Looking for Some Insight

A used 2008 is just as costly as a new 2009. Mine was $26,000 loaded. A mustang is like buying a bottle of whine. Some are good and some are viniger.
Your best bet , get a new one. That way you will know the problems it has.

Ron

Your best bet is to look at a Ford dealer and get it certified. If private is what you're going to end up with the biggest problem with the 05+ Mustangs is piant bubbling and hood rot by the latch and a leaky brake master cylinder, check the frame right under it and make sure the paint hasn't been burned.

There is also the spark plug issue.

http://forums.stangnet.com/738714-3v-spark-plug-change-hell.html

I believe the 08s have solved the problem, so it might be worth getting an 08 or newer to avoid it. I sort of like oh9's thinking. If you have financing all set up, you may be able to walk into a dealer and make a killing. They are desperate for buyers right now. Look for a dealer with lots of mustangs in stock. They are really going to want to get rid of any 08s still on the lot.

I would think they also would want to get rid of the 09's with the 10's coming out not that long from now.

You know I have no idea, we are in such a odd period in the economy. A few months ago I would have thought it impossible to get a new GT for 20k. I still think it is impossible, but I am no expert. If 20k is your limit, then I dont think you can get new. But, if your looking at monthly payments, you can get a new on for maybe 25k, which is not too much of a change from month to month. Or, if you have cash, you can put down 20k, and finance 5k. The monthly payment would be tiny, and you would have a brand spanking new car finance at 0%. Then again... a slightly used one would be almost new and no monthly payment. If you can find an 08 on the used market for 20k, get it. You might even run into a Bullitt for that price.