2002 Mustang GT or 2003 Mustang V6?

[KrazyMofo24]

My car broke down last week, so I decided its time to buy me a nice one.

I don't know much about cars, but I narrowed it down to two cars that I like that are in my budget.

2003 Ford Mustang $11,500 talked them down $300 big whoop.

http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail.jsp?tracktype=usedcc&searchType=21&paId=210159086&pageNumber=6&numResultsPerPage=50&largeNumResultsPerPage=0&sortorder=descending&sortfield=PRICE+descending&certifiedOnly=false&recnum=341&leadExists=true&criteria=K-%7CE-%7CM-_14_%7CD-_179_%7CN-N%7CR-30%7CI-1%7CP-PRICE+descending%7CQ-descending%7CZ-75006&aff=national

2002 Ford Mustang GT $13,995
http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail.jsp?tracktype=usedcc&searchType=21&paId=206640080&pageNumber=5&numResultsPerPage=50&largeNumResultsPerPage=0&sortorder=descending&sortfield=PRICE+descending&certifiedOnly=false&recnum=280&leadExists=true&criteria=K-%7CE-%7CM-_14_%7CD-_179_%7CN-N%7CR-30%7CI-1%7CP-PRICE+descending%7CQ-descending%7CZ-75006&aff=national

I know this isn't a car forum, but you guys usually give good advice not just on audio. The GT is a bit out of my budget...unless I can get the price down. Are GT's worth the extra money? I do like the leather seats.

[audiobliss]

IMO, yes it's worth it go get the GT. I just hate the idea of a Mustang with a V6...and I'm not even a Ford guy!

As for the prices, I have no idea if they're good or not, as I have no idea what they should be bringing. But I would definitely lay out more money for the GT with the V8 and various other amenities.

[Demiurge]

I think you're young, right? Insurance will be a bitch on the GT.

[ND13]

The '03 V6 isn't worth that. My parents bought a brand new 04 V6 Stang for $12995. Do the math.

Get the GT and don't think twice about it.

[RuSsMaN]

Grand Touring.

[Shizelbs]

GT. No question.

[aaharvel]

That GT is about $2k too expensive. The average markup for a used car under $20grand is $3,500. That's how most dealers make their money, not from new car prices, but used car prices. The mileage is very good for a 5 year old car, however. So that might be the dealer's justification. That being said, you need to get a figure that's between Blackbook and Kelly. I still think $14,000 is asking too much.

[howie777]

Just make sure you get an insurance quote before you go the GT route. I've heard people say they loved there GT but had to sell as insurance is way too high.

Howie

[Demiurge]

Just make sure you get an insurance quote before you go the GT route. I've heard people say they loved there GT but had to sell as insurance is way too high.

Howie

Bingo.

[KrazyMofo24]

Well I'm 21...I got a quote for Geico...$180/month for 03 and $205/month for GT. 14k is out of my budget...I'll have to see if they can drop it down atleast a grand.

[disneyjoe7]

Yes check first insurance could kill the deal.

[faster100]

we had a 95 mustang lx from brand new.. and after almost 5 years the car overheated and cracked the heads.. The 3.8's are known for blown head gaskets.. the motor is a dog also.. however, the ride was nice and we liked it.. wasn't no race car, but had the best paint ive ever had on a new car.. clear coat blue aqua type color..

I was just shopping for a car to replace my shit box neon.. looked at a few Mustang GT's and the prices are just to damm high IMO.. for used cars, and the state of gas prices even at 2.20 a gallon..

I would get them down on the GT, most if not all have leather interiors and some nice options, go to www.kbb.com and get an idea on what they run and then tell them at the dealer, also tell them you found a similiar one for cheaper at another dealer and see what they say.. if not, then walk.. you will find a good deal if your patient.. and don't act excited about it and don't test drive it right away.. That's how they get you to want the car more and lose rationality of the price and deal.. just a few hints from someone who's owned a few new cars and many many used..

Good luck!!

[ND13]

That GT is about $2k too expensive. The average markup for a used car under $20grand is $3,500. That's how most dealers make their money, not from new car prices, but used car prices. The mileage is very good for a 5 year old car, however. So that might be the dealer's justification. That being said, you need to get a figure that's between Blackbook and Kelly. I still think $14,000 is asking too much.

