5 things I wish I would have known before buying a 2012 Mustang

Stepping up from a 1996 Mustang GT to a 2012 Mustang GT was huge. In hindsight, there were a lot of things that I wish I would have known before making the purchase. This is 5 of them...
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[@CatCaywood]

It's a head turner because it's such a pretty car. In my opinion s197s are the best looking muscle cars of the modern era.

[@Kiryutka22]

Yup. With the right set of rims and tires it's unbeatable!

[@gordonfroese2359]

Agreed. That’s why I bought one

[@jamesjosephmcgrath5586]

I have always preferred the 05 - 09. In the looks dept....

[@Ponyboy999]

@@jamesjosephmcgrath5586 frrr. I’ve always looked at the 10-14 model looks like a mature version of of the 05-09 but they are both beautiful cars

[@dustinlee6015]

I agree ive got a metallic lava red 2012 gt/cs premium with a roush supercharger full exhaust with long tube headers im putting down 565hp to the wheels 700 crank 😋 👌 😎 💪

[@cesarpalmos8235]

I worked at planet Ford in Houston, these generations were the most reliable Mustangs. I regularly saw 200k mustangs with relatively low maintenance and mostly original parts. I usually tell people the best Fords were from the 2008-2014 era. They were fairly good looking, decently good fuel mileage, had enough technology to make their vehicles good without being too complicated, generally very reliable.

[@fancynin12]

Facts

[@paulm6481]

What an absolutely gorgeous car inside and out. The tough part now is finding one that is not abused from that generation. Definitely peak Mustang as far as looks.

[@driveandreview]

Thanks Paul! Yeah, I love this car, but I'm tempted to sell it for the purpose of getting in and out of other cars (content for this KZbin channel).

[@TheRandomname951]

@@driveandreview what other cars do you have in mind of testing out in the future?

[@PistolPete1251]

Currently own a 1995 mustang GT. Glad I came across your video. Exactly what I needed

[@mattcorey2784]

The income / economic disparity has come to the point that even a 10 year old 5.0 has become a dream car, and an instrument of resentment. I say this as I just got approval for a '12 5.0 and am waiting for a call form the dealer to cement the deal.

[@theracetosuccess]

Waiting for that call as we speak. Couldn’t take any longer 😅

[@joenobudie328]

You can't afford it if you need to wait for approval my friend I'm sorry

[@scottthompson5855]

Subscribed. Fun video. Just bought a low miles Performance White Boss 302. In garage for winter after one drive...so your video is music and eye candy for me. Love the look of your 5.0. I upgraded the stereo to the Navidyne MST for bluetooth and have upgraded led bulbs (everywhere), but other than that am really happy with "look" and fun function. 3.73 gears in Boss are key. Enjoy.

[@slav1north764]

I have 2014 track pack base model. It comes with torsen rear diff with 373's it ripps. Smokes the tires all the way thru third gear if want. From a roll , 4k + or - rpm and floor it for the win.

[@bla9ckcob5ra]

I'd say you have 3.31 gear ratio just from the way you are describing the power delivery. A 373 gear ratio change will wake it up a lot from the seat of pants feeling

[@sgt0331able]

Great vid, I’m looking for one, thank you for the review.

[@jasons2562]

This car can overwhelm the tires from a dig and youll need some revs of course, its mostly a traction limitation Id say. A switch to 2013/14 GT500 wheels/tires is a nice change if you can find some for a good price, also get a 91+ tune and it transforms power curve/delivery

[@BasementBerean]

Great, honest review. I'm thinking of getting one of these, and I hate getting attention. I thought this model would be boring enough to be under the radar of the masses, but I guess not. Am I doomed to be a "Subaru for life" guy?

