It's also been Ford's track record, of allowing their generous customer-friendly dealerships..to offer huge discounts, well below MSRP.

Point being, Ford (and all manufacturers other than Saturn) can NOT dictate pricing to their franchised dealerships due to the decades old frachise agreements signed between the manufacturers and their dealer bodies. They can only "suggest" a sale price, hence the legally mandated Monroney window sticker in all new cars for sale that must list equipment and an MSRP (manufacturer's suggested retail price).

Simple economics (Adam Smith's "invisible hand" for any business or economics grads that may be posting here) show that in our free market economy, supply and demand are what drive pricing on any particular commodity.

While Shelby GT500 demand has far outpaced supply and led to big rediculous ADM's, Bullitt demand isn't even close to the expected supply. Hence the reason you are seeing plenty of people in these forums tell you that they (as dealers) are ordering Bullitts at MSRP or less, or (as customers) are getting quotes for Bullitts at MSRP or less.

There will be some dealers who try to add an ADM to everything, but that will not be the norm for the actual transaction price when the deal is done and the car is cleaned and signed for. We dealer trade new Fords back and forth with all the dealers in the NW regularly and daily to get what our customers want if we don't already have it in stock. We get to see the 2nd stickers that all the other dealers slap on their cars. It's fairly normal to see $2995 ADM's on big trucks and SUV's, even $1995 on new Focus's and Fusions, even though most dealers will readily sell these rigs for not much over invoice or even below invoice routinely.

The Bullitts will be the same. An ADM in the asking price will surely go away when push comes to shove and a seriously interested buyer is looking to buy. Plenty of people walk into a showroom and report that they saw $X ADM on a car, then walked out thinking that was the best deal that dealership would entertain. However, the actual transaction price may be surprisingly less when the dust settles.

 

Um, let's see. 2001 Bullitt. 6,500 planned initially by Ford, but only 5,582 were sold! Almost 1,000 extra Bullitt were planned, and there was a $1,500 cash rebate or 0% for 60 months offered at the end of the run!

We sold 8 of those Bullitts (we got more than our fair share as most dealers did not want all they could have had). We never collected a penny over MSRP on any of those 8, with the last few selling for prices below MSRP.

Limited production wow-factor 2007 Shelby GT (built right there at SAI, unlike the Ford built GT500)? What, about 6,000 built? We were only allocated 2, then got 2 more when other dealers said they didn't want all of theirs! Sold the last three of them at MSRP, and there are dealers giving them away at INVOICE and X-PLAN currently.

2007 & 2008 GT/CS? Supposed to be just 8,750 built in 2007 - not sure about 2008. We sold the first few at MSRP, then lowered our ordering price to Invoice + $599 (which is about $1,500 below MSRP).

And that's just a few recent years' worth of examples. I've been here since 1999 and witnessed all the SE Mustangs go out our doors for MSRP or less with only a few rare exceptions (All 07 GT500's, our very first 07 Shelby GT, and our very first 03 Terminator Cobra in May 2002). 99 35th GT's, 99 SVT Cobras, 00 Spring Features, 01 Bullitts, 01 SVT Cobras, 03/04 Mach 1's, 03/04 Cobras, 05/06/07/08 GT Mustangs, 07/08 GT/CS, 07/08 Shelby GT's, etc. all at MSRP or less - sometimes much less.

You sure like to use the word "dealerships" or "stealerships" a lot, as if we are all one in the same. My momma must have taught me better, as she said all inclusive or exclusive wording like "always" and "every" and "never" aren't very useful, as there are typically many exceptions to every scenario. Us good dealerships do not liked to be stereotyped by customers, just because there are some bad apples out there. Us good dealerships are working hard to change perceptions, but realize it may be years or decades before people see past the stereotypes of yesteryear about certain professions out there.

