10000 Miles

[goldengooner]

That's interesting, a lot of the s197 owners seem to slag off the s550 (probably without ever driving one):shrug:. What is the reason? Refinement, responsiveness, performance, handling, breaking?

sorry have been away for a few days
having fun on 1 lane roads in Weymouth

Ok, the reasons:

Number one is the Tech, love the auto seats, all the tech which I use a lot, the amazing ACC which even on the M25 works so well
Love the shark lights, and the look of the car now
the remote start, which is just so handy, as we were getting ready to go out, would fire her up, so she was nice and warm and the seats were warm when we got in. and boy did that get some attention.
When I went to Hayes Motor Museum, the boss come out and had a look, little things like that make it special. Its my 1st ever brand new motor and took a big gamble on her, but am so pleased I did.
yes the 5.0 engine does have way more kick than the 4.6 i feel
yes the performance way better than the S197.
Does seem to handle better than the S197.
But a lot of these things are because my CS is 9 years newer than my old 09 S197
And the interior is way more state of the art, at night she lights up like a Xmas tree

As for the S197 people slagging off the car, I was one of them for a long time (ask TT) then Trustford Dagenham wanted to do a photo shoot with my S197 and their S550, fell in love with the Black S550 and the rest is history
I think the reason why the S550 gets a lot of bad vibes from other owners, is because it's not a Muscle Car, it's a Tech Sports car

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[Lone Survivor]

Sorry very very wrong
Most LHD owners feel that am Amercian Muscle car should be LHD. it makes it special and something different
I know lots of dealers and tons of people on the MOCOGB site who say
"a real Mustang is a LHD one"
A Lot of true Mustang folk, prefer a LHD car

Yeah, I get that they might feel that given that it's only recently been introduced as RHD, but, if the export market had been there from the start, that's the start of the Mustang, which was the start of muscle cars (could be wrong here), then the ethos and thinking would be different. Of that I've no doubt.

50 years of people importing and owning a LHD, as the ONLY option, sort of drives that feeling of 'yeah only a LHD..'. If there had been 50 years of importing, let's face it, a much more usable, RHD 'Muscle' car, attitudes would be vastly different.

There's still the option of importing a LHD S550, it's the next evolution in the Mustang story, so, really, the S197 brigade have no case to bemoan, after all, does the former reincarnations of the Mustang, owners, bemoan the S197 as not true to the 'ethos' of the American Muscle car. Or is it, as with countless other marque's, that 'I've got this one, so it must be the best/truest/what everyone should have' is the case?

Really, the minority who would slate it, are not true muscle fans, the opposite iIMO, they're S197 fans.

Just my opinion formed of being involved with car clubs since 1979 (I had a Mk1 Escort then, followed by an Opel Manta GTE, both these cars were better than anyone else's, at the time, or so I would've claimed:lol

Also, just to add, I and all of us who own a RHD Mustang, in some people's eyes, are 'not true Mustang fans':lol::lol:

 

[Lone Survivor]

'Tech sports car', I've never heard that phrase, a GTR is a 'tech Sports car'

Anyway, the Mustang, ISN'T a 'muscle' car, it's a Pony car :lol:

A million American owners would agree with me here ;)

 

[goldengooner]

Yeah, I get that they might feel that given that it's only recently been introduced as RHD, but, if the export market had been there from the start, that's the start of the Mustang, which was the start of muscle cars (could be wrong here), then the ethos and thinking would be different. Of that I've no doubt.

50 years of people importing and owning a LHD, as the ONLY option, sort of drives that feeling of 'yeah only a LHD..'. If there had been 50 years of importing, let's face it, a much more usable, RHD 'Muscle' car, attitudes would be vastly different.

There's still the option of importing a LHD S550, it's the next evolution in the Mustang story, so, really, the S197 brigade have no case to bemoan, after all, does the former reincarnations of the Mustang, owners, bemoan the S197 as not true to the 'ethos' of the American Muscle car. Or is it, as with countless other marque's, that 'I've got this one, so it must be the best/truest/what everyone should have' is the case?