[@phillipray6490]

How to check rear gear ratio: Mark the rear of the drive shaft and the pinion housing with chalk so you can clearly count the revolutions. Mark the rear tire and the top of the rear fender with tape. Have someone rotate the tire one full turn while you count the revolutions of the drive shaft. If it turns 3.5 times you have a 3.50 to 1 axle ratio. If 4 times you have a 3.90 or 4.10, if 3 times you 3.00 to 1 and on and on. Simple.😁

[@geraldscott4302]

Remember, lower gears mean the engine is turning over at higher rpms, ALL THE TIME. You will get a lot less gas mileage, and the engine and transmission will wear out quite a bit faster. I have a 2007 Mustang GT 4.6L/automatic. Yes, automatic. I'm disabled, and while I can still drive a manual transmission car to a point, I do a lot of highway cruising, and I needed cruise control. I am totally satisfied with the power, in fact I would rather it had the older 4.6L 2 valve, which is a more reliable, longer lasting engine. There are also a LOT of them around so finding a used or rebuilt 4.6L 2 valve is super easy. I'm 63, and plan on this being my last car, so I will almost certainly be replacing the engine at some point. I did put body colored louvers on the quarter windows. To me that is by far the best appearance modification you can make on one of these cars. I'm not into stripes, scoops, and spoilers, but I love those window lovers. They look just like the '67 and '68 GT. 5000 miles in 4 years? There's the difference. I average 15,000-20,000 miles PER YEAR. Mostly highway. I see no reason to have 700-800hp on the street. You can't use it without losing your license, and cars like that are super expensive and have super expensive insurance. I do not use my Mustang for transportation. I have a beater Crown Vic for that. The Mustang is a fun car, and I do keep it in the garage, while the Crown Vic sits out on the AZ sun. It has door dings from one end to the other. That is not going to happen to the Mustang. Mine is Satin Silver, and it does not seem to attract attention. It does still have the stock exhaust.

[@hermanrogers1325]

I found me a 2014 Mustang GT sterling gray and it rocks it is a 5.0 6 speed and premium California special with Crome wheels

[@OGStoneVegas]

I've put 35,000 miles on my 2014 5.0... only problem I had was the wiring harness connecting to the battery corroding.

[@phantomj29]

You should try getting an AGM Battery instead of the regular one that basically corrode from time to time.

[@jessefoulk]

I own a 94, 000 mile 2012 Mustang GT/CS since new and I was attracted to this video because I wanted to know what peoples opinion on them in particular nowadays. I usually see the S197 reviews ONLY go for the 2013-14 being the small front body refresh. With it being a 2012, I watched. To comment on the low end torque, I can remember thru the history of my ownership the low end torque feeling good not great, as you mentioned, but past 3000rpm it just kicked my pants to the seat all the way to redline. Like a turbo. Amazing VCT. You probably could do gears but what many don't realize in the coyote engines is you can put in 89 octane without any tune. When I do that and let it run thru I notice the throttle response feels much more linear from the bottom to the top. And the numbers, by Ford, say you gain HP. The 412hp stated for 2011-12 year models were based on 89 octane performance. But when I run the cheaper 87 octane, I notice quite a difference in performance. It feels sluggish and somewhat heavy in the foot. 87 octane is ok for being cheaper but at the cost of worthy performance .Fun. The difference is noticeable after the 89 octane gets run thru.

[@Rdrvgs]

owners manual says to pump 91. Do it. plus a tuner.

[@oliverrojas3185]

Enjoyed it, Thanks for some views of what to expect if you are in the market to purchase a 2012 Mustang.

[@driveandreview]

You're very welcome!

[@rygi23]

You have 3.31 gear, your 96 had a 4.6, and your 5.0 is rated 412 crank hp but actually makes around 430. Get 3.73 gears and call it a day.

[@lamboempire4599]

7:55 😂 same for me tho I have 3.7 stang. It sits outside and every other morning I wake up to dings on my car and one time the driver side had paint with a big dent on it

[@SeriusChevy]

My 2012 takes off the line pretty good imo. But then again mine is an auto. But still I throw it into 1st all the time and she will smoke tires for days. Sounds like some good torque to me!!!

[@NikeBird57]

Look at your axle code on driver side door jam, that’ll tell you what gears you have.

[@JamesWilliams-dj2bp]

Changing the gears could lead to traction issues which will lead to more suspension issues which will lead to.....

