Roush 06 GT or 1999-2004 S281SC???

[giddy-up]

Hi everyone, I'm in a dilema right now trying to decide about which would be the best choice... I have a dealer that has ordered me a 06 GT on X plan for 25.7k and it will be here in 6 months or so. I've also been looking at a Saleen S281SC hardtop for low 20's. I've always been in love with the Saleen's and have vowed to own one someday, on the other hand I've always wanted a fastback! I figured that I'd be spending 28k out the door after TTL then of course another 2k in wheels- exhaust, etc. With the Saleen my insurance is classified as a GT mustang of whatever year I buy, and I'd get a huge break on taxes. I'm dying over here! If you folks could give me some of your input on both cars and even a Mach 1, I'd greatly appreciate it!

Previous Stangs
2 '88 GT's
99 V6
86 SVO

 

[marcus95]

Have you driven both? How long are you planning to keep the car? Are you into motor mods as well as exhaust/wheels mods?

 

[Mstng2]

Now is a great time to buy a Saleen, the new 05's have driven the price in the tank for now. I think it will rebound though, that said if someone offered me an 05 GT for my 00 Saleen I would have to turn it down (unless I was to sell it for a down pymnt on an 05/06 Saleen) Theres gonna be a zillion 05 GT's running around but only a few Saleens. My advice? hmmm down payment on an 05 Saleen or an 03 04 low mileage Saleen.

 

[giddy-up]

I would keep both for a long time, of course you never know. I would go with exhaust on the saleen along with any other mods. I assume the Saleens are well equiped with suspension, wheels, blower, etc. The '06 would have to have wheels-tires, exhaust, and a pro-charger down the road. I don't know. I've driven the '05 GT stock, '03 Mach 1, and a n/a '98 Saleen. I've not driven a SC Saleen or a 03-04 Cobra. How would a S/C stack up against those??

 

[giddy-up]

Mstg2, I'm seriously considering a '00 S281 with 9,000 miles on it. Is that the identical motor of an 03-04 S281? How would your car perform against an 05?

 

[marcus95]

If you can get that 00 S281 for a good price then do it. 9,000 miles is nothing.
If you were considering a Saleen after only driving a 98???, was it aftermarket supercharged? The only factory roots supercharged car is that year was the yellow SA-15. If you drove a 98 N/A car and were still considering it after you drove a 05 GT and an 03 Mach, you will love a 99-04 S281 S/C supercharged car. The 96-98 Saleen Mustangs, well the 4.6 motor at the time was a pig.
With a few mods you can get a S281 factory supercharged car over 320 rwhp easy. On top of that it already comes all set up with Borla or Magnaflow exhaust and of course wheels and suspension.

I also agree with Mstng2 and buy a Saleen. The prices on the SN95 cars are a little soft because of the introduction of the new 3 valve. That will change again though. You will have plenty of time to buy a new 05 and up GT. I love the 03 Mach for what it brings to the table with that motor and straight axle but if you don't buy a Saleen and go with something else after contemplating it like this every time you are in your new ride and see a Saleen on the road you will wish you bought one.
You other alternative is to buy a N/A S281 and add the blower of your choice. If you don't hack up the car it will retain it's value.

 

[marcus95]

Mstg2, I'm seriously considering a '00 S281 with 9,000 miles on it. Is that the identical motor of an 03-04 S281? How would your car perform against an 05?

Oh yea,

The motor for 00-04 is virtually unchanged. Only the S281E or the "extreme" car get a forged bottom end.
Is the '00 S281 you are looking at N/A or blown?

 

[00s281sc368]

I hope for you it's n/a, so you can put the blower of your choice...
Anything but the saleen blower....

 

[giddy-up]

Thanks for the input! It's such a tough call because they are both so cool...