New to mustangs need help

jlso13 said:

hey everone this is the first time ive posted on here and since this board was the one with the most people i thought this is the best place for it. Ive always loved mustangs my whole family has them and now its time for me to start driveing. i was wondering whats the best year for me. i like the looks of the 97 and 98's but i also like the 99 and up. whats the best and cheapist to fix up. i know this question is proable not a very good one but i just cant make my mind up

Click to expand...

96= Good 97-98= Better 99-up Best 2v only

2 valve. That's how many valves per cylinder. The standard GT with the 4.6L motor has a 2V motor SOHC (single overhead cam) while the Cobra has a 4.6L motor with 4 valves (4V) with DOHC (dual overhead cams). The DOHC motor makes use of modifications better than the SOHC does so the DOHC will make more horsepower and torque than the SOHC with the same modifications.

I would recommend getting a 99+ GT.

jlso13 said:

thats cool cuz thats what i was kind of think about getting would it b better if i got a 99 or so cobra or should i save the money and get a gt and put the money i save into mods or maybe even a mach 1

Click to expand...

Jlso13, I have a GT, but sometimes I regret not going the extra mile in getting a Mach1 or Cobra. If I were you I would get the most car for your dollar. I think it really all depends on how much money you have to work with. Also it depends on if you want a new car or used car. I wanted a new car so I went for the GT as the Mach1 one was in my budget but necessarily what I wanted to spend... starting to rethink that.

Of the current generation Mustangs there are three basic cars: V6 pushrod, V8 SOHC, V8 DOHC. For 2005 there will be a V6 SOHC. These engine types align with standard body Mustang, deluxe Mustang (GT), and performance Mustang (Cobra). Aftermarket, with Ford blessing, also makes Steeda Mustang, Saleen Mustang, and Roush Mustang. These latter are all souped up Mustang GT's. The price line of these cars also is in the same order, lowest to highest priced. Both SOHC and DOHC can be supercharged engines as delivered from the factories. V6 can be aftermarket supercharged. In the year range you're interested in, there's a Mustang to fit every wallet/pocket book. In my opinion (everyone's got one you know) the 2001 and 2002 models (two and three year olds) represent best value because these have absorbed the initial loss of value when driving them off the showroom floor but often can be found with low mileage, low wear and tear. The year group slides forward each model year. This is true be it a V6, SOHC, or DOHC car. Use www.nadaguides.com for a guideline as to what you should be paying. All Mustangs have a lot in common and so I won't recommend any over another. Pick the type that best suits you.

Mustang fever

Mustangs are a great fun car that can be driven everyday. So far you've gotten some real good advice. In today's world and technology the toughest decision is that there may be too much choice. One nice thing is that you can always start off with the lower price range ( ie. older car) and work yourself up. There are a lot of weekend drivers out there and some good buys. Use the background check services that are out there. This will save you a lot of hassles later on.
I currently own a 1996 pacific green,GT convertible, 5 spd, 4.6 SOHC. I bought it for $12,000 in 2002, It had 56k on it and I currently have 62k . Probably spent about $3k on it with add ons. Including a new top, set of custom wheels, "bullit suspension" ( lower stance and better handling) plus some mechanical upgrades. Love the car

I have had mustangs on and off since I was 17-(1967 mustang convertible)
They are probably one of the best car to cistomize to suit your taste based on the volume of cars produced, and availability of aftermarket parts. Plus with information on the internet like this forum and other websites help is a click away.

follow-up

Just a note- the more I think about I've probably put over $5 k into the car.
But the smile factor on a summer's day when my wife and 2 sons are cruising makes it worth every penny....

buy a 97 mustang cobra and be a cool dood like me.