I don't claim passion to be exclusive to Mustang owners but its level is otherwise we would be seeing a lot more MINIs than Mustangs, wouldn't we. And we don't.

 

Some of the dealers were asking (and getting) above MSRP. Those are the ones to which I was refering.

 

Bullseye!

That's exactly what should have happened when the S197 came out.

As I said before, the ADMs on the S197 Mustangs caused me to rethink my somewhat blind loyalty to FoMoCo. I'm sure there are many other previously loyal Ford customers who now aren't quite so loyal.

 

Seeing as how it has been in production in its new form since 2001, and seeing as how the Mustang has been sold 40 years, I think its fair to say the number would be different.

The original MINI started production in 1959 and continued until 2000, with over 5.5 million produced. Obviously, many of those were sold overseas.

The current MINI has about 180,000 units worldwide, which is being increased to handle more demand and provide an additional model - the Clubman. The US gets somewhere around half that number.

 

I know they were but it didn't last that long because the car didn't command it, similar to what we have seen with the Shelby GT.

 

Between the Solstice and the Sky, GM's production levels were behind for about 8 months. I was made aware of some people paying ADMs on the Sky during that time.

In both cases, production caught up with demand. My point is that dealers other than Ford dealers charge ADMs.

As many have mentioned here, those who buy them at the increased price think it is worth it to have one at that time. Their passion for the car outweighs the extra dollars.

 

The MINI is an excellent car with high profile details, possibly tops in its class. I am fully aware of its history, popularity, and production numbers but as you posted they are nowhere near the Mustang's.

As far as I am concerned the only other car that comes close to matching the categories previously mentioned is the Corvette.

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It is a fact Ford dealers are not the only ones charging ADMs. The Chevy guys have gone through the same ordeal as we have and soon will have to go through it again. What is also a fact is whether it is the '05 GT, the '07 GT500, or the Z06 the ADM endurance has been a lot more than on any other model which includes the Sky and the Solstice.

 

If we are talking about V8-engined performance cars, I agree. if we are talking more broadly, then I see a difference.

 

Another thing to remember is that there are few cars that have survived contiguously to this day, such that their styling now remains reminiscent of their original styling.

The Porsche 911 and Mustang are the only two I can think of offhand. The Mini and the Bug went away for quite a while before they were resurrected.

 

MINI Cooper and Volkswagen Beetle are 2 cars that immediately come to mind in terms of styling. They stayed in production constantly up until the times they were reintroduced in their restyled form in the North American market.

 

I did not imply otherwise. A case can be made for dozens of models. One that comes to mind is the Civic, a story of true success. But when it's all said and done, it is just a means of transportation. Compare it to the the upcomming BULLITT and it will sure beat it on gas mileage and economy but not on the pride and fun factors.

 

Not a car per se, but the Jeep CJ has remained pretty constant over the years and has a very loyal following like the mustang.

 

Indeed!

 

You sure about that?

Assuming there is evidence that suggests this is the case, then I would say that finding the right dealer or waiting until demand and production are balanced is what increases the opportunities to get the cars.

If I am not mistaken, you got your GT500 at MSRP, correct? This was during a period of high demand. Others are doing the same. Some are paying the asking price of MSRP+.

I assume with the number of cars you have purchased, you have seen this trend. I suspect you might see it in the future as well, whether with the updated Mustang, the new Camaro, the new Challenger, or whatever else people deem as the hot model.

 

So... Which is the best CAI and axle back for it?
And, is it available in DHG with a double vented hood?

 

Yes I am. Why else would I post it if I wasn't?
Oh! Perhaps you are recalling the story I posted and bragged about. The hand shake deal I reached with my trusted friend and sales manager of the local dealer, remember? A car identical to the one I ordered did come in, resided on the employees' only restricted area for a few days, then mysteriously disappeared. BTW, don't let the word get out, it's supposed to be a secret.

I wonder what ever happened to it?



No, I wasn't that lucky. It was not an exorbitant ADM, nevertheless, there was one. The consolation is that I am enjoying my car and the dealer is enjoying a lot less overhead, possibly due to their tansition to used car sales.

 

George, I run the indirect lending department for a multi-billion dollar credit union in the south east and I can tell you people were paying in between 5-8k for the sky and solstice. They were also forced to upgrade to a higher level wheel combo because of shortages and were still waiting 5-8 months. It doesn't matter though. Ford's biggest problem is that we have all been used to getting cheap cars for a cheap price. They built in rebates that were exhorbatant and have now adjusted pricing because they have to. The explorer is a lot better than it was a few years ago and if you notice the rebates are a lot less than they were. Ford dug itself a hole because we expect to pay less than msrp. All the manufacturer's listed above have set pricing and do not budge off of msrp for anybody by the factory. I would rather take my chances and wait for my 500 and get it at x-plan or msrp then take the alternative. Remember its the dealers that are making the money, not ford and Ford has no legal jurisdiction over dealer pricing whereas Saturn does. Bottom line I don't see what products need upgrading except maybe the focus. (GIVE ME A EUROPEAN VERSION). I go to the lot frequently and I am happy with the products. You are now seeing msrp deals on 500's. The Shelby GT's are being offered at msrp or x-plan here and people in my club got x-plan on their 05's early in production. Its who you know that counts, because the price is up to the dealer and not ford.

 

My point was not that there are no ADMs for other models, my point was that they are not as prolonged as the models I mentioned. And again, other models don't have the following of the Mustang otherwise compare the sales figures of the Mustang against any muscle car, sports coupe, or convetible and unless there is a model mentioned which sells over 100K annually the comparisson is pointless.

 

Statistically, you're in the minority.

But vision tests are very sophisticated nowadays.

 

price or product or both?

if its the price that is bugging you, find a new dealer. how many dealers are out there? if no one buys the cars at asking price the price will drop real fast. i have never had a problem with finding a fair price on a car/truck that i want to order. usually 500 over invoice or lower, and sometimes x plan. maybe thats it, no one orders from the factory anymore.

product, what do you want? i want a n/a mustang with 400hp and 3400lbs. the only thing missing is decent heads on the 4.6 3 valve. i also want a nice size(fusion or cts) rear wheel drive four door sedan with 300+ hp and a stick shift. yea i am so mad at ford for not building the cars i want to buy!