Sorry to burst your bubble, just broke out the blackbook and "average" Blackbook for the 2002GT with the leather add and low mileage add is $12375 and this car would probably bring closer to clean book which is $13900, xtra clean is $14500 and these are wholesale numbers. So unless this car has been severely damaged in it's history, it's a good buy, period. But, I'd still say the dealer has a litttle room left, but not too much. All my internet list prices are only marked up around a grand or so, it's the only way to get attention on cars.com or autotrader.com. I list them quite a bit higher on the lot. Good, clean cars are bringing blood at the local auctions in my area, several times going out of the book. If $13k is in your budget, then offer him $12500 and let him bump you to $13k, so he feels like he did something.

And don't worry too much about fuel economy, my 160k mile '94 GT/5sp gets over 27 mpg hwy and about 24 combined.

[dagame27]

Definitely the GT. As long as you can afford the insurance (and the gas!) There is not replacement for displacement!

[sucks2beme]

+1 for the GT. It's a better car all around. The V8 will come at a premium.
Mustangs(and enything else with a v8) seem to cost way too much in Dallas.
Son #2 got the v6 Mustang. No gas savings over the v8 at all. Son #1 has the Trans Am. That is the car I want for my second childhood. Fall 2008!

[faster100]

Noel,

so what's the going rate for a 98 - 2001 stang GT? Hook me up with what you would pay, im on the lookout and know how to haggle.. however the used places around here act like they wont budge a bit .. well see :)

[KrazyMofo24]

I really do want to get the GT, I haven't looked at it in person yet...the carfax report is clean. The price is actually the lowest in my area. Hopefully theirs nothing wrong with it...if I can get it down to 13k, or 12,500 then I'm most likely going to get it. The insurance is going to be expensive either way...an extra $20/month I can probably manage. Thanks for the responses definantly helping me make the best decision.

[ND13]

Noel,

so what's the going rate for a 98 - 2001 stang GT? Hook me up with what you would pay, im on the lookout and know how to haggle.. however the used places around here act like they wont budge a bit .. well see :)

My black book only goes back to 2000.


2000 GT avg=$8100 clean=9600 xcln=10100
2001 GT avg=$9800 clean=11400 xcln=12000

notice any trend...about $1700-1900 per year.

remember these are wholesale prices or what dealers pay at the auctions or trade for them for.

[Demiurge]

I really do want to get the GT, I haven't looked at it in person yet...the carfax report is clean. The price is actually the lowest in my area. Hopefully theirs nothing wrong with it...if I can get it down to 13k, or 12,500 then I'm most likely going to get it. The insurance is going to be expensive either way...an extra $20/month I can probably manage. Thanks for the responses definantly helping me make the best decision.

I don't see how the difference could possibly be only $20 between a GT and a stock non performance 6 banger at your age.

Are you paying for the car with cash? Any kind of car loan and you have to get collision insurance (I would assume this is true in every state or the lending institution is out of it's mind).

Good luck, don't mean to beat the point home, but I learned my lesson the hard way after I owned the car.

[KrazyMofo24]

I got the quote from Geico online...the reason its a cheaper...is that I put 1000 deductible on both the collision and comphrensive.

[aaharvel]

Sorry Noel, I was basing it on average, not extra clean- simply for the interest of the buyer (if I was still in the business, I'd go from your perspective definitely.) and also because a 5year Mustang GT, given the buyer demographic isn't exactly babied if you know what I mean. I was going by average.. But you're right, I didn't see that it had leather. If I would've know that, i wouldn't have low-balled a $12.

[sucks2beme]

I don't see how the difference could possibly be only $20 between a GT and a stock non performance 6 banger at your age.

Are you paying for the car with cash? Any kind of car loan and you have to get collision insurance (I would assume this is true in every state or the lending institution is out of it's mind).

Good luck, don't mean to beat the point home, but I learned my lesson the hard way after I owned the car.

My son found the premium for his Trans Am cheaper than a Toyota!

[KrazyMofo24]

I found a 2003 Mustang Convertitble 60,000 miles, black leather seats, v6 only $9,000 it's from a bank car lot that has repossesed vehicles or cars that were leased. Retail value is 13,000 and Private is 11,000 KBB. I didn't get a chance to look at it today...but will tomorrow. They list everything about the car, and state the condition most things were Good. List of "Suggested Repair": Rear brake linings, Rotors/Drums, Alignment, Tires, Power Steering Rack, Oil Change, State Inspection, Fluid Levels, Wiper Blades, Exaust Manifold right, Driver door trim, radio, and lock cylinder.

Theirs also a "replace immediately" nothing was checked on that, majority of the list seems pretty cheap to change, I hope the cd player works, I have no idea if the Exaust Manifold is expensiver, important.

