2016 Ford Mustang GT: MOTOR's Reader's Rides

The Reader: Peter Salera
The Car: 2016 Ford Mustang GT
The Mileage: 13,000km
The Ownership period: 2 years

This feature was originally published in MOTOR’s September 2018 issue

You're a Ford guy?
My grandfather worked at Ford for 35 years and I’ve been a Ford boy my whole life. I had a Ford Mondeo GLI, then a BF XR6 brand new, an Audi, an FG XR6 Limited Edition, FG X XR8, a Ford Fiesta XR4, then the Mustang now with a daily BA XR6.

The Audi and XR4 are odd picks, aren't they?
If I could go back in time I wouldn’t have sold the XR4. It’s cheaper on fuel than the BA and a great driver’s car. I bought an Audi A4 S-Line because I was doing a stint in real estate and my boss said I look like a hoon in my Falcon. That’s the only car I regret owning because they don’t hold their value that well.

How did it feel swapping a Falcon for the Mustang?
When I heard that they were going to go, and being a part of my family – my dad’s always had them, my uncle’s always had them – it was just weird. Having the XR8 was an awesome car. I was in two minds when the Mustang came out. I didn’t want to get rid of it. The Mustang’s more fun and more visually appealing. But in terms of overall build you can’t go past the Falcon, it felt like a sturdier car.

You've subtly tweaked the Mustang...
Pretty much every car I’ve had I’ve changed the wheels. It’s an addiction. I’ve never delved into superchargers – not yet. The wider tyres on the back has made it a little stickier. I find the rear-end’s a little leafy, especially the manuals, when you click it into second you can get a little slip.

What's the most memorable moment with the Mustang?
Just getting one in general. Growing up I’ve always liked the Mustangs. I have that old-school mentality to work, work, work, and it’s nice to reward myself. It was fulfilling. It was nice to get one, they’re a working class man’s hero car.