Just out of interest but has the S197 had a higher than average list of problems since it's release compared to other manafactures? From reading several forums the S197 seems to have had a lot of issues from a lot of owners since it's release and I just wondered if this is fairly normal for a new car, no matter the manafacturer or is this something Ford have let themselves down, looking on several forums to name just a few there is people complaining about hood corrosion, water leaks, knocking sounds and drivetrain noises, dead batteries etc, back in 94 how did the SN95 fair on reliability issues?

 

it's actually highly rated in this area compared to other vehicles.

On forums you will read about every little thing concerning any car. It will make things seem much worse than they actually are.

 

A good example of no problems with my early Mustang 07 GT. 31,000 miles in 1 year with no use for the $1,800 service contract I purchased. Some of the paint issues I think were very real, mine however looked like bubbling but are just welding spots. My brakes have also gone 30K. The bass is starting to go on and off and I am getting the popping sound after I turn the ignition off with the Shaker 500.

 

I agree; if you go hang out on the other manufacturer's model specific forums (especially the imports) and you'll see many many problems that you'd never hear about otherwise.

 

I actually researched forums for common problems while choosing a new vehicle. There are problems on all cars.

 

I purchased mine in Feb 07, in Dallas, TX, and then drove 1200 miles, on back roads, to South Dakota. Too date I have had zero problems with the car. We have taken it to Colorado and cruised Estes Park, and the Rocky Mountain National Park, otherwise it is locally driven mostly on I-90 at 75 mph, and in the Black Hills. Probably one of the best cars I have owned over the last 40 years. Kudos to Ford and the folks at the plant.

I cannot count the number of compliments this car receives, from a little girl in the Safeway parking lot taking a picture of it, to a guy in a Dodge Ram giving the thumbs up at an interchange.

 

Something else to keep in mind is that the number of Mustang enthusiasts is MUCH greater than that of most other vehicles. Meaning, more of the Mustang population is likely to log in and post in forums than, say, an HHR or 300C. Look how many Mustang web sites and forums there are on the net compared to other manufacturers and judge for yourself. It's a volume game. If more people log in, then there will be more complaints. Just my .02

 

Reasonable assertion.

 

You read my mind. So +1 to what he said.

Also add in the fact that people don't just log in and post about how good and problem free there car has been. Majority of folks that post are trying to resolve a problem of some sort and see if anyone else has experienced it (seeking help). So it's going to look like there are a lot more negative posts compared to positive.

ALL cars have problems! This coming from an auto technician. BUT some definately have more than others.

My Stang has been pretty much trouble free... and a heck of a strong car. I beat the crap out of it with no worries.