R&T Best Sub-$30K Enthusiast Cars
R&T Best Sub-$30K Enthusiast Cars
Looks like the Stang did pretty well in the 12 best sub $30K enthusiast car comparo R&T ran. Got third behind the 350Z and EVO, not bad company at all. Here's the text and link:
http://www.roadandtrack.com/article....rticle_id=4203
Loved the drivetrain, panned the weak brakes and liked the suspension tuning for the road, even if a bit soft for track work.
http://www.roadandtrack.com/article....rticle_id=4203
Mustang GT
Landing a V-8-powered Mustang GT must push the $30,000 ceiling, right? Wrong. With a bargain base price of only $26,320 (standard equipment includes an AM/FM 6-disc CD/MP3 sound system, air conditioning, stainless-steel dual exhaust, power windows, mirrors and door locks and traction control), we had enough wiggle room to add extras, among them interior color accents ($175), upgraded anti-theft system ($295), 18-in. aluminum wheels ($825), and side airbags ($370).
While not quite as fleet of foot through our autocross (especially the tighter sections) as some of the others, the GT was still a blast to drive. Many editors commented on the V-8's easily modulated powerband that made for effortless throttle-steer. Some loved the 5-speed manual's operation, calling it "smooth" and "appropriate for a big V-8"; others thought it a bit notchy or too long of throw. Universally panned were the brakes, which just don't match the engine's performance.
Away from the track, the Mustang GT was one of the best-loved of the bunch. Just about everyone raved about its good ergonomics, interior/exterior styling and, of course, that throaty American V-8. Also, its somewhat soft suspension setup that hurt it at the track was just right out on the road.
The dozen cars in this feature are a great bunch. But the Mustang GT-offering new-millennium pony-car styling and at least two more cylinders than the rest, along with a plentiful standard equipment package for under $30,000-stands out in this crowd. — Jim Hall
Landing a V-8-powered Mustang GT must push the $30,000 ceiling, right? Wrong. With a bargain base price of only $26,320 (standard equipment includes an AM/FM 6-disc CD/MP3 sound system, air conditioning, stainless-steel dual exhaust, power windows, mirrors and door locks and traction control), we had enough wiggle room to add extras, among them interior color accents ($175), upgraded anti-theft system ($295), 18-in. aluminum wheels ($825), and side airbags ($370).
While not quite as fleet of foot through our autocross (especially the tighter sections) as some of the others, the GT was still a blast to drive. Many editors commented on the V-8's easily modulated powerband that made for effortless throttle-steer. Some loved the 5-speed manual's operation, calling it "smooth" and "appropriate for a big V-8"; others thought it a bit notchy or too long of throw. Universally panned were the brakes, which just don't match the engine's performance.
Away from the track, the Mustang GT was one of the best-loved of the bunch. Just about everyone raved about its good ergonomics, interior/exterior styling and, of course, that throaty American V-8. Also, its somewhat soft suspension setup that hurt it at the track was just right out on the road.
The dozen cars in this feature are a great bunch. But the Mustang GT-offering new-millennium pony-car styling and at least two more cylinders than the rest, along with a plentiful standard equipment package for under $30,000-stands out in this crowd. — Jim Hall
Legacy TMS Member
Joined: May 16, 2004
Posts: 5,206
Likes: 18
From: Bristol, TN
Brakes and tires, always a mustang weak spot methinks and on the older cars, the rear suspension. Nice to see no mention of oxcart axle. It gets a bit tiresome when the writers take a poke at that right off the bat.
Mach 1 Member
Joined: July 28, 2006
Posts: 971
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Mustang places first, because you cant buy a Evo for under $30k, so that disqualifies it. Dealers around here sell them for $37k, and an Evo has no cruise control.
The 350Z base model can be had for under $30k, but you can't find them on a lot, most enthusiasts go for the Track model and is at least $37k.
The 350Z base model can be had for under $30k, but you can't find them on a lot, most enthusiasts go for the Track model and is at least $37k.
Bullitt Member
Joined: April 14, 2006
Posts: 394
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Don't care what the other cars may go for because I don't really care about the other cars.
Legacy TMS Member
Joined: May 16, 2004
Posts: 5,206
Likes: 18
From: Bristol, TN
Legacy TMS Member
Joined: October 2, 2006
Posts: 4,777
Likes: 16
From: Southeast Michigan
I prefer live-axle.
The 350Z and Mitsubishi EVO aren't really sub-$30k cars unless you buy a totally stripped down version. The S-197 GT Deluxe can be bought for under $30k though.
The 350Z and Mitsubishi EVO aren't really sub-$30k cars unless you buy a totally stripped down version. The S-197 GT Deluxe can be bought for under $30k though.
