Good morning! Today’s matchup is simplicity itself: Both cars are rear-wheel-drive, and have V8 engines of the same displacement. Oh, and they’re both from Florida.
Yesterday, we looked at two American-built trucks with Japanese nameplates on them, and I knew before I even finished writing it what the result would be. Rust scares away votes, and four-wheel drive is a big help to almost any pickup truck. The Mazda B4000 won this round by a three-to-one margin.
I agree – with one caveat: I don’t like the lack of information in the Mazda’s ad. The seller even listed the mileage wrong; I only noticed because they posted a photo of the odometer. That’s the kind of thing that makes a listing feel hinky, even if it isn’t. I’d feel better about going to check out the Isuzu Hombre, even with the rust on its flanks. Its seller feels more honest.
All right; ready for some big V8s? Too bad. Here they are anyway.
2001 Ford Mustang GT – $3,500
Engine/drivetrain: 4.6-liter OHC V8, four-speed automatic, RWD
Location: Boca Raton, FL
Odometer reading: Unknown, but 20,000 miles since engine overhaul
Operational status: Runs and drives well
If you’re looking for cheap horsepower, I feel like your best bet might be whatever generation of Mustang GT is at the lowest point in its depreciation curve. Right now, that seems to be the SN95 and New Edge Mustangs. Their styling may not be to everyone’s taste, and you can’t expect much in the way of refinement, but in terms of dollars per horsepower, they’re tough to beat.
The standard-issue Mustang GT features a 260-horsepower version of Ford’s 4.6-liter Modular V8 – not a whole lot by today’s ridiculous standards, but enough to light up the rear tires just fine. Enthusiasts might prefer a five-speed manual version, but I almost think this one’s automatic transmission suits the Mustang’s character better: don’t think too much about it, just drop that T-handle into Drive and punch it. The seller doesn’t list this car’s total miles, but they do say the engine was rebuilt 20,000 miles ago, and the transmission not long before that. It runs great, but the seller says it “could use” a lower ball joint or lower control arm on the left side of the front end; I assume there’s a clunk going over bumps or something. It does have new brakes and tires, however.
The inside looks good, and it’s a well-optioned car. It has power windows, locks, and seats, as well as the big “Mach 460” stereo. A car like this needs a good loud stereo, so that’s a plus. The air conditioning works well, too. Honestly, what more do you need?
It has a bit of a crease in the left rear quarter panel, and the side marker light is missing on that corner, but you can’t expect flawlessness at this price. The clearcoat is also pretty much gone from the horizontal surfaces. But who cares? You’re not going to impress anybody by driving an old Mustang anyway, but no one is likely to give you shit about it either. It’s kind of a perfect car in that regard.
2011 Hyundai Genesis – $2,950
Engine/drivetrain: 4.6-liter DOHC V8, six-speed automatic, RWD
Location: Jacksonville, FL
Odometer reading: 226,000 miles
Operational status: Runs and drives well
Not very long ago, the idea of a rear-wheel-drive V8 sedan from Hyundai would have been laughable. The same company that filled so many parking lots with flimsy Excels and Scoupes, going toe-to-toe with European and Japanese sports sedans? Don’t be ridiculous. And yet, here we are. Depreciation hasn’t been kind to Hyundai’s big sedan, but that’s good news for bargain hunters like us.
Hyundai’s V8 is a DOHC unit, displacing 4.6 liters and making 378 horsepower (which the seller rounds up to 400 in the ad). It drives the rear wheels through a six-speed ZF automatic. The seller says this one manages 30 miles per gallon on the highway, which may be another slight exaggeration. It isn’t without some warning lights on the dash: the check engine, tire pressure monitor, and electronic stability control lights are all bathing the instrument panel in their warm yellow glow. How much of an issue that is, I leave up to you.
It shows some signs of wear and tear inside, but that’s not a surprise considering the mileage. I’ve certainly seen worse. There’s a tear in the driver’s seat, but the rest of the leather looks pretty good. The seller rattles off some features it has, but doesn’t comment on how many of them still work. Be prepared to try everything to make sure it works.
