Shopping for a Mustang

twetzel · 08-15-2001, 09:17 AM

Hi.

I finally have enough money to buy a decent car, and I want a Mustang. Not brand new, but as new as I can afford - around $20k +/- 2k. Of course, I want the 4.6L and a 5-speed, and a coupe. My question is this: what kind of things should I be looking for when shopping for a Mustang? Are some years better/faster? I recall someone telling me once that some cars of the same year had different gear ratios in the rear end, making some cars faster than others. What things like that should I pay attention to? Like everyone, I want it to go fast, but I don't have a million buck to spend. I would like to get into the new body style, but I'm not sure if I'll be able to afford it. I shopped for a Mustang a few years ago and found that it was difficult to find one that hadn't been driven into the ground; guys who take care of their cars do so because the like their car and want to keep it.

Any info, suggestions, places to research, or comments are appreciated. I will be cruising this forum for a while, because I will be buying the car in January 2002.

Thanks.

------------------
Tim

Mustang92 · 08-15-2001, 10:23 AM

99+ GT 5 speed is what your looking for. All 99 and newer GT's come with 3.27's and they all make the same amount of power. There should be no reason you can't find a used one for under 20K. I've seen 99's as cheap as 15K. There is no special model with more power or better gears unless you find one that has been modified or is a Cobra.

------------------
00 GT, MAC Offroad H, Steeda Pulleys & Timing Adjuster, 4.10’s, Flows w/turndowns, UPR shifter, UPR Pro Series LCA’s, Lakewood 70/30’s & 50/50’s, 253.8 RWHP/292.8RWTQ
12.91@101.93 (1.74 60ft)
M/M 100, 7085
2001 Mod Motor Shootout 2V NA Champion
Recent Pic from Moroso

twetzel · 08-15-2001, 02:03 PM

Thanks for the reply.
About the Cobra; is it worth the extra cash as far as performance is concerned? My car will be a daily driver with 40 to 50 miles a day on it (half highway, half city) and will not be garaged. If I got a car that is sought after for its collector value, I would feel bad wearing it out. On the other hand, I probably can't afford a Cobra anyway, so I shouldn't worry about it.

Skeeter · 08-15-2001, 05:25 PM

Actually a Cobra wouldn't be out of the question. I just bought a 1997 Cobra vert w/ 7000 miles for $21000. There were 2 more across town, a 97, and a 98, both coupes, approx. 20,000 miles, in the same price range. So, yes you could afford a Cobra.
Is it worth it? Depends on what else you find, and how/if you're planning on modding it.

32V SVT · 08-16-2001, 04:32 PM

I highly recommend using a search engine like "Autotrader.com". It really worked for me here (Los Angeles) I was able to totally research the exact car I was looking for in the price range I wanted. I'm sure they handel ad's across the country too. I found a 1999 Cobra fully loaded for $20,900. and after taxes and licensing paid $23,000. This car is AWESOME!!!

Good Luck!

95GTS · 08-16-2001, 05:53 PM

Ditto on Mustang92. If you want the 4.6 then don't go below the 99 GT. Unless it's a Cobra. Then you can go down to 96. With $20,000 imagine what you could do with a good used 5.0 stang and it'd be paid off. But to each man his own. The www.autotrader.com/ is excellent for finding a vehicle like was mentioned.

------------------
1994 Red SVT Lightning #2019

[This message has been edited by 96GTS (edited 08-16-2001).]

Bushmaster · 08-17-2001, 04:57 AM

If you've got $20K +/- 2K ($22K) to spend, just buy a new GT. You should be able to find a Premium package car for that, if you do some reasonable dickering with the dealer. You'll not only get the car, but you'll get the warranty and you'll get to break it in and know it's complete history.

------------------

Stefan · 08-17-2001, 08:03 AM

Hey Bud,
You're only a couple hours away from me so if you narrow down your search let me know. I can keep an eye on the dealerships around here ( and the papers as well) if you want. You'll most likely find what you need around the Wichita area but it never hurts to have a few extra eyes on the game.