Legacy TMS Member
Joined: October 2, 2006
Posts: 4,777
Likes: 16
From: Southeast Michigan
The 2007 GT Premiums are all selling for over $30k after tax, title, and license/registration and using the X-Plan PIN. I just priced out a GT Deluxe with spartan options (3.55s, manual trans, floormats, shaker 500) and it will cost $27k after tax, title, registration, and the $500 rebate + X-Plan. It's still under $30k, but just barely. Now if you add the typical packages: IUP, GT Appearance or GT/CS, leather, shaker 1000, side airbags, etc... that will get close to or go over $30k invoice.
The 2007 GT Premiums are all selling for over $30k after tax, title, and license/registration and using the X-Plan PIN. I just priced out a GT Deluxe with spartan options (3.55s, manual trans, floormats, shaker 500) and it will cost $27k after tax, title, registration, and the $500 rebate + X-Plan. It's still under $30k, but just barely. Now if you add the typical packages: IUP, GT Appearance or GT/CS, leather, shaker 1000, side airbags, etc... that will get close to or go over $30k invoice.
When I bought my 2006 GT Premium, I was out-the door for 31K on X-plan...this included $700 for GPS theft recovery and $1600 for Parts & Installation of the FRPP Handling Kit. I opted for the Shaker 500 instead of the 1000.
I also got 18" Fanblades, IUP, and AAT.
Team Mustang Source
Joined: June 19, 2004
Posts: 6,840
Likes: 2
From: Phoenixville, PA
The 2007 GT Premiums are all selling for over $30k after tax, title, and license/registration and using the X-Plan PIN. I just priced out a GT Deluxe with spartan options (3.55s, manual trans, floormats, shaker 500) and it will cost $27k after tax, title, registration, and the $500 rebate + X-Plan. It's still under $30k, but just barely. Now if you add the typical packages: IUP, GT Appearance or GT/CS, leather, shaker 1000, side airbags, etc... that will get close to or go over $30k invoice.
Shelby GT350 Member
Joined: March 11, 2004
Posts: 2,146
Likes: 1
The 2007 GT Premiums are all selling for over $30k after tax, title, and license/registration and using the X-Plan PIN. I just priced out a GT Deluxe with spartan options (3.55s, manual trans, floormats, shaker 500) and it will cost $27k after tax, title, registration, and the $500 rebate + X-Plan. It's still under $30k, but just barely. Now if you add the typical packages: IUP, GT Appearance or GT/CS, leather, shaker 1000, side airbags, etc... that will get close to or go over $30k invoice.
Go to your local Nissian dealer and tell us how much a 350Z comes to after tax, title & reg.
Legacy TMS Member
Joined: October 2, 2006
Posts: 4,777
Likes: 16
From: Southeast Michigan
ETA: Just for sh*ts and kicks, I priced out a 2007 GT Premium at Fordvehicles.com. MSRP is $31,230 for:
18" wheels, 5R55S, IUP, Premiere Trim, Comfort Group, Active Anti-Theft, Front side airbags, only the Shaker 500, and the all-weather floormats.
That's pretty much representative of the Mustang GT you find at any of the local dealerships here (they are all loaded up about the same). It's not surprising that you will find these $30k+ GTs sitting in the lots collecting bird poop for 6-8 months at a time.
Now, a stripper GT Premium will run about $28,050 MSRP. TR-3650, 17" Bullitts, Active Anti-Theft, Shaker 500, 3.55s, All-Weather Floormats. It DOES meet the sub-$30k MSRP requirement, but I've yet to see any Stripper GTs (Deluxe or Premium) at any dealership lot unless it was an abandoned factory order. A stripper GT deluxe (none of the old man chrome or faux leather or side-airbag junk) will run about $27k after X-Plan and TTL (It's not cheap)
V6 Member
Joined: October 28, 2006
Posts: 78
Likes: 1
I was visiting family up in Dover, New Hampshire and stopped at a local Ford dealership. Well...I was shocked to see that 07' GT's were marked down over $1000 below msrp for automatics and about $500 for 5spds. There was a lightly optioned Grabber Orange GT 5spd for 26K & change! AND they don't pay sales tax in New Hampshire! Here on Long Island, new GT's go for sticker and most are 30k+.
Member
Joined: April 11, 2006
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
I got mine for 26530, only options were IUP and Active anti theft 
and of course, spoiler delete, talk about long low, lean and mean 
. I had to order that bad boy in black!! Thanks McRee Ford in ****inson, TX, great salesmen and low pressure sales tactics! 
Plus they accepted XPlan!
and of course, spoiler delete, talk about long low, lean and mean . I had to order that bad boy in black!! Thanks McRee Ford in ****inson, TX, great salesmen and low pressure sales tactics! Plus they accepted XPlan!