 

This is getting well out of hand. I cannot think of a S197 Mustang which doesn't represent a great deal at sticker. And thus far I think all but possibly one or two of those variants have been trashed in this thread. For example, we have already experinced, yet again, the by now now typical whining regarding the GT500's within this thread. Reports of the GT500's poor handling are based on what?????...a review by Car and Driver in which they had some criticism's regarding the car's handling? My question here would be that this outweighs Motor Trend's opinion, which is that the GT500 is a true GT of the highest order possessing chassis/handling dynamics which they described as being 'beautifully linear' and which helped this car make their 'Top Ten Rare Grooves' list, effectively meaning that they consider the GT500 to be one of the ten best cars in the world all things considered, exactly why?

The V6 Mustang puts you into a car with looks balance and character that no car should possess at 20g's. The base Mustang GT nets you 300hp and a surprisingly nice blend of comfort and handling for under 27 large, a GT Premium will give you all of that, a place to plug in your MP3 player, and leather seats for less than 28k, and for $1900 more than that the GT/CS gives you a set of polished 18 inch wheels and a dinstinctive exterior including a *****in front fascia. Now, for about $2500 more than a comparable Premium GT, the Bullitt gives you a genuinely upgraded suspension that wont kill you on your daily drive including a panhard bar, a better exhaust, a noticeable imporvement in hp, a deeper set of gears, and much better seats and steering wheel. Finally we have the GT500, which gives you 500hp exceptional steering feel, handling which will keep you right on the backside of a Corvette, RS8, or 911 Turbo all in a level of comfort none of those cars gets within sniffing distance of (for those inclined to argue the Audi's gorgeous leather trimmed interior doesn't make the suspension any more compliant) No other car company in the world offers enthusiasts this many options at such a great price. And yet, instead of contemplating how Ford might expand this one thing they do really, really well with cars here in North America we've got people whining about wether a 2.5G option package that brings a new level of refinment to the Mustang GT is worth the money while other nitpick wether or not a 45k GT that gives you 500hp, world class handling numbers, styling unmatched by 90% of the worlds good looking cars, and real daily comfort is good enough for the money.

I don't get it.

 

It wouldn't bother me a bit to drive either of these day in and day out.

 

OK, I've stood back and gone over what m05fastbackGT and I are debated and I now see the silliness and irony of it.

m05fastbackGT (a consumer) is suggesting that ADM's will be the norm on the Bullitts. Whereas, I (a dealer) am suggesting that MSRP or lower will be the norm on the Bullitts.

 

jsaylor, thank you for reminding us all of how good we have it as Mustang enthusiasts. I can think of no better time in history to be a Mustang fanatic.

I used to think 1969-1970 was the high-water mark for Mustangs due to the breadth of offerings in terms of price and performance. Looks like 2007-2008 may very well eclipse 69-70 in that respect. Ford, Shelby, Saleen, Roush, Steeda, Cervini's, etc. are so finely dissecting one car into so many different models within a model as to fully cover the entire spectrum of Mustang buyers, as well as drawing in some potential cross-shoppers who may not have had Ford on their short list when car shopping.

Again, jsaylor, thanks for bringing into better perspective.

 

I'll run it down to Ya like this and try not to sound rude:

Yes, Ford gives you the 2008 BULLITT with the perceived options, however GM gave you a pony car with a 5.7 engine at far lower cost and more common in lesser models as opposed to the a 5.4 being offered in the Shelby GT 500 only.

If GM was to have done the 2008 BULLITT they woudn't even think of offering it with a 4.6 when they had the slightest inclination to offer a bigger motor. If GM would've offered you the GT/CS it would've been available with the bigger motor, so what's your point?

Yes, the GT 500 at $45K will run along with a Corvette. The Ford GT can beat the Vette but you got to fork out $150K - $250K just to get one and now you can only get one used. WHAT'S UP WITH THAT ... ???

Ford has one car that can run along with a Vette (let's don't go in to how the last Ford 2 seater was sold/performed ... PLEASE ... that was even WORSE). GM had more than one car that could run along with the BULLITT and the Mustang GT and you had a choice between either the Trans Am or the Formula, or the IROC Z, or the RS Camaro. Several engine options between them. GM sells a Corvette EVERY YEAR ... Ford made the GT only for what, 2 years then stops ... Is this what you call stable and reliable ... ???