[@raidermike8178]

Most differentials have a tag on them with the gear ratio also

[@keithvlogs1]

Hey thanks, you need to just sync the two videos and ONLY USE the audio coming off the go pro near you cause that has better sound being close to you. Or get a wired lav into the go pro

[@driveandreview]

Thanks for the tips - I just picked up a Rode Wireless Go setup (with lav mic) and it sounds so much better!

[@lawnchair7362]

I drove my 2013 Gt for the first time ever and got it keyed by some old ass dude. It was extremely annoying considering that the dude stared at me before i went into to the store, and wasn’t able to get any information before he was gone.

[@joanstehlik235]

I scored a 2011 GT manual 16K miles ❤

[@KevinGomezP]

I got a 2012 GT manual with 36k miles last month 🎉

[@guitarsandcars2586]

These are my dream cars and I can't wait to own a 2012 Mustang. The torc is not a big deal cuz I plan on supercharging it and going up to 373 rear end gearing. Also you said your 96 had a 4.3, those are 4.6 but I get it you just made a mistake, just pointing that out. Also I always do double-takes on a Mustang as long as it's a GT. Whether the Mustang is stock or modified as long as it's GT it should always get attention because they are awesome.

[@rudyramos2562]

there is a math formula to help discern what gear ratio you have in the differential. 336 x gear ratio of differential x mph divided by tire height x the ratio of the transmission last gear. You want a 3.73 or 4.1 in the differential for quicker pickup speed. Except your mpg might be a little less, and your top end may suffer a little. Just plug in some gear ratios between 3 and 4 probably and match it up to what speed and mph you are at 80 mph. Then you should have a good idea what gear is in the differential.

[@nissanbrown6144]

You have 331s in dat 2012 its geared for top end and gas mileage.

[@driveandreview]

Good to know - thanks!

[@devinheitzman4520]

Should be able to look up what gears you have from the build sheet by the vin#

[@169abr]

There’s also a code on the door panel.

[@glocktown21]

I had a 1998 mustang.. standard V6, it was a great car. I only had one minor repair. A $400 transmission seal. that was it! In a 140,000 miles I put on it. other than oil changes.. it was an awesome car.

[@soundretarded]

To know what gears you have is on the rear differential for sure. If your complaining you probably have 3.31 gears like I have.

[@deathbyyamaha3834]

2012 v6 here been driving it from new not one single problem 170k

[@Umoronz]

Great job youngman

[@benvsteke]

Appreciate the video amigo

[@koalaizigame4275]

What year ford Mustang is most reliable?? any advice? Thanks :D

[@jayjayrecordz]

Thinking of getting one...

[@LEEsGarage-ek1qv]

11 mustang convertible no leaks im about to buy it and a lil anxious but i think i will like it

[@OwenPierre-es4re]

Did you buy it?

[@jerryadams9954]

someone near me is selling a 2012 V6 Convertible for $1500. granted it has 130k miles, has some minor mechanical issues (A/C compressor doesnt work, transmission is slipping, has some nice dings on the body) but in my market and at this time (with the pandemic induced car shortage) $1500 for a 10 year old mustang is almost unheard of, even with the issues. So im looking to buy it. my first mustang/muscle car. i've been driving beat up toyotas for the last 10 years since getting my license and ive always wanted a muscle car

[@ChrisfromGeorgia]

Did you get the Mustang? I saw your comment and was hoping you were able to get it.

[@jerryadams9954]

@@ChrisfromGeorgia yup. been enjoying it for the last 6 months :)

[@m.j.vazquez4720]

do you know if i could program the key so the top goes down when i turn it on or if there is a remote i could get ?

[@TacticalArsenal]

I got my 2011 pretty much stock with a 2014 swapped coyote for $9,000 with 64,000 miles dark grey tint all around love my car and i definitely got a smoking deal!

