DarkHorse305

For the past few weeks I've been looking for my own car and today I found a really nice Mustang for sale. A 2007 V6 with 700 miles, black/black, IUP, Pony Package, Leather, and Auto. It was priced at 14,500. The pics on the dealer site showed the lower grill was not on the bumper, so I thought either its an accident car, or just a bank repo car with a missing lower grill.

So my family and I get there, take a look at it, and we ask about its condition. The dealer admits it was in an accident, one mark against the car. So I get inside to check it out, and as I'm looking around I notice its missing the door sub on the passenger side door! The salesguy didn't even notice it. The car arrived at this guy's dealer in its current condition. So I don't know if it was in a bad accident or someone thought it was just easier to replace the whole door. I opened and closed the door a few times, to see if it closed weird. It didn't comepletely close on a couple tries, but I'll compare it to my friend's new Mustang when he gets here.

Can I order a shaker 500 ready door panel from a dealer?

The thing is, after another friend's troubles with the used car he got, my parents suggested I get a new car. We went to a ford dealership the other day, and a salesman was ready to sell us a new V6 Deluxe with Auto for 18,500.

So I got three options:

1. Go for that used one and try to get that door replaced.

I do have the VIN, if anyone has an active carfax account, can you help me out?

2. Wait to see the new incentives on new Mustangs and go with a bare bones Deluxe.

3. Search the used market night and day for the next few weeks.

codeman94

find a different car....when you buy a used car, you run the risk of inheriting someone elses problem...this sounds like one of those times.

antdog

+1 For four grand more, I would go for the new car, at least you have some ideal of what you are getting. And if it was in a accident that damaged the front end and the door. There could be more damage that did not get addressed. Go new if you can.

CarRamRod

Buy a new car. It will matter in the long run.

poldrv

I'd buy a new Mustang. That way you will know of any problems from day one. When you buy a used car you never know how the former owner looked after it, if it was in an accident (in your case you know) or how serious that accident was. Plus you would have the original Ford Warranty with the new Mustang.

shaun_beauchamp

+1 Pass on someone else's nightmare. You can do better.

Martimus

Based on your description I'd say the new Mustang is a better value. Is the 18,500 price tag after Ford's rebate(s)?

Full Throttle

I wouldn't take the chance with that used stang either look for another used or if $$$ go for new

Little Black Pony

New incentives are coming out tomorrow. They may be better or worse.

Never buy a used car that has been in a accident, more problems that it is worth. Buy the new car.

SonicBlue2005GT

find a nice GT

Fryguy

I would go for new. Between warranty as well as better interest rate on the loan.

jay_wx

Local dealership here in Austin has brand new 08 V6 Deluxe 5 speed for 15,900. And it's Grabber Orange.

DarkHorse305

That would be nice, but the insurance would most likely be too much. And the cheapest ones are the 05s, which are already out of warranty.

I hope the new incentives are the same or better. I told my parents, the current ones end the 2nd, and when did we go to the dealer? December 30th, a couple hours before closing.

At least now I have more time to choose between auto and manual. I want to learn stick, but Miami traffic sucks!

TheRealOne

If you can swing the extra cash on the new one then I'd go that route. My insurance company even gave me a discount for the car being new. I don't know if all companies do that but that is something to take into consideration.

Mackitraz

My dad bought me a 92 Plymoth Laser a long time ago from an auction, got a great deal. Found out it was an insurance pay off car that had been stolen and recovered. The closer you looked, the more you found damaged or missing. I literally was putting that car back together (screws, panels, seatbelts, push-pull clips, etc...) until the day I got rid of it.

You've only seen the problems that reveal themselves with a once-over (and maybe that's all there is) on the car, but there's the potential for a lot more here. I'd go with something else, even another used car, and always have a mechanic inspect it before you buy used. Any reputable dealer should allow that.

Happy hunting! I just got my new GT 2 days ago and I couldn't be happier, these are great cars!

RRRoamer

I'm still seeing 05 GTs selling for $23k to $25k around here (Albuquerque New Mexico). I'm sure there are cheaper ones, but those don't catch my eye. I have an 05 that I bought new. And yes, the warranty just ran out last month (hit the 36k miles mark!)

Good luck. And pass on the wreck repair. Look at it this way: they didn't even repair the door panel right (missing Shaker sub). This you can see and know. But what ELSE did they screw up that you CAN'T see???

Redfire06GT

I say go for the new car. Also shop insurance prices on a GT before you buy the V6 because you might find out it isn't and have a car thats a lot more fun.