HxCGuitars

There's a new head design for the 08's?

I know in 09 apparently the charge motion valves were part of the actual head or something like that, is that the new design? Or is there something in before that on later 08's?

Looks like I get to learn something today!

OP, 08 started coming with the ambient lighting as an option, which is awesome in my opinion and always gets a few oohs and ahhs, and of course the newer models are more refined as mentioned previously in regards to TSB's. I think the aux input started coming in the center console in either 07 or 08. Nice little thing to have!

NaplesFL11GT

When I had my 05 I didnt have a tick of trouble with it. The only annoying thing was that the hatch would stick and I had to repeatedly have to press the unlock button on my remote. All in all my 05 was a pretty good car. If I was in your shoes though I would still try to get the newest one you can get and with the least miles.

Thundersteel

I bought my '08 vert in June, and it had only 7k miles on it. It took me several months of searching, and a one-way airline ticket, but it paid off in the end.

Be patient, and you'll find the car you want.

knugget917

If i could get an 09 for around that price, with low miles, i could do that. It all depends on what i find for sale

tx_zstang

Go for a 2008-1/2 or 2009.
There was a head redesign that uses different spark plugs instead of the crappy 2-piece design that breaks so easily.
Fewer problems

smokievol

I would not let that little spark plug problem stop you from getting the stang you want.
Just had plugs changed, one did break off, but was a simple fix.
That was at 47,000 miles with a new SC install.

2008 Vista Blue

Derf00

08+ with head redesign is the best option. Build date Oct/Nov '07 and after. Coil has a different color to it if you want to be 100% certain. The newer head style uses a different color insulator boot (Brown I believe) versus the standard black the older heads use. The coils themselves are physically different but the color ID is the easiest way to check visually (aside from the build date).

I wouldn't let it deter my decision either (early or late model head) BUT if you're buying a used car with an old style head you could already be in for a few $100 or more than expected if you bust a plug trying to remove it.

I bought my car new and replaced the 2-piece plug with a 1-piece at 10K miles. Less likely to break upon next removal.

Mayberry40

I havent done the DREADED spark plug change on my 08. I had to have my 5 speed rebuilt because of a TSB.

ghunt

You guys trying to make me feel bad about buying an '05?

Honestly I wanted the new body style and '05-06 were the only ones I could afford. The price difference between '05 and '07-08 is huge- like $4000-5000 in most instances I saw. *shrugs*