[@emmanuelrivas1274]

currently looking at a 2011 Mustang GT/CS only has 11k miles

[@jwsnyder5021]

3.31 gear, unless you have the optional 3.73

[@billmcmeekin7909]

Found a13 Boss in 17 with 1800 km. A tue good to be true story that ended true :⁠-⁠) Truly are wonderful cars! I absolutely love the look, ride, and growl of this car. Mine is white also. Sharp looking Mustang right there ehhh! Cheers from Canada :⁠-⁠)

[@Ricdelreal]

I bought my 2014 GT Premium Track Pack brand new for $36k otd. It's worth 15k now,thats wildly cheap for what it is capable of. Get an email tune, it really wakes it up. Mine has 90k problem free daily driven, same as you, just a new battery, and waterpump at 55k under warranty.

[@JonFox1945]

What's a normal GT worth now ?

[@capnjack2454]

@@JonFox1945 2014 gt with 90k miles is about 21k im about to pick up a 2011 with 83k miles on it with 6 speed manual for 16,250 and just sold my 2010 gt auto for 11,500 with 105k miles on it the 2010 have the 4.6l and 5 speed auto or manual while 2011+ have the 5.0. I'm talking all premium trim and interior

[@JonFox1945]

@@capnjack2454 dang, I got a good deal on my 13 gt then.....

[@capnjack2454]

@@JonFox1945 yup prices are literally insane right now

[@walkemdown4127]

@@capnjack2454 That wont be for long. they'll go back down , prices are just f'd up right now

[@The1_Crimsonchin]

I know I’m late to comment and idk if you will see this but you can tell ur gear ratio by the sticker on the door seal. It will say axel and have a 2 letter code. That code will tell you. But you should have 3.31 if it’s a standard manual 5.0 and not a track pack

[@driveandreview]

Thanks for letting me know!

[@yaya7464]

can you say the same thing about the v6 version?

[@DudefromDaMidwest]

I just got a 2012 w 27k miles. $19k w a $1000 down payment

[@juano8512]

I'm thinking of buying one, but they have shift engagement problems. I've researched that the stock clutch is the culprit and installing a light sport clutch solves the problem. Also if you read your door jam sticker and locate the axle code you'll be able to Google which ratio u have. BB is 3.73, DD is 3.55, GG is 3.31, YY is 3.15 and CC is 2.73. good luck

[@jessegordon3039]

One way to help with shifting engagement problems it to put a tuner on it because it disables the ability for the transmission to lock you out of gears

[@juano8512]

@@jessegordon3039 thank you

[@johnnykR9]

I found my Marti report to provide all the info i was looking for with my ‘14 GT

[@koraanderson7765]

Bought a 2012 v6 manual transmission 6 on the floor with 79 thousand miles for 5,000. Is that a steal or what??? And it's yellow and one owner. 💛

[@StricklyEverything]

WTFFF!!? No way!

[@Dsrgreyy]

How does it fair in snow

[@sebastienboudreault6886]

Should I get a 2012 mustang V6 3.7 with 108k miles or a 2006 mustang gt cabriolet with 109k miles?

[@Emerica771]

Depending on condition, I’d go with the 2006. Less mileage per year on the engine and 4.6 V8 over 3.7 V6 in my opinion. 4.10 gears in the 06 GT and it’ll be a fun car

[@SColmant]

Get a new head unit that adds Apple Car Play and add reverse camera. Backing up in S197 without camera is guessing.

[@nobody_there_]

I'm still hesitating between a 2014, and... a 2017... or upper. But I think it is 2 different phylosophies...

[@B.Salcon]

The start button engine? Which year have it ?

[@_midnght_]

15

[@matthewbuckner4000]

Gonna look for a Kona Blue, was thinking a Cyclone

[@Mxman56116]

When I get to use my savings when I’m 18 I am getting a mustang my dad has a corvette c5 and that’s sick but it’s 2 seater and I like a 2 door but 4 seater because I feel like it’s more handy and useful to have 4 seats

[@jimmorgando623]

change the ring and pinion rear end gears you will jump off the line go to 3.73

[@Nazrac79]

On the door label there's an axle code look it up it will tell you the rear diff ratio. Mine is a 12 with 3.73's BOSS intake BBK X-Pipe CAI 52LB injectors and Roush Rear. Tuned for 93 or E85. Even with the BOSS 302 intake it has plenty of low end torque with the 3.73's

[@starfinder1234]

Your shifting is soooo smooth

[@matthewbuckner4000]

Always back in

[@tintin66666]

Have had my 2011 gt from it was new .Super car drives the shit out of it every day and the only thing I have done is change the oil.

