Are the 2005-2009 V6s that bad and underpowered??

12529 Views 34 Replies 29 Participants Last post by jlee910, Jul 6, 2015

BryceBondarenko

Discussion Starter · Apr 11, 2015

hey guys I'm new to this world of mustangs but have done a lot of searching around (prices, performance upgrades, etc.) so I'm not completely clueless. Im 17 years old and i love the way the 2005-2009 mustangs look inside and out (inside especially). I work and am saving up to buy my own (at about 3.5k right now). I can afford a 2005 v6 in my area by the time of july, I can find one for about 6-7k with about 100,000-120,000 miles. My question is, after looking around and stuff, everyone says the 2005-2009 v6s are horrible, weak, waste of money, underpowered, slow, etc. Are they really that bad? It will be my first car and don't really want to wait longer to save up for a gt, and of course a gt will be more expensive insurance wise and just the price of the car.
Bottom line, Will I be disappointed in buying a v6? I'm just looking for a reasonably fast/nice car i can have fun with for a couple years.
I will be going to a dealer soon to test drive one, but just looking for advice. Because at this point its either a 2001-2004 GT or 2005-2009 v6 for me, I'm just in love with the 2005-09s.
thanks

1 - 20 of 35 Posts

mustang-lover05

· #2 · Apr 11, 2015

They are "under powered" if you compare them to the newer models and they are "under powered" compared to g35 models or cars similar of the same era that have 70 more horsepower and 30 more torque. However, if you can afford a few simple bolt one and different gears the car becomes a whole new animal. The car will never have high amounts of horsepower unless you go forced induction, however what you can get is torque with some simple bolt ons and torque will give you that throw back in your seat feel.

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yellstang05

· #3 · Apr 12, 2015

I'll start of by saying a common phrase you will hear: "there's always someone faster than you." That being said, don't worry about having the fastest car around. Truly fast cars cost a lot of money. Especially after paying the insurance and upkeep.

The 4.0 v6 mustang has enough where you can have fun without creating a death trap. At 17, you still have plenty to learn when it comes to driving skill that only really comes with time. I'm no racecar driver either. Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to talk down towards you. Just trying to make my point that people will say it's "slow" and it's not something you should worry about.

I would say go with an 05-09 v6 and you'll still have fun. I certainly have.

You're not going to really win races, but this engine has some good low-end torque where it's still fun to drive around. That's what it's about. The Fast and Furious movies aren't real life. Mustangs are relatively affordable and are easy to find parts if you want to specialize it to your taste.

Bitter

· #4 · Apr 12, 2015

It largely depends on what you are after. If you're looking to spin your wheels or race it, then yeah...you're going to be disappointed. At 17, if you're looking for a car with good looks and ample power that won't make you cry at the gas pump, get a 4.0L with a 5 speed. I'm not one who looks to leave the guy beside me at a redlight in my dust, but I'm quite happy with the acceleration and the gas mileage.

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gManTexas

· #5 · Apr 13, 2015

I have a 2006 Pony Convertible. Love the car, but was always looking for more performance. Got a 2011 GT and kept the 2006 as well.

I agree, it really depends on what you are looking for. If you want to go fast and have screaming performance, you won't get without dumping a lot of money in mods into the car. Then you will probably be saying, I should have gotten a GT.

From the standpoint of having a decent car that is fun to drive, yes it is. They are relatively low maintenance, easy to mod, okay on gas, and hey, it's a Mustang!

Maxwellmurder

· #6 · Apr 14, 2015

I love my 2010 V6. It looks great. After some messing around with the exhaust, it sounds great. A couple thousand bucks over the last 5 years and it's pretty quick too.

az.dsrt

· #7 · Apr 14, 2015

I have the v6, it will never be a GT. But, with an OEM GT muffler and a couple of minor mods, mine is more than fun to drive..

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silver_stang200

· #8 · Apr 14, 2015

My last two tangs were V6's Love them both the '06 I had(RIP) was slightly modded CAI Bamma tune JBA true dual exhaust and Steeda lowering springs

My '09(current) just a CAI going to get a Bamma tune as soon as I sell my old wheels and a few other performance goodies:grin:

ONEZ ST

· #9 · Apr 14, 2015

I have an 06 V6 manual and 12 GT auto. I have as much enjoyment with the V6 as the GT.

Ok, so I'm stretching it a little. The GT is way more fun and impressive. BUT I still have the V6 because I like the body style.

sidrick

· #10 · Apr 17, 2015

yellstang05 said:
I'll start of by saying a common phrase you will hear: "there's always someone faster than you." That being said, don't worry about having the fastest car around. Truly fast cars cost a lot of money. Especially after paying the insurance and upkeep.

The 4.0 v6 mustang has enough where you can have fun without creating a death trap. At 17, you still have plenty to learn when it comes to driving skill that only really comes with time. I'm no racecar driver either. Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to talk down towards you. Just trying to make my point that people will say it's "slow" and it's not something you should worry about.

I would say go with an 05-09 v6 and you'll still have fun. I certainly have.

