You note several major component replacements (engine, tranny, etc.) that have been done without the desired effect. From that trend, I infer that you did not have specific problems, such as failure to start, engage gear, etc. Rather, I bet your car fell short in some more subjective category, such as perceived acceleration, or noise level. In cases where a customer approaches a dealer with vague, difficult to address problems, it is not unheard of for a dealer to respond by allowing large repairs as a sort of 'placebo.' Ford, as the manufacturer of the product, covers the expense involved in these warranty repairs. I'm curious to hear what happened to your old motor... I bet the dealer or his friend took it and put it in something else and it is running fine. The only other thing I would add, as a person who has owned several of these cars, is that for all their fine points they are still inexpensive, simple passenger cars. Noise, etc., are not inescapable in an inexpensive, simple design, and they don't necessarily indicate a problem. Simplicity of design is the rule for Mustangs, and they are not always particularly refined or sporty in feel. That's just the sad truth. You would probably do just fine in an Acura or a Hyundai Tiburon, which will probably match your expectations more closely.