Brett

------------------
66 Tahoe Turquoise Coupe
Laser Red 96GT Ragtop
30 Years & 30 inches apart in the driveway!

twetzel · 08-17-2001, 07:49 PM

What does the Cobra have over the GT? (If it's too much to list here, can someone point me to a good online referenct?) I will be able to slowly add mods such as gears, hpipe, pulleys, etc. (I will stay n/a).

What year did they switch from 5.0L to 4.6L? Which is better? (I don't want to start any big arguments, though.

) I'm kind of leaning to the 4.6L because I like the newer body.

Bushmaster: I'm not familiar with the various packages that are available. Can you expand on your comment, or point me to a good reference?

Stefan: Thanks for the offer. When it gets close to the time that I am ready to buy (~Jan 02) I may be contacting you.

SMOKE · 08-19-2001, 02:39 PM

First, 32V SVT you are a lucky man. Congrats on the pick up.

twetzel
What does the Cobra have over the GT?
> Bigger Brakes, 32V DOHC motor -higher rev range and more power (stock)

I will be able to slowly add mods such as gears, hpipe, pulleys, etc. (I will stay n/a).
What year did they switch from 5.0L to 4.6L?
>94-95 SN95 Mustangs ... 5.0L
> 96 to present 4.6L SOHC or DOHC

Which is better? (I don't want to start any big arguments, though. )
>Depends on your level of involvement. Most 5.0s gearheads will preach on about how much better the 5.0L aftermarket is than the 4.6L.
FACT: The 5.0L has cheaper and more abundant parts
The 4.6L aftermarket is coming along well but seriously lags behind the 5.0 crowd and parts are more expensive.

I'm kind of leaning to the 4.6L because I like the newer body
Ultimate combo 94-95 with the 5.0L ... not the new edge stlye, 99+ style.

------------------
K!
Personalized Black 98 SVO Blown DVD/TV equipped daily driver Stage II ROUSH
without the side exhaust
Dyno 303rwhp 338rwtrq
Still working out the kinks!!!

SVT99COBRA · 08-23-2001, 03:30 PM

FYI - I just traded my 1998 SVT Contour in with the 1999 SVT Cobra one month ago. I do not feel anything bad, just proud of it!

Why?
Because even it's still stock, the performance is simply outstanding. It beats '99 M3, '00 S4 and '01 Camaro SS.
Please look under the hood between GT and Cobra and let your taste decide...

------------------
99 SVT Mustang COBRA #2085 of a build of 4040
Electric Green

08-28-2001, 03:27 AM

i bought a new ? 2000 gt in feb for 20'000 loaded out rear crash warning lights etched windows mach 460 stero with cd leather & all but if you are going to wait till jan maybe you can get a cobra 2000 or 2001 for aruond that i would have liked to have gotten an svt but am still paying for a house too just don't get a 6 banger if you're not going to race a lot get the gt if you are get the snake they are boyh fast but the snake has the cake good luck on your're choice FORDS RULE

------------------

Unit 5302 · 08-28-2001, 06:40 PM

I've seen the 99 GT priced as low as $14k. Try www.classifieds2000.com.

It's a better search engine than Autotrader. More options, better for narrowing searches.

I would personally avoid the 1996-1998 GT's. To make them fast is just too much money. The 1996-1998 Cobra's need very little to be very fast, and they are a little bit better as a platform for very hi performance street/strip applications, because they have a solid rear axle. They make less hp and are a different body style though.

A 1999 or 2001 Cobra (there is no 2000 model) makes 320hp and should run mid 13's stock. Differences from the GT are significant. Independant rear suspension, DOHC 32v engine, styling package, bigger brakes, better wheels/tires, and some other odds and ends. I've shopped these cars recently, and right now, it's hard to come by one of these, unless you max your price range. On a side note, gears and tires will put the car into the 12's or damn close to it, and you should be able to keep your warranty.

The 1999-2001 GT has 260hp. You can find a 99 with 20k miles at as low as $14k right now. Stock they should run about a 14 flat with a good driver. The 1999 GT is what I will most likely be buying in the late winter of next year.

