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Ford Mustang (2004 and earlier)

2124 messages,  Last post on Aug 24, 2010 at 1:12 PM

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What is this discussion about? Ford Mustang, Coupe

Messages Page 198 of 213

#1966 of 2124 2000 vs 2001 by beernut

Sep 22, 2006 (4:49 am)

I need your worthy advice.
 
I want to buy an entry level Mustang in the pre-2005 body style and have two cars I'm considering. They are identical white/tan V6 Auto's and are both at $7k. Here are the differences:
 
2000 with 66k miles. Nicer interior and exterior. I like the black body decals and the wheels better. No keyless enty fob. Available from a Ford dealer who's reputation is very marginal.
 
2001 with 42k miles. Interior looks more worn. Has more body dings. Has tan body decals which I don't like as well. Wheels are OK but not as attractive to me. Power steering pump whines. Front bumper and hood were damaged at some point and replaced but the hood is from a Cobra and looks odd with the fake scoop. Available from a private owner who seems like a nice guy.
 
I know nothing about Mustangs and would really value your input. Both cars appear to be generally sound.
 
Thanks.

#1967 of 2124 Re: Engine missing - need help [john_324] by luma46

Sep 22, 2006 (6:24 am)

Replying to: john_324 (Sep 20, 2006 3:04 pm)
I did disconnect the battery for 15 minutes and the hesitation at higher RPM under a load is still there. I do not think it is an ignition fault, it definitely feels like an intermittent lack of fuel. The question is if it is something mechanical (fuel filter, fuel pump/pressure) or control module/sensors related.
I will gradually check all these things (already bought the fuel filter). Unfortunately I am right now busy with some home improvement projects, so I am not sure when I get to it. BTW, my Mustang is just a toy car, a substitute for a motorcycle (my wife wouldn’t ride with me any more) and I will be parking it for winter soon
Lumir

#1968 of 2124 Re: 2000 vs 2001 [beernut] by john_324

Sep 22, 2006 (6:53 am)

Replying to: beernut (Sep 22, 2006 4:49 am)
Based on what you've said, If it were me, I'd buy the 2000.
 
There are no real differences mechanically between the 2 years. From 1999 to 2004 the Mustang was more or less unchanged at the core. There were some cosmetic changes, but that's it...
 
The difference in mileage is negligible from a long-term point of view...the key will be how well they were maintained (so be sure to get records/have 'em looked over).
 
Other: sounds like the 2001 has a GT hood, if it has a pronounced hood scoop. You can get a replacement key fob for the 2000 pretty easily.
 
And I agree on the striping...I never liked the tan rocker panel stripes myself. Black is classic Mustang.

#1969 of 2124 Re: Engine missing - need help [luma46] by john_324

Sep 22, 2006 (7:31 am)

Replying to: luma46 (Sep 22, 2006 6:24 am)
Hmmm...it also could be a sparkplug misfire perhaps...

#1970 of 2124 Re: 2000 vs 2001 [john_324] by beernut

Sep 22, 2006 (9:06 am)

Replying to: john_324 (Sep 22, 2006 6:53 am)
Thanks, 324. Yes, I think "Classic Mustang" is the perfect description of how the 00 looks sitting next to the 01. Odd, since they are the same car with a different color of decal, but you are right.
 
Also, the 00 has a dealer I can yell at for stuff. I'd never go back to a private seller with problems.

#1971 of 2124 Re: 2000 vs 2001 [beernut] by john_324

Sep 22, 2006 (1:30 pm)

Replying to: beernut (Sep 22, 2006 9:06 am)
I never understood the tan striping...a very odd choice at the time, given how Ford was really ramping up the retro at that point. Red stripes would have been a good-looking choice for white Mustangs only...
 
I actually put those rocker panel stripes on my '02...white for me, as my car is dark blue.
 
What do the wheels look like on the '00? Are they kinda a shiny, machined chrome, in a star pattern with exposed lugs?

#1972 of 2124 Re: 2000 vs 2001 [john_324] by beernut

Sep 25, 2006 (4:57 am)

Replying to: john_324 (Sep 22, 2006 1:30 pm)
No, the wheels are a machined aluminum affair with a pony cover over the lugs. Not my favorite, but I'm not big on wheels anyway. They are actually what I would call a "split" three spoke in that there are actualy six spokes but not evenly spaced - they are sort of mashed into three pairs. It seems to be pretty standard for the 00. The 01 I looked at had the same finish in a five spoke and I didn't like it as well.
 
Anyway, the dealer came down another grand so I bought the 00 on Saturday. The exterior is in very good condition and appears to have been garage kept at least for some of its life. The interior looks showroom - even better than I would have done - I'm really surprised at how clean it is.
 
Just a side note... I looked at a '99 convert. on Friday for $3 grand more. Only 24k miles and beautiful pictures on the internet. But...YIKES!! It started as a Hawaii car and moved to Maryland after two years... probably military. Well, it appears the low mileage was due to it being stored for a long time AFTER it was nicely covered with Pacific Ocean salt... corrosion everywhere you looked and at least one complete repaint. Some body panels had at least two repaints.
 
So, now I own a Mustang. There you go.

#1973 of 2124 Re: 2000 vs 2001 [beernut] by john_324

Sep 25, 2006 (3:41 pm)

Replying to: beernut (Sep 25, 2006 4:57 am)
Ah, the classic 15" inch wheels. Those were the standard wheels for that model. Not bad at all though IMO. Nice, kept-up interiors on used Mustangs are super-rare, so that's a real score. Sounds like you found a good one.
 
Congratulations, and enjoy your car...Mustangs are loud, crude, antiquated and unsophisticated...and probably the most fun car you'll ever own.

#1974 of 2124 Re: 2000 vs 2001 [john_324] by beernut

Sep 26, 2006 (4:39 am)

Replying to: john_324 (Sep 25, 2006 3:41 pm)
I'm lovin' it so far. I haven't had a rear-drive coupe since my '78 Supra which was my first new car (I know... long time ago). After the sedans, mini-vans and PU trucks, I find I really want to go for a drive now. And after recently giving up all self-performed maintenance tasks, I went out last night and re-stocked on DIY supplies.
 
This is fun!
 
Hey... I've got a question about the clouded headlights that all of these cars have. Is the fix...
a) Replacement
b) Expensive polish job by a pro
c) Buy some goo and polish it myself, or
e) Leave them alone??
 
I'm sure its been discussed on this board before, but I'm new here.

#1975 of 2124 Re: 2000 vs 2001 [beernut] by john_324

Sep 26, 2006 (8:33 am)

Replying to: beernut (Sep 26, 2006 4:39 am)
Replacing them will run around $130 each or so (for the OEM part anyway...I'm sure aftermarket ones will be cheaper, but quality could be an issue).
 
I've heard of people wet-sanding their clouded stockers with a really fine grit paper (like 2000), and then polishing them...apparently works pretty well.
 
If yours aren't too bad, you might get good results with just some plastic polish and some elbow grease. Just be glad you don't have a 94-98 model...the headlights on them are known to get quite yellowed with age.

Messages Page 198 of 213

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