Anyone think that anything on the list is to costly to consider? Any advice would be appreciated. I love the price, and the leather.

[sucks2beme]

Are you good at mechanical work? Paying someone else to do that work could
cost a bundle. A visit to a good auto tech sounds like it is in order.
Ask if you can run it out to someone to look it over. They may be just listing
all that could be wrong, or that thing needs a couple of grand of repair.

Maybe a new Hyundai is in order? A new Sonata will have a much lower interest rate than a used car, get better gas milage, and be reliable.
Sex appeal? NO. Better than walking? Anyday!

[nadams]

gee tee!

V6 in a mustang is just a damn shame. They never should've offered them.

[a_mattison]

GT no question...or you could find something fast to buy. Maybe an F-body with and LT1. Nothing funnier than a V6 Mustang.

[KrazyMofo24]

I would rather have a GT ofcourse...but 14,000 for a GT, 9,000 for this one. Whenever I get older, establish credit, and have a good paying job, then I can go that NICE car. The retail value is listed at 13,000 the price is much lower is because of it being repo, theirs about 10 cars in this lot, they sell as is no warranty, they have a 2003 F-150 59k miles for under 10k. They recommend repair, but still up in the air on how damaged any of these items are. The ones that concern me is the Power steering rack, and the lock cylinder. The brakes/roter I've replaced those before not too expensive. CD player replacement will also be an upgrade. Everything else seems to be stuff you need to replace with every car. I'll get my dad to look at it...the price just makes it hard to justify $5,000 for a V8.

[a_mattison]

I would rather have a GT ofcourse...but 14,000 for a GT, 9,000 for this one. Whenever I get older, establish credit, and have a good paying job, then I can go that NICE car. The retail value is listed at 13,000 the price is much lower is because of it being repo, theirs about 10 cars in this lot, they sell as is no warranty, they have a 2003 F-150 59k miles for under 10k. They recommend repair, but still up in the air on how damaged any of these items are. The ones that concern me is the Power steering rack, and the lock cylinder. The brakes/roter I've replaced those before not too expensive. CD player replacement will also be an upgrade. Everything else seems to be stuff you need to replace with every car. I'll get my dad to look at it...the price just makes it hard to justify $5,000 for a V8.

I'd stay away from that car lot. I wouldn't mess with anybody selling repo's. You will find the right deal eventually. Don't force a car purchase. There are a lot of cars out there for all kinds of budgets. Wait and find the right car.

[KrazyMofo24]

Well its not a random dealer...its from a Local bank, that my girlfriend's parents have their account at. The fact that they give you everything you need to know about the car, is more than any dealership would give you. Checked the price for an exaulst manifold and it's around $30 bucks. My dad and my gf's dad both like to work on cars, so if the parts are cheap, and nothing major it shouldn't be a problem. So now my only concern is the Lock cylinder, and the power steering rack. $150 for Power Steering If I had to replace it. The Lock Cylinder I have no idea why that would be messed up not sure if it's from the trunk, door, ignition. But it is under "Recommend repair" and not "Repair Immediatly" So could be nothing major.

[AustinKP]

As a 2000 Mustang V6 owner with a brother that has a 2k3 GT, I'd say the GT is DEFINITELY worth it! I'd love to get a GT if I could afford it (and if I hadn't already spend *countless* hours getting my car stereo the way I wanted it). I'm 25, and the insurance diff between a V6 and a GT through Allstate is only $4/mo.

[Joey_V]

No one buys a Mustang only to have it be a V6.

That's like getting some LSi9 and powering it with a Sherwood receiver.

[KrazyMofo24]

Well you guys were right...that car was horrible...the engine had burned oil all over it...the bumpers were replaced its been in a wreck. I'm getting a GT for sure now 2002 or higher. The one for 14k they had it priced at 15,500 at the lot so I had no luck getting them to lower it. I'm going to check classifieds, and e-bay, save for a bigger down payment, so I won't have to pay as much interest.

[audiobliss]

^^ Good idea.

[ND13]

Well you guys were right...that car was horrible...the engine had burned oil all over it...the bumpers were replaced its been in a wreck. I'm getting a GT for sure now 2002 or higher. The one for 14k they had it priced at 15,500 at the lot so I had no luck getting them to lower it. I'm going to check classifieds, and e-bay, save for a bigger down payment, so I won't have to pay as much interest.

