This is the last of three entries on my 2007 Ford Mustang purchased at Bell Ford, Colonia NJ. To quickly recap the history on this vehicle:

[0] Purchased: October 2007 [1] Clutch plate replaced: May 2008 (about 2 weeks without vehicle) [2] Clutch plate replaced: June 2008 (about 3 months without vehicle) [3] Brakes and E-brake spring replaced: January 2011 (about 1 month without vehicle)

Last week:

I noticed the clutch began to start acting up again. I began smelling that distinct odor and the car was gaining less and less power. The engine would roar but the clutch wouldn't engage and it would move ever so slowly. I had it on its last leg at work and knew it wasn't going to make it back home. I couldn't get it to go over 35mph up the NJ Turnpike bridge but just begging for mercy I made it to the top of the bridge and gravity was a HUGE help for the next few miles. I was finally able to get it into the back of a Nissan dealership and sell it in exchange for a lease on a 2011 Nissan Altima 2.5 S Coupe. That car was completely shot for the 3rd time in a little over 3 years.

Good-bye Ford. Hello Nissan

I will make a couple more entries. This is experience #1 with my 2007 Ford Mustang purchased at Bell Ford in Colonia, NJ. I traded in my 1995 Ford Mustang (manual) that I drove for 8 years and bought the new 5-speed manual trans. Mustang in October 2007. In May the clutch was completely destroyed. I have driven manual Mustangs earlier and I know how to drive it. It was completely shot. After a number of weeks, Bell Ford put a new clutch plate on the vehicle. In about a week, that clutch plate was completely shot as well. I would wait another 80+ days through the summer of 2008 driving the only loaner vehicle Bell Ford Colonia had to offer me -- a bright green 2007 Ford Focus. All summer. Up and down the NJ Turnpike. What a winner in my bright green Ford Focus!! I would receive the vehicle back in August of 2008 with a clutch that would last another two and a half years.