Hi all,

I'm new here. I drive a Camaro but am considering a Pony V6. I really like the new design. I have some questions about it though. Are there any issues that these cars have, that dealers cant solve - besides the front end thunk? How is the build quality? Do you find yourself going back for lots of warranty work? Do they have a lot of squeaks & rattles?

Does the Pony package include any upgraded suspension parts? One thing I liked about my Camaro V6 is it has the "Y87" package which gave it the same suspension tuning as the Z28 and the same rims. So it was identical to the Z28 in every way except the engine. I wish there was an upgrade that made the Mustang similar to the GT. Even the Camaro's muffler had a distinct sound that was different than the regular V6 model. Does the Pony have a different sound? I see that the Pony has the GT rims & tires - and I really like those wheels.

I suppose I will have to go to my dealer and drive one, but back in December 2004 I drove a 2004 convert from a rental company and although I don't remember specifics I do remember commenting that this heavily-used (33k in one year, in the hot Florida sun) Mustang rode better than my Camaro. How is the ride in the new ones? Hard/stiff? Is it really different than the GT's handling?

Are there going to be any changes to the Pony pkg for 2008 that I should wait for?

How's the quality of the Shaker sound system?

I am torn between keeping my Camaro or selling it for a Pony. I still like my car's styling and its in top condition, even after 100k miles very few rattles. I'd hate to give this up and end up getting a POS car. For the record I've never driven a Ford, always GM. I'm hoping there are some new Pony drivers on here that can comment on their experience as I dont know anyone who has one. I'd like to know what people don't like about it or what problems people have with it.

 

I think there are a lot of squeaks and rattles.
The Pony Package does have an upgraded suspension.
I think the ride is pretty comfy.
And i think in 08 there will be ambient lighting and HID's.
I really like the sound of my shaker 500.

Just my quick opinions.

 

If you liked the ride of the convertible, you should try and drive a coupe. They are much more solid feeling, and lighter. Great cars, great platform. If you are considering it, you should definitely take another for a drive sometime. I would suggest renting another one for a weekend. Hertz is not too expensive for a v6 coupe for the weekend. That would give you plenty of time to explore the car at your leisure instead of having a pushy salesman with you for 10 minutes talking your ear off while you are trying to feel out the car.

 

Ok, I never thought of that. I might try it. How are the brakes in the Mustang? GM's brakes seem to have problems with the rotors warping or getting out of round, causing a pulsating. I wonder if the Ford is different.

I'm disappointed that the Mustang doesn't have an optional sunroof. These cars would be so cool with a sunroof.

 

Hi Guy,

A few months ago I traded in my '97 Camaro RS for a 2006 Pony Mustang. Had the Camaro since new, 160,000km's on it. Similar to your situation.

Here is what you should know before you make a decision.



Looks:
Both cars have awesome curb appeal

Interior:
Very cheap compared to what you have now. Hard plastics, the seat does not recline back to where you had it when you access the rear seats, poor lighting, no automatic headlights, no rear floor mats, seat ***** that break off in your hand, vinyl rear seats when you order leather, no lit vanity mirrors. Good news is you'll actually be able to see out your window on a sunny day (huge slope = glare in Camaro)

Exterior:
Paint finish is not as good as what you have now. Dust spots and drips. Doors and trunks function well (you won't get a tidal wave in your trunk when you open it), door handles will break, no tint on front window, tires that constantly go out of round and vibrate for a while, no T-Roof

Mechanical:
Pony suspension is similar in concept to your Y87. You get the GT bits, but not the brakes. Power on par with the Camaro, except No LSD, crappy 3.71 rear end ratio, no torque if motor revs too low, single exhaust tip, Mustang has way better frame, but front suspension not nearly as good as Camaro. Ride comfort is about the same (trade off stiffer frame / poor front suspension), driveline very sloppy / clunky (5 speed)

(My) Dealer Experience:
You'll get to meet a whole bunch of new people with bad attitudes, over and over again.


I'm still on the fence if I made the right decision or not.


Hope this helps you make yours.


