Newb question

[cheqmate]

I am new to the forum and recently purchased a 2003 Mustang Coupe. It is the manual V6 in black. Needless to say one of my dream cars. I will be picking it up tomorrow evening. I live in Wisconsin so we have a couple months of winter left before I can enjoy the car in some decent weather.

My first question, (possibly of many) is how do I determine what rims I can use on the car without any speedometer, clearance, or turning issues. I really like the look of the stock GT rims but have heard that they may limit my turning radius. I want to get a second set of rims so that I can have a summer set of tires and a winter set of tires.

Another question, should I purchase an extended service plan? Have people had major issues with the 03 mustang that would warrant the purchase of an extended warranty?

Thanks in advance.

 

[ChingonStang]

Most online and local wheel and tire places will tell you what is compatible with your year vehicle provided you have not heavily modded the suspension.

You will hear pro's and con's of an extended service plan. But for me, 36k just doesn't seem enough for my peace of mind. I had a extended service plan on my 96 Ford Bronco all the way to 100k that more than paid for itself.

If you are buying your service plan from the dealership, you can haggle over the price of it with the finance guy. Its one way the finance guys make money. There are also various cheaper alternatives also online.

Good luck and welcome to the forum

 

[232Mustang95]

You will not have issues with GT wheels, the GT got the same setup as the V6.
Just stay within the rolling distance and you're fine.

Ie. Stock wheel size is 215/16/55

If you get 17" wheels you need 215/17/45 to have the same size wheel. You can get wider tires too with out issues, like 245/17/45

I went from stock 205/15/65 to 245/17/45 on mine and I don't rub.

 

[Modular_Mike]

I wouldn't worry about the extended service plan. These cars are pretty reliable and pretty easy to fix if something breaks. Also, I'm not sure what your plans are for modding the car, but even if you put a cold air intake on your motor that may void the warranty right there.

 

[raz54]

Extended servise plans are a waste of money. You're gonig to pay and pay and pay for it and if you use it at all it probably won't cost as much as you have already paid in. They are just another way for the dealer to make more money off you.

 

[ChingonStang]

They are just another way for the dealer to make more money off you.

I just said that, cabron.

 

[Give Me TP]

If you do buy an extended service plan (ESP), be sure to get one from Ford and buy it online from a dealer who offers significantly discounted pricing over what you are likely to get from your local dealers.

 

[cheqmate]

Thanks for the input. I chose not to buy the ESP and picked up my Mustang last night.

I will be looking for some winter tires over the next few weeks. I hope to be able to find some cheap GT wheels.

 

[ChingonStang]

Thanks for the input. I chose not to buy the ESP and picked up my Mustang last night.

I will be looking for some winter tires over the next few weeks. I hope to be able to find some cheap GT wheels.

Be careful buying cheap used GT wheels from ebay, craigslist or locally. I've had quite a few friends who bought used wheels sets only to find one of the rims bent beyond repair. And then they find out why the whole set with tires was only $300.