Best Muscle Cars
The Where’s and Why’s of Buying A Mustang Across the Pond
By Dave Ashton
The Ford Mustang has gone global. Well, that was the big news back in 2015 when Ford wisely decided to offer the Mustang across the globe with the steering wheel on the other side. Example models were offered from the EcoBoost 2.3 turbo four-cylinder, which pumped out a surprising 310hp, to the full-fat 5.0L V8.
If you want a true thoroughbred, the 5.0L V8 is the obvious choice, which echoes reality, as only 15% of Europeans went for the EcoBoost variety. In 2016 Sync 3 software was added, along with three additional paint colors. The 2017 year, ushered in the Shelby GT350 and R type(5.2L flat-plane crank with 526hp) which had to be shipped over as imports. In 2018, the Mustang was treated to a facelift, and the 2.3 version was dropped in power to 300hp. Happily, the V8 which was pushed to 450hp, had upgraded tires, brakes, suspension, and a 6-speed manual transmission. The Mustang Bullitt was also released in 2018, providing 480hp, with all 350 examples allocated to the UK being quickly snapped up.
Brand-new, a Mustang GT will set you back around £44, with used examples easily found for around £30k.
The Ford Mustang 5.0 V8 (2015-)
The Mustangs with the most pleasing sound, are the facelift versions with the active exhaust. The 5L V8 Coyote engine is a mix of the old and the new, housing old school port injection to combat carbon build-up, while the variable camshaft timing uses chains rather than belts for longevity. The 2.3L, is surprisingly fast due to the addition of a turbo, with more acceptable fuel consumption. However, it doesn’t have the same soundtrack as a real V8.
As in the US, upgrades are plentiful, with power upgrades for any model type. Depending on the size of your wallet, you could opt for off-the-peg power increases, or visit an independent Mustang shop to strap on a Whipple supercharger, taking the power to 700hp in the V8 version. Transmissions are available in 6-speed manual, torque converter automatics, or even a 10 speed on facelift models. Both variations having equal amounts of fans.
To keep everything stuck on the ground, a limited-slip differential became the standard. The Line Lock in Track mode could also engage the front brakes for those pre-requisite burnouts.
The Good Bits….
Depending on where you drive the most, the Performance Packs deliver. PP1 is predominantly for normal driving, while PP2 is for those who want to hit the track the most often. Airlift and the adaptive MagneRide damping system added to the ride comfort, and while the steering is heavier than other sprightly Sportster, it’s still very responsive.
While the Mustang looks a tad larger than most other cars on European roads, the gen-six Mustang was designed by a Brit, Moray Callum, to fit into the landscape.
Standard interior equipment is reasonable with an 8-inch touchscreen, keyless entry, but a satnav is an extra option. As a predominantly sporty vehicle, it obviously doesn’t have the space of an SUV, but still contains 408 litres in the hardtop version.
The Bad Bits….
It’s a car, things start to go wrong in the long term. But how long does the Ford Mustang last before it needs a major repair? The 10R80 10-speed torque converter auto has had reports of faulty shifting which could be down to the valve bodies. The MT82 transmission has had reports of the shifter forks breaking.
There have also been two recalls due to battery cables being too close to the exhaust manifold and non-usable driver airbags. Some of the reports documented oil cooler leaks and play in the conrod bearings.
What to Buy
The success of the Mustang in Europe speaks for itself, now outselling the Porsche 911. A Mustang GT still represents good value, especially on the used market, with well-kept examples for around £30k. They may not be engineered to the same levels as their Germanic counterparts, but it’s the raw fun factor here that counts.
Facelift examples(post 2018) have the most power, but also cost the most, but also have the most tweaks and refinements. However, something a few years older can snag your extras such as leather seating for the low £30k mark. On the other hand if you want something with a Whipple supercharger and upgrades, stacking up to nearly 700hp, you’re probably looking at the top end of £50k.
The Mustang also has an ever-growing range of followers in Europe. This means that if you run into trouble, there’s plenty of people to help you out online.
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