As far as the 5.0 vs 4.6 debate, I currently drive a 1987 GT with 152k miles on it. The engine doesn't tick, knock, or stutter. Even with it's horrible gearing (2.73's) I pull LT-1's in 3rd gear and all it has is exhaust, H pipe, and a K&N. I don't even have the timing bumped. Gteched last spring, missing from a bad vacuum line to the BAP sensor, with stock 10* timing, on a shitty country road, with a z spec 2.95 1st gear, with 100 extra lbs of crap in the car and 30k on it's last tuneup it ran 14.19@103.8mph. Even after subtracting the 3-4mph Gtech variance, it traps just as fast as a new GT. Had it been properly tuned with a clean airfilter and 30min of work I could have probably pulled a 13.8x@105 out of it. In my opinion the 5.0L stock for stock will usually lose to a new 4.6L GT, but it's got a bit of Musclecar to it, where the new GT feels more like, well, a GT.

[This message has been edited by Unit 5302 (edited 08-28-2001).]

08-15-2001, 09:17 AM	#1
twetzel Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Wichita, KS Posts: 17	Shopping for a Mustang Hi. I finally have enough money to buy a decent car, and I want a Mustang. Not brand new, but as new as I can afford - around $20k +/- 2k. Of course, I want the 4.6L and a 5-speed, and a coupe. My question is this: what kind of things should I be looking for when shopping for a Mustang? Are some years better/faster? I recall someone telling me once that some cars of the same year had different gear ratios in the rear end, making some cars faster than others. What things like that should I pay attention to? Like everyone, I want it to go fast, but I don't have a million buck to spend. I would like to get into the new body style, but I'm not sure if I'll be able to afford it. I shopped for a Mustang a few years ago and found that it was difficult to find one that hadn't been driven into the ground; guys who take care of their cars do so because the like their car and want to keep it. Any info, suggestions, places to research, or comments are appreciated. I will be cruising this forum for a while, because I will be buying the car in January 2002. Thanks. ------------------ Tim

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08-15-2001, 10:23 AM	#2
Mustang92 Drag Racer! Join Date: Nov 1999 Location: Lake Worth, FL USA Posts: 757	99+ GT 5 speed is what your looking for. All 99 and newer GT's come with 3.27's and they all make the same amount of power. There should be no reason you can't find a used one for under 20K. I've seen 99's as cheap as 15K. There is no special model with more power or better gears unless you find one that has been modified or is a Cobra. ------------------ 00 GT, MAC Offroad H, Steeda Pulleys & Timing Adjuster, 4.10’s, Flows w/turndowns, UPR shifter, UPR Pro Series LCA’s, Lakewood 70/30’s & 50/50’s, 253.8 RWHP/292.8RWTQ 12.91@101.93 (1.74 60ft) M/M 100, 7085 2001 Mod Motor Shootout 2V NA Champion Recent Pic from Moroso

08-15-2001, 02:03 PM	#3
twetzel Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Wichita, KS Posts: 17	Thanks for the reply. About the Cobra; is it worth the extra cash as far as performance is concerned? My car will be a daily driver with 40 to 50 miles a day on it (half highway, half city) and will not be garaged. If I got a car that is sought after for its collector value, I would feel bad wearing it out. On the other hand, I probably can't afford a Cobra anyway, so I shouldn't worry about it.

08-15-2001, 05:25 PM	#4
Skeeter Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: St. Paul, MN, USA Posts: 11	Actually a Cobra wouldn't be out of the question. I just bought a 1997 Cobra vert w/ 7000 miles for $21000. There were 2 more across town, a 97, and a 98, both coupes, approx. 20,000 miles, in the same price range. So, yes you could afford a Cobra. Is it worth it? Depends on what else you find, and how/if you're planning on modding it.

08-16-2001, 04:32 PM	#5
32V SVT Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Redondo Beach, Ca. Posts: 8	I highly recommend using a search engine like "Autotrader.com". It really worked for me here (Los Angeles) I was able to totally research the exact car I was looking for in the price range I wanted. I'm sure they handel ad's across the country too. I found a 1999 Cobra fully loaded for $20,900. and after taxes and licensing paid $23,000. This car is AWESOME!!! Good Luck!

