What to look for in a 01-04 GT?

[MrFoxNutCase]

Hi everyone. I will be on the market to buy a "toy" again and was sort of aiming at the 01-04 years. I used to own Fox bodies and I'm not 100% sure if I want the SN97 model. I was wondering what the best year would be? I have no experience with the 4.6 (used to the pushrod 5.0L). So any pointers would be great.

Looking forward to being an active member of stangnet again.

Cheers

 

[trinity_gt]

I'd consider the later MYs (03-04) if you can since Ford would have had a chance to iron out ****ling issues (e.g. TR3650 5-speed synchros) from the earlier years. In reality, though, the cars are all pretty reliable though being V8 Mustangs they might have led a tough life.

Consider checking the FAQ for tips and pointers for the 4.6 SN95s. You might also check for threads like this on buying used Mustangs:

Buying new Mustang, I need tips

I didn't immediately see one here but I'm sure it is.

A few things that immediately come to mind to be wary of:

- spark plug blowout: has it happened? how was it fixed?
- TR3650: is it clunky going into 2nd and 3rd? Was it fixed and if so by whom?
- car's modification history: did it spend the last 5 years with a 14-psi blower on it and has been returned to stock?
- rear gears: a common mod so listen for noises in the back and check for proper TractionLok operation
- front wheel bearings: seem to require more frequent than expected replacement so listen for noise from them at speed and when cornering
- engine noises: some piston slap when cold is normal but check for rod noises when hot as well as noise from the timing chains at the front of the engine
- Mach 460: 6-changer probably eats CDs...common problem
- fuel tank filler neck: gasket where it meets the tank can leak. check for evidence of leaks and/or fuel smell in this area

Of course there's the usual stuff you should check with any used car: maintenance history (oil changes especially), corrosion checks, suspension action (is the car lowered? if so, how does it handle bumps?), collision history, tire condition etc.

 

[slayerripkdc]

They are all really tough cars as long as the previous owners diddnt put slicks on em and ran em hard. I also came from the 5.0l pushrod cars and I must say after subframe connectors get the PI 4.6 some 4.10s

 

[Dark04GT]

almost any 01-04 mustang is going to be the same with minor feature changes. As stated above, the later years are preferred due to a number of the issues that were fixed (03-04).

If I were to add on to the great advice above:
1) Mileage- obviously lower is better
2) Tasteful mods- did they pick good mods or has everything been poorly done
3) Make sure the spare tire etc. is back there
4) Car fax report
5) How many owners, who / how old are the owners?
6) Garage kept?
7) Location the mustang has been (NE - more salt damage, etc.)

That should get things started

 

[trinity_gt]

They are all really tough cars as long as the previous owners diddnt put slicks on em and ran em hard. I also came from the 5.0l pushrod cars and I must say after subframe connectors get the PI 4.6 some 4.10s

Good point. A car that has seen lots of track time with slicks and/or has had the rear control arms replaced with parts with no or little compliance may have pick-up point damage. Get it on a hoist to check if there's any question.

And srsly, I can't use the word “ñíggling" without the language filter having a coronary? Give me a break...

 

[Mustang5L5]

Keep in mind, for 2004, ford made abs an option....and many gts did not come with it because pf that.

01-03 abs and traction control were part of the premium package. The deluxe was optional. You can tell the difference because deluxes have the silver painted wheels and the premium have bullitt wheels

 

[twogts4us]

Keep in mind, for 2004, ford made abs an option....and many gts did not come with it because pf that.

01-03 abs and traction control were part of the premium package. The deluxe was optional. You can tell the difference because deluxes have the silver painted wheels and the premium have bullitt wheels

Learn something new everyday - thanks!

 

[Mustang5L5]

Yeah...I went through that back in 04 when I was looking to buy one new. Tough to find the car I wanted with abs believe it or not. Ended up getting an 03 just to get it.

For a toy, this might not be important. But where I was looking for a daily driver it was. But I have auto crossed the car...and it was very effective.