There are no obvious signs of damage outside, but the whole car just gives off a sense of tiredness. The paint is dull and unevenly faded, it’s missing a piece of trim on the front bumper, and the black wheels aren’t doing it any favors either. Some cars can wear their age gracefully, but this one just looks kind of sad.
All these years later, all the technological advances we have now, and sometimes it really is as simple as a big V8 and a cheap price tag. On the one hand, you have the classic pony car, and on the other, an upstart sports sedan. I’m sure they both make great V8 noises and can get to the end of an on-ramp plenty quickly. Which one do you prefer?
If the Genesis had 126K on it, then I might go with it, but that’s just too many more miles than I want to deal with. The interior of that Mustang looks pretty well cared-for, so I’ll take a leap of faith that the owner is being honest about the engine and tranny rebuilds (along with a look at the paperwork). Plus, taking the Mustang would be doing the public a service by keeping it out of the hands of some bozo who’d put a 200 dB exhaust on it. Ford wins!
Except for the original I am not a Mustang fan however that is the only choice here besides walking away
I don’t want a new edge I would rather the 5.0 coupe genisis but 4.6 4 door would work.
I always forget how long the Genesis name has been around. Hard pass of course.
Another nope, don’t want either one day. The ‘Stang gives methhead vibes, and there is nothing sadder than a cheapo knock-off luxury car well into it’s buy-here-pay-here years.
If the Mustang was nice for a little more money (you can’t make this nice for what a nice one costs), that would be my pick, but I didn’t care for these Genesis much when they were brand-new rental upgrades.
Something nice and honest about that Mustang.
Last time I saw a Genesis of this vintage, it was also sad & tired; I just don’t think Hyundai had their shit together enough when they launched the brand to make something that would really last.
So even though I have no idea what I would do with it, I still had to vote for the dumb Mustang.
It’s over 200,000 miles every thing is sad unless it has had some restoration.
Love a good GT, but I was afraid I’d be tempted into trying to make this thing more than it is. I could envision me pricing out paint and body work…maybe…to make it more palatable. So I initially turned to the Hyundai with an open mind. Then I saw the dashboard – it could be $300, or it could be $1,500 but that CEL has to be off to pass PA inspection (not sure if stability control has to be sorted for that or not). It also has the vibe of “I’ve seen a lot of vaping” which is a turn-off. I’ll go with the GT and see where we go from there.
The Genesis has a CEL so no
I voted for the Mustang. Too bad they just rebuilt the engine instead of swapping in a Godzilla 😉
I love these early Genesis cars! Particularly the ones with the 4.6. But there is a lot about that ad and the cars presentation that make me not trust the sellers word on its condition.
The Mustang is also a fun car, a bit easier to work on, and the ad feels pretty honest.
So the Mustang wins this comparison!
I was all in on the Genesis, for that 7 series feel in a Hyundai budget. Then I really looked and this screams a 4th owner, no longer care vibe that make me worry that feeling would be short lived.
I’ll take the Mustang. That Genesis screams “Buy Here Pay Here” to me. I also think it just tried to sell me weed.
If we’re just talking about buying and driving, not trying to fix/flip and somehow make profit (what’s this obsession with capitalism?) it’s the Genesis all the way. Just buy a pair (or even just one if money’s tight) seat cover for it and re-theF*UC-lax.
My only caveat is if the dash light would keep if from passing CA smog.
I don’t think the Mustang is really worth the price or putting much work into, but it’s a better start than the Hyundai. That really wouldn’t be worth fixing up, and if you try to resell it, you probably won’t get what you paid. It’s about done. On the flipside, it seems like someone will always buy a beat-up Mustang with a loud stereo.
The Mustang is definitely more a Florida Man kinda car. On the way to the Mustang, I’d swing by the Genesis to kick the tires and read the codes.
