I want to say first I am new to this site. So an advice you can give will help alot for me. I have never owned a mustang but I am planning to buy one soon. I know I want at least a Mustang Gt Manual. My problems is this I have about 7000 saved but I am not sure should I go for a new 2010, 2011 or a used one. I like them all so I am kinda confused because I am not sure how fast 300 hp are in a stang. I don't plan to do mods right away or race the car. So is the 2010 or older a good car to get or should I just bite the bullet and get a 2011 because all of its power? I am thanking you all for the help.

 

What are your goals? If you really care about going fast, the 11 GT is a good choice.

However, it doesn't take much to get a 3v GT going with a few mods. A few bolt-ons and a tune is good for about 12.8-13.0 territory for a GT. You can easily pick up an 08 GT for about 18K or so and put a few mods in it and you're just as quick as a 11 GT for a few grand less.

 

I´d be a bit conflicted as well, the older ones are still nice, but I don´t know how into things you might be or become, ya might smack yourself in the head in a few months as the older ones have only the 5speed, rather than 6 in addition to the other improvements. Of course there might be a laundry list with this new generation of TSB´s, who knows.

Just like with tech toys really, if you can wait a generation or two you can probably pick this up far cheaper when people get to drooling over the ´12 models. 30K is the minimum I think ATM for the new ´11. Give it a year and likely you´ll be able to get a nice packaged one for 10k less.

 

All good points made in this thread. My only concern would be the reliability of the new engines in the 2011 models. Anyone have any info on that? I haven't heard anything bad yet.

 

Well its a bit early for any readings on reliability, but if previous mustangs are any indication as to Fords reliability then this will be a fairly reliable vehicle. Previous engines from them were very well done and very reliable(ie the 05-09 GT I believe) so this one would logically follow suit. Here's to hoping!

 

My two cents are, you never want to buy brand new because you loose a sh-t load of money when you leave the dealer lot. That being said, there is no better feeling in the world than buying a brand new car. 7 stacks is a good amount of money on a down payment regardless of brand new or used. If I was in your shoes, I would buy a used one during the winter months from some old guy who babied his car and wants to upgrade to the new 2011. If you wait till the springs, the prices will shoot up big time because people will be taking their rides out. Maybe a suggestion is that you use 5k on a down payment and 2k on some minor mods here and there. If you have never owned or driven a Stang, I recommend renting one for a weekend and drive the snot out of it. This way you get a good feel for one, you wont care if it breaks down because it does not belong to you, and you would know what a new one feels like. Most rental companies permit you to rent them; however, non come in standard 5 speed, only automatic. Good luck men

 

You say you have $7k saved but what's your budget for monthly payments? An '11 is in the $30k range and good used '05-'10 GT's are in the $14k-$22K range.

A 5.0 with a simple custom tune will be upwards of 375+ RWHP. An '05-'10 with the 4.6L and a CAI & tune will turn about 285-290 RWHP. Toss a blower on that 4.6L and you're talkin' about 425 RWHP or more depending on your set up.

 

Go and test drive the different year ranges and see what feels best out of the box for you since you'll be driving stock for sometime. Then think about your future plans with the car and decide which will be the best choice. First of all though, you need to consider what you can afford. If money was not an issue, I would get the 2011 or even wait for the 2012.

 

I'd say if you can afford the payments on a '11 5.0, then by all means go for it but if it's going to put you in a hole, then I'd look for an older model

 

+1, this.