Mustang Novice

I am looking to buy a new 2005 Mustang. My father-in-law is a dealer, so I get a good price and priority. He also can get me some breaks on mods, because people want him to send them business. But I don't have time to do a lot myself (that's how I make money to buy this stuff). I don't "race" (at least not for money), but I'm an acceleration junkie. The faster I can get to the next red light, the better. I also like the idea of making a common car unique.
Anyway, I am going to at least buy a premium GT convertible, but I was looking at the Saleen S-281 Supercharged (probably convertible), but I'm trying to decide if I could better spend the extra $20-25,000. When I priced Saleen's mod's using their parts, it was $18,000 without the changes to the interior (or the Saleen logos everywhere); most of the money was in the supercharger, the 20 inch wheels, and the 14" brakes.

My questions are:
1) Does a Saleen hold it's value? I know that I'll never get my money back on mods.
2) How does Steeda and Rousch compare? I haven't had a chance to look at them.
3) Are their better (cheaper ways) to get to 400 hp when I can't "do it myself"? It seems that I'll be paying a lot to have it tuned and labor to add major mods.

TIA. If this is not the right forum, I apologize.

Lubricant

Saleen is never worth the price... IMO..
Buy a gt and mod it YOUR way....

Higgie

best of luck with your ecision. I didn't see your age in your post. I know when I was younger, I often did the V8 into a 6 cyl car, or stayed with a factory ride, because insurance rates were so much better.

Anyway you go, I know you will enjoy the 05 platform. I am at just over 800 miles on my 05 Prem GT, stick. I am impressed with the 300 ponies, but want more. With factory cobras 1-2 years out. I am consudering the intercooled SC bolt on, for 450hp.

Mustang Novice

I'm married, so the boss has to approve. She wants me to get rid of the manual since she can't drive it. I have to agree that does cause a lot of frustration on my part, but I can't motivate her to learn. She freaks out too much. She has a 2004 Expedition Eddie Bauer with a 5.4 and I don't think they make an option that she doesn't have, so at least I have some ammo on spending for a vehicle.
I'm 33. So it's a midlife crisis vehicle.
Seriously, I finally have money to play with. I am probably being stupid to even consider a Saleen, but it would be a nice show car.
My dilemma stems from the fact that I haven't had money, and now that I do, I want to spend it on the best and I know that the best doesn't mean the most expensive. The Saleen has the advantage of retaining value, I think plus it's a show car more than a race car, which is more my cup of tea.
Thanks for the help.