Just closing the loop after 1st month of enjoying my "new" 05 GT 5spd, fastback. Purchased 9-11-09 w/ 12.5k mi on the clock.

Pure stock GT in a plain lime wrapper w/ beige lthr.
No mods craved (yet). Maybe a cue ball shift **** ...in a while.

Really like the handling, ride & performance. Reminds me of the 65, 69 & 70 Mustangs I had the opportunity to use for extended periods - but with all the tech advances. Not hype to use the GT label - a long strider on the interstate, that also really straightens out the 2 lane blacktop curves.

After research & extensive test drives, could have been just as happy with a PP V6 or base V6 with susp additions. Got this one because it offered most bang for the buck & had greatest longterm creampuff potential. If purchasing a high use, daily driver, I'd have kept looking 'til I found the right low mi V6.

Really like the GT's afterburner. Was issued a warning citation (whew) on the way home from the dealer ...the Trooper understood.

Thanks for all the info & advice.
It was a big help.

 

congrats on the new ride, Im glad you like it.

 

The number of GT owners upgrading their cars really works to the advantage of us V6 owners. There are great deals out there on GT take-off parts. I found some brand new GT Pirellis with fanblade 17" rims on Ebay for $500 for the entire set. The 17" wheels made a HUGE difference in the handling of the car. As the owner of a non-PP 'vert, I'd really recommend that you get the PP unless you find a really great deal on the base model. Believe me, you WILL do the upgrades, so factor that in to the cost. Also, I'd recommend that you get ABS if it rains a lot or snows in your area. We get torrential rains in the southeast and I'm on the interstates a lot. There's a lot of power going to the rear wheels. The ABS has saved my bacon many, many times.

I'm adding GT front and rear sways and bushings next. I was glad for this thread.

 

And here I thought FanBlades were 18" rims.....
You had 17" bullitts and the ?17"? fanblades are an improvement how?
And that rental car door ding protector needs to goooooo....

 

Another improvement you can do to your stang is to remove the door molding stripe, You can do it yourself with fishing line and a hair dryer. Then clean and wax the area. You'll be amazed how much better it will look.
To me the stripe takes away from the design lines of the car.

 

Sorry if this wasn't clear. When I bought the car used, the previous owner stuck some godawful 16" shiny chrome rims on it with some regular duty passenger tires. I bought the car anyway because I got a great deal. I upgraded to the 17" fanblades and the Pirellis soon after I bought it. The lower profile tire made a big difference in handling from the 16s.

 

Finally got it done yesterday! I just worked it off with a soft putty knife. You are right--looks much better.