The Stang is back from the paintshop, having had the additional and unwanted key-applied side-stripe resprayed. A £500 excess on our insurance policy meant that we were paying for the work, so we decided that we'd do away with the unsightly radio aerial that protrudes from the top of the right front wing at the same time.
We considered a bee-sting on the roof, but the car looked so good once the big black pylon had been removed and the hole filled, smoothed and sprayed that we followed the advice of the guys at Powerstation and instead plumped for a screen-mounted item to keep the Mustang's profile clean. The total bill came to £361.43.
As the 10,000-mile service was imminent we decided to kill two birds with one stone and get it done at the same time as the paint repairs. As with the first 5000-miler there was nothing to report and a reasonable £262.73 bill, which included collection and delivery of the car.
Unfortunately the unscheduled body repair has delayed the fitment of the Roush suspension and 18in rims. Rest assured we're on the case and should have a meaner, grippier and more composed Mustang to show you next month.
Running Costs
| Date acquired | April 2005 |
| Total mileage | 10,299 |
| Costs this month | £624.16 (see text) |
| Mileage this month | 1501 |
| MPG this month | 20.9mpg |