Really, the minority who would slate it, are not true muscle fans, the opposite iIMO, they're S197 fans.

Just my opinion formed of being involved with car clubs since 1979 (I had a Mk1 Escort then, followed by an Opel Manta GTE, both these cars were better than anyone else's, at the time, or so I would've claimed:lol

Part of the buzz of driving am American Muscle car was the LHD, it made it different, something special. Would get more attention than a RHD car.
A lot of people have grown up on Bullitt, that was where they 1st saw the Mustang. and that was a LHD.
A lot of people I know went for the Euro S550 for the 3 years warranty and the No Hassle if anything goes wrong, and the belief that if a part was needed it would be here in a day or 2. Where on the LHD big parts would have to come by ship and the car would be out of action for a few months. Of course as we now know, that has not quite worked out has it :lol:
They are true Muscle fans and that is the problem, the S550 is not a muscle car. I love the 05 to 09 5th Series, not a fan of the facelift.
The ones who slag it off, feel its to "European" looking and Ford sold out so they could sell the car all over the world. Where the S197 and cars before were just for the US / Canadian markets and looked more Yankee

 

[Lone Survivor]

If what they want is LHD to state their genuine 'muscle' car credentials, fill their boots. I drove lots of LHD military vehicles, i used to love the danger of left hand junctions :lol:

I'm pretty sure, a GTR is a buzz (I know this is fact, more than a few track laps in one), and I have to admit, I do love the iconic nature of the Mustang. But saying that S550 owners aren't true Mustang fans is a crock of shite, from anyone.

It's pretty well documented on here in the UK section, that the iconic ethos and nature of the Mustang, was their biggest reason for buying the s550, but due to the nature of LHD life on UK roads, it was out of the question to buy, own, live with one, for the vast majority.

I would counter your/their argument by daring to say, S550 owners are MORE of a Mustang fan than the polarised views of some LHD older model owners. Or do they feel, 'we were here first, get off my patch'?

 

[Jimboy2]

opcorn:

 

[goldengooner]

If what they want is LHD to state their genuine 'muscle' car credentials, fill their boots. I drove lots of LHD military vehicles, i used to love the danger of left hand junctions :lol:

I'm pretty sure, a GTR is a buzz (I know this is fact, more than a few track laps in one), and I have to admit, I do love the iconic nature of the Mustang. But saying that S550 owners aren't true Mustang fans is a crock of shite, from anyone.

It's pretty well documented on here in the UK section, that the iconic ethos and nature of the Mustang, was their biggest reason for buying the s550, but due to the nature of LHD life on UK roads, it was out of the question to buy, own, live with one, for the vast majority.

I would counter your/their argument by daring to say, S550 owners are MORE of a Mustang fan than the polarised views of some LHD older model owners. Or do they feel, 'we were here first, get off my patch'?

If you are a good driver, LHD should hold no fears
I drove a lot in the US, then had a test drive in my S197 round Fulham in some respects its easier than a RHD
I am not a Great driver, I am a decent driver, but don't have any issues with the LHD, other then some carparks.

I would counter your/their argument by daring to say, S550 owners are MORE of a Mustang fan than the polarised views of some LHD older model owners. Or do they feel, 'we were here first, get off my patch'?


Some of the S550 owners don't know the history of the Stang and don't give a dam. they got it as its a very cheap V8
So I think on that point I would have to disagree
And as for "get off my patch" Yes a lot do feel that way
A lot of people on the MOCOGB did not even want the RHD Euro Stang on the forums for a time. And there is still a lot of that
At Dam Yankees in Epping, when I parked in between a few of the member cars, was told at least you are a Real Mustang. It took a long time for the RHD to be accepted.
I did not buy mine cause I wanted a LHD, I got it cause it offered all the tech that was not on the Euro Stang and all dressed up in the California Special. (and blame TT for pointing me in that directiion ) If they had brought out a fully loaded CS in RHD for a good price, I would have gone with most people's advice, but they did not
When I decided to buy a S550 I had 3 choices:
Buy the one in the showroom
Wait and buy a cheap 2nd hand one in a few years, keep mine till then
Import a car with everything on it
I went for option 3, as the price was not that much different to a GT Vert Auto over here

 

[Lone Survivor]

If you are a good driver, LHD should hold no fears

never said it did

I drove a lot in the US, then had a test drive in my S197 round Fulham in some respects its easier than a RHD

thats not 'The UK', however, I passed my class two in. LHD AEC 10 Tonner in Fareham/Aldershot, just like Fulham, not relevant

I am not a Great driver, I am a decent driver, but don't have any issues with the LHD, other then some carparks.

