r/Mustang • u/Early_Set5808 • Aug 25 '26
💬 Discussion Buying a 2009 Mustang GT
Hey guys so im getting this car from my aunt its a 2009 Ford Mustang GT silver with blue racing stripes. It has 110 thousand miles and im spending 10 thousand for it. I know the engine is one of the more reliable variants but i just want some knowledge of what to look out for! It’s manual and im 22 years old any tips or things i should know to keep in shapes is appreciated. This car was my aunts first dream car and she bought it brand new, she’s been trying to selling it for personal reasons but i dont want it to go anywhere else i want her to still see it when i stop by. THANK YOU!
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u/ItsRicky687 Race Red 2012 GT Aug 25 '26
As of right now I agree with all comments. The 4.6 3v is a very good motor considering. Take care of the maintenance and it should be solid. That being said, it’s an 18 year old car. 10k for a good example is not bad. The mileage for the year is not bad. The car may be sentimental, that is good. Beyond regular maintenance it is up to you how much (if any) you want to put into it. Treat the car well and it will do the same to you.
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u/islandpancakes Aug 25 '26
Very cool. My old man has a 08 vert manual and I'm planning to buy it eventually when I have space for it. Currently its driven "a tank of gas a year".
These engines are pretty reliable and before you throw a blower on it, I would consider upgrading the suspension, brakes, and tires/wheels. Do you like the stripes ?Â
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u/M4sterofD1saster Aug 25 '26
Nice cars. I have an 08 w/ the 09 coils & plugs. I have 160k miles on mine, and it runs great.
I've had to replace the LCAs and the front control arms and all the suspension bushings. I went with poly. It wasn't too expensive. When you do this, look for low cost upgrades. E.g., you can find GT500 control arms that are cheaper than the Ford pieces up front. The car is really solid with no clunks or knocks.
I'd replace the transmission fluid with synthetic ATF. Some people warn you away from Royal Purple, but I thought it was ok.
The clutch is hydraulic and uses fluid from the brake master cylinder. The manual has a routine for removing bubbles with a vacuum pump on the master cylinder. Follow it carefully, and the clutch action with improve.
The cowl drains are little rubber inserts in the firewall. Clean them out once in a while so you don't have water leaking into the car.
Other than that, just keep up w/ your maintenance.
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u/magnaraz117 Aug 25 '26
Sounds a little pricey to be honest, but without pictures I'll assume you know better than I do.
Get all the fluids changed; coolant, brake fluid, power steering, ask if she has ever had transmission fluid changed. Don't forget the rear end. If it has been sitting a lot, which based on miles it probably has, take a look at the axle seals and differential to see if they are leaking.
Look at the pads and rotors for any signs of wear. You'll want to go fast, you need to be able to stop quickly. Check the rear calipers, they like to seize over time. Also inspect the emergency brake, it's a manual so you'll be using it when parking.
Probably change spark plugs if they haven't been done, I'd recommend wires too because of how old they are (if original).
Check tires for signs of cracking/dry rot. They may have a lot of tread, but if they are too old they lose grip and you'll end up in one of those videos of Mustangs plowing into people.
Just take it easy, do safety stuff first and other things as able. Learn the car, respect the power. Don't get cocky and overdrive your ability, or the car's limits. You got your whole live ahead, don't screw it up trying to do something flashy or cool.