Felix C

Any particular recommendations regarding major improvements in a given year in that range? Automatic transmission will be selected. No mods intended just a solid DD. She prefers the GT look.

Also, am I mistaken or is the 2005-2009 a retro 1969 exterior but the interior dash and gauges retro the 1967-1968 models?

Kevin509

The 05-09 is sort of a combination of the best styling features, inside and out, from 66-69 mustangs as far as I'm concerned.

As far as changes across the the production years, the only thing I can think of that you/you wife might be interested in is from 07- on they added daytime running lights, as well as mp3 input to the shaker stereo. That's the one thing my 06 doesn't have that I really wish it did.

Other things that changed after 07 were optional heated seats, optional navigation, optional ambient lighting (2008 on that one) and the addition of the GT California Special package.

Basically, if you're interested in the extra toys, you definitely want an 07+. Personally, I prefer my 06 without all the gizmos because I think it's truer to the essence of the original mustang that way.

Felix C

Thanks. I wondered if any bugs came out in the early release years regarding the drivetrain that were modified by Ford in later years. 2005 being the first year for the 3v and do not know about the automatic transmission.

stupidgenius36

I would go for an '07 also for the above mentioned options. It should also have all of the TSB's worked out. My mother's '07 auto shifter is also much smoother than my '05 and the throttle is also more responsive.

Pete07GT

05, 06, 07, and midway through 08 GT's all had the multi-piece plugs that separate in the heads of the engine. There are other plugs on the market that fix this issue with a 1-piece design but the options are limited in comparison to later 08 and 09 model GT's with a redesigned plug and head pattern for that year and a half. The 09's also came with an option of a glass roof which made the car weigh less by a little bit. I've also read problems with e-brakes freezing on cold nights depending on the climate the cars are stored in due to faulty rubber used in the ebrake boots put out by Ford as well as faulty rubber seals somewhere in the car that let moisture into the cab. The factory suspension wasn't that great imo either but thats up to you to decide.

My 07 GT is still the best car I've ever owned even with the flaws its had or has.

ford4v429

I was going to mention the plugs, but see Pete already did

my 06 flaws and all is also the best car Ive ever had. tierod boot rubber deteriorated (energy suspension p/n 913101r replacements work fine) seatback release levers both broke off in the first few months (oct '05 build- later/replacements are fine), pop the cowl drain plugs occasionally to keep the water problems at bay... no other problems- but I fully expect the plugs to snap off at change time.
my wifes 07 v6 has had no work except front rotors(rusted from setting too long)and a swaybar strut rod bushing end broke off(bad factory weld).

We only drive them on salt free times of year, so they are holding up excellent. cant comment on snow manners, but expect snow tires would be a must- my mark VII was similar sized RWD/posi, and it totally sucked in the snow on allseason tires...mostly from its poor turning circle- mustang is fine turning circle-wise, oversteering is easy on wet/dry roads, expect snow would be similar...the mark ran out of steering angle so fast, if it stepped out, 9/10 times it would be on the stops and swap ends...

my backup 09 is still sitting with 4.7 miles on the clock, awaiting the day the 06 eventually dies...definitely love these cars. not many cars on the road that catch your eye as much as the 05-09 bodies, it amazes me still how young and old alike prettymuch universally like these cars... the wife was getting gas one day, a old 70-ish guy came up and said how much he liked those old mustangs- he was kinda shocked when she said it was a 07. kids often say 'nice car' when dropping off the kids at school- funny one morning a kid got out of moms BMW and looks back- "hey nice Mustang!" I could see his mom cringe in the mirror of her uber-cool beemer Not knocking BMWs, just saying it amazes me how many folks love the look of the lowly mustang, even over the stately high-end cars on the road.

love these cars

wheelman

'07+ IMHO for reasons already stated (and if it were a MT, I'd say the clutch got much better from '05 to '07 too) so I'll just echo the mention of a good set of A/S tires (maybe Continentals) depending on your climate if it's a 365 DD, especially if she isn't used to RWD. With good tires, theyre really not bad in the snow at all if you can drive a little. I imagine an A/T would be even easier in most circumstances.

Pete07GT

In summertime I get the "nice car" comments constantly. People have a soft spot for classic lines with a new school twist. I've actually only ever owned 3 cars in my life and if my 07 died tomorrow I would run out and buy another 07-09 regardless of any other car's safety, gas, etc. When the you get kids stop and gawk or point at me I always rev the Flowmasters with cats punched. There had yet to be an instance where I didn't get an ear to ear grin from a kid when doing that. I sincerely hope that American Muscle will never die, and as long as generations are brought up to respect horsepower, performance, and good body lines I don't suspect it will ever go away.

Felix C

Thank you all for the replies. Many GTs available in Miami and many tend to be stock especially if automatic.

Well it is the nicest exterior appearing car from 2005 to now. Reminds me of the 1969 fastback/Mach Is which were popular in HS. Again, the interior dash reminds of a 1968 Mustang a buddy had back then.

Too bad Ford did not come out with a Mach I. I note the replica/tribute cars are perfect for the look.

Compared to other forums I frequent this one is quite friendly.

wheelman

Oh Miami? No snow worries them. Check out tirerack.com for good rain tires then. Im wondering if theyre not saving the Mach for a 15+ SE.

B1STANG

07+ all the toys she will need

kevinr1221

I bought a 2009 GT/CS one year ago. It currently has 57,000 miles (I drive 150 miles per day for work). The car has performed flawlessly. Only money spent on it has been oil, fillters, and a set of tires at 40,000 miles.

Mine is totally stock, with no performance mods.

Good luck with your search.

Kevin

tu3218

Not trying to hijack but, I have an 08 GT premium and mine does not have daytime running lights. Was that an option or what?

But yeah these mustangs are outstanding. My dad has an 06 GT with 115k miles( Maryland so we do have winters). Not one problem with his car. Just oil changes, breaks, an tires. You can't go wrong with a ford mustang.

wheelman

I think that is/was only available on fleet vehicles.

2k7gtcs

Well if its for your wife prepare for her to get hit on and whistled at because chicks in Stangs are hot.

Glenn

Pics of the wife so we can help pick out the right color mustang for her??

Bert

take a look at a 2010 -- nicer interior, has Sync for hands-free voice-activated cell phone

Pete07GT

Sounds like a truck with a sunroof..

stupidgenius36

Sync makes it sound like a truck?

Kper

I have to agree! Our GT is my wife's DD and she wouldn't have anything but a manual trans. Something about a chick slammin' gears in a muscle car!