I'm trying to tell ya that, that dealer is not that out of line on that price for the 02 GT. It's got good miles and from , as much as one can tell from the photos, looks to be fairly well kept and not abused. The automatics normally see less abuse than the manuals, but even they are built to take the abuse

[KrazyMofo24]

The car was in great shape, I found same car, and color at another dealership for $12,950 55k miles. I'll see if they can't get it down if not still a more affoardable price. Theirs also a private seller same car, color, price, but it's a manual, but only 12,000 miles.

[Sami]

Your PM box is full.

[KrazyMofo24]

Sorry Empty now.

[Willow]

good luck on your deals, I don't like stangs what so ever, cept maybe the old ones.

[ND13]

The car was in great shape, I found same car, and color at another dealership for $12,950 55k miles. I'll see if they can't get it down if not still a more affoardable price. Theirs also a private seller same car, color, price, but it's a manual, but only 12,000 miles.

Dude, by all means, if you can drive a manual, GET IT!!!! With only 12k miles, I doubt it's damaged. The Mustang and a handful of other cars are the only vehicles that have zero deduction in value for having a manual tranny. There is a world of difference in driving experience/pleasure between an automatic and a manual Stang.

[okiepolkie]

Manual GT, or get something else.

[audiobliss]

Dude, by all means, if you can drive a manual, GET IT!!!! With only 12k miles, I doubt it's damaged. The Mustang and a handful of other cars are the only vehicles that have zero deduction in value for having a manual tranny. There is a world of difference in driving experience/pleasure between an automatic and a manual Stang.
ditto

And if you can't drive a manual, then make a fool of yourself learning how. 'Cause you are a fool if you don't jump on that. ;)

[MSALLA]

GT no question...or you could find something fast to buy. Maybe an F-body with and LT1. Nothing funnier than a V6 Mustang.

I've had 3 mustangs and 2 Camaro's. See if you can find a good camaro or trans-am.
The mustangs don't hold up the way the f-bodies do and the GM has a much better motor.This is if you stay from 1993 and up. NOT the I-ROC style f-bodies. You can get a 2000 for around 10,000 if you look around.

[KrazyMofo24]

Trans-am were hard to find with good mileage, the camaros I like the one thing that I liked better with the GT was mainly is the interior, mainly leather seats.

[MSALLA]

Ya the interior is roomier in the stang. But the GM is a better built car.

[ND13]

I've had 3 mustangs and 2 Camaro's. See if you can find a good camaro or trans-am.
The mustangs don't hold up the way the f-bodies do and the GM has a much better motor.This is if you stay from 1993 and up. NOT the I-ROC style f-bodies. You can get a 2000 for around 10,000 if you look around.

That's the first I've ever heard that, except from die-hard Chevy fans. I have a 160K mile 1994 GT and it doesn't even have any squeaks or rattles, nor does it use any oil. Drivetrains are about equal as far as reliablilty.

[MSALLA]

I love both and for a while ford had it all over chevy. But after '93, chevy really stepped things up with the new f-body.I bought all ford work trucks for our company for years also until the Triton motor came out. We had trouble with two and then a rod shot thru the block at 60,000miles on a third.
The chevy has a more rigid frame and better motor. The price is usually lower on used models because Mustangs still have alot of fans and sell faster.

[MSALLA]

Well you guys were right...that car was horrible...the engine had burned oil all over it...the bumpers were replaced its been in a wreck. I'm getting a GT for sure now 2002 or higher. The one for 14k they had it priced at 15,500 at the lot so I had no luck getting them to lower it. I'm going to check classifieds, and e-bay, save for a bigger down payment, so I won't have to pay as much interest.

Keep in mind, if you are buying a used car (especially if you finance) try to buy from a Ford dealer if it's a mustang or GM dealer for an F-body and tell them you want the FACTORY certified warrenty.DO NOT let them give you one of those warrenty company deals. If something expensive breaks on the car that you can't afford to fix you will still be making your payment. The factory used car warrenties are great and mirror the new car warrenty minus wear items (breaks, weather stripping, clutches, etc.)

And yes manual is WAY more fun to drive. If you don't know how, get someone to teach you.

[KrazyMofo24]

I agree i'd only consider driving a manual if its a sports car. I just checked out the carfax report for that mustang...it shows Frame Damage, and the 2nd owner has only had the car for a month and selling it. Theirs a Red GT Bullitt 13,250 from a private seller I might look at...two other Silver GT's at 12,950 at a few other dealerships. 55-65k miles automatic.

