What’s the experience of daily driving a 2001 GT V8? I came across a 2001 GT V8 with about 60k miles on it, and it looks well-maintained, possibly by a wealthy previous owner who had it serviced regularly at the dealership. Would this be a good choice for a daily driver? This would be my first Mustang, and I’m transitioning from a 2014 Hyundai Elantra (automatic).
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It’s likely to be much less reliable and less comfortable as a daily driver compared to what you currently have. I’d recommend waiting for a newer model. Also, depending on your climate, the New Edges don’t handle bad weather very well.
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I really disliked driving in the rain with my 2001. The car felt so light that even the tiniest puddle would make me lose a bit of control. I wasn’t speeding, but I still felt uneasy.
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I’m in Georgia, so the weather isn’t too harsh, just heavy rain at times. I plan to get the latest model by early next year.
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I drive a 2006 daily and wouldn’t trade it for anything. It’s incredibly fun to drive! Good luck with your decision, and I hope you end up choosing a Mustang.
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It depends. While it won’t be as stable as your Hyundai, it should be fairly reliable in terms of starting and running. However, it’s a completely different type of car with a very different handling style. People often get into accidents with these vehicles because they expect them to drive like a front-wheel-drive car and lack experience with rear-wheel drive.
As for reliability in getting you from place to place, it depends on how much time you’re willing to invest in understanding its handling characteristics. If you just plan to start it and drive, there’s a 50/50 chance you might have an accident in less-than-ideal conditions, especially if you’re heavy on the gas.
My best advice for a novice is to avoid accelerating when the wheels are turned. Be gentle on the gas or avoid it altogether, as the rear end can swing around quickly. Unlike a front-wheel-drive car, where turning the wheel while accelerating typically keeps you going in the direction of the wheels or straight, a rear-wheel-drive car can have the rear end come around if you’re not careful.
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I plan to approach it like a Hyundai at first since my experience is mainly with automatics and front-wheel drive. My friend will help teach me how to drive it properly.
My primary concern is reliability, I don’t want it to break down on me. However, I’m handy and enjoy working on things myself. From what I’ve seen in videos about SN95 bodies, it seems pretty straightforward to handle repairs and maintenance.
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Yes, it’s relatively easy to handle. I’m not trying to scare you, just giving a bit of caution. It’s important to get comfortable with the car by spending time driving it and practicing in semi-controlled environments before you find yourself in an emergency and unsure of what to do. It’s a different beast compared to what you’ve been driving, and its vehicle dynamics are quite distinct.
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Absolutely, thanks for the advice!
I’ve got a large parking lot in mind where I can practice and get familiar with it. I understand that my Hyundai feels like driving in a video game, but this will be a real driving experience, so I’m looking forward to it.