what to look out for in an 03/04 gt

[HtownGT]

OK so my gf is looking into getting either a used 03 gt convertible or coupe or an 04 gt coupe. so what should she look for like in problem areas that yall have found in your cars. she will most likely get an automatic also. does the top have any problems that need to be addressed besides putting in a roll bar. thanks for yalls input. -garrett

 

[Isaac-1]

If you are looking at a used Mustang you may want to expand your search back a couple of years, as there are many of these cars that people do not use as daily drivers, that are garage kept, and are far all practical purposes like new with low mileage. For all practical purposes the 01+ GT's are identical, the biggest mechanical difference that comes to mind is the change from seperate MAF, and IAT sensors on the engine to an integrated one in 02 or 03, and a slight change in interior around the same time (it seems that they moved the location of the defrost/fog light switches about 2 inches), there are other very minor changes each year for example newer 04 mocels don't have cut off switches on the center A/C vents. As to the 99 and 2000 models, at first glance they appear almost identical to 01 and up model, however they should be noted as seperate from the 01 and newer GT's for a variety of what may seem nitpicking reasons, the engines are slightly different in a number of ways as the 99 &00 engines were built in the Windsor engine plant, and 01 + built in the Romeo plant, the exterior does not have the raised fake hood scoop, and has smaller side scoops, and the interior center console is of a difffer (poorer) design (bad location for cup holders, etc.), also the 99&00 use two single DIN slots for the stereo/CD player where the 01+ uses a single dual DIN slot (an issue if you will be upgrading the stereo).

hope this helps Ike

 

[WRXracer]

oh

I would look at a 01 or a 02 GT.. or 99 if you plan on changing the looks outside..

 

[drexebo]

I would look at a 01 or a 02 GT.. or 99 if you plan on changing the looks outside..

why do you say that? do you not like the way a 99/00 looks?

 

[WRXracer]

oh

the 99 and the 00 look like a 01 V6 with GT tags.. its a great car if your going to do a body kit..

 

[oogtdude]

get one with a good tranny...check passenger seat..some rub door "easy adjustment"... make sure you dont hear a tick from head

 

[Ron Jeremy]

The automatics all have transmission problems. The transmissions are junk. Buy a 5 speed instead. You will have LESS problems with a 5 speed.

 

[CottonBurnerz]

5-speed + female = disaster j/k

Like Jackie Chan said to many other people, "Don't get vert, they are slow"

I say go with 03 vert. They might be slow but they sure look nice.

 

[WaltA]

... there are other very minor changes each year for example newer 04 mocels don't have cut off switches on the center A/C vents.

I believe that was actually "sneaked" in, early in the 2003 model year. My October 2002 built 2003, doesn't have the center vent cut off switches. However, the photos in the 2003 brochure showed them.

 

[rdgdawgGT]

OK so my gf is looking into getting either a used 03 gt convertible or coupe or an 04 gt coupe. so what should she look for like in problem areas that yall have found in your cars. she will most likely get an automatic also. does the top have any problems that need to be addressed besides putting in a roll bar. thanks for yalls input. -garrett

Auto... only mistake... if she gets a GT, GOTTA get a stick!!!

Other than that, the good times roll!!!

 

[ScottyG00GT]

the 99 and the 00 look like a 01 V6 with GT tags.. its a great car if your going to do a body kit..

I am probably in the minority on this, but I like the '99-'00 rear wing and side scoops better; they are more subtle and I like that. I am undecided on the hood scoop. I even like the original "star" wheels although the bullitts won out on my black car (still the "star" wheels look good on my dad's mineral gray '01 GT).

Although I prefer black overall, I think the color choices are really where the '01 - '04 has the upper hand . . . true blue, dark shadow gray, mineral gray . . . nice!

 

[drexebo]

I am probably in the minority on this, but I like the '99-'00 rear wing and side scoops better; they are more subtle and I like that. I am undecided on the hood scoop. I even like the original "star" wheels although the bullitts won out on my black car (still the "star" wheels look good on my dad's mineral gray '01 GT).

Although I prefer black overall, I think the color choices are really where the '01 - '04 has the upper hand . . . true blue, dark shadow gray, mineral gray . . . nice!

I also like the 99 & 00 side scoops better. I even like the subtlety of the hood "scoop" on the 99 & 00 more than later GTs although I do prefer the later model wing. (the bullitt trunk is best)

 

[JonJon]

I am probably in the minority on this, but I like the '99-'00 rear wing and side scoops better; they are more subtle and I like that. I am undecided on the hood scoop. I even like the original "star" wheels although the bullitts won out on my black car (still the "star" wheels look good on my dad's mineral gray '01 GT).

Although I prefer black overall, I think the color choices are really where the '01 - '04 has the upper hand . . . true blue, dark shadow gray, mineral gray . . . nice!

I'm with you
I love our 99-00 spoiler and the side scoops are fine by me
I wanted a hood scoop though, so I tacked a 01+ one on.

 

[chicks-dig-it]

Be aware that mold is a big problem with the vert tops. Unless your gf is really good at keeping the top clean, it will eventually look soiled after awhile. To me, the only way to get around it is to get a black top. Have fun looking.

 

[trinity_gt]

If you do look at an 01 or 02, make sure you get to hear the engine started from stone cold. With the engine cold, drive it gently in 1st & 2nd gear to about 3000RPM or so in each gear...very light on the throttle. Listen for a light mechanical rattle from the engine indicating piston slap. Not all of them did it and Ford claims it's "normal" for those that do but you should know it's there on a car you intend to buy. It'd suck to find it out the day after you brought it home.

Search the various Mustang sites for the term "death rattle"...

 

[White Stang]

I am probably in the minority on this, but I like the '99-'00 rear wing and side scoops better; they are more subtle and I like that. I am undecided on the hood scoop. I even like the original "star" wheels although the bullitts won out on my black car (still the "star" wheels look good on my dad's mineral gray '01 GT).

Although I prefer black overall, I think the color choices are really where the '01 - '04 has the upper hand . . . true blue, dark shadow gray, mineral gray . . . nice!

Your right you are the minority I think they added just enough toughness to the 02 and up with those mods you talked about. But regardless I think the 99+ stangs are the best body design by far and thats my opinion

 

[CottonBurnerz]

What kind of A/C knobs and panel are those man? they look really nice..

 

[ScottyG00GT]

Your right you are the minority I think they added just enough toughness to the 02 and up with those mods you talked about. But regardless I think the 99+ stangs are the best body design by far and thats my opinion

I like the current style better than the '05 but I bet that could change after I see a few in person. I really don't think the tail end of the '05 looks as tough.

 

[Ron Jeremy]

With due time, the 06 Mustangs will have added hood scoops and side scoops. Ford will add all this in 06 and 07 on the Mustang and it will look even meaner than the 05.