I'll do another search for some Trans-am's and Camaros my price range was originally just $10,000 when I did a search for them.

[audiobliss]

If you're at all interested in GM's offerings, I would open up my searches to the Camaro and Trans-Am. My two personal picks would be a 2000+ TransAm WS6 (black with t-tops), or a 2001 orange Camaro SS. I love those two cars.

Frame damage? Run. The Bullit would be a neat ride, though. And, I really would rather wait longer/pay more to end up with a manual.

[audiobliss]

I just found out what I would get! If I were looking to spend about $12k, I'd put $2k more with it, and get this!! *drools*

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Pontiac-Trans-Am-1979-Pontiac-Firebird-Trans-AM-79_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ6427QQihZ008QQitemZ1 80035348533QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

All original, Sundance Yellow 1979 Firebird with the bird on the hood, with less than 28,000 miles on it.

http://i19.ebayimg.com/02/i/08/88/a8/41_12.JPG

[sucks2beme]

Wow. That brings back memories. Had a 79 in the driveway until 2000.
Son #1 was waiting to make a left turn, and some lady in a Honda tried to drive through him at 55mph. She didn't even hit the brake pedal(damn cellphones). It went from never being in an accident to junk.

[audiobliss]

Wow. Man, that's sad. Mmm. That's terrible. At least he could have wrapped it around a telephone drying to drift around a turn in the wet and 55mph, instead of just sitting in the road! Haha, j/k.

Are you the one on here who had a beautiful, like new blue Firebird? I remember someone did, and that it really was like new, and that the owner practically only took it out of the garage to wash it. But I'm not sure who it was...

EDIT - Was it really 'junk'? I mean, how much damage did it do (if it's not too painful to think about)? I can definitely imagine the trunk, quarterpanels, rear end/suspension was gone, but did it mess up anything else? Hmm, I guess an impact at 55mph would put a hurting on the frame.

[sucks2beme]

Wow. Man, that's sad. Mmm. That's terrible. At least he could have wrapped it around a telephone drying to drift around a turn in the wet and 55mph, instead of just sitting in the road! Haha, j/k.

Are you the one on here who had a beautiful, like new blue Firebird? I remember someone did, and that it really was like new, and that the owner practically only took it out of the garage to wash it. But I'm not sure who it was...

EDIT - Was it really 'junk'? I mean, how much damage did it do (if it's not too painful to think about)? I can definitely imagine the trunk, quarterpanels, rear end/suspension was gone, but did it mess up anything else? Hmm, I guess an impact at 55mph would put a hurting on the frame.

The Blue one was NOT mine. The 79 was the son's project. He bought it from a guy down the street that owned it new. It had new paint, carpet, seat covers, etc. We had a lot of stuff from A.P.E. (all Pontiac Engineering).
we put into it to bring it back to it's glory. It was junk after this hit.
It didn't even crush the trunk. The impact put ripples all over the car. The pillars, panels, doors, everything was so f'd up it could never be straight again. Almost nothing was re-usable on the body.
I was the one that ate the tree. 71 Mach 1 Mustang. Parts of me still hurt!

[a_mattison]

That's the first I've ever heard that, except from die-hard Chevy fans. I have a 160K mile 1994 GT and it doesn't even have any squeaks or rattles, nor does it use any oil. Drivetrains are about equal as far as reliablilty.

The LT1 and Ls1 motors are bullet proof. I drove a 1997 Z28 for 8 years and never had an issue. That is even after autocrossing and a couple of track days.

[MSALLA]

Yep, they are real work horses. Old technology guts with high-tech fuel systems to make them streetable w/ 10:1 compression & a pretty high lift cam for a factory ride. I am not a fan of the mod motor in a work truck or sports car. The 5.4 seems pretty good but that 4.6 just isn't sturdy enough.
You want a great ford, that fox platform w/ the 302 was a great set up and bullet proof.

[KrazyMofo24]

Well after paying off one credit card, and just waiting. Theirs still no good deals on 2002 or above GT's. 12,500 is the cheapest i've seen and their grey with 70k+ miles. Since i'm still going to school, I don't want to have too big of a car payment. I have seen a couple of 2003 mustangs V6's drop down in price. One went from 10,500 to to 8,900. Another red one went from 12,000 to 10,000. The red one only has 51k miles I'm considering one of these two.


With the price being much better for 03 V6's is it a better idea to get it or is GT still the way the go? If it is their's a 2000(10k) and and 2001(9k) GT both have 90k miles.

