Clipsburgh

Firstly hello, I'm new to these forums and site and have decided to join because I'm going to be buying a new car soon and I've always had my eyes on a Mustang, ever since I was a little kid.

Though I have a couple questions to ask beforehand, if this is the wrong place to ask I apologize and would be very grateful if someone could show me the appropriate forum to ask these questions. My knowledge is fairly limited on cars and Mustangs and I would consider myself VERY newbish.

One of my biggest questions is that since I'm looking for the 99-04 GT model Mustang, is there any well known or common problems with these years that I should look out or prepare for?

And on this one I would like some opinons, this is the most difficult part for me, I'm looking for a manual. But it seems that the odds of finding a manual that is stock, and in my price and mile range is nearly impossible.

Is getting a automatic GT a horrible idea and should I wait for a manual, or should I find a great deal with an automatic and jump on it? The only reason I'm really asking this is because of how AMAZING some of the deals I've found on these automatics are, perfectly in my mile and price range. But I'm afraid of losing the sportiness of the Mustang itself, *sigh* so confused.

Well anyways sorry for the longwinded post but any help with anything would be greatly appreciated. Also If you guys don't mind, I look forward to bugging you guys in the months to come with more and more questions.

cisurfer

if you want a manual then wait because you will regret rushing and settling on something, what is you price range/mileage range, i would get an 01+ due to the 3650 over the t45 trans and various exterior body parts (scoops) and nicer interior console, also engine wise 01+ is better because of better heads so the spark plug does not blow out

Clipsburgh

A manual is what I perfer but the past couple of weeks haven't looked promising. When I look at autos I can find GTs with 40,000 miles for $9,540 asking price, or 55,000 miles for $10,246, I even found one today that was gorgeous with 35,000 miles for $11,000.

I actually did find one manual GT the other day, 61,000 miles with a $9,951 asking price. But it looks like it may have had some work done to it and it's not as good of a deal.

So I can find GT's with the price and miles I'm looking for but not with the transmission and stock modifications I'm looking for.

cisurfer

well mods such as exhaust and intake doesnt mean anything when you buy one, it doesnt mean it was beat on. you can find them trust me, too bad my friend is selling his 02, never beat on for 6k but with 90k...5spd

StangKid018

if you want a 5 speed, just wait. youll regret later on not getting one when you come across one with a good price. ive always had a manual and i wouldnt get an auto for these cars unless i really had the money to dump into a drag project. manuals i like more because it gives the person a more sense of control of the car and with the v8 you cant go wrong. ;]

cisurfer

If it was a dd (not a stang) or running sub 10s auto for sure. Anything above that I'd stay manual

mrtstang

If you do decide on a automatic, gears and a stall (along with performance mods) will make for the most fun that you could get out of it. But for pure overall fun and sportiness, it's hard to beat a manual trans. If that's what you want then just hold out for one. You will find a good deal on one. It's just a matter of time and patients.

99GTvert

If you are not looking for an automatic then don't get one.

03-04 heads are 'better' because the spark plug threads have more threads than the later years...8 vs 4 iirc.

01+ came with 'smoked' headlights, bigger hood & side scoops and a different spoiler.

If you can't find what you are looking for, keep looking. A few weeks is nothing. You will be living with this purchase for a long time, so get what you want.

Topless89GT

Manuals are way cool... Typically I'd vote that way too. I have one of each. Depending on where you drive to work, daily use vs. weekend toy and a lot more.
Daily driving into a metro area with manual is a pain to me. Stop and go traffic 40 minutes in the morning and again going home is not fun. So my 89 has turned into a weekend toy, while the daily driver 04 is automatic.