I had an 03 GT specced out almost the same (though I had leather and the Bullitt wheels) and while that car was a massive piece of junk, it was fun. I think the Mustang will at least be cheaper to source parts for and repair at this point compared to the Genesis, so I’d go that way.
I have fond memories of my dad’s genesis. Was a great car and lovely interior. But with all them lights on, mustang wins my fake money. But if I am getting an automatic SN95, better be a convertible. I want to smell that smoke coming from the rear tires.
I’m not a fan of the New Edge/Disjointed Lines Mustang… especially one that looks that rough with unknown mileage and a slushbox.
So the Genesis gets my vote. And it’s cheaper! Of course it’s cheaper because of the ESC, TPMS and check engine lights.
But I think replacing some sensors won’t be as bad as dealing with the issues of that unknown-Mileage Mustang.
come on, where is your sense of adventure?
The adventure is in tracking down the check engine codes!
Mind you I’d be willing to bet that the Mustang has the check engine light on too… just that it’s either covered up or the light itself is disconnected.
I guess I had to vote for one of these. At least I kind of know what I’m dealing with on that Mustang. The Genesis, not so much with the Christmas tree display. It has issues.
Honestly, I would touch either of these with a ten foot pole. I don’t want to drop $3500 on a crappy beater that needs more work or a mystery car that probably needs a lot of expensive repairs and has a sketchy seller. As a rule I stay away from Florida cars, Louisiana cars and cars from any place with regular flooding and/or hurricane seasons. I’ve checked out too many that smelled of mildew or silt. You will never get one of those cars right again.
Nothing is worse than a flood car!! A lifetime of work on it, and you will still be getting wonky wiring and ground failures from corrosion in places water was never supposed to be.
I’ve had three Mustangs and all three had 3-pedals. I’m not breaking that streak with this car.
Sure, the Genesis has more red flags than Miami Beach in hurricane season, but I just feels it needs some SWiGificating, and then you can have a decent comfy ride until the next thing breaks.
This is when I know there needs to be more reactions just a smile. Because “more red flags than Miami beach in hurricane season” made me laugh out loud and think of an ex of mine. 10 points to max!
I love the new word “SWiGificating”! I’ll probably steal it.
The South Florida car (Mustang) is easier to customize or find parts for. That genesis had a long, hard life and is ready to RIP. I loved that Genesis when it came out, but not like this.
The Mustang is clearly the better choice. The paint isn’t great and it has some minor dents, but overall it isn’t in terrible condition. I also like that it appears mechanically decent (new tires, functional AC, rebuilt engine/transmission, etc.). I’m not interested in owning this car but it seems like it is a decent choice for the asking price.
The Hyundai is kind of terrible. It has several obvious flaws (warning lights, missing trim pieces, wheels that appear to have been spray painted black, very low quality window tint [with no tint at all on the rear window], torn driver’s seat upholstery, etc.). Between the obvious flaws and high mileage, I wouldn’t pay $3k for this thing.
Did the Mustang owner use an entire spray can of cheap tire shine as his sole pre-sale prep? Regardless, this is better than a gen-1 Genesis in a condition that is usually reserved for Infiniti G35’s.
Sorry, if I was forced to take that Genesis, the first think I’d have to do was sandblast the wheels and/or paint them silver. Then I’d have to un-tint the windows.
Why do people do such stupid things to their cars?
The Mustang would be easier to get parts for as well.
Mustang today, even though it’s got a crappy automatic.
“I’d have to un-tint the windows. Why do people do such stupid things to their cars?”
You have apparently never sat in a car with black leather/vinyl seats on a sunny day in Florida. I’d rather have a car that looks silly than get second degree burns every time I get into my car.
I can’t argue with you about the wheels, though. I like black wheels, but these look like the end result of spray paint and a 6 pack of Schlitz.
Well, if I had to tint the side windows (which is illegal in Wisconsin, BTW) I’d go for a UV-blocker that wasn’t so dark and difficult to see through.
The tint on the Hyundai does appear to be particularly low quality. I have a much lighter (but much more effective) tint on my vehicles.