mtbker29

I agree it comes down to what you like. If I had to choose I would get the GT.

xstangx

If you are looking for speeds and sound then go with the GT, with a few mods like intake, tuner and exhaust you looking at 30+ hp. If your looking for fuel economy and you like the new looks then go v6. But after owning a v6 and GT, I would never get a V6 again. I would highly recommend a V8, can't beat the sound or the performance. Drive them both and feel the difference, the torque range is much better on the V8.

jthorn9

Well coming from somebody that owns both get the 08 GT.

The California special is a premium GT with minor exterior and interior upgrades. All 08 GT premiums also come with free Sirus radio so thats a cool bonus.

A lot of people like the MPG savings of the 2011, again coming from an owner of both, they both get the same averaged daily driven MPG. The 2011 does get much, much, much better MPG on long highway trips, but that's about it.

The 2008 mods very well, and these cars are quite easy to get up to high 200 rwhp numbers with just basic mods. Any FI will push them well into the mid 400 range.

JThor

It depends on what you want to use the car for. If you are looking for a daily driver and the raw performance is not that important, get the V-6. It will have a softer suspension, and probably 60 series tires, which make it a lot more comfortable to drive for normal street stuff. Also, the V-6 will probably be cheaper to maintain. For example, the 245/45-19 tires on my GT are about $300 each. You will probably find replacement tires for the V-6 for about $120 each.

If you plan to do track events or autocross, get the GT. The GT is set up pretty well to do these events in its stock form. You will want to do mods to the V-6 to make it safe on the track (event if the club does not require it). Also, if you are going this route, don't get a convertible. Get a coupe. You will have to do a lot of stuff to the convertible to get it allowed on the track, even as a stock car.

BTW, I paid $27k for my 2010 GT Premium last May, with pretty much all the bells and whistles, including Navigation and the Track Pack I. The MSRP was $38k. The car was new, not used. So, $24k for a V-6 with 20k miles sounds high.