Ford builds a second BULLITT after 7 years of having time to improve on the last one (one of which I own) and you can't even think of asking them for a special order 5.4 engine that is only offered as an SE and for a limited one year ... SO WHAT'S THE PART YOU DON'T GET ... ???

If you wanted a special Firebird, you could special order a Firehawk and have it built for you. It was more costly, performed better than it's counterpart, was a special edition, AND ALSO OFFERED THE BIGGER ENGINE ... What is the FOMOCO counterpart to this and how much will it cost you?

Will Ford change their ways and give me a 5.4 in the 2008 BULLITT for the cost of the option over the 4.6 alone ... ??? NO

Is there any other engine besides a V-6 available in any other Mustang besides the 5.4 in the Shelby GT 500 only ... ??? NO

Getting decent power options out of Ford these days is about as difficult as it was to get a 4-bbl. carb on one of their V-8 engines in the 1970(s).

I guess you and I got something in common ... I ALSO DONT GET IT ~ !!!

 

Thanks for the clarification and information Gentlemen. Now that I've read this I realize I've seen one or two of them but never really knew what they were.

 

Yep, sure did. And they gave you all of this in a car where the passenger needed detachable legs to actually fit because somebody decided that where your feet should go is agreat place to stick a cat or two. And then of course you have the issue of half the V8 hiding under the windshield. You can work on an engine in one of these cars, but then you can also beat yourself with a rod every night before going to bed. Come to think of it, I might pick beating myself with the rod over messing with an engine in a 4th gen F-body.

NVH was sub par to be kind, as were driving position and several other features of the car. So yes, five years ago GM would sell you a LS series V8 wrapped in the cheapest thing they could conjure for less than Ford will sell you a car which is exceptionally well balanced and surprisingly comfortable today. In fact now I'm wondering how GM couldn't manage to sell those f-bodies.

If your still wondering you can read the above again. But, to be blunt, it helps when your fast cars are actually decent cars. However, the fact that you consider the f-body to be a benchmark for anything good tells me a lot about why improvements other than those which inspire forward motion are so obviously lost on you. To make it as simple as I can, some people expect their cars to do more than simple go fast. 4th gen f-bodies were not built for those people.

I have no idea what your point is. You are complaining, I assume, that a limited run supercar actually had a limited run? Perhaps you don't understand why? (still guessing at your issue here) One reason is that typically only those car companies dedicated to building supercars actually make money on those cars long term. And sometimes, even they don't. Cars like the Viper push the limit of what you can do and expect to not lose your shirt after a few years as a mass production auto maker. For companies like Ford cars like the GT just aren't practical as an every year offering.

So now you are arguing that GM, a car company which hasn't offered a hi-po V8 in a car with a sticker lower than about 34k since the last f-body rolled off the line, is better to the enthusiast? ROLF. And you have got to get over this f-body thing. The fact that the 4th gen died with a whimper should tell you something.

What the lack of a 5.4L SE has to do with the Bullitt is beyond me. If you want a 5.4L SE and fell that Ford should build one more power to you. But the notion that Ford somehow cheated you with the new Bullitt is just silly.

And here we go with the f-body again. Seriously, did the fact that the 4th gen f-body was a terrible car bother you at all or were you so thrilled with the LSX V8 you just didn't notice?

I can hear the bottom dropping out of the Mustang market as we speak.

Yes, ****ed that Ford for giving us a 325hp V8 in a Mustang with exceptional seats, great balance, good handling, and room for a passenger.

Yeah, I see your point. The GT500 can hit what???....750hp or so with minor mods. And that Mustang GT, you can get without too much hassle but then what do you have?

Actually, I don't think we have anything in common.

 

First of all, I wasn't attacking you or your dealership personally..

Therefore when I refer to those certain dealership's, as ADM hungry or as stealerships..I'm strictly referring to my local Ford dealerships, and not towards yours..

