ecgirard2

I have already ordered one and put down $1,000. I am going to test drive it before I pay the rest of the money though and actually take possesion.

GMAYS

I don't expect it to be a deal breaker but I do intend to test drive before I buy and I'm going to wait a few months until the initial frenzy is over and we finish paying off our other car.

1970Bird

Bryman, while I have not driven an '05, nor have I seen a production 05, I have crawled all over a pre-production '05 at a car show this summer. I also have a 2003 Mustang GT Converible premium. If the production 05 is even close to the pre-production I "pawed", then you'll be in for a pleasant surprise. As for the pre-production '05: the materials, fit and finish, ergonomics, etc., etc., are so much better than the previous generation, it's like comparing apples to oranges--only the name is the same. First off, I'm very tall and my 'vert is a tad uncomfortable--not so in the '05. Most people are aware that the interior diminsions have increased for '05 an inch here and there, but the effect seems more dramatic. significantly, the seats are a huge improvement over those in my car. Support is much better, even for my long frame, and the leather feels thicker... The interior materials are much better (the pre-production had the interior upgrade) looking and feeling than those in my 03--and the fit is much better. The airbag cover in my '03 really looks like it was hot-glued into place, not so on the 05.

I know some are concerned about production fit and finish, but if the New F-150 is any indication, Ford has come a LONG way. I test drove a Titan, a Tundra, a Silverado, and a Ram and none of them have the fit and finish of the new f150.

With all this said, should you buy a car without test-driving it first?--probably not. Even if you like the car, there may be options that you can live without, or vice versa.

Treadhead

While I have every intention to buy the new Mustang I absolutely must test drive it first. My wife used to have a 99 v-6 model and I was never comfortable in that car. NO room on drivers or passenger side(I'm 6'3"),and from what I've read here from some of the bigger guys there should be plenty of room now. Still gotta drive it first though.

1970Bird

You're right about the interior room. I'm 6'8" and the current mustang is a chore--I have to recline the driver seat to fit. The 05 I sat in had the battery disconnected (so the seat wouldn't move) and the seat-back was positined complety upright. My head cleared the roof and my knees cleared the dash. If the seat moves back any further, and if the seat-bottom moves down (it's supposed to adjust up and down), the '05 is a huge improvement over the 04. If it doesn't, then it's still a small improvement--enough that i can live with it. Again, the seats are much more comfortable than those in the 04. :w00t:

kevinb120

Heh, as for German cars I will pass on delicate $400 cupholders, $600 keys to loose, $3000 routine brake jobs, and $2500 replacement headlight assemblies on car that plummets to half its purchase price in 3 years, thank you. As for German cars that cost the same as mustangs, the Jetta is one of the worst cars to own with a terrible customer satisfaction rating.

WBstangGT

my dealership is going to get to know me very well lol I plan on ordering in December, and pick up early/mid febuary but I'll probably be test driving the 05 as much as possible until then. I really don't think I'm going to be disappointed in the 05 mustang. I've been a huge fan of the early mustangs since I was a kid.

kevinb120

Always, I would make any customer drive the exact car(or a very simillar-equipped model if we were bringing it from another dealer at the time the deal is getting done).

MR325iT

Maybe I'm misunderstanding the question in this thread, but how could you ever, EVER buy a car without test driving it first? I'm as excited about the new stang as the next guy, but even after driving one a couple weeks ago in Irwindale, I'm not about to throw common sense out the window and take a car I haven't driven.

I'd say test drive one, preferably the one you will be driving off in, and don't sign anything until you're satisfied. Most dealers I've worked with are very understanding on that point.

If stangs are available for rental, I'd even do that for a couple days first. What's $60-75 if it keeps you out of a $25,000 purchase that might be a mistake?

GhostTX

I am definately waiting. As much as I am really wanting one, I'm more of touch-feel person before I buy (especially $25K). I want to see how it performs, feel how I fit in it, how the controls are accesible, etc..etc...etc...

my blue pony

No test drive. Never seen one up close, just pictures. Can't wait for the call, and when I get it, I'll be straight in to my dealer, check in hand! Ordered on July 13th, and scheduled to be built week of Sept 27th. Windveil Blue GT Premium.

AgentJ

What he said.

Even though it will end up costing a bit less since im getting the V6 model, still for the same reasons (and to get some more dough).

Test drive first for me.

icemant180

I placed a $500.00 down payment and ordered an 05 gt prem. I will not actually buy the car until I sign for delivery of the car. Before I sign I will take it for a spin.

autothing

I am buying withOUT a test drive. I've already tested the 350Z, Mazda RX-8 and Mitsubishi Eclipse and didn't car for them overall (love the exteriors though on the first two).

I figure I know what I don't want, and since I have a Mustang already, the next "has" to be better.

For those who need to test drive your 2005 first, I'll bet 90% have no idea what they would do if the new Pony does NOT live up to their expectations, lol...

BlackRiderX

Made a mistake not test driving my 02. Always test it before signing the papers.

2Slack

My first 'stang (96), I drove about 10ft. and made the deal. My 05, i have already made a deposit and i have never even seen the car in person.

Felix C.

I will wait and test drive the vehicle. I love the exterior appearance of the vehicle in the photos, but only once seen in sheet metal and after a good thrashing will I know if the car is for me. I am pleased the vehicle dynoed with such strength. I actually thought the 4.6L was a toothpick and a weakling.(Mach and Cobra engines excepted) Well, now I know it is not a weakling. I admit the 2005 Mustang now has another competitor for my new car purchase dollars.