 My 2005 Mustang Adventure
I recently had the pleasure of driving a new 2005 V6 4L White Mustang for two weeks whilst visiting the US and Canada.
I had read reviews of the new Mustang at home in the UK and had always wanted to experience the drive of a Mustang. As a family man I have a practical MPV for carrying the kids and all their gear so as I was visiting on my own I thought what better opportunity. Before my trip I visited the Ford website and tried out the sounds and features of the Mustang, I couldn't wait to drive the car.
I booked the car through Hertz, yet on arrival at Chicago the sales staff tried to convince me that the Mustang would not be the best vehicle in case of any heavy snowstorms. They tried to give me a focus, I wasn't having any of it. They brought the car out and I was taken aback by the look of it. I had a slight problem getting my two cases in the boot but I forced them in.
I settled into the seat then noticed the car had only done two miles, I was the first to drive the vehicle. I turned on the engine and how it growled when revved. On my way up to Ontario on the I 94, cruising around 70 saw Highway patrol turn and follow me, as I was unfamiliar with the roads I slowed to around 60/65 and watched my rear, he followed for about two mile then turned off, I was relieved, after that experience I knew I had to be more vigilant with the speed and driving as the car may attract attention.
During the visit I went over the US/Canadian border a number of times at Port Huron and Niagara and each time the Customs officer would ask about the car, not about how it drives or what its like more of where did I get it from and was I the owner, on a couple of occasions running checks on the car.
On returning to Chicago I made a wrong turning, I stopped to ask directions at a gas station in South Chicago. As I got my map out I noticed numerous people looking at me and pointing, was it me they were pointing at or the car, I don't know and I didn't hang around to find out.
In the two weeks I had the Mustang I covered nearly 2000 miles, so it was well run in by the time I returned it. Driving it along the highways and through the tows it became noticeable how many people would turn and point or stare. People would stop and chat or wave at me whilst driving. I saw a number of older mustangs on the road but during my travels I only saw one more 2005 model.
I must say that it was a pleasure to drive and when I needed the speed to get away from the trucks up my backside on the highways, I knew it had the power to shift. With at least 1500 miles driven on highways I was averaging approx. 20 miles to the gallon, which considering the vehicles pedigree I thought was good.
I did find faults though but I could live with them if I was single or it was a second vehicle. The leg room in the rear was poor for passages and the inside was fairly basic (compared to European cars). On my return journey from Toronto to Chicago the first 80 miles or so were foggy, having no rear fog lights was a major mistake in equipment (again so used to rear fog lights in Europe which are a compulsory requirement on vehicles)
I know that I will probably never own a Mustang in the UK so my visit was made even more enjoyable by this experience. I am amazed you can purchase this car for so little. In the UK we can import the basic Mustang for around £20000 ($36000) but with the high cost of gas ($6 a gallon) and insurance it would not be feasible for me to continue the experience but I have the memories and I keep a photograph on my desk at work.
Wow what an experience!
Steve
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