[PolkThug]

Do you like to drive fast?

[audiobliss]

I'd definitely get either of the GT's, personally.

I stopped and looked at a few cars around here, and found a '98 Firebird (in great shape) with 108,000 for 8,900, and a 1999 Camaro with 70,000 for, I think, 9,900. I've been thinking about those...

...though, actually, I've been even more intrigued by a 1986 Monte Carlo a friend found for $500...

[KrazyMofo24]

Well I just saw a 2002 Silver Mustang GT at a dealership they just got it in today. 10,900 76k miles. Black leather seats I like the price, but you guys think its a good price or is it too many miles? I'm going to test drive it tomorrow..he said something about it having a mach 1 system. Anyone know what that means? I'm assuming he means a audio system? I know their's certain collectible cars with mach 1 but I can't google a 2002 version.

[audiobliss]

Yeah, I would bet he's referring to the audio system. A Mach 1 (vs. Bullit vs. GT, etc.) would cost more than that!

Sounds to me like a good deal! But I'd wait for someone else's opinion.

[MSALLA]

He should have told you it was the Mach 460. Thats the upgraded stereo in the ford line. There was a MACH 1 package out but I think that was in later years. It came with a shaker hood w/ functional scoop & a MACH 1 paint scheme.
The miles are on the high end so it really depends if the car was taken care of or not. Just keep in mind that you will be making payments on a car that will also need repairs now and then to keep it in good shape.
If it's in good shape inside & out, go for it.

[KrazyMofo24]

I got to look at the car again today. The mach system is the stereo, I didn't get to listen to it, so I don't know if it really does sound good. I saw the car last night before they got to clean the car, the guy traded it in 2 hours before. The car has no scratches, or dents the interior is in really good condition. I didn't hear any noises, while driving it, and it drove smooth.

I'll get my gf's dad to look at it he knows a lot more about cars than I do, hopefully theirs nothing wrong with it mechanically which from what I can tell doesn't seem like their is.

miles is still my biggest concern going to have to think about it.

[MSALLA]

Todays motors run longer then the ones from the 80's back. As long as the oil is kept clean and the maint. was kept up you will get alot out of that car if you take care of it. The Mach 460 sounds good for a factory system. They come with a sub and an amp that is rated at 460 (Mach 460 )

[a_mattison]

I got to look at the car again today. The mach system is the stereo, I didn't get to listen to it, so I don't know if it really does sound good. I saw the car last night before they got to clean the car, the guy traded it in 2 hours before. The car has no scratches, or dents the interior is in really good condition. I didn't hear any noises, while driving it, and it drove smooth.

I'll get my gf's dad to look at it he knows a lot more about cars than I do, hopefully theirs nothing wrong with it mechanically which from what I can tell doesn't seem like their is.

miles is still my biggest concern going to have to think about it.

If your gf's dad says its in good condition, Jump on it. Sound like a nice car. Keep up with general maintenance and it should be just fine.

[Jstas]

There was a MACH 1 package out but I think that was in later years. It came with a shaker hood w/ functional scoop & a MACH 1 paint scheme.


Ford re-made a Mustang Mach 1 for the 2003-2004 runs of the Mustang. This car came with special Mach 1 paint schemes and was offered in blue or black with a matte black spoiler and hood stripe, flat black chin spoiler, Mach 1 rocker panel stripes and Mach 1 badging on the rear and a partially-functional shaker hood scoop. There were also faux Magnum 500 polished 17x8 alloy wheels reminiscient of the original Mach 1 package from the 60's-70's.

On top of that, the car came with the an aluminum blocked version of the Cobra's DOHC 4.6L V8. It had the same high flow heads from the 03-04 Cobras and while rated at 305 horses, actual, real world tests show power levels higher than when the same engine was in the Cobra. Putting out 320 horses and 320 pound feet of torque, it hit it's power peak at 4,000 RPM from a 10.1:1 compression ratio. The Mach 1 also had Ford corporate 8.8 inch rear axle loaded with 3.55:1 gears with either a 5 speed Tremec manual or a 4 speed automatic. It also featured boxed subframe connectors to strength the chassis.

The interior was distinct also with retro guages much like what was in the original Mach 1 plus "tuck and roll" treatment to the seats and vintage badging throughout.

All of these options were not available on the Mustang GT or base model Mustang.

The only changes for the 04 from the 03 were a change in power ratings from 305 to 310 horses and 320 lb. ft. to 335 lb. ft. with 40th Anniversary badges on the fenders.

