Here's the big question for those of you in the snowbelt... how is your Mustang in the dead of winter? Why I ask is that I'm seriously considering an '05 GT for a daily driver. But wait, I'm in Victoria, it never snows here, right? Well, that's true but I am contemplating a move back to Ottawa where I grew up and was wondering how the new Mustang would deal with it. Back in the day, I always had a 4x4 around, usually an old Cherokee but if i bought this GT, I'd be trading in my current Jeep TJ thusly leaving myself 4x4-less. Of course, there's still the chance that I'll stay here and if so, the snow question becomes moot, but I'd still like to hear some experiences just in case!

Thanks!

 

Realizing that the Mustang is not a 4X4, and it is a performance car with PZero tires, I have gotten through our first two snowfalls (one of 8-10") fine.
The '05 is a much better balanced car than previous Mustangs, so you don't have the light rear end characteristics like the '89. A set of winter tires will help, as will turning off the traction control in the deeper snow. If you do not expect it to handle like a 4X4, you will be fine.
The '05 is such a great car to drive! A few questionable days in the winter should not deter you from the experience.

 

With good winter tires... it's not bad. I have the Toyo bserve but the next set of tires that I will buy will be studded. ..
You have to be careful on the gas pedal but so far... better that I tought.

 

I put on Blizzaks, same size as stock (235/55R17). They are very good IMO. Car really stays planted even in 5 cm of snow.

Haven't ventured out when we had that larger snowfall (15-20cm).

I think winter tires are very important and I'd keep weight on hand for those really bad days.

Looking at the PZero's in my cellar, I can't believe you guys can get around with those. The tread looks like it has no bite. The Blizzaks have a VERY aggressive tread and you can feel the difference.

 

I'd just worry on all the salt that they are using ? if it just left under the car a great way to wash is to have a couple lawn spinklers set up and roll back'n forth to get under it as I assume every one will wash by hand ?

 

I just took mine out for the first time since the snow. Roads are pretty good now and the snow is melting. I think I will take the car to the touchless car wash for the "undercarriage" wash in a couple of days. Get rid of the salt/sand.

 

I'd bet that an 05 runs better in snow than my truck. Tires play a huge roll and I need new ones! :bang:

 

I had mine rust proofed at Krown. I don't worry about rust anymore. I Krowned my probe and no rust for 10+ years.

Use the touchless car wash (Esso) with the underspray. I also go and give her a proper wash WHENEVER i can at the powerwasher (yes, been at -14 degrees C....you have to dry fast, LOL)

 

Dan ... I heard from someone who sold soap and other products for the car wash .. told me that the stuff of the touchless car wash was too hard and remove the wax.. I don't know if it was true...anayway I wash my car by hand and I'm always sure that the salt is removed under my car.. with the touchless car wash you can't hand wash=$10.00....touchless car wash=$10.40

 

What type of rust proofing does Krown use? Is it the same as Rush Chek, a 'creeping' type of oil that gets into little spaces, or is it the black/brownish spray that goes on thin and kind of solidifies?

 

What type of rust proofing does Krown use? Is it the same as Rush Chek, a 'creeping' type of oil that gets into little spaces, or is it the black/brownish spray that goes on thin and kind of solidifies?
[/b][/quote]

Same as rust chek.....creeping oil. I swear by it.

 

This is the second winter for my '03 GT in the snow and muck, the '05 can't be worse... I have 15" Blizaks on steel rims, with two 60k sacks of sand in the trunk. I keep the tank over half and it goes fine. Now I'm not saying it's as good as a front wheel drive with four snows, but it's a lot of fun to steer with the pedal. If I went to the mountains every weekend, I would choose something else, but I live in town so no problem so far. Not much ground clearance, so not ideal in deep snow.
Paul.