[@nicks6088]

Any idea how much insurance would be for a 17 year old for a 2012 v6 ? Some lmk it’d be appreciated

[@pix8929]

Depends really. They know teens will often crash, so insurance is always high. If lucky, maybe below $370. But usually, it can range from $750-1K. Especially because it’s a mustang, it could be higher. These cars are kinda expensive. I would recommend finding someone with good credit to put your name under, that way insurance won’t be high. But usually doing that is pretty difficult too. Means you have to have much more responsibility with your car and be a ton more safer.

[@kadenhbtl]

If you still need the help, i recently purchased a 2012 mustang v6 and my monthly cost is about 260 a month with insurance at 161 currently. I am a new driver and 18 with usaa

[@Mxrkitto]

I pay 350$ a month for my 2007 gt I’m 18

[@awavvy9792]

@@kadenhbtl sheesh how did you do that?!

[@kadenhbtl]

@@awavvy9792 down payment bro is the most important thing, if you can go under insurance with family do it! The more people on it the better. If you really want to push the dealer go at the end of the month, they all have a quota to meet so theyre more willing to drop prices and make each car cheaper

[@Marcara081]

EVERY SINGLE MECHANIC says the same thing about these cars: they're TANKS. They just last forever.

[@cookieman1738]

I just bought a red 2012 mustang ❤️ love her soo much

[@tzr5864]

Lucky you, can’t wait to get one, either silver, white, or black.

[@tzr5864]

@Harris Zubair below $20k that’s mostly what a premium GT would go for

[@tzr5864]

@Harris Zubair a bit low? Well from where I am at I found one for $18k around my area With 101k original miles

[@tzr5864]

@Harris Zubair Texas, yeah it does sound high but usually I’ll find another with better mileage at the same price below 20k

[@tzr5864]

@Harris Zubair both, which hopefully I find the best deal I can possibly find

[@gavinwentz9705]

I just got a mint 2011 Gt 6speed with 28k miles for 19k

[@backupemail9489]

So is it worth it? I was planning on buying one for 13k with 105k miles

[@GoonMartz]

Naw just get a 15-17 . More reliable at this point and more relaxing to drive

[@dudemoto]

I just paid 13k for a 2012 with 105k miles on it! It's in really good condition inside and out definitely got lucky finding this beauty. Check my most recent videos I have of the mustang

[@Tender_vigilante]

@@GoonMartz the 2014 is the most reliable lol. And the s197 is faster

[@cameroncondo5216]

Just got a 2012 with 73k miles for $11,500

[@dueler8281]

Bought a 2014 v6 stang for $12,995 has $76k miles but the previous owners, a father and son from the same family replaced everything under the hood (none of the parts look 10 years old) Gt500 spoiler, Borla S Exhaust

[@jamesssss621]

Man I want one so bad!

[@mikecaffee552]

Take the Vin to a Ford dealership and they will tell you everything on it Fyi 3.73 is the best for that 4.10 is not great on the highway

[@biggravy732]

412 HP with 3.31 rear end gears.

[@ericajohnson7535]

I really don't like the squinty headlights... It's like they took the 2005-2008 Mustang and brainstormed what they can change just for the sake of introducing a difference.

[@Official_kojelly]

4.3L? Are you taking about the 4.6?

[@driveandreview]

Yup - my mistake. I meant the 4.6.

[@livst881]

Bought a brand new 2012. Haggled down to 32k. Only got 20k miles

[@walkemdown4127]

you spend $32,000 on a gen 1 coyote?

[@antoniocoleman8380]

@@walkemdown4127 that’s what I’m saying 😂😂😂

[@carmeloarias2427]

I’m looking in buying a one cash , I just like this video bu I want more info !!!! To know if I’m making the right choice!!!!

