Go drive both and see if the GT is worth the add'l $$$ to you. Either version should be reliable with proper maintenance and care. Although the V6 is cheaper, the V6 is MUCH faster than the GT...
































...in terms of depreciation. But if you are keeping the car for 10 years, then depreciation isn't as much of a concern.

 

If it's pure mpg you are after, keeping it in the Ford family, buy a Focus and learn to drive a stick.

Then, take the money you didn't spend, go to the classified section and get a used stang and mod away for fun

 

From a longevity/reliabilitystandpoint I think the 4.0 V6 and 4.6 V8 are on pretty much equal footing. Take it from someone who has owned both, they get exactly the same gas mileage. That said, with gas headed for $4 a gallon by this summer and I'd bet $5 by the next, if I had tocommute 70 miles a day I would have bought the Honda Civic automatic I test drove. Very nice car. Drives far "bigger" than it actually is, gets great gas mileage, is very nicely appointed, and will likely last 10 years / 200,000 miles or more. I drive a 110 mile roundtrip commute but only one day a week so gas mileage was not much a concern.

Martin

 

unless you have lots of money to spend if your looking for good mpg and reliablity then a mustang may not be your best bet. its a fact that on average a honda or toyota will outlast any other car. check out consumer reports for reliability ratings and you will see that there is a pretty large gap in reliability between ford and honda/toyota/subaru. which includes acura, infinity, lexus etc. but you will notice that ford has better ratings then gm or chrysler. but worst of all is actually v dub. volkswagens are made by lazy europeans. but i couldnt have bought anything else and been happy.

 

I know I've said this a million times, but..Having worked at a ford dealer for several years I can tell you first hand the 4.6 is the one I would bet on for high mileage reliability.

The big problem I have with the 4.0 SOHC is its timing chain configuration. Ford seems tohave thechain tensioner issues solved around 2002 but that motor still lends its self to timing chain issues at higher mileage. And to make matters worse its got a couple chains in the front and one on the back of the motor so servicing all of them requires removal of the engine. On the 4.6 both are up front and can be serviced with the engine in.

Lastly, I think the 4.6 is a much more satisfiying engine to drive. Smooth, powerful and makes nice sounds!

 

I bought the v6 because i wanted a convertible that I thought was affordable. I wish I had bought the GT, however, i wouldnt trade mine for a GT coupe.

Having said that, If I would have bought a GT, I am sure I would be longing for the Shelby.

If I had bought the Shelby, I would want a maxed out corvette

It never ends..

 

(double post)

 

If it's for commuting don't get a mustang...specially not an automatic.

If you want gas mileage then get something smaller like has already been said.

If you want something great on gas and still quick, then pick up an Acura RSX or something...but don't get a mustang looking for gas mileage

 

Depends on what kind of gas mileage he is looking for. We commute 75 miles a day, all highway, and get 27-30 mpg with our auto GT.

 

I agree with what everyone says about if looking for excellent gas mileage then get another car. If you want to spend the extra money then get a GT but I have a V6 manual and I assure you it is no slouch. There are a couple of V6s on here that could take a stock GT. The V6 is plenty of fun don't you worry but just test drive both and decide if want to spend the extra money for the extra package.