Mike

 

Wow, that is the worst mustang review of an owner I have heard in...forever I think. I have not experienced any of those problems except the driveline clunk once in a while, but I have driven a new GTO that clunked just as bad, so I'd say it is fairly normal.

Oh, and the brakes are great for stockers (at least on my GT). If you aren't happy with the V6 brakes, the GT brakes are an easy and cheap mod I think.

 

Wow....that's quite a review! But would you say the driveline is as sloppy with the automatic trans? I think that 4-wheel disc brakes are optional on the V6 where they (and ABS) were standard on the Camaro. And a LOT of cars today have cheap hard plastics on the interiors....

 

Both my cars were / are 5 speeds, so I don't have an automatic to comapre to.

With the pony package, 4 wheel disk and ABS are included.



Mike

 

The V6 with the pony package will handle and feel very similar to a GT. If you rent a V6 for the weekend, you should also go to a dealer and test drive a GT if nothing else just for the feel of the car so you know how much difference there is. You might find yourself hooked though once you hear/feel the V8!!

 

I've had my '07 Pony now since Dec. '06.....no problems! (Looking for a piece of wood to knock on)
Anyway, I make all kinds of excuses to get out and go for a ride. As far as a sun roof, there are companies that will do a Glassback. It's expensive but cool as hell!

See the link below to see what I'm taking about;

http://www.mustangforums.com/m_3389611/tm.htm

 

one thing I can tell you is that you will be way more comfortable in the Mustang that in the Camero...I drove my Buddy's Camero the other day, and I Couldnt tand the seating position of the Camero. I felt like I was sitting on the floor. PLUS...I had no feet room.
I kept getting my feet stuck in between the pedals and it made me feel unsafe. Just in case you wonder...I'm 5'7/150 and were a size 10. I'm not a big guy, I and I felt like I was too big for the car.
The new stangs are Awsome on room, especially the back seat. Some people complain about leg room, but with the way the back seat reclaines the passenger, I dont fell like you really need that much, but then again, I'm a small guy. Good luck!

 

You will get a lot of opinions and that is exactly what they are someones opinion.

You really need to test drive one!

I have never understood the cheep plastic comments I don't know what car comparable to the mustang that does not have the same issues.

I have had a dash squeek but fixed it buy adding some 'padding under the corners'

I think it brakes very well and have had no problems.

The suspension and tires you get with the pp are much better than a standard 6 I have had both and was very impressed with the pp.

I have had very few problems with my car the leaking brake master cylinder and the fuel pump issue. These were taking care of buy the dealer with no problems.

It really depends on you dealer and it's service dept.

 

im sorry but that is the worst review i have ever heard about a mustang.... so ya i think its complete bull**** but wutever.... anyways thats all i had to say



have a good day

 

Sorry if you don't agree with my review. Just point out where I was wrong.

I'm not dissing the Mustang or Camaro. Just calling the shots as I've seen them, having owned both. an honest review.


Mike

 

I've never heared of a door handle braking off...

 

I know.....that's a new one to me too!

 

I have a 2006 V6 with the Pony Package. (For the model year 2006, the Pony Package included ABS and Traction Control). This was the first Mustang that I ever owned and the first Ford car since a 2000 Taurus. Like you, I was nervous about this purchase and wanted to learn as much as possible about the quality and reliability of the car. (I'm sorry, I just heard a neighbor's Mustang go down the street even with our windows closed-there's no mistaking the sound of a modified GT.) Anyway, I scanned these forums prior to "pulling the trigger" in March of last year to see what problems were being reported and to get a feel for what I might be getting into. I've reached the following conclusions-right or wrong:
1) Mustang owners, or at least the ones that will post to this forum site are very passionate about their cars and cannot tolerate the smallest of imperfections, let alone major problems.
2) Judging by the number of comments regarding specific problems with their cars, it is nearly impossible to ascertain the percentage of owners that have had the same problem. Those owners that have had trouble-free cars have less to say and are less likely to post.
3) Chatter on the Warranty and Service forum seems to be down from the last year or two. There seems to be fewer topics regarding the more serious problems.
I may be wrong about my conclusions, but I can say this with certainty; the only problem that I've had with my car in the first 15 months is a dead battery back in January after the car had been sitting for 7 days. The dealer checked it out, but found nothing wrong. Now, I just connect a Battery Tender to the battery when the car is not being used-in winter months. Other than that, the car has been great and a pleasure to drive. I hope this helps.