[@natchonatchoman1250]

3:25 he said he had a 4.3 mustang v8??

[@deathbyyamaha3834]

I’m late but it’s 3.73 gears throw 4.10 in her and feel that power!!!

[@turboeddude4849]

John Kramer?

[@deathrager2404]

go home and get ya fuckin shinebox

[@Leo-DaGreek]

Is this the same engine in a 12 Ford Fusion ?,

[@zacharyarakawa2401]

No 😭😭

[@Leo-DaGreek]

@@zacharyarakawa2401 I’m looking for 4- valve per cylinder

[@zacharyarakawa2401]

@@Leo-DaGreek these are entirely different engines.. this mustang comes with a V8, fusions come with a I4 or V6

[@benchristy5586]

how many miles are on your car?

[@benchristy5586]

or how many were on it when you made the vid

[@driveandreview]

I've got approximately 51,000 miles on it now. It probably had 46K at the time of this video.

[@dredynapietachweza]

If 5.0 is so slow im scared how people Drive 4.0 or 3.7

[@xpointerx]

You’ve put 5,000 miles in 4 years😳 Why so little?

[@driveandreview]

I wish I knew! The truth is that I don't really drive all that much (I work 100% from home).

[@howarddavis1307]

Are you serious dude either you can’t drive are you don’t have the up graded brakes in which you get 355 rear gears are the track pack option which you get the upgraded brakes and 373 rear gears .being the owner off 1967 390 mustang 1991 GT mustang and 1995 mustang 5.0 GT last year before the 4.6 junk engine and I drove a new 4.6 and it was slow as hell not too mention that engine was nothing more than passenger car engine with high speed cam shafts .i presently own 2011 mustang GT 5.0 6 speed with upgraded brakes and 355 rear gears from the factory and I can tell you from a dig it’s a beast sow I don’t get what your talking about but being you owned one off the slowest mustangs ever made .doesn’t make sense this is the best ...off the best off the stangs not too mention ford retro styling is spot on with the mustang unlike dodge with there 9 year old dodge challenger who will be collecting those junkers in the future..as you can’t tell from year too year what car you getting lol😊✌️

[@slicknick270489]

4.3 l v8? 😮

[@charlesalmondjr]

That what I was thinking it a 4.6 v8 not 4.3

[@matthewbuckner4000]

Was thinking a v6, manual is iffy. Muh knees !

[@169abr]

Get a 6R80 and get the 5.0

[@nojoke327]

96 4.3l V8 lol

[@rayhb3rds]

4.6L V8

[@DaDon_krazy]

U mean 1996 4.6 v8….

[@josephcraig2151]

Worst of the car guys: Let it sit, Don't show it off. It's a sports car. Let it shine how it was meant to be. No hate but just my opinion

[@semiauto3148]

Good luck finding one with low miles and hasn’t been hacked up. Unicorn

[@nissanbrown6144]

Oh shit eminem

[@driveandreview]

lol

[@damianwolff7315]

Next step up to a gt500.

[@driveandreview]

Don't tempt me! I'd be more than happy with a GT350 as well...

[@godzilla6740]

Lots of road noise.

[@delacreme8307]

5k miles in 4 years, come on man take that car outside more

[@georgedomse]

>>I've had food thrown over it

[@matthewshaud1741]

Just wait until you have to put tires on it.

[@driveandreview]

I finally had to do it 6 months ago. It wasn't cheap!

[@user-jj4xt4cc7c]

16 grand aint bad

[@augustusplays7896]

5k miles in 3 years? Off nothing will go wrong with it loool not even an oil change

[@brycerichert]

if you have a choice.... buy the 2011 with 3.73's.... what is this guy talking about no dig? He's doing something wrong. Never park a Mustang outside... unless it's a shlt 90's one.

[@driveandreview]

I'm telling you, the way this car is geared, it pulls a lot harder on the top end compared to from a dig. My old 96 GT felt like it could pull tree stumps out of the ground in first gear. This one doesn't give me the same feeling.

[@michaelkelly3501]

412 Hp