Car Advice: 1965 Mustang vs. 1986 Supra
filed in Ford Mustang
Question: I currently have a 1965 Ford Mustang Coupe with power steering, 289, auto, front manual disc, A/C, Alpine & Infinity Stereo, and a new black paint job 
Unfortunaly, it also has terrible gas mileage, tons of adjustments and is mechanically probably closer to a ‘95 than a ‘65. (lots of little problems…)
I like the looks of it, it could be a little more comfortable, and I like the driveability when I’m cruising with friends. What I don’t like are the number of days it is in the shop (too many), the gas bills, and taking it on long highway drives (the 3 speed auto runs at 3000rpm, making big fat noise in the cabin) and the upgrades I still need to make on the car (weatherstriping all around, new gas tank, carb rebuild, new springs and shocks…) I have buried tons of dough and I love to drive it…. but it is not a daily kind of car and uses too much gas. 15 mpg, less on freeway and stop & go…)
My question is here. I have already bought this car and have put signficant cash (bought for 4,500 and have put in 3000) into it. I am going to college in a year and I guess the question is should I sell the Pony and get one of the cars listed below or live with it. If I hav to live with it, I will probably let it have to deteriorate slightly, as I cannot make some repairs… (weatherstripping, etc… yes, all of it…). I used to drive a 1989 Toyota Corolla, 1994 Toyota Camry I-6, and a 1994 Lexus LS400 (Call me Captain Toyota). I really liked the Lexus (duh…), as found the others to have some in common. I like the tighter sterring better, the lower noise level, and better general comfort of the toyota’s, and loved the power of the Lexus and the 5-speed in the Corolla. I was thinking of getting a 1986.5 or 1987 Supra V-6. I have a few questions, first of all.
I have heard the Supra 6 is quick. How quick compared to the Mustang’s? (A manual in the Supra). I realize it will lack the torque, but how will it compare from 30-60 or 60-90 (high horsepower, what the ‘Stang lacks…)? I assume that thanks to the overdrive gear, the Supra will run a bit slower on the freeway (which is 60% of my driving.) Mileage. What kind of mileage does the 6 get? Is it Fuel Injected or Carbed? Can I expect 30 mpg? Is the clutch hydraulic or cabled? What is the interior room like? I am often the driver of the Party Wagon and need room for at least 4 (I’m 6′2″ and need all room possible) How are ergonomics? What is the reliablilty like? What are the major maintainece acts I would have to perform upon the beast? (CV joints, etc…) What about the overall feeling of the car? How do you Supra owners like your cars? If I find a clean one, what should I expect pricewise?
If you have any suggestions for improving mileage on a mustang, leeme know… (I have tried high tire pressure, lean carb settings on the two barrel, phat plugs, low friction bearings (I think I got taken for a ride here…), etc…).
My main thing is the mileage and maintainece. I like the off the line performance, V-8ness, exhaust rumble, no-headrest-seats, funky air0conditioning, and styling of the mustang… but, in the last 9 months: New Cap, Rotor, Condensor, plugs, plug wires, poer steering pump, power steering valve, cooling system flush (and it still runs hot), 2 carb rebuilds, new rear tires, new bearing all around, new rear pinion and differential, new alternator, new tranny (no, not rebuilt… My shop had a good NEW c-4 that they popped in…), Rear end rebuilt again, exhaust welding, new muffler, new rear shocks, all new mounts everywhere. Damn… It’s in great mechanical shape except for: Carb, needs another rebuild, New springs and shocks, weatherstriping, exhaust manifold cracking, running really hot, oil leaking from the pan (2 drops per day abouts…), and some others…
I feel bad through, because I love this car so much… 
I can;t afford the maintainece or gas anymore… (I am almost crying… wahhh). I am 17 and figure that I need something reliable to get from home to McDonalds, to my girlfriend’s (She LOVES my car…) house to school, to a concert or movie, and back home. Looks and fun are important, but a running shitbox is better than a Mustang sitting int eh driveway… I am afraid that if I don’t sell the Stang now, I won’t be able to get the 8,000 I can get now… I basically need the advice of all.
Live from paycheck to paycheck and worry about cash with the Mustang, but look damn good while worrying and have a nice cruiser and a car I love and is snappy or have a quick car I don’t have to worry about starting in the morning, uses less than a tank a week (the Mustang uses 2) and a car that will allow me to have extra dough. (Plus a 5 speed, which I really miss…)
My friend said: The mustang is a car for someone who likes to drive and has the time and money to toy with and fix it. The Supra is to have fun in and get where your going, not worrying about the mechanics… THis seems true
THanks for reading my novel of a post and please respond…
(Yes, I am prepared to deal with the social backlash of selling a classic for a rice rocket…)
Funny Fact: All like to look at, ride in, or drive the Mustang, but no one is around at maintainece or biweekily gas time.
BTW: I am also considering a 1988 Honda Accord 2 Door coupe. Opinions, be harsh, be real, be truthful…
Thanks
Answer: Define terrible gas mileage. Seriously, gas is still relatively cheap. I had a roomate one summer who gave me a hard time about driving a 77 Chevy Nova. He kept telling me that I should get a Mazda 323 like he had and save a lot of money on gas. Looking at the aquisition costs,the price of gas and the fuel mileage difference between the cars it would only take 350,000 miles to start “saving” money with the 323.
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