Performance numbers from Motor Trend were 4.7 sec 0-60 with a 1/4 mile time of 13.2 seconds at 106.7 MPH. The automatic was 5.6 second 0-60 time with a 1/4 mile time of 13.88 at 101.9 MPH. It 63.5 MPH through the 600 foot slalom and pulled .85g's on the skidpad.


It was a bit more than a shaker hood and paint.

[MSALLA]

I didn't realize it had all that. Sounds like a fun car. I have seen them in white also.

[KrazyMofo24]

I'm not going to be able to get the loan until next month, he's helping me out with it. It's a CD loan and it'll be at 5% versus 14-15% being a 1st time buyer. I also will have think about just getting liability since it's going to be $250/month until I'm 25. At that price it's the same as paying for the car. 250x4 years. I might just get liabiltity use that extra 200/month towards the payments.

I won't be able to get the loan for a few weeks, I hope no one buys it before then.

[shack]

I also will have think about just getting liability since it's going to be $250/month until I'm 25....I might just get liabiltity use that extra 200/month towards the payments.

Bad Idea. You understand that if you wreck the car (your fault) and it is a total, you will not have the car and you will still owe for the loan? If you can't afford the inurance to protect the person putting up the CD as collateral...you don't need the car.

[KrazyMofo24]

yes I do understand that. The car is $10,000 I can afford the payments with full coverage which would be $500/month for both the car and full coverage for 5 years. Which makes it $250/month for both. I will have to pay that amount until i'm 25. which is close to 5 years which mean i'll pay $10,000 on insurance which equals the car. Now at worst-case scenario I total the car and its my fault or it gets stolen, I would have to pay for the car. If I had to continue paying for that car, and get a different one, its $250/month still for that car, but i'd still have up $250/month to buy a different car. I would owe 500/month just like I would if I was to pay full coverage.

With full coverage, after a couple of years atleast from what I've been told you don't get what you paid for the car if it does get totalled. It's significantly lower. I just feel if I bought a new car worth 20k and paying 250/month for full coverage then its a better deal.

Also I plan on getting the car paid off in two-three years, the 250/month full coverage im stuck with for longer than that.

[shack]

It is irresponsible to not protect the person that is putting up the collateral (CD) for the loan. Lets take it one step further. You wreck the car, total it, get hurt, can't work and can't make payments. The guy with the CD either has to make the monthly payment or they will cash in the CD...either way...he is out. As I said, if you can't/or don't want to pay the premiums then you need to look for something else OR save enough money to pay cash for what you want. Then you put no one else at risk.

[KrazyMofo24]

After thinking about it, I agree with you. I'm goin with full coverage, hope no one buys the car. Maybe another GT will pop up i'll keep checking ads. Thanks for all the advice its been helping me make the right decision.

[shack]

Good move. Shop around and check various deductable amounts. Find out what companies give discounts for good grades, good driving records and so forth. Still plan on paying the car off in 2-3 years...even if it means that you have to work more. Then you can drop collision if you need to.

[KrazyMofo24]

Found 2 more cars, I'm considering.

2002 GT silver http://www.autotrader.com/dealers/dda/detail.jsp?result_car_id=210415747&dealership_view_name=lightningmotorsports&car_id=211377947&dealer_id=5684611

1999 Red GT
http://autos.yahoo.com/usedcars/detail/index.html;_ylt=AvlF4oBWG70vQMYe0Dv2KQNXSsUF?cid=a utomobiles-209369533&dst=4.45&rsr=Yj02MCZtYWtlPUZPUkQmbW9kZWw9TVVTVCZjbF95PTE5OT kmY2hfeT0yMDA0JmNsX3ByaWNlPSZjaF9wcmljZT0xMjAwMCZj bF9taT0mY2hfbWk9JmNrPSZwdXJsZj15Jmd1cj0xMDAmY3N6PT c1MDYwJnZ0eXBlPWF1dG9zJm1rPUZvcmQmbW89TXVzdGFuZw#h ttp://autos.yahoo.com/usedcars/search/pop/photo.html;_ylt=At6v330YPEFzoSLGPDYGIucAT8UF

