So... I'm lookign at buying an 05 v6 stang. Gas prices, insurance costs, Manual tranny (I'm constantly complaining about, and looking for ways to swap my auto out)

But I was wondering how the build quality was on the 05's. I drove an 06 and it was really strudy and seemed to be surprisingly precise.I'm just kinda worried about any bugs the 05might have, the interior quality, etc... scince it's the first year of the new body style.Could someone maybe warn me about some stuff, or ease my mind... lol

edit: also... what size rims come on the v6 deluxe model?

 

I got an 05 manual. I'm really happy with it. I've had it for several months and no problems so far. Its got 30k on it. The manual trans REALLY rocks. Makes it really fast. I'm soooo pleased with it. And I even hate to admit it but, I'm an old camaro fan.

 

Have an 05, auto tranny, 23k miles on it. rides and drives great. mine was a late build 05(july I beleive). Have not had any problems with it until recently, but it is yet to be determined if my dual exhaust is what is causing it. My check engine light came on after installing duals, dealerhsip replace an o2 sensor, 300 miles later the light came back on, so it is going back to the dealership later this week.

I am very happy with my 05.

Oh, and don't buy a v6 for gas prices, the GT's are not that much worse on gas if you don't drive WOT all the time. Insurance, well, thats another story. Get a qoute from your company on a v6 vs a GT and see what the difference is. I suppose if you are younger, there will be a big difference, for me the difference was not that great. I went with a v6 because I just don't NEED a v8, and could not justify the extra $5 grand to the wifey

 

My 05 is just as good as any built after with no problems. If anything from what I have heard the parts that were changed after the 05 were done due to thay wanted to make them cheaper so cant not say but I have no problems Many trany too.

 

i have an 05 with 60+K miles on it. no problems so far... my clutch needs replacing but thats about it. also with the 05s ford did a weird thing and made a heated throttle body.. the coolant lines run throught the TB for some reason... anyways i bypassed it and would be more than happy to tell you how if you get the car. good luck! Heck of a car!!!!

 

i have an 05 too, couldn't be any happier!!!

not to hijack the thread... but did you notice any real difference when you bypassed the TB 05nightrider? I've been contimplating this mod for a bit...

 

only thing i can think of is the audio jack in the center console that wasnt present until the 07 models. 05 & 06 are without it. not a problem unless you really want to listen to you ipod/mp3 player without having to get some aftermarket adapters. other than that, s197 is great bang for the buck.

 

i love mine...no problems really - my lumbar had to be replaced(was pry never used before i got it), the heater was replaced (made a clunk sound when you turned it on/off), had a dead cell in the battery...all fixed under warranty...def a lot better than my hyundai my insurance would have only been 10 dollars more/month, but i have a bunch of discounts on mine, but i don't need a v8 - i have a big block in my other car, and the v6 is better than the old irocs, and they were good enough imo...i was kinda bummed about mileage not being so great, but i'm a leadfoot, and maybe a cai and an economy tune would help me out a bunch

 

cool... I'm likeing the responses so far... but a heated throttle body... WTF? what purpose sould that even surve?

 

I'm sorry, I missed why a 2005. Just the price? Look at 06/07 and I'm sure you'll find a good deal on a low mileage example. Look for a Pony Package if you'r planning on suspension mods like sway bars. Plus they come with the Bullit wheels and you'd probably spend money on an upgrade on the base stockers. But to answer your question, all S197's are excellent rides!