You're not going to really win races, but this engine has some good low-end torque where it's still fun to drive around. That's what it's about. The Fast and Furious movies aren't real life. Mustangs are relatively affordable and are easy to find parts if you want to specialize it to your taste.

Great post which sums up my thoughts perfectly :thumbsup:

At 17 a 200+ bhp Mustang is a hell of a first car. Get the V6 and learn the ropes before chasing numbers

lionbaseball

· #11 · Apr 18, 2015

To OP,

You might want to price out insurance first. I have a 16 y.o. and the V6 Mustang is much cheaper on insurance :smile:

WindStang

· #12 · Apr 21, 2015

Take a V6 and a GT for test drives and see for yourself. If you like the power that's there with the V6 - you'll be happy. And yes - there will always be someone that is faster than you.

Howelldaddy

· #13 · Apr 21, 2015

Just remember that you can only go as fast as the car in front of you , or road conditions allow. Unless you intend to race the car(on a legal track of course), the 4.0 will bne a great car for your first ride. My son has an 06 'vert pony Package and he absolutely loves that car.

ga_stang2159

· #14 · May 1, 2015

I'm 17 years old and have an 05 V6. I absolutely love the car. At 17 driving a mustang is extremely expensive on insurance so I would say go with the V6. I pay 118 a month on insurance and have a ton of discounts to even get me to that price. A GT would be much more expensive every month. So that is certainly something to consider. As far as power goes, sure it's not the fastest. It is still pretty fun however. My engine is stock and I when I hit the gas it'll still throw me back in the seat a little bit. If your looking to race people your probably not gonna win too many but you'll still have fun with the v6. And occasionally you'll find the show off in a Honda Civic or Nissan Altima that tries to race and for the most part you would win in a v6 mustang. If you like the body style of 05-09 then I say buy it. No point spending money on an older body style GT when you can get what you want out of the v6. And like other people have mentioned, it's easy and relatively cheap to mod the v6 and turn it into a whole new beast. So there's my 2 cents worth. Hopefully it helps some.

st3v

· #15 · May 6, 2015

I'm in my early 30s and I bought a low miles 2007 Mustang V6 Convertible last year after having faster cars (BMW 335i). I had a 2005 in the past and I missed it (I think 2005-2009 looks best). I'd say, if you are a very experienced driver and want to pass someone fast on the highway, this is not the car for you. But really, it is fast enough in most cases. I love mine.

You being 17, not sure if I'd get the GT if I were you, due to exorbitant insurance prices for your age. V6 would be perfect, fast enough, and cheaper to maintain.

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SOHCman

· #16 · May 7, 2015

For a first car a V6 Mustang is better than most!
I bought my 06 new and used it to commute to work 180 miles round trip a day.
It was fast enough. Just ask the Massachusetts State Police.
I have had VERY few problems.
Maintenance was basically oil changes.
One set of plugs and one set of brakes.
One thermostat and five windshields.
Massachusetts has lots of rocks on their roads.
She turned 273,000 miles last month.
Mine has an auto, but I always drive it like a stick (the computer that everyone complained about giving sluggish performance) so response is instantaneous.
I have a few videos on YouTube under my handle.
TWO MUSTS: FULL duals (I have a Pypes setup) and a T-loc differential.
The T-loc will not let you spin the tires much, but you will launch and be much safer in bad weather!
Drove all year round, even in 10" of snow.

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dakobster8

· #17 · May 7, 2015

At 17, a v6 is great. Keep in mind you are going to make mistakes, you are going to scratch it, dent it, or worse...better to do the V6. When I was about 18 I really wanted to get a 2000 GT...my parents wouldn't cosign with me so I didn't end up getting it, and got a 90's Taurus instead...turns out, I probably would have ruined the car, and now I have two better Mustangs.

When you grow out of the car, you'll appreciate your decision and will be ready for the GT. Plus, as others have stated, insurance at 17 is going to be rough on the GT, maintenance and gas costs too.

Snow Wolf

· #18 · May 18, 2015

it is simple. buy the one you want. if you like it, that all that matters. my first car was (and still is) a 1987 Ford Ranger 2 wheel drive, open rear, with the super fast (<--- sarcasm) 95hp 2.3l lima. even thro stp oil treatment in january moves faster the then the Ranger did. i still love it. and in time you can always find ways to make it faster. so go with the one you like.

ThaRobFather

· #19 · May 24, 2015

I'd say go ahead and get the V6 man. I'm 19 and my first (and current) car is an 09 V6. Sure, it's not a supercar but I've had a blast with mine. Plus like previous guys have said, you can make it a whole new animal with a few bolt ons. Grab a tuner and an exhaust kit and you'll be all good!

Best of luck bro!
-Rob

izzzy12k

· #20 · May 25, 2015

If you get the "power pack" which is the cold air intake, x pipe, and the added muffler with tune (assuming you want to stay with ford parts, you don't have to... this is from my experience) you will find yourself driving a whole new car which will have already been powerful for a young driver in my opinion...

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