Stonefire

Finally saved enough pennies and I can drop cash on my GT! I've got about $16000 and after spending countless hours on this forum and asking a lot of dumb questions I've come to my car. I'm going to go have a close friend of mine test drive it for me tomorrow.

2005 GT Manual for exactly $16k before tags and taxes. He says the car has been well maintained only at the Ford dealership he bought it. It's spotless from the pictures. But I don't know how many miles is too many for a Mustang. Does 35k miles for $16k sound good for a GT?

I spoke to a guy I knew from the bank that does auto loans and he says it is, says a GT should only be $13k. My jaw about dropped. No way I could find a GT for $13k, definitely not manual.

Any suggestions before I head out there?

socalwrench

A 2005 GT can go for $13k. There are several in my local area that are 2006-2007 models, also used, for $16k. The automotive market is hurting. And, on top of this- V8 Mustang models aren't selling as much either- so getting a deal on one is fairly easy.

As far as mileage- 35k isn't much. I'm sure someone will chime in here with over 60k. Personally, 60k miles is the deciding point for any vehicle of mine. That's when most vehicles begin needing major service, and when mileage really starts to diminish it's value.

Stonefire

Wow $13k is crazy. I guess it's just a matter of getting lucky and finding the exact color/interior you want.

And alright, I heard 50-75k was the breaking point so I suppose it's a gamble either way.

socalwrench

I don't think it's the 'breaking point' at all. 90k+ miles sounds like a lot to me, but that's well more than the 35k you're talking about. I mean, every car is going to need something at a certain point. The S197 is a very solid car- well designed, well built and backed by a nice warranty (if you need it).

You shouldn't feel that it's a gamble at all- at least, not with a Ford. If you were on the west coast- I'd gladly help you find a nice GT.

Vectorpat

Depends on your area too. I still think you should be able to get one for under 16. Thats what I paid for my 06 auto, leather with 15k miles on it 4months ago.

socalwrench

That's a good point Vector. Out here, in SoCal, there are some big time deals. Even the last 2008 Shelby GT models were going for as little as $32k (new).

I also know a guy that bought a 2007 GT500 (used with 14k miles) for $24k.

Stonefire

East coast it seems a bit different. I found some real nice rides further towards California, supposedly one of the biggest dealerships are there, but the further east I went the higher the prices went. I've been hunting for almost 6 weeks and it looks like $16k is the best I can do for the miles at hand.

I'm going to be doing serious work on the car, new tires, suspension, CAI, brakes, bama tune, FRPP shorties, magna flow cat x pipes, replacing some OEM parts with carbon fiber to reduce the weight, etc etc then find a track in MD to test her power and ultimately try to learn her inside and out.

Thanks for the info guys.

socalwrench

I wish you the best of luck, and have fun with your new Mustang GT (when you get it).