What should I know before buying?

[u6crash]

It's still a few months off, but I'm hoping to buy my first Mustang this year. I'm looking for a 03/04 GT, maybe a Mach I if i can find one that isn't too expensive. It will be a daily driver with the exception of harsh winter days. Because of that I probably wouldn't put too many power mods on it.

I've lurked here a bit, but I'm still not the most car savvy guy. I know how a lot of it works in general principle, but have never had the pleasure of taking apart an engine or a transmission. Are there any books or online articles you suggest reading? Like I said, I've lurked a bit here, but it's hard to jump right in and be on the same page as everyone else.

 

[Kilgore Trout]

Low mileage, no mods.

www.nada.com
www.kbb.com

 

[u6crash]

The most miles I've seen on an '03 was in the neighborhood of 50k, and virtually all I've found are mod free.

 

[helty]

If you can, DEFINITELY try to get your hands on a Mach1 over a GT. The money you save down the road will justify the higher cost, if in fact you intend to mod it.

 

[u6crash]

If you can, DEFINITELY try to get your hands on a Mach1 over a GT. The money you save down the road will justify the higher cost, if in fact you intend to mod it.

Yeah, it would be nice. I'd like to get something that I drive daily now, and maybe someday if I've got a family I'll drive something a little more "sensible" and bring the Mustang out on weekends and play with it in the garage.

I'd be putting about 200 miles/week on it. Would you say that is average? Right now I'm driving a '94 Tempo GL and it's the first 4 cylinder car I've had. It's hard to keep from grinding my teeth while driving, but I needed a vehicle quick and cheap. It would make for an okay backup on bad winter days.

 

[Crzyhrse]

Have you checked with your insurance company what your rates would be for a GT or else a Mach? Remember the Mach will require premium fuel. No junk 87 gas for it. Only 91 and above. Most of the Mach's you find for sale will have 25,000 or less miles on them.

 

[imblown-ru]

you can buy mine.

 

[BennyBlown2v]

You might wanna look at 99/01 Cobras, they can be had for <14k with reasonably low miles (I found one for $14,500 with 14,700miles! tires were rotted though so I didn't buy it).

 

[Smeech]

Yeah, I'd go for a 99/01 Cobra or Mach 1 before a GT.... just be patient.

 

[u6crash]

Have you checked with your insurance company what your rates would be for a GT or else a Mach? Remember the Mach will require premium fuel. No junk 87 gas for it. Only 91 and above. Most of the Mach's you find for sale will have 25,000 or less miles on them.

Haven't checked on the insurance yet, but I'm preparing myself for high prices. I'll check before I buy one and if I think I can't handle it, I'll save my money until I can. The fuel doesn't bother me; I used to put premium in my pickup truck and it was a real gas guzzler.

Smeech and Benny, why do you recommend 99/01 Cobras over a GT other than the obvious power increases?

Just out of curiosity, what does it take for a person's post count to change from zero?

 

[Crzyhrse]

Post in the Tech forums or Special Production forums. For about the same price as what you pay for an '03-'04 GT you can have a '99-'01 Cobra with the 4v engine over the GT's 2V engine and already have a 45 RWHP head start. A Mach is gonna run you $19K-$24K depending on if you find it from a dealer or private owner.

 

[BennyBlown2v]

Post in the Tech forums or Special Production forums. For about the same price as what you pay for an '03-'04 GT you can have a '99-'01 Cobra with the 4v engine over the GT's 2V engine and already have a 45 RWHP head start. A Mach is gonna run you $19K-$24K depending on if you find it from a dealer or private owner.

What he said + IRS is nice for a daily driver imo - and when well modified can handle quite pwningly.

 

[Mach1Run]

My insurance only went up $7 when I traded the GT on the Mach. I managed to pick it up from a dealer with 29K miles for $19.5 a year ago. Try Mach1registry.com for more info on em. I should have bought the Mach the first time and skipped buying the GT.