparable make/model of tires found on an Aston.
- Fancy adjustable shocks from the likes of Koni. (Same logic as the tires)
- 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.
- 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.
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I dunno - which do you value more: -exclusivity or functionality? The AM may not be a Ferrari, but no V12 exclusive luxury machine will be cheap to run. If I really wanted something emotional, I'd get something proper classic like vintage Alfa, or get something that is really easy to live with, like a Mustang. Just my 2 cents
Sounds like Bill is wanting a special car, which a Mustang is not. A DB9 would be a special car and a treat just to drive every so often.