NC14GT

Hey, good job finding out it was a demo. Demos = salesman abuse. Not only the salesmen but every customer gets to test the performance, and if a manual, whether they can shift or not. "Let's go take this baby for a spin!!" No thanks! If you are OK with that, that's up to you. The warranty certainly helps but you asked previously if it was worth a few grand more to get a certain type car. I certainly would prefer (and pay those few thousand more) for a one owner babied garage kept car that rarely saw a red line. Again, it's up to you. I'm just an old fart that's 'been there, done that' or seen others burned. Good luck!

97GT03SVT

I have taken the advice of many people on here and decided to take my time. I'm not really in a rush to buy and truthfully the weather has been horrible so I've had less than ideal weather for test driving.

I'm buying my friend's 2004 jeep grand Cherokee for next to nothing and will have reliable transportation for this type of weather. I'm going to try to sell my 1997 GT privately and get a little more than I would have with a trade in and maybe save up a bigger down payment.

I'm hoping I can get $5000 for my GT and perhaps put another $2500 down on a later gen 2008-09 GT or possibly a 2011-12 GT with a long warranty.

97GT03SVT

I told myself I was going to hold off but I found what I think is a really good deal. Tell me what you guys think. Its a 2005 Legend Lime GT premium with just under 70k on it. It looks bone stock except for the exhaust and aftermarket in-dash navigation screen. The dealer is asking $11990 for it. I know that the newer 07-09 models have upgrades over the first year 2005 but then again for this price is much lower than those newer cars also. If I can get decent value on my current 97 GT on a trade in I may just pull the trigger now. I've always liked legend lime

wjones14

I have a 2005 Mustang GT 5-speed that's been absolutely rock solid, and I would totally recommend one. The only issue I have had with mine is the stepper motors behind the gauges. The issue was that the 2005-08 gauges had defective stepper motors that fail after several years. My oil pressure gauge was the first to fail about two years ago, and then this past year the fuel gauge started failing. The motor can't push the needle anymore, and the gauge just points randomly somewhere.


It's not a huge deal, but this is a known issue, and if you take it to a dealer to fix, they are going to replace the entire gauge cluster at a cost of $500. The bad thing about that is that the new cluster will also have the defective motors, so it may only last 5 years or so.


Alternately, you can buy the non-defective stepper motors on Ebay for $5 each and fix it yourself if you aren't afraid of pulling the gauges out, and using a solder gun to remove and replace the motors. Or, you can do what I did and pull the cluster and send it to Circuit Board Medics and they will fix it with the good motors for $150.


http://circuitboardmedics.com/mustan...FeHm7AodIl8AtQ

NC14GT

It is a decent price if the car checks out OK. That's the key. I would be leery of an aftermarket nav system though, especially 'in dash'. Has it been upgraded recently? Was it installed properly? Make sure it is fine or you will have a big white elephant in your dash. Have you run the Carfax yet to make sure there aren't any past issues with the car? Good luck!

97GT03SVT

The car fax checks out. Considering how old it is I'm not surprised that it's had two owners. They dealer has a 90 day warranty on everything. I personally haven't been able to drive the car yet so I'm not sure about everything yet but it looks clean and well maintained. I'm hoping to drive the car tomorrow and if I can make the numbers work on trading my 97' I may finally join the s197 club lol

DPHC13

i don't know if anyone mention the hood paint. Anyone looking to get a used Stang should open the hood and check the pinch weld at the front of the hood. look for bubbling if you see some you will need a new hood.

m05fastbackGT

Also realize that all S-197 models prior to 2008, all use the dreaded 2 piece 16mm spark plugs which have been infamous for breaking inside the heads..

Ford revised the head design for the 2008 models to correct this issue and have since went back to the traditional 12mm 1 piece design plugs..

If had I know about this prior to purchasing my previous 05 GT ? I would've held out and waited for the 2008 models to arrive instead !

karman

GREAT, SO THAT YOU CAN HAVE THE &^%$ TPMS ON YOUR WHEELS INSTEAD.
I change my tires more than my spark plugs.

oldlugs

I'd rather have the later heads, and disable the TPMS.

m05fastbackGT

Exactly 100% spot on

m05fastbackGT

TPMS is no longer a factor or active with aftermarket wheels/tires anyhow !

97GT03SVT

I recently found a 1 owner 2006 GT well optioned with only 12k on it. The car was traded in at the same place it was originally sold and the dealer says that car has all documentation including every oil change!

The only draw back is the price. They are asking $16700 for the car. I figure they would be willing to negotiate on price but what do you think is a fair price for a flawless 2006 GT premium with 12k on it? I realize the car is low mile and like new but almost 17k for a 8 year old car is a bit much.

MELLOWYELLOW06

I have a well maintained 2006 with 38k miles.

No problems with the car and all kinks have been worked out with warranty. Has never left me out to dry anywhere and comes with lots of goodies.

NC14GT

No it isn't. Don't get caught up in the age game. Modern cars don't deteriorate like cars from the past. Yes, it would be a concern for a car from the 1970's or 1980's but not for an '06. It will behave just like a new car off the lot if truly excellent, stored well, and not abused. Of course negotiate on price (try for $15,000) but don't walk away from a sweet car. Negotiate on tires if the tires are original. They must be replaced. Tires are the exception to the age rule. 6 years max. Don't let the dealership put crap tires on the GT either. That benefits them, not you. Remember, you can get a car for lot less but you will be putting $$$ into it. It may equal out within 2 years. This 12k miles car should need nothing for many, many years except fluid changes, and provide you with a pleasant ownership experience. Just make sure it is truly excellent. Don't just listen to the salesman. Good luck!!

97GT03SVT

I've seen the car and it looks pretty legit. I have a 18,000 mile 03 Cobra so the car does look good for it's miles (no rock chips, driver's seat is perfect etc). Whoever owned this car obviously garaged it during New England winters. Not sure about the tires but that would be something I'd upgrade anyway it has the ugly 2005-06 split spoke premium 17' wheels. I think it will come down to price. I'm actively trying to sell my 1997 GT and if I get a decent trade in for it I may just pull the trigger on the deal. I'd like to get the car for about $15000 and have them hopefully give me $4000-4500 for my 97 that only has about 90k on it in above average condition. If not i'll try to sell it for $5500-5000

This would be my new daily driver if I get it so hopefully the planets will align for me

karman

My 2006 I have valued @$16K. (It has 14K mi. though)
Never ever seen RAIN since build date (let alone snow).
Every deal is different.
I run my tires for more than 6 years.
That is only for my car in the heated, dark (no sun) garage though.
I am changing out my 2006 tires soon.
10 years is too long even for no sun.