Topic: Winter vs 2005 Mustang Coupe

[AirCanuck]

Hey guys

I'm looking at buying a 2005 Mustang Coupe as my first car out of school.  I'm getting promoted in the military and want to get rid of my '94 Tercel for something fun.

It has 41566km on it and costs 15988.  It's a manual V6 and has:

# Power Windows
# Tilt Wheel
# Fog Lights
# Mp3
# Am Fm
# Power Locks
# Power Seats
# Power Steering
# Power Mirrors
# Anti Theft
# Keyless Entry
# Cd Player
# Cruise Control
# Traction Control
# Bucket Seats
# Air Conditioning
# Anti Lock Brakes
# Tinted Windows
# Air Bags

It looks to be in good condition.  Since I'm still figuring out the cost of insurance, I haven't gone in to actually look at it.

I'm looking for opinions on a couple things:

The car itself has quite a good review on canadiandriver.ca.  It seems to be holding up nicely and the site essentially had only good things to say about it. Does anyone here own one or know someone who does?  How is it holding up?  What did they think of it?  What is the general consensus on this?  My girlfriend thinks these cars are shite and says 'she'd be embarrassed to be in it' but it has to be a step up from a '94 Tercel haha!

BIGGEST ISSUE:

it is rear-wheel drive.  I am going to be posted in Barrie Ontario and later to Moose Jaw Saskatchewan.  How do these things handle in the winter?  Will snow-tires and a few bags of salt in the trunk cover me or what?

Thanks! (ps if this isn't in the right place, sorry!)

[articsteve]

This from a dealer?  Don't sign anything for a few days.     Snows work well.  Limited slip diff highly recommended, but that's another model. 

[ovr50]

Regarding winter driving, you will need 4 snow tires (NOT all-seasons) and a light "foot" when driving in icey conditions. You should be OK in winter if you do those two things. RWD is not the big winter boogy man some think it is.

[vdk]

Save a bit more and get a proper V8, just drive the V6 and you'll beg for more. Insurance will be a in any case. Any kind of insurance plans from work?

[Winklovic]

With Traction Control and 4 snow tires, you'll be fine.

[overtakeyouintheleftlane]

Get 4 quality winter tires and drive carefully. I agree with vdk regarding the V8, if you're getting a Mustang, get a "proper" Mustang, with a V8.

Your insurance will be expensive. If you want a more accurate quote, get the VIN of the vehicle and give it to the insurance company as that will tell them exactly what kind of car it is (horsepower, engine size, trim level, etc.)

I wouldn't put bags of salt in the trunk for added weight, just keep the gas tank full.

[Winklovic]

I wouldn't put bags of salt in the trunk for added weight, just keep the gas tank full.

And then not drive it?   

 

[dorin]

As people said, make sure you can afford the insurance first.

Second, RWD in the winter is not a problem as long as you have a full set of proper winter tires.  Actually winter tires are a must regardless of the driving wheels.  RWD, FWD, AWD, 4WD, whatever -> get proper winter tires for winter driving.

Now, there are also plenty of other choices that are more fun than a Tercel and won't cost as much to insure as a Mustang.  Mazda 3, Mini, Civic Si, Impreza, maybe Impreza WRX, heck even a Miata; all of them are fun to drive in their own way and would be an upgrade from the Tercel.

[mmret]

WRX I guess is worth a look. Will make winter driving much more fun.

But perhaps you just want the muscle car thing.

[unctuous]

Save a bit more and get a proper V8, just drive the V6 and you'll beg for more. Insurance will be a in any case. Any kind of insurance plans from work?

I agree but I bet the v6 provides loads of power over a 94 Tercel.

[mmorriso]

infinity g35/g35x might be another option

+1 for winter tires regardless of vehicle

[vdk]

Save a bit more and get a proper V8, just drive the V6 and you'll beg for more. Insurance will be a in any case. Any kind of insurance plans from work?

I agree but I bet the v6 provides loads of power over a 94 Tercel.

I think it's around 200 horses.