2004 Mustang v6 37k miles

http://autos.yahoo.com/usedcars/detail/index.html;_ylt=AuVHE3y77Ml6_RhnVcWaPsZXSsUF?cid=a utomobiles-210927984&dst=17.76&rsr=Yj0xMDAmbWFrZT1GT1JEJm1vZGVsPU1VU1QmY2xfeT0xOT k5JmNoX3k9MjAwNCZjbF9wcmljZT0mY2hfcHJpY2U9MTIwMDAm Y2xfbWk9JmNoX21pPSZjaz0mcHVybGY9eSZndXI9MTAwJmNzej 03NTA2MCZ2dHlwZT1hdXRvcyZtaz1Gb3JkJm1vPU11c3Rhbmc-#http://autos.yahoo.com/usedcars/search/pop/photo.html;_ylt=At6v330YPEFzoSLGPDYGIucAT8UF
The 2004's price is kind of suspicious it has 3 owners one was a rental, its still under warranty. mileage is really good color is nice, better mpg, and isurance would be cheaper.

The 99 Gt good mileage I think this one looks the best, only concern is it being a 99.

The 2002 GT, color isn't the best, but its taken care nice interior, but a lot of miles.


Which car do you guys think looks like the best deal?

[jmwest1970]

I'm not going to be able to get the loan until next month, he's helping me out with it. It's a CD loan and it'll be at 5% versus 14-15% being a 1st time buyer. I also will have think about just getting liability since it's going to be $250/month until I'm 25. At that price it's the same as paying for the car. 250x4 years. I might just get liabiltity use that extra 200/month towards the payments.

I won't be able to get the loan for a few weeks, I hope no one buys it before then.


Most lenders require full coverage insurance on a financed car. I've never seen one that doesn't. Also, if you don't carry full coverage the lender will likely add their own collision insurance to the loan and your payment will increase.

[audiobliss]

I think I'd go with the '99.

If you end up buying a V6, I'm gonna hafta take myself a trip to Dallas...

[KrazyMofo24]

I'm really considering the 99, only thing I hate is that it just has a cassette player.

[disneyjoe7]

Most lenders require full coverage insurance on a financed car. I've never seen one that doesn't. Also, if you don't carry full coverage the lender will likely add their own collision insurance to the loan and your payment will increase.



If I understand this right a CD loan is cash to the insurance company, if he lost his car then he lost his cash. Not a biggie if you asked me.

Edit... Other then that I think this was covered before ;)

[KrazyMofo24]

Yeah it wouldn't matter what I bought with the loan so I wouldn't be required to have it. To be on the safe side i'll have it when I pay most of it off, I'll see then on what I should do.

[MSALLA]

Thats a no brainer.The 99' is the car to buy.Swap the radio out or install a cd changer.

[KrazyMofo24]

Agreed 99' GT is the way the go from those three. Checking classifieds now, theirs a 2002 Black GT 57k miles $9,000 it says V6. Is there such a thing as v6 GT?

[MSALLA]

No, all the GT's are V8's

[KrazyMofo24]

Yeah the GT was a misprint, its not a GT. I went to go see the 99' GT test drove it, that thing is NICE, it does have a cd player, nice color, nice miles. This is the best one I've seen around this price, I don't think their will be a better deal, within the next 3-4 weeks. He said he'll take a $500 deposit, and he'll hold the car until I get the loan.

I'm so glad I didn't buy that 2003 Mustang v6 for 11,500 last month. Thanks again all the responses.

[MSALLA]

Dd you leave a deposit?

[KrazyMofo24]

Not yet gonna have my gf and her dad look at first.

[KrazyMofo24]

I finally got my car, I went with the 99' GT the car looks much better in person. Thanks for the replies, glad I found a GT for a good price.

[PolkThug]

Man law states that after buying a car, a pic must be posted!

[disneyjoe7]

And that being a GT picture during burn out.

[KrazyMofo24]

LOL, I'll get some pics up real soon. I took my gf and her dad to look at the car today, we got the price down to $10,300. Were actually getting the loan tomorrow which was a huge suprise, the other day my girlfriend's dad thought it was too much for a 99, and I wasn't going to be able to get the loan until December. He told the guy he'll write the check tomorrow. Which was really good news for me. Were going tomorrow to set up the loan, and picking up the car tomorrow, we already put a deposit, and signed the buyers order.

[MSALLA]

Good luck with the car. Your girlfriends dad is hooking you up?

[KrazyMofo24]

He's providing the CD, the loan will be on my name, but at a good interest rate.

[KrazyMofo24]

I got some pics up, really enjoying the car.

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q54/krazymofo42/000_2884.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q54/krazymofo42/000_2877.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q54/krazymofo42/000_2886.jpg

[MSALLA]

I didn't know it was a convertable. It looks very clean from the pictures. Good luck with it and have fun.