Need Buying Advice
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 15
From: North Carolina
Need Buying Advice
Hi all. New here.
I am in the market for a 2005 Mustang for my son. He is interested in the V8/GT models (forgive my ignorance on the exact model).
Questions:
1. What should we look for when test driving these cars?
2. What should our mechanic focus on when doing the PPI?
Any help or advice is greatly appreciated!
I am in the market for a 2005 Mustang for my son. He is interested in the V8/GT models (forgive my ignorance on the exact model).
Questions:
1. What should we look for when test driving these cars?
2. What should our mechanic focus on when doing the PPI?
Any help or advice is greatly appreciated!
6th Gear Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 16,182
From: PA to KY ('07) to IL ('09) to MS ('10) to FL ('11)
The '05's and '06's are typically going for anywhere from about $11k to $16k, depending on your area, mileage on the car, mods, dealer dickedness, etc.. Since you sound like you're in my age ballpark, you probably know how to haggle so enjoy.
There are a number of TSB (Technical Service Bulletins) associated with this model; the S197; which you and your mechanic should become familiar with. The most serious (IMO) is for a water leak which was chronic on many 05's thru 08's (although not as prevalent on the 07 and 08 as the 05 and 06). This is a leak that comes in from above the SJB (Smart Junction Box) inside the front passenger kickpanel and will cause all sorts of electrical gremlins. Telltale sign is a wet carpet at the base of the kickpanel.
Other than that, the balance of TSB's aren't debilitating like the water like.
All in all, the S197 is a fun car. Just be prepared for your son to want to begin modding. These engines are ripe for some power mods.
There are a number of TSB (Technical Service Bulletins) associated with this model; the S197; which you and your mechanic should become familiar with. The most serious (IMO) is for a water leak which was chronic on many 05's thru 08's (although not as prevalent on the 07 and 08 as the 05 and 06). This is a leak that comes in from above the SJB (Smart Junction Box) inside the front passenger kickpanel and will cause all sorts of electrical gremlins. Telltale sign is a wet carpet at the base of the kickpanel.
Other than that, the balance of TSB's aren't debilitating like the water like.
All in all, the S197 is a fun car. Just be prepared for your son to want to begin modding. These engines are ripe for some power mods.
4th Gear Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,347
From: Germantown, TN
The '05's and '06's are typically going for anywhere from about $11k to $16k, depending on your area, mileage on the car, mods, dealer dickedness, etc.. Since you sound like you're in my age ballpark, you probably know how to haggle so enjoy.
There are a number of TSB (Technical Service Bulletins) associated with this model; the S197; which you and your mechanic should become familiar with. The most serious (IMO) is for a water leak which was chronic on many 05's thru 08's (although not as prevalent on the 07 and 08 as the 05 and 06). This is a leak that comes in from above the SJB (Smart Junction Box) inside the front passenger kickpanel and will cause all sorts of electrical gremlins. Telltale sign is a wet carpet at the base of the kickpanel.
Other than that, the balance of TSB's aren't debilitating like the water like.
All in all, the S197 is a fun car. Just be prepared for your son to want to begin modding. These engines are ripe for some power mods.
There are a number of TSB (Technical Service Bulletins) associated with this model; the S197; which you and your mechanic should become familiar with. The most serious (IMO) is for a water leak which was chronic on many 05's thru 08's (although not as prevalent on the 07 and 08 as the 05 and 06). This is a leak that comes in from above the SJB (Smart Junction Box) inside the front passenger kickpanel and will cause all sorts of electrical gremlins. Telltale sign is a wet carpet at the base of the kickpanel.
Other than that, the balance of TSB's aren't debilitating like the water like.
All in all, the S197 is a fun car. Just be prepared for your son to want to begin modding. These engines are ripe for some power mods.
I've also used KBB (www.kbb.com) to get a general feel for price. Another thing to do to get price range is do a search on autotrader.com, here you can see what folks are asking for our cars. You can make the search as open/narrow as you want. Good luck!
6th Gear Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 16,182
From: PA to KY ('07) to IL ('09) to MS ('10) to FL ('11)
Another thing to watch for is if the car has mods from the previous owner. Very common is a CAI (Cold Air Intake) with a custom tune. Most stand-alone CAI's claim to not require a tune but MAY throw a Check Engine Light (CEL or often known as "throwing a code") for running lean due to the PCM not being able to adequately adjust for the additional airflow. If it DOES have a CAI with a tune, then make sure you've been provided with the handheld device (a.k.a. tuner). Having a non-OE tune without the handheld can be a PITA down the road. FWIW, a CAI and good custom tune adds roughly 20-25 RWHP to the 4.6L engine in the GT.
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 15
From: North Carolina
4th Gear Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,212
From: Ohio
Well, it's definately been modded by the previous owner. Hood, Grill, wheels are what stick out to me. Need an under the hood pic. Not a Roush though so the emblems confuse me. If you buy it, I'd also tell them to take their stupid sticker off the trunk
Last edited by xkape; Jun 9, 2012 at 10:49 AM.
