[TPSi]

Hallo

I found your forum in search for info on Mustang I want to buy. I am I car guy, driving Outback 3.6R for my daily routes, having Lotus Super 7 replica for fun, and using simulator for iRacing.com. There is also a sport bike in my garage.

So, I want a gurgling american V8 badly in my garage for summer time. Here in Poland we have 6 months of rain/snow, and half pretty decent sunny weather. So Mustang is not going to be exploited too much. Before my Mustang idea I thought about buying Challenger RT, but that would be the 5th in Poland, no service or forum help in case of

I hesitate between the V8 GT 2008 model and GT 2011, maybe 2012 if my budget allows me to import it from USA. Buying a second hand car in Poland is a battlefield. There are many wrecks polished and shining with total titles. I spent half a year to buy my first Subaru, travelling and checking cars with chassis of banana.

The 2008 GT (Premium) I can have is from the first owner, but a bit (~7000 USD) overpriced due to low mileage (less then 10.000 miles) and the fact he is a car guy also and does not need to sell it which impacts the process of negotiating. Please bear in mind here in Poland we have to pay import tax and 23% VAT which almost double the original price of a car imported from USA.

The pros of such a solution:

• I know the origin of the Stang
• I like the premium package and bright interior
• Low mileage
• Like the classic line of 2005-2010 models
• Better sound of V8

The cons

• Overpriced (but can live with that, no matter as it sounds) total price 23.000 USD
• Only 4.6 and ~300 HP, but being street wise is more than enough

Another option is to import 2011 GT model within budget of 28.000 USD

From what I read the pros:

• Better performance
• Better quality
• Better interior
• Better electronics, audio, and stuff

The cons:

• Rear looks ugly and less classic
• Worse v8 sound
• I am not able to inspect the car myself before import so it is always a risk, especially when being picky.

So to put it simply - more classic but weaker or less classic, stronger with better interior?

 

[BOSS MAN 13]

2011 + better car all around. The 5.0 V-8 is amazing!
Quieter ride, tighter car, more power, 400+ hp, better fuel economy, more comfortable seats. You get used to the rear, I like the 2011-2012 rear better than the '13 -14 rear and I own one. The 2011 to 2014 Mustang will be "the car" to own for years to come.

 

[Strange Mud]

As you know until you get it it is a risk..but the 5.0 is an amazing motor. If you've read the forums on the newer on it seems (and I believe) the manual transmission is a weak link if you want an automatic there is only the standard worry when buying a car.

fwiw I had a Chally rental for a week (v6 compared to my V6 Stang) and it was a great hwy cruiser but felt big/bloated in other situations...however with the 7 you do have the fun tossable ride covered. Those are cars I would like to try.

 

[Mac 27]

I'll chime in as well. While I think either is a great choice I think the interior of the 2011 is a big step up and the extra power is a huge plus for me. (I own a 14 GT Premium). Also, I don't know that I'd call the MT82 manual the weak link because I don't have any issues with it. Yes, it nibbles going into second when really cold outside but that's my only issue with it. A lot of people post on multiple forums and a few people bitching about their "issues" creates an ever expanding group that talks about MT82 problems that probably don't exist or affect the majority.

At first I didn't like the look of the 11-12 tails but they have grown on me over time. I think both styles look great so you can't go wrong. I'd say the biggest concern might be if you bought the 08 would you be craving more power? I had a 2010 Challenger R/T (loved it) but had 2 issues with it. 1) I bought an auto (shiftable) and eventually wanted a manual and 2) felt that it was quick but not quick enough. I think the R/T and the 08 GT are about the same in terms of the sprint from 0-60. The '11 is so much quicker IMO.

As for the exhaust on the 11, a set of GT500 axle backs for ~300 USD here makes the car sound awesome. Best of luck.

 

[TPSi]

I'll chime in as well. While I think either is a great choice I think the interior of the 2011 is a big step up and the extra power is a huge plus for me.

...

