Deciding between 05 Stang or 02 Trans Am

Magius231 · Aug 5, 2005

ok guys I need help. I have an 02 LS1 Trans Am coming in and I need to decide today if I am going to buy it or hold out and try to get an 05 stang GT. I know about the LS1 but not as much about the 05, maybe you can help out..

The things I want in a car:

1. fast (duh, but the LS1 wins stock)
2. easy to mod (the 05 parts seem real expensive right now, and you still have to play catch up to the LS1)
3. Looks (wash on this one, I like em both)
4. price (I am not rich, can't afford any more than about $500/month including my $4k in negative equity on my car. I think this will shoot an 05 down)

I also may be able to lease an 05, bringing the payments down for a while until prices come down on parts...

mostly I'm looking for $$/performance, but I don't know how fast a mold bolt on 05 can be for example...can anyone help out?

Power Surge · Aug 5, 2005

Magius231 said:
ok guys I need help. I have an 02 LS1 Trans Am coming in and I need to decide today if I am going to buy it or hold out and try to get an 05 stang GT. I know about the LS1 but not as much about the 05, maybe you can help out..

The things I want in a car:

1. fast (duh, but the LS1 wins stock)
2. easy to mod (the 05 parts seem real expensive right now, and you still have to play catch up to the LS1)
3. Looks (wash on this one, I like em both)
4. price (I am not rich, can't afford any more than about $500/month including my $4k in negative equity on my car. I think this will shoot an 05 down)

mostly I'm looking for $$/performance, but I don't know how fast a mold bolt on 05 can be for example...can anyone help out?

As much as I don't want to say it, based on your criteria, I'd say go with the LS1.

Merbie · Aug 5, 2005

LS1...IM a stang lover, but have seen them up close/personal/in action.

To be honest, modding them doesnt seem hard if your a "Do-it-yourself" Kind of person. You should wander over to Easternfbody.com They are a good crew and could probably offer some tips.

GT-03 · Aug 5, 2005

Magius231 said:
(I am not rich, can't afford any more than about $500/month including my $4k in negative equity on my car. I think this will shoot an 05 down)

Stay with your '03 Mustang GT, at least until you don't have the negative equity anymore.

Magius231 · Aug 5, 2005

I would but whatever car I get now is going to be the car I own for a LONG time, and the 03 just isn't the car for me..theres too much about it I don't care for.

05Stangster · Aug 5, 2005

How many miles on the Trans Am?

Jenns01TA · Aug 5, 2005

Magius231 said:
I would but whatever car I get now is going to be the car I own for a LONG time, and the 03 just isn't the car for me..theres too much about it I don't care for.

How many miles are on the 02? The LS1 - particularly the Pontiac T/A WS6 is a beast given. But, if it already has over 50,000 miles, I would think about it long-and-hard. I had an 03 GT and agree, there were things about it I just didn't care for as much as my little 98 V-6.

I am ecstatic about the 05, went back to a V-6 for various reasons, also had a negative equity issue to deal with on an 03 Gallant I purchased after my mom had a stroke and needed a sedan. Like you, this will be my car for quite awhile. Long gone are the days of a new car every 9 months to a year. LOL Setting ME aside, you will need to consider the longjevity of the 2002 WS6 to that of a brand new car.

Good Luck to ya'

Jennifer

Jenns01TA · Aug 5, 2005

05Stangster said:
How many miles on the Trans Am?

Damn, get out of my head. LOL... I was typing too long. Hahahahahaha

ThreeWhiteGT · Aug 5, 2005

For everything you wrote, get the LS1.

Those Trans Am's and Camaro's are ridiculously fast.

Alec · Aug 5, 2005

They haul ass, yes they do. They also have rear-ends made of glass. Do some research on "piston slap" and "oil consumption." Maybe you'll get lucky, but I doubt it. The build quality on those cars is appalling.

Upgrade to a 12-bolt or 9-inch $2,500
Short-block $3,000
Ls6 crate $5,000

05Stangster · Aug 5, 2005

What are they asking for the Trans Am? Have you driven it? Rattles and squeeks?

Klay · Aug 5, 2005

Well if the trans am is in perfect condition with low miles I would go for that but you have to also think about the fact you are deciding between a brand new car and a used car
The brand new car has never been driven and I'm willing to bet the mustang build quality is better with the 05 than the 02 t/a

The 02 is faster but if it has been abused than you will be spending all your money fixing it rather than modding it

05Stangster · Aug 5, 2005

I agree with Klay.

Magius231 · Aug 5, 2005

its got 30k miles on it, still has some warranty left. It appears to be in good shape, but I'll know more when It comes in (its being transferred from another Carmax store to this one). FWIW I have bought my last 3 cars from carmax, and sold them a few too...I have a lot of trust in what their idea of a good car is. But yes its still used...

05Stangster · Aug 5, 2005

Then, with that said, go for the TA. Sounds like you have made your mind up. Money is also a big something to consider and I would hate to see you take on more payment then you can comfortably handle. Congrats and have a nice weekend.

Bowtiesblow · Aug 5, 2005

The T/A is a good car, but there are petty things that your going to have to fix pretty soon, like antenna motor, window motors, fog lights-all the lights for that matter. I had a 99 T/A and currently own an 01 SS. Around 50,000 miles little things let go like I said. There very fast and pretty easy to mod though. The 10-bolt is weak but ive never had an issue with it. Im running cam, headers, full exhaust and gears and dont have a prob with the drivtrain at all. Its the little stuff that will annoy you. The wiring on the F-bods is the acheilies heel.

spectre30075 · Aug 5, 2005

Bowtiesblow said:
The wiring on the F-bods is the acheilies heel.

Actually, that's been my experience with every GM I've owned or used for work. There are always guages going out, dash lights going out, switches that stop working, etc.

'06 stang · Aug 5, 2005

Just sold my 1999 Z28 to buy an '06 GT.....sold to it to my dad so I will still get visitation rights and occasional backstreet blast. Anyway the LS1 is a great motor and I never had any problems with anything but the window motors....all Camaro and TA window motors suck. If it wasn't for the AWESOME body change for the Stang I would have never sold the Z. Flip a coin and go for 2 out of 3.....both are cool cars. Good luck.

Magius231 · Aug 5, 2005

thanks for all the responses guys, I appreciate it. I have owned 2 T/A's in the past (LT1's) so I kinda know the mess I may be getting into

I think Im gonna go with the LS1. One main thing made up my mind: $400/month as opposed to $650/month. Pretty much cinches it right there. Oh well theres always an 07 Cobra later

MSP · Aug 5, 2005

Magius231 said:
thanks for all the responses guys, I appreciate it. I have owned 2 T/A's in the past (LT1's) so I kinda know the mess I may be getting into

I think Im gonna go with the LS1. One main thing made up my mind: $400/month as opposed to $650/month. Pretty much cinches it right there. Oh well theres always an 07 Cobra later

I have 3 words before this disaster happens...

1. Don't

2. Do

3. It

LOL!! Get the 05GT man!! I know this is the most important post because its last.. Lets use common sense about this.. An 02 with 30K miles....?? Please think about this.. Go have a brew, and sit down and consider if $250 bucks extra a month with a 7yr warranty is not the better deal.. Plus later you can always add an SC to the 05 and smoke the TA..

So read my 3 words no less than 10 times..

Deciding between 05 Stang or 02 Trans Am

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