I don't have any issues with ANY RHD in ANY car parks


I would counter your/their argument by daring to say, S550 owners are MORE of a Mustang fan than the polarised views of some LHD older model owners. Or do they feel, 'we were here first, get off my patch'?


Some of the S550 owners don't know the history of the Stang and don't give a dam. they got it as its a very cheap V8
So I think on that point I would have to disagree

back in the day, when the S550 was announced, the CL guys had nowhere to go other than pistonheads or probably MCOGB, which, by the sounds of it are not very welcoming, does every potential owner of ANY Mustang receive this attitude or is it just reserved for S550 owners?


And as for "get off my patch" Yes a lot do feel that way
A lot of people on the MOCOGB did not even want the RHD Euro Stang on the forums for a time. And there is still a lot of that

just like I said, polarised views, akin with the moving on from the horse to the combustion engine

At Dam Yankees in Epping, when I parked in between a few of the member cars, was told at least you are a Real Mustang. It took a long time for the RHD to be accepted.

Maybe us S550 owners should buy and wear a Stetson and carry a six shooter and call ourselves Vern, again, polarised, bordering on ignorant

I did not buy mine cause I wanted a LHD, I got it cause it offered all the tech that was not on the Euro Stang and all dressed up in the California Special. (and blame TT for pointing me in that directiion ) If they had brought out a fully loaded CS in RHD for a good price, I would have gone with most people's advice, but they did not

evolution
When I decided to buy a S550 I had 3 choices:
Buy the one in the showroom
Wait and buy a cheap 2nd hand one in a few years, keep mine till then
Import a car with everything on it
I went for option 3, as the price was not that much different to a GT Vert Auto over here

whats, not all that different?

I'm pretty sure, that the picture you paint of the MOCGB and S197 owners in general, are not that bad. It would be nice for them (no us and them btw, that's their choosing), but back a few posts, I'm pretty sure that it's a few that are leading the majority, for the majority fear of supporting the evolution of the brand.

Anyway, I've got no truck with any LHD owner, just the bigoted, small minded brigade that are, mostly tossbags. Imagine trying to make someone feel unwelcome for being different :shrug:

 

[goldengooner]

If you are a good driver, LHD should hold no fears

never said it did

I drove a lot in the US, then had a test drive in my S197 round Fulham in some respects its easier than a RHD

thats not 'The UK', however, I passed my class two in. LHD AEC 10 Tonner in Fareham/Aldershot, just like Fulham, not relevant

Cause its relevant, my 1st experience of a Lefty round Fulham on a Sat afternoon. If you can do that, you can drive a LHD anywhere,

I am not a Great driver, I am a decent driver, but don't have any issues with the LHD, other then some carparks.

I don't have any issues with ANY RHD in ANY car parks


I would counter your/their argument by daring to say, S550 owners are MORE of a Mustang fan than the polarised views of some LHD older model owners. Or do they feel, 'we were here first, get off my patch'?


Some of the S550 owners don't know the history of the Stang and don't give a dam. they got it as its a very cheap V8
So I think on that point I would have to disagree

back in the day, when the S550 was announced, the CL guys had nowhere to go other than pistonheads or probably MCOGB, which, by the sounds of it are not very welcoming, does every potential owner of ANY Mustang receive this attitude or is it just reserved for S550 owners?

It's a lot better now, as their are many RHD owners now,

And as for "get off my patch" Yes a lot do feel that way
A lot of people on the MOCOGB did not even want the RHD Euro Stang on the forums for a time. And there is still a lot of that

just like I said, polarised views, akin with the moving on from the horse to the combustion engine

At Dam Yankees in Epping, when I parked in between a few of the member cars, was told at least you are a Real Mustang. It took a long time for the RHD to be accepted.

