Really close to getting a V6 mustang coupe but I am extremely?

Question

worried about driving in Michigan winters... I have been told the manual is ok but not the automatic. The automatic is what I am looking to buy. . . Am I making a huge mistake?

Answer 1

i wouldn't buy a car that burns too much gas and can't drive in the winter.  

Answer 2

Awesome car April thru November - Completely sucks and sometimes  scary trying to drive it in the snow in Michigan. It is a rear wheel drive and you sometimes have very little control on slick roads. If you are not completely familiar with driving a RWD in the winter, I would advise against it.

Answer 3

I would say the automatic is better for the winter.

Mustang V6's depreciate a lot in the first year, so I would look for a year old one.

But that is your choice.

If you are worried about winter driving (which in any car requires special skills) the think about a Subaru. While I hate the looks, I can not fault them for winter driving. As a matter of fact the one winter I spent in Michigan my FWD Subaru was able to get around Midland even when the 4 WD owners would not even try to get out of their driveways.

Let me state this again, it takes special skills for winter driving as well. Good to great snow tires can make the difference.

Answer 4

A Rear Wheel Drive car is not good in the snow. So forget the mustang and get an All Wheel Drive or Front Wheel Drive car.

Answer 5

I lived in Michigan for 26 years.  You can drive them in the snow and most people do.  You just need to be careful.

Answer 6

If it were up to me I would not buy it, I had a 2000 Mustang V6 Automatic and that car would not go anywhere in the snow it was the worst ever.

Answer 7

It's gonna depend on YOU. Whether or not you can handle it will show how good, or bad, of a driver you are. Snow tires are a must, and a couple hundred pounds in the trunk wouldn't hurt.I had 2 'stangs in NJ .One was a '65 w / 289 200hp V8 3spd stick. The other was a "69 Mach1 w/ 325hp V8 4spd. Never got stuck or had an accident. But this type of car is not for everyone.

Answer 8

Possum, I'm 63 yrs. old and have driven in snow and ice all my life without an accdient. I'd like to pass on some information about driving in severe Up State NY winters. Actually you'll get into less worry-some trouble driving an automatic transmission car when there is snow and Ice than a standard transmission car for the following reasons:

With an automatic power is transmitted to the rear wheels more gently and evenly. When slowing down the transmission also very softly provides a small amount of braking resistance.

With a standard transmission it takes a lot of experience to start in low gear without spinning the rear wheels. While up-shifting it's important to match throttle the throttle RPM of the engine so as not to spin the wheels between gears. Slowing down with a standard can be tricky also. When changing gears to slow down if it's not done smoothly it can provide too much positive braking power buy the rear wheels causing them to loose traction and spinning you out.

I would strongly suggest if you purchase a new car make the dealer do a tire change with a tire suited for your winter environment. If they want your business they'll do it. Go on line to: tirerack.com and open as many individual tires you can. Click your mouse on the word SURVAY under the particular tire. You will see a chart which will include ice and snow traction, hydroplaning, road noise ect. I have Yokohama TRZ tires on two of my vehicles and they get around quite well in snow and ice.

If you are looking for the ultimate winter tire read about Nokian Tires. I'm positive in your neck of the woods there will be several tire dealers who handle them. The Nokian tires are imported from Finland and they are by far the best snow tires in the world.You gotta believe the Finn's know snow. My wife had a set on a car we once owned and she said: The car almost feels part of me as I drive in snow and ice. She always said that she felt safe as she drove it. If you have constant heavy deep snow and ice Nokian makes carbide studded snow tires which will make the car climb a wall.

I once tested studded snow tires for Corning Inc. They were working on ceramic studs at the time. I had a little 69 Camaro 6 cylinder with a three speed standard transmission. With studded snow tires on all four wheels the car was always in full control. I swear you could drive it anywhere.

Keep in mind it would help you if you consider putting at least 50 -75 lbs. of sand bags as far forward in your trunk as you can to transfer some needed weight over the top of the rear axle. This will help press the tread of the tires into the ground instead of spinning on top.

Hear's a another winter driving tip. When driving in snow and ice drive with your ears! Yes I said ears. Leave the radio off and crack the drivers side window so you can hear The RPM of the motor. If it suddenly gets louder and the RPM needle on the dash goes up, the rear wheels have lost traction. That's a key to tell you to lift your foot off the throttle. Your biggest consern is to always maintain even traction. Whe ever a wheel spins traction is lost.

Good luck Kido!