There's actually no reason to get rid of my '05 GT. It's never been hit, not even a parking lot ding on it, never had an issue, and only has 67K miles. The car has been garaged since Day 1 and the Screaming Yellow paint still looks like new (plus that color has been discontinued for years). It's been the most reliable and fun car I've ever owned.

So why would I be thinking of getting rid of it?

Well, 120 extra horsepower and 70 extra lb/ft of torque for starters. Brembo brakes and 19" wheels for another. Tech advances like electric-assist adjustable steering, [defeatable] stability control, Sync, and Track Apps. And basically 8 years of interior, exterior, and mechanical refinement.

My question is ... is the 2013 just a subtle improvement over the car I have, or is the difference like night and day?

 

I think the advances are worth but I would hold out for a good price on your car if its in that kind of condition. Theres some 05-09 love out there & thats a great color. Its right at the mileage that dealers like them under, but its tough to get a good price at a dealer in my experience though Ive heard forum stories of some steals so theres no harm in checking around. Just be clear with them all on what sort of inspections will be done. (No joyrides! More stories Ive heard.)

 

My best friend has an 08 GT, and I get to drive his all the time

I definitely feel like his interior is a little dated compared to mine. Coupled with the wear and tear over the years.

That being said, this platform is on its last legs. While there's a new engine and transmission, if you've waited this many years, I'd wait a year or two more to at least see where the 2015 Model Year will take the Mustang, I'm sure you'd still have the opportunity to get into a 2013 or 2014 or whatever at that point if you don't like the new ones, and definitely at a huge discount.

 

^Thats not a bad plan & you could wait out your price if needed; sounds like you gotta DD.

 

My 2 pennies!

 

Worlds apart..But so is the price in which the have exploded into..

 

Go drive/price a '12 (and a 13 if avail), look hard at the differences (Ford site if you can't find a '13) between them and what you have, compare pricing for trim level/options you're interested in, look at pre-loved '11's, put a pen to all the #'s and what you're comfortable paying and then if you're cool w/all, scratch that itch.

 

to me it was a big difference going from my '05 GT to my 2010 GT. Then it was abig improvement going from the 2010 GT to the 2012 Boss. I'm hoping I'm not disappointed going from the 2012 Boss to the 2013 GT with Track Pack.

I say... DO IT!!!

 

Without Question! DO IT!!!!!

 

Best post in here so far. I agree.

But fwiw, it sounds like you have a keeper there with that 05. Nice car man.

 

Those new features, along with the horsepower, are more than subtle!

I still have my 2010 GT as well, and going from my '07 GT to it felt like a large jump, primarily because of the suspension tuning, the steering feel, the interior changes, and the update to the 4.6L engine. So add the power increase of the 5.0L, and you've got a whopper of an update.

At this time, we are getting close to the new Mustang, so good luck in your decision!

 

I've test drove a bunch since 2010 and honestly...it was a massive jump from our gen.
However that being said, if you can wait a year, at least to see what the next gen brings...the refinement and fit/finish will be amazing.
OR
Just get a good deal on a 2014 (same as 2013)

Like you I have the itch, but I can't seem to line myself up for one..even knowing what a big jump it is.

 

Haha. This question is not unlike those on the Apple forums when people ask for buying advice on close-to-EOL Apple product.

Luckily platform changes only occur once every 10 years or so in the automotive industries.

 

keep yours!! Its way more uncommon then the new ones.. Upgrade yours if you want faster and better handling

 

Are you serious? A 2005 is more rare than a brand new model year 2013? Hardly...

When I was in the market I drove a 2009 that was leftover on the lot back to back with a 2010 and the interior/suspension/shifting/steering refinement was a very big difference (even coming from driving an SN95 for 120k miles). I've ridden in a 2012 V6 rental, and it's pretty much the same as the 2010. I can only imagine how they've improved the 2013.

But like others have said, I'd wait another year to see what 2014 has in store for the 2015MY. You've waited this long. You still have a really nice car and I'm sure it's still a blast to drive.

 

It's only 1212 ...waiting around for 2014, to see what the 2015 is...is a lifetime away.

Life is waaaaaay to short to be waiting 3 yrs.

Go order the 13 .... And enjoy life.

 

Introduction of 2015 in April 2014 is less than 2 years away.

 

Too bad we're all out of here 12/21/12 LOL

 

Yep, the 2005 is actually the most common of the recent Mustang models. Over 160,000 2005 Mustangs were sold, while recent years are under 100,000. But, the Screaming Yellow accounted for only about 5% of the 2005 Mustangs. And narrowing it down to manual transmission GT coupes in Screaming Yellow, the number was less than 1%. So in that sense, the car I have is pretty rare. (these numbers come courtesy of mustangheaven.com)

And you're also correct that the '05 is a nice car and a blast to drive. After 7+ years, I still enjoy driving it every day. It continues to get compliments and stares all the time.

To be honest, one of my main motivations for getting a 2013 5.0 is bragging rights. A lot of cars now are advertising 300 horsepower, including the new Mustang V-6! But there are few mainstream cars boasting 420 hp. And most folks now know about the Mustang's handling improvements, especially after champion race driver Randy Pobst drove both a 5.0 and a BMW M3 on the Willow Springs road course for a Motor Trend comparison, and got essentially identical lap times. I'm not one to show off on the streets any more (I save that for my once-per-year track days), but isn't it a great feeling to know you have one of the fastest cars on the road when driving in normal day-to-day situations?

It's just hard to rationalize why trading in a car that has had no problems, has a lot of life left, and still looks almost new is a good idea. It would have to be a really good deal.

For fun, I configured a 2013 Premium GT on Ford's website, and with just two options -- Brembo brakes and the Navigation package -- the car was just about $40,000 MSRP. Funny thing was, when I was done configuring it there was a button that said "Let us find it for you" so I pressed that, and the next day I got a call from my local dealer. I came in, and of course they wanted me to order one. In the end I declined, but they said they will order that exact car for dealer stock and would let me know when it comes in. No obligation to buy. It's going to be real tempting when it comes in...

But one thing I did notice was that the leftover 2012 GTs now have discounts of $3500 and $4000. So I'm thinking if I wait until next Spring, I might be able to get that 2013 car for $36,000 or less. Waiting another year is the hard part.

 

In the last 17 months I have buried 3 people close to me, and family, all 3 under the age of 58 ..... Feel free to watch the world go by....instead of trading in a 7 yr old car, he will trade in a 9 yr old car