 

I have. A guy at work. his door handle fell off, but it was a 9 year old Chrysler.

I'm really torn between what to do, mainly because my Camaro is in as good condition as one could ever hope for at 103,000 miles (better, actually) and I like the style of it. But I know that big expenses are going to happen - for example, my engine has been "using" oil at an increasingly faster rate after i didn't lose a drop between oil changes for the first 90k miles. There are no external leaks. If i just keep going till something really big happens, then my resale value will plummet.

Another big unknown (and this might be getting a little off-topic) is selling my car to buy the new one. I'm still paying on it. I'd like to try and sell it. If I sell it and then go buy a new one, and i find that I'll have to order one and there'll be a delay in me getting the new one, then I'll have no car. Or should i buy the new one first, then sell the old one? i need some of the money that I'll get for the old one to put down on the new one. I've never sold a car before - each time I bought new, i traded. Has anyone else sold a car themselves & then bought new - how was your experience? Will a private-party used car buyers wait for your new car delivery date before taking your car? I didn't think so. Its probably going to be hard for me to find exactly what I want (new) because I'm so picky.

I guess I got spoiled by getting such a good Camaro. Now if I get something with problems I'll be kicking myself for giving up the Camaro!

 

Well I had a pony package V6 5-sp manual for a year and was perfectly happy with it with 0.0 issues. It's a great car for the money. If you get the IUP and leather the interior is plenty nice for a ~$21k car. The front end thunk and all the other niggles you see on the forum are really non-issues with the newest cars(and most of the older ones). Funny enough, we haven't replaced strut caps on a Mustang yet. I think the 07 has 'matured' enough that if you can find something you like with the rebates and discounts, an 08 really doesn't have much more to offer.

Selling is always hit-or-miss. Funny enough is that I've sold hundreds of cars at work and still loathe selling my own(and I use private venues like Ebay and Craigslist to sell my older used units-over 150 sold on ebay alone). Heck, I traded mine in because I didn't want to sell it, after it had a stock number, I promptly sold it on Ebay within a week-go figure...Its different when its your job though, and working at a dealer I do get kinda hooked up, as it was kinda-sorta a consignment deal.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...m=140102990366

First thing's first though, go drive one-a brand new one at a dealer-and solidify if that is your goal for your next car in the first place; and go from there.

 

chevy2001, if I were in your shoes, I'd keep my Camaro. At least for awhile until I was absolutely sure I wanted to get rid of her.

From reading your posts, it sure looks like you love your Camero. If you get rid of her now, you may really regret your decision. I still regret trading in my first car many years ago. What was I thinking? It's happened to a lot of us. From reading his post, I think that Mike might be missing his '97 Camaro RS a little bit. That's tough when that happens and it makes it difficult to enjoy your new car. That was good of Mike to share his experience with us.

Check your oil level on a regular basis and add a quart when necessary. That's what we do with our '88 Toyota Supra. Have a good mechanic check her out. Continue regular maintenance. Take good care of your Camero. It's a great looking car.

Generally speaking, paying for maintenance and repairs on an older car is much cheaper than the expense of a new car. There's interest on the loan, insurance usually is more expensive, registration costs more, and maintenance needs to be performed on a new car too.

Also, you still owe money on your Camero. Don't get "upside down" where you owe way more money on a car than it's worth.

Consider paying off your Camero before thinking about getting another car.

If I were in your shoes, I'd keep my Camero until I was sure it was time to sell her. Because of my financial situation, I'd look around for a nice used Mustang being sold by a private party. It would be great if it belonged to a friend who I knew kept her in good shape. Since I'd be saving money buying a used Mustang from a private party, I might even consider getting a Mustang GT instead of a V6 with a Pony Package! Then I'd buy the Mustang and sell my Camero knowing that I was saying good-bye to my Camero with no regrets.

That's my opinion, for what it's worth. I hope it's helpful. Best of luck!