Maybe us S550 owners should buy and wear a Stetson and carry a six shooter and call ourselves Vern, again, polarised, bordering on ignorant

I did not buy mine cause I wanted a LHD, I got it cause it offered all the tech that was not on the Euro Stang and all dressed up in the California Special. (and blame TT for pointing me in that directiion ) If they had brought out a fully loaded CS in RHD for a good price, I would have gone with most people's advice, but they did not

evolution
When I decided to buy a S550 I had 3 choices:
Buy the one in the showroom
Wait and buy a cheap 2nd hand one in a few years, keep mine till then
Import a car with everything on it
I went for option 3, as the price was not that much different to a GT Vert Auto over here

whats, not all that different?

2grand, and with the tax half the price of the UK car, will soon be cheaper than the UK car. And of course then add in the 6k of extras, and a Free £400 car cover. I done ok

I'm pretty sure, that the picture you paint of the MOCGB and S197 owners in general, are not that bad. It would be nice for them (no us and them btw, that's their choosing), but back a few posts, I'm pretty sure that it's a few that are leading the majority, for the majority fear of supporting the evolution of the brand.

Depends what the evolution does to the original look and concept of the Classic Stang

Anyway, I've got no truck with any LHD owner, just the bigoted, small minded brigade that are, mostly tossbags. Imagine trying to make someone feel unwelcome for being different :shrug:

Yea shocking, of course in this day and age we are all so mature, that we accept everyone without judgement

 

[Manders Mustang]

well that was a fun morning read. Thanks chaps :lol:

As for the s197 being a muscle car, pretty sure i could find many owners who disagree, as that is also a 'Tech sports car' Muscle cars pretty much evaporated in the mid 80s / early 90s, (FYI, way before i was born).

But then again I can't talk, i'm an ecoboost, right hand drive owner, whos not had all previous generations of mustangs and I basically am a cardinal sin to the MOCGB ;)

(FYI: I'm not on MOCGB, nor do I intend to be due to above reasons, and the fact many have slated how some people are on there, some are great, but most of those, are also here or on facebook, those that are not, would generally slate me for being there, and that's just pointless drama!)




Anyway, isn't this a 10k miles review not a spitting contest about who's car is a real Mustang. Has the badge on it, produced by ford, sold as a mustang, it's a Mustang. End of. That's ecoboost, v6, v8, modded mustangs, S197, SN95s etc etc etc.

 

[slowhand99]

Where's [MENTION=14447]Centurion07[/MENTION] when you need him?

My tuppence.

LHD is not about good driving. It's just a right royal pain in the arse for the purpose I want the car for.

The RHD 550 haters are a tiny minority of the existing Mustang owners. There's the guy with his facelifted supercharged S197, lovely car, who says they are "just a Jag"; presumably a Fox body however is a 'real' Mustang. Everyone else has been really nice and welcoming.

I've always loved American cars and the Mustang in particular. Always wanted one, always wanted a V8, always wanted a new car, always wanted a convertible. So Ford made a genuine Mustang built in a genuine US car factory with everything that made the Mustang great. What's not to like.

Something intrigues me. I like the California Special, it's a beautiful car. I don't understand why Ford left the Brembo's off and went with the small brakes :shrug:

 

[Centurion07]

 

[tooley]

Thing is, if Ford says it's a Mustang, then it's a Mustang. 7th generation Golf is still a Golf, despite being twice as big / powerful as the 1st Gen and completely different.

Don't know what all the fuss is about. If you want to drive on the wrong side and feel superior then fine and good luck to you but it doesn't make my car any less valid.

 

[Manders Mustang]

only ones to get pissed at is those fake celina mustangs, and the skoda mustang conversion, that shit is fucking hideous.

 

[Enoch]

Most of the above...is why I don't have anything to do with single marque car clubs..... nothing but bitching and moaning...:lol::lol::doh:

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