Looking for GT purchase advise...
02-23-2006, 10:23 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 5
Looking for GT purchase advise...
Greetings,
I'm car shopping. I like the 2000-2004 body style. I want a GT w/ 5 spd hardtop.
I'm mechanically inclined - I have fixed about eveything on my Nissan and Surburban except for major engine/tranny work - i.e. everything except for what requires and engin or tranny pull.
Few questions for ya'll:
How reliable are Mustangs?
Is it easy to get parts? i.e. Autozone?
What are "common" problems?
What is a reasonable price for a car w/ ~40 to ~50k?
What kind of MPG do you get out of them when you not "on it"
Any advice would be really appreciated. Or web links too... I'm not sure that I definately want a Mtang, but it is on my list for the V8 and RWD goodies...
BTW, I'm more into handling than 1/4 mile times. I like to throw my cars into corners and just get the tires to slip a bit. Are the decent mods and aftermarket stuff to really make it handle well. I'm not looking for the 1/4 mile / 60' times. Think SCCA, not NHRA...
Many thanks from The 'Nati, Oh Hi Oh
I'm car shopping. I like the 2000-2004 body style. I want a GT w/ 5 spd hardtop.
I'm mechanically inclined - I have fixed about eveything on my Nissan and Surburban except for major engine/tranny work - i.e. everything except for what requires and engin or tranny pull.
Few questions for ya'll:
How reliable are Mustangs?
Is it easy to get parts? i.e. Autozone?
What are "common" problems?
What is a reasonable price for a car w/ ~40 to ~50k?
What kind of MPG do you get out of them when you not "on it"
Any advice would be really appreciated. Or web links too... I'm not sure that I definately want a Mtang, but it is on my list for the V8 and RWD goodies...
BTW, I'm more into handling than 1/4 mile times. I like to throw my cars into corners and just get the tires to slip a bit. Are the decent mods and aftermarket stuff to really make it handle well. I'm not looking for the 1/4 mile / 60' times. Think SCCA, not NHRA...
Many thanks from The 'Nati, Oh Hi Oh
02-23-2006, 10:28 PM
#2
3rd Gear Member
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Tucson, AZ
Posts: 781
RE: Looking for GT purchase advise...
Mustangs are very reliable, especially 03-04.
parts are readily availiable at most places. i go to the dealer.
common problems i dont know yet.
if it helps you, i got my car for $16,500 they wanted 20K, but my dad knew the owner of the dealership.
its a 2003 GT premium(the better model)
its got leather and every option.
5,642 miles on it when i bought it.
and as far as MPG goes you can expect 24-26 on the highway with a 5 speed if your not beating on it, and in the city, about 18 again if your driving it like your grandmother.
hope that helps
parts are readily availiable at most places. i go to the dealer.
common problems i dont know yet.
if it helps you, i got my car for $16,500 they wanted 20K, but my dad knew the owner of the dealership.
its a 2003 GT premium(the better model)
its got leather and every option.
5,642 miles on it when i bought it.
and as far as MPG goes you can expect 24-26 on the highway with a 5 speed if your not beating on it, and in the city, about 18 again if your driving it like your grandmother.
hope that helps
02-23-2006, 10:38 PM
#3
6th Gear Member
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Wilmington, NC
Posts: 5,608
RE: Looking for GT purchase advise...
ORIGINAL: mechanicaljoint
Greetings,
I'm car shopping. I like the 2000-2004 body style. I want a GT w/ 5 spd hardtop.
I'm mechanically inclined - I have fixed about eveything on my Nissan and Surburban except for major engine/tranny work - i.e. everything except for what requires and engin or tranny pull.
Few questions for ya'll:
How reliable are Mustangs?
Is it easy to get parts? i.e. Autozone?
What are "common" problems?
What is a reasonable price for a car w/ ~40 to ~50k?
What kind of MPG do you get out of them when you not "on it"
Any advice would be really appreciated. Or web links too... I'm not sure that I definately want a Mtang, but it is on my list for the V8 and RWD goodies...
BTW, I'm more into handling than 1/4 mile times. I like to throw my cars into corners and just get the tires to slip a bit. Are the decent mods and aftermarket stuff to really make it handle well. I'm not looking for the 1/4 mile / 60' times. Think SCCA, not NHRA...
Many thanks from The 'Nati, Oh Hi Oh
Greetings,
I'm car shopping. I like the 2000-2004 body style. I want a GT w/ 5 spd hardtop.
I'm mechanically inclined - I have fixed about eveything on my Nissan and Surburban except for major engine/tranny work - i.e. everything except for what requires and engin or tranny pull.
Few questions for ya'll:
How reliable are Mustangs?
Is it easy to get parts? i.e. Autozone?
What are "common" problems?
What is a reasonable price for a car w/ ~40 to ~50k?
What kind of MPG do you get out of them when you not "on it"
Any advice would be really appreciated. Or web links too... I'm not sure that I definately want a Mtang, but it is on my list for the V8 and RWD goodies...
BTW, I'm more into handling than 1/4 mile times. I like to throw my cars into corners and just get the tires to slip a bit. Are the decent mods and aftermarket stuff to really make it handle well. I'm not looking for the 1/4 mile / 60' times. Think SCCA, not NHRA...
Many thanks from The 'Nati, Oh Hi Oh
Pretty Reliable No problems yet.
Is it easy to get parts? i.e. Autozone?
Most of your stuff can be purchased online and you get free shipping ! Tons of aftermarket parts for mustangs and tons of website for them.
What are "common" problems?
Crappy Plastic Intake Manifold.
What is a reasonable price for a car w/ ~40 to ~50k?
$10k-$15 depends on year of car
What kind of MPG do you get out of them when you not "on it"
22-25mpg highway
17-18mpg city
BTW, I'm more into handling than 1/4 mile times. I like to throw my cars into corners and just get the tires to slip a bit. Are the decent mods and aftermarket stuff to really make it handle well. I'm not looking for the 1/4 mile / 60' times. Think SCCA, not NHRA...
Tons of suspension parts you can buy. Steeda has a nice track suspension might wanna look there.
Aftermarket Goodies
www.Mustangtuning.com
www.Steeda.com
www.jegs.com
www.50resto.com
www.stangmods.com
www.stangsuspension.com
www.modularpowerhouse.com
02-23-2006, 11:02 PM
#8
5th Gear Member
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Georgia-Gwinnett
Posts: 2,940
RE: Looking for GT purchase advise...
some people have cut the honeycomb off of tem and made them functionaly but then you have to worry about water. there is a $700 kit that gives you a shaker which would be funtional
02-23-2006, 11:12 PM
#9
4th Gear Member
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Florida
Posts: 1,881
RE: Looking for GT purchase advise...
the IAC is another common problem i believe. mine was screwed up. the car would stall like...in the middle of the road when i let off the gas sometimes. the forum was very helpful though and a sticky was made about it. took only a few minutes and about 2 dollars to fix. and in city i get 18 or more mpg...and i dont drive it like a grandma.
mustangs are definitely not the best handlng cars around...but with a good investment of money they can run with the best of em.
mustangs are definitely not the best handlng cars around...but with a good investment of money they can run with the best of em.
02-23-2006, 11:51 PM
#10
4th Gear Member
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Central FL
Posts: 1,271
RE: Looking for GT purchase advise...
Sometimes I feel really bad because I frive my car like I stole it ALL the time, and she still gets me about 21 miles to a gallon, but I drive alot on highways so that helps mileage. The crappy plastic intake won't be an issue you will have to worry about if you are shopping for 00-04's. Mustangs are one of the most popular cars on the market so parts, stock or performance, are VERY easy to find.