Best of luck.

Just to make it clear as far as my choice - only A/T. I travel long distances, and manual tires me. My Lotus is manual and it is enough to like it.

 

[PMDmustang13]

I love my 13 mustang. Best mustang or vehicle I have ever had. However, if your going to have to pay close to 28,000 bucks for a 2011 Gt without even seeing it and having it inspected then no way Jose. I am assuming twice or more the mileage of the 08.

Go for the 08 mustang from the original owner for much less in my current opinion without knowing any more facts.

 

[Mac 27]

Just to make it clear as far as my choice - only A/T. I travel long distances, and manual tires me. My Lotus is manual and it is enough to like it.

The Challenger is made for long distance cruising. Seats are incredibly comfortable, suspension takes the bumps in stride and the R/T would be similar performance wise in a sprint to the '08 - and you can put into AutoStick if you want to hold the gears longer (not on option on the '08 Mustang). The car will put a smile on your face every time you see it. It won't corner like the Mustang but it doesn't sound like that's your purpose with this car. Check out the 'challengerforumz' for people in Poland that have them.

If your long drive has twisties or you like the styling of the Mustang better get the '08. If you plan to mod your car I think the Mustang has better after market support as well. Either way, let us know what you eventually do.

Todd

 

[matthewr87]

If you are making such a sizeable investment to buy a Mustang, I would try to find a 2012 model instead of a 2011. The 2011 was the first year for the new powertrain, so it has the most applicable technical service bulletins (TSBs) - unfortunately buyers of first year models are guinea pigs a lot of the time.

With the 2008 you do not have to worry about first year model issues, but you have a much older car. The 5.0 may not sound as nice as the old 3v 4.6, but it makes a lot more power and continues to make it much higher in the RPM band. The interior on the 2011+ is also far superior.

Whatever you do, make sure you inspect the front lip of the hood (both on the top and bottom) to check for paint bubbles. Chances are that both the 2008 and 2011 will have bubbles. This is a common issue (google "Mustang hood bubbling" and you will see what I'm talking about). If there are bubbles, you will most likely have to replace the hood at some point (with aftermarket fibre glass or carbon fibre), but that is a risk every Mustang owner has had to live with since 2005.

Powodzenia i Wesołych świąt!

 

[TPSi]

The Challenger is made for long distance cruising. Seats are incredibly comfortable, suspension takes the bumps in stride and the R/T would be similar performance wise in a sprint to the '08 - and you can put into AutoStick if you want to hold the gears longer (not on option on the '08 Mustang). The car will put a smile on your face every time you see it. It won't corner like the Mustang but it doesn't sound like that's your purpose with this car. Check out the 'challengerforumz' for people in Poland that have them.

If your long drive has twisties or you like the styling of the Mustang better get the '08. If you plan to mod your car I think the Mustang has better after market support as well. Either way, let us know what you eventually do.

Todd

I have good contacts here in Poland as far as American cars, but Challenger is not as common as Stangs.

My main concern about Challenger is it is too wide. I will have to rebuild my garage to step out of it, which is not a big deal, just couple of bricks. But parking lots, hotel parking (I travel a lot). Sometimes I have problems even with my Outback, which is smaller. Stang is a good alternative to enjoy V8 in American way.

Will see.

 

[randeez11]

OP. Poland or anywhere else. the Mustangs that were built with
V8's have always been amazing.
But if you are hard bent on an V8 Mustang, prior to the Coyote version of 2011 and as late, you are depriving yourself from a life of content. Just saying, for whatever it is worth.

 

[Bobby B]

2011 Mustangs built in September, 2010 and later did not have the start-up production problems that earlier 2011 cars did. My 2011, which was built in September 2010, has been problem free.

Get a Coyote 5.0 powered Mustang. It is so much more fun to drive than the 2005 - 2010 Mustangs and it gets great gas mileage. Moreover, it performs between a Camaro and a baseline Corvette.