And I can also assure you, that if I should decide to purchase either a new Mach 1/Boss..or decide to wait, until the all new Huntsman becomes available in 2011..I'll definitely purchase my next Mustang from you..Providing that your sincere about offering the car, at either below, or at MSRP !

However, being that part of my purchase..would involve trading in my current 05 GT..

I would need for you to explain, how I'd still be coming out ahead..By shipping both vehicles, as opposed to dealing locally..

 

Maybe you're right about this point; I won't settle for just anything and I won't accept being lied to by Ford in stating they "can't" offer a 5.4 in a BULLITT or any other Mustang besides a Shelby GT 500. If GM can then so can Ford.

If you want to settle for less then go right ahead.

Regardless of how you feel about what I posted ... FORD STILL DOESN'T OFFER DECENT ENGINE OPTIONS ... and until they do they aint getting any more of my money.

 

By the way ... In the past you used to be able to actually drive to Dearborn and take delivery of your vehicle there if you wanted to do so (after you purchased from the middle-man dealer, of course). By doing so Ford would not charge you delivery fees. I don't know if Ford allows this any more or not. I've never actually known anyone that has done this but I have been told by several folks they knew of somebody that did.

Just wanted to add my 2-cents on the matter.

 

How am I getting lied to? I never 'asked' for a 5.4L in the Bullitt in the first place. If I decide that I just have to have a 5.4L I'll drop for a GT500 and get the iron lung as a bonus. If not I'll get the Bullitt and have a car with sweet balance and low 13 second time slips. Or maybe I'll get both over the course of the next couple years...or possibly I'll wait til the 09.

And I was previously unaware that GM currently offered a hi-po V8 in anything but a 45k+ Vette. I am curious to hear about this 'mid level' option they have.

Wow, thanks for the update. Previously I didn't even know I was settling. But then, if Ford did offer a 'mid-level' 5.4L n/a car and I decided I needed to get something with a bit more caffeine in it than a GT or Bullitt I would skip said mid-level car altogether for the 5 or 6k difference we'd be talking about and just get the GT500 in the first place. Nice to know I'd be settling either way though.

Yeah, that blown 5.4L in the GT500 just doesn't cut it. Lifting the blower and cutting hp down 100 or so is they only way to go here. I don't know how I missed it earlier.

 

I'm totally with you, as it would be far better to purchase the very same off-the shelf parts..from Ford racing performance parts, and still be much further ahead..performance wise, and especially from a financial standpoint..

Now on the other hand, if were talking about either the new Boss/Mach 1..
then it may be worth going into further debt, by trading in my current GT

However, from a performance standpoint ! The Bullitt just simply, does not offer anything worthwhile, over my 05 GT

 

If they still allow this.. that's also an option as well..As I said before though, If I should decide to either sell or trade my 05..I'll either wait, until the new Boss/Mach 1 becomes available, or I'll just wait for the all new Huntsman in mid 2011..

By that time.. my current 05 will already been, fully paid off

 

I never said you did ask for a 5.4 BULLITT (ROFLMAO), but you said "I don't get it" over and over and over again so I explained it to Ya. It aint my problem if you don't like what you hear.

I never said GM offered anything currently but I was talking about the past few years. Regardless, read on throughout the website and PAY ATTENTION ... I'm sure you'll find all the answers.

You're very welcome.

Well now that's just the point isn't it ... They aren't offering a mid-level Mustang (because the 2008 BULLITT doesn't have the HP and torgue to qualify as a mid-level Mustang ... it's just a glorified cosmetic package barely a step above the GT/CS).

AAAAAHHHH ... Now we're back on topic ... A N/A 5.4 with about 375 HP (no doubt producing better torque) that should not cost $5K - $6K to offer. I could see and additional $2,500.00 over the $2,500.00 BULLITT package (for the car to be compettitive with what GM and no doubt Chrysler will offer).

Either way, if you want to "skip the mid-level ... " then BY ALL MEANS ... GO RIGHT AHEAD ... I'll do the same with the 2008 BULLITT unless they put a righteous engine in it because (again ... here's the "listening part") it isn't a "mid-level Mustang".

