I saved up money for a year and paid $8000 for my 2000 V6 last spring. I absolutely love my stang and I have no complaints at all. I bought the car when I was 19 so the cost of insurance was my main concern. Sure I would love to have a gt, but when you're young, insurance companies try their best to rape you. As far as performance, I'm satisfied with my v6. Besides, there are several mods you can do both in performance and appearance. If I was you I would go with the v6. It's a great first car and I'm positive that you wouldn't regret it.