 

[iBookmaster]

I had a 2008 GT/CS which was a very nice car. The 2011s and up are nice upgrades though. A couple things I really ended up liking better on my 2011 over the 2008 are the blind side mirrors are something you will use every day and the dash instrument cluster is nicer also. The 2011s and up also are a much smoother, quieter ride. Only a couple of things I miss from the 2008. The 360 degree rotating vents for heat & air which also close completely flat. I thought Ford went backwards on that. The 2011 and up have rear seat head rests which I'm not crazy about.

 

[TPSi]

I had a 2008 GT/CS which was a very nice car. The 2011s and up are nice upgrades though. A couple things I really ended up liking better on my 2011 over the 2008 are the blind side mirrors are something you will use every day and the dash instrument cluster is nicer also. The 2011s and up also are a much smoother, quieter ride. Only a couple of things I miss from the 2008. The 360 degree rotating vents for heat & air which also close completely flat. I thought Ford went backwards on that. The 2011 and up have rear seat head rests which I'm not crazy about.

Besides the power and interior quality I wonder 1 thing. My Mustang purchase is going to be a long term usage. As it is going to be my second daily car I would to like to enjoy her far longer than just couple of years. European cars being manufactured now are not of such quality as they used to be in the '90. Don't know what about American ones. What I am afraid of is things are getting old and tend to malfunction, esp. electronics.

In my Lotus Seven replica the electronics is as simple as possible and needed to drive and survive car inspection. BTW let me show off a little ;-).

I know I am going to enjoy her for a very long time without worries, apart from mechanical issues. The same was with my Outback MY 2006. Plain and simple. Four years and no issues apart from regular service. Cannot say the same about my Outback 2010. I had couple of stupid malfunctions, puddle lights burnt, service fuse burnt, I used to have constant CEL due to possible gas fumes and needed to replace tank plug with a round piece of rubber. Now my Outback is in perfect condition, but we had our history.

Considering all aspects which MY is a better way to go? 2008 or 2011/12?

Just asking 5830.gif

 

[Yeti1234]

Coyote, Coyote, Coyote!

I bought a clean used 2011 GT a few months ago after facing the same decision, 3500mi on top of the original 24K and absolutely no regrets here! I now know I would have hated myself forever if I had ponied <sic> up for only 300hp when I could have had this, the motor is FANTASTIC!!!

Car and Driver magazine said it was the best Mustang ever, and maybe the best Ford ever!

 

[TPSi]

Coyote, Coyote, Coyote!

I bought a clean used 2011 GT a few months ago after facing the same decision, 3500mi on top of the original 24K and absolutely no regrets here! I now know I would have hated myself forever if I had ponied <sic> up for only 300hp when I could have had this, the motor is FANTASTIC!!!

Car and Driver magazine said it was the best Mustang ever, and maybe the best Ford ever!

This is what bothers me as far as 2008 MY - just found it

 

[T3RM1N8R]

Get the 2011... and put a Roush exhaust on it. Here is a youtube video of mine. Im sure you will change your mind about the sound. Plus 420hp is so much more than 300hp, and as everyone said before the interior on the 2011 is so much better.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YlA9UC3p_WY

 

[PMDmustang13]

Be aware that the 11-12 gauge clusters are different than the 13-14 gauge clusters as seen i the video and that not all americans listen to that type of music that was on in the background of the video for the roush exhaust.

 

[T3RM1N8R]

not all americans listen to that type of music that was on in the background of the video for the roush exhaust.

lolol u mad brah

its satellite radio

 

[PMDmustang13]

no just messing around a little

 

[TPSi]

There is one thing popping up in my businessplan. I can have 2008 GT Premium in mint condition, or will have to deal with some sort SALVAGE CERTIFICATE as far as 2011 or newer, import it and mend it here in Poland. My previous two cars imported from USA had titles, but the second one was just scratched a little. It was just a good deal.
To avoid titles I need to stretch my budget by 30%. Cannot win'em all :-/