Amazing how we often surprise ourselves, now isn't it ... ???

 

I'm just trying to figure out exactly when and where Ford lied to you. You have told us what the lie supposedly was, but unless you know Bill I have no idea where this notion that they were going to deliver you something, or that they couldn't deliver you something you find reasonable, came from. Please, enlighten us all, because some of us are just dieing to know.

I thought this might be the answer, but I was trying to give you the benefit of the doubt...my mistake. You are seriously arguing the merits of a car which went out of production six years ago as a sales failure? Read that statement a few times and tell me what is wrong with your argument.

Who are you still trying to convince? It isn't a mid level Mustang, it isn't priced like a mid level Mustang, and Ford never stated that it would be mid level Mustang. It's like this forum has turned into a therapy session for you.

And these pricing estimates come from where, exactly, oh master of the Keynesian arts?

And the rest of us are all still here trying to figure out how you got so bitter over a car you never had any reason to suspect was coming in the first place?

Actually, this little tirade of yours is beginning to get a little weird.

 

I think YOU are the one on a "tirade" because look at how you're reacting to a simple post I made. Again ... I can't help the fact that you didn't like what I wrote. I was done with it, you took it all over the place.

If you don't understand what I wrote then read the first post again. It is a s simple as it sounds and very self-explanatory.

Anyway Chief, ... It's late and I gotta get some rest. You've missed what I was trying to communicate in the first response to the post you made where you kept repeating the statement; "I don't get it" ... (???)

Not only did you miss the main point, you took it way out there in some remote corner of left field thereafter.

Regardless ... Have a nice night and I'll get back to you later. Got a real cool car show here in Houston tomorrow that I got to make. I got to go check out all the BOSS 429/BOSS302/BOSS 351/MACH I/GT 350/GT 500 cars and the DeTomaso Panteras so I can be reminded that once upon a time Ford did things right.

LATERZ ~ !!!

 

if someone wants to pay 39k for a new bullitt the dealer take it. however more 2008 bullitts will be sold for msrp and lower than those with any adms.

currently shelby gts are being sold at invoice pricing. this is about 2k below the msrp of 38k for a small option shelby gt. if the shelby gt can not sell for msrp why would anyone mark up a bullitt?

you like repeating yourself dont you?

freight, shipping, delivery cost is one payment. in other words its the same thing.
and your last 3 paragraphs in this qoute say the same thing. and yet they are all wrong.

the only additional cost for buying out of market is shipping and or the flight or drive to pick up you car. you may ship your car anywhere in the nation for under 1500 bucks in an enclosed trailer. this fee is all inclusive meaning it includes shipping taxes and shipping insurance. once the car arrives in state you will then pay to title your car and pay taxes on your new car purchase. you will not pay these fees when you purchase an out of state car.

in conclusion if you can save more than 2k by purchasing the car elsewhere you can save money on your car purchase.

you do know that the 8k dollar shelby gt package is not a dealer markup correct? this is what shelby charges the dealers to upgrade mustang gt's.

adms happen whenever there is a hot new car regardless of make. yes the camaro will have a nice adm for the first year or more.

trading in a car is an easy way to sell a car for less than its value! one can very easily sell it themselves and create extra money. in fact dealers will make more money on used cars than new cars.
in short sell the car yourself and save money, then go out of market and save more money. you can save 5k or more if work at it.

it was because of this comment, that many believed that you wanted to trade in your car for a new mustang.

you just said you always trade your cars in. im confused? you always trade your cars in but now you dont want to trade your car in?

and you can sell your car at any time. it does not need to be paid off to sell your car privately.

dont buy from dealerships that mark up cars. its that simple. or you can always purchase used from private party to really stick it to all the dealers.

fact is that all dealerships are not alike. find one that does not mark up any of thier cars, and only buy from them. and as stated over and over, it is real easy to go out of market and save thousands of dollars on a new car purchase!

 

you dont ship your trade!!!! you sell locally!