Mat’s Car of the Day: experience a GTA VI car in real life with a used Ford Mustang
Car changing is a big deal
The Ford Mustang is pretty much the only proper American muscle car you can buy in the UK with right hand drive, and Mat Watson has found a tempting used deal on one.
Anyone who’s spent a huge amount of time playing Grand Theft Auto is probably familiar with the cars. While there are a few you can get in the UK – like the Benefactor Dubsta which is based on a Mercedes G-Wagen – a lot of them are designed after muscle cars only available in the USA.
So if you want to pretend you’re driving a Bravado Banshee, you’ll have to import a Dodge Viper. You also can’t play out your cop car fantasies in a Vapid Stanier without importing a Ford Crown Victoria. However, there is one V8-powered muscle car which is readily available on our shores.
Remember, you can buy a brand new or used car right here on Carwow. And you can sell your car, too. We’re here to help you through every step of your car-changing journey.
Used Ford Mustang deals
The Vapid Dominator is GTA’s equivalent to the Ford Mustang, and there are plenty of those on the used market in right-hand drive. I’ve found this 2022 GT example with just under 10,000 miles on the clock for £43,000.
It has a 5.0-litre V8 engine, a manual gearbox and loads of equipment. You get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, heated and ventilated leather seats and a reversing camera.
Three reasons to buy a Ford Mustang
1. The engine
Let’s face it, the engine is the main reason anyone buys a muscle car. The Mustang’s 5.0-litre V8 is one of the few naturally-aspirated sports cars on sale today, and it makes a fantastic noise when you rev it out. It’s also really quick, and being rear-wheel drive it’s easy to get the back end out around corners – on a track, of course.
2. It’s reasonably-priced
For a big, V8 sports car, the Mustang isn’t too dear. You could have a BMW M2 for similar money, but that car is much smaller and doesn’t sound as good as the Ford.
3. It’s a riot to drive
The Mustang doesn’t conform to the stereotype that American cars can’t do corners, because it’s good fun on a twisty road. The steering is sharp, and there’s very little body roll either. It’s also reasonably comfortable to use everyday.
Three annoying things about the Ford Mustang
1. It’s very thirsty
The drawback to having a big engine is that it also has a big thirst. According to official stats, the Mustang I’ve found will do 24mpg. In reality you’ll struggle to hit 20mpg, while a BMW M2 will get close to 30mpg.
2. It’s unwieldy in town
The Mustang is a big car with a low-slung driving position, which isn’t conducive to urban living. Judging the corners can be tricky in tight spaces, and there’s no 360-degree camera option to fall back on in this car either.
3. It’s not very practical
It may have a decent-sized boot, but the Mustang is pretty hopeless for carrying rear passengers. You’d think it would be more spacious than a BMW M2 given it’s so much bigger, but there’s no really much between them.
Car change? Carwow!
Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.
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