More concerning was the clunk coming from the suspension when going over expansion joints.
Yep, I had that. As you'd expect, the bushings were pretty trashed. I went with GT500 arms all the way around in my car.
Photography Credit: Chris Tropea
I just got into a 20-year-old Mustang that we bought on the internet practically sight unseen and I am about to drive it 3-plus hours home so we can take it to the track the next day. What is the worst that can happen?
Well, other than the seller saying, “Oh, by the way, it might need a new wheel bearing in the rear,” as I was backing out of the driveway?
This was the first time I had driven a Mustang of this vintage, so I was excited to take a trip back to 2006 on this road trip.
First impressions: Wow, this thing makes good noises.
The growl the engine makes on startup is intoxicating. The exhaust note heard when driving down the road is perfect. Not too loud but you know it’s there.
So, is it comfortable? I had no complaints during my journey back home.
But once I got onto the highway, I heard a terrifying, high-pitched scream from beneath the dash. I pulled over to figure out what it was.
Turns out a door seal is a little loose. Okay, annoying but not anything to worry about.
More concerning was the clunk coming from the suspension when going over expansion joints. Tim took it for a quick drive and determined it safe to drive the rest of the way home.
From the driver’s seat, the Mustang is easy to see out of, the controls are simple, intuitive and placed exactly where you would expect them to be.
It was a nice change to be in a simple car: Only a few controls on the steering wheel and no giant screen that manages all of the settings for HVAC and radio.
One negative is the lack of Bluetooth connectivity–thanks, 2006–and I forgot to pack my aux cord and CD collection, so I was stuck roughing it, listening to the radio and the loose window seal.
The car is not perfect, but what Mustang from 2006 is these days? It needs a deep clean of the interior and some detailing for the paint and wheels, but I am excited to get it in the shop and ready for its first autocross event.
More concerning was the clunk coming from the suspension when going over expansion joints.
Yep, I had that. As you'd expect, the bushings were pretty trashed. I went with GT500 arms all the way around in my car.
Chris Tropea said:First impressions: Wow, this thing makes good noises.
Welp, that's all I need to know. 
Our Mustang does photograph well.
I am very excited to spend more time in this car on the autocross course.
Nice! It will be interesting to see just how this Mustang races and drives.
These are such ok cars that respond well to upgrades. Mustangs are so fun because you don't just spend money on them you also get results from money spent.
In reply to Chris Tropea :
Same. Once it gets tires and suspension, should be fun.
That car is absurdly clean for something approaching 20 years old and very well bought. Watching with interest.
In reply to 11GTCS :
Thanks. Detail and clean-up photos to come soon.
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