08-16-2001, 05:53 PM	#6
95GTS Git jiggy Join Date: Oct 1999 Location: MO USA Posts: 865	Ditto on Mustang92. If you want the 4.6 then don't go below the 99 GT. Unless it's a Cobra. Then you can go down to 96. With $20,000 imagine what you could do with a good used 5.0 stang and it'd be paid off. But to each man his own. The www.autotrader.com/ is excellent for finding a vehicle like was mentioned. ------------------ 1994 Red SVT Lightning #2019 [This message has been edited by 96GTS (edited 08-16-2001).]

08-17-2001, 04:57 AM	#7
Bushmaster Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: austin, tx Posts: 8	If you've got $20K +/- 2K ($22K) to spend, just buy a new GT. You should be able to find a Premium package car for that, if you do some reasonable dickering with the dealer. You'll not only get the car, but you'll get the warranty and you'll get to break it in and know it's complete history. ------------------

08-17-2001, 08:03 AM	#8
Stefan Registered Member Join Date: Dec 1998 Location: Manhattan, KS 66502 Posts: 599	Hey Bud, You're only a couple hours away from me so if you narrow down your search let me know. I can keep an eye on the dealerships around here ( and the papers as well) if you want. You'll most likely find what you need around the Wichita area but it never hurts to have a few extra eyes on the game. Brett ------------------ 66 Tahoe Turquoise Coupe Laser Red 96GT Ragtop 30 Years & 30 inches apart in the driveway!

08-17-2001, 07:49 PM	#9
twetzel Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Wichita, KS Posts: 17	What does the Cobra have over the GT? (If it's too much to list here, can someone point me to a good online referenct?) I will be able to slowly add mods such as gears, hpipe, pulleys, etc. (I will stay n/a). What year did they switch from 5.0L to 4.6L? Which is better? (I don't want to start any big arguments, though. ) I'm kind of leaning to the 4.6L because I like the newer body. Bushmaster: I'm not familiar with the various packages that are available. Can you expand on your comment, or point me to a good reference? Stefan: Thanks for the offer. When it gets close to the time that I am ready to buy (~Jan 02) I may be contacting you.

08-19-2001, 02:39 PM	#10
SMOKE Old School ROUSH Join Date: Nov 1999 Location: Stockbridge, GA Posts: 531	First, 32V SVT you are a lucky man. Congrats on the pick up. twetzel What does the Cobra have over the GT? > Bigger Brakes, 32V DOHC motor -higher rev range and more power (stock) I will be able to slowly add mods such as gears, hpipe, pulleys, etc. (I will stay n/a). What year did they switch from 5.0L to 4.6L? >94-95 SN95 Mustangs ... 5.0L > 96 to present 4.6L SOHC or DOHC Which is better? (I don't want to start any big arguments, though. ) >Depends on your level of involvement. Most 5.0s gearheads will preach on about how much better the 5.0L aftermarket is than the 4.6L. FACT: The 5.0L has cheaper and more abundant parts The 4.6L aftermarket is coming along well but seriously lags behind the 5.0 crowd and parts are more expensive. I'm kind of leaning to the 4.6L because I like the newer body Ultimate combo 94-95 with the 5.0L ... not the new edge stlye, 99+ style. ------------------ K! Personalized Black 98 SVO Blown DVD/TV equipped daily driver Stage II ROUSH without the side exhaust Dyno 303rwhp 338rwtrq Still working out the kinks!!!

08-23-2001, 03:30 PM	#11
SVT99COBRA Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Newark, DE - The First State Posts: 15	FYI - I just traded my 1998 SVT Contour in with the 1999 SVT Cobra one month ago. I do not feel anything bad, just proud of it! Why? Because even it's still stock, the performance is simply outstanding. It beats '99 M3, '00 S4 and '01 Camaro SS. Please look under the hood between GT and Cobra and let your taste decide... ------------------ 99 SVT Mustang COBRA #2085 of a build of 4040 Electric Green

08-28-2001, 03:27 AM	#12
mustang marty gt Guest Posts: n/a	i bought a new ? 2000 gt in feb for 20'000 loaded out rear crash warning lights etched windows mach 460 stero with cd leather & all but if you are going to wait till jan maybe you can get a cobra 2000 or 2001 for aruond that i would have liked to have gotten an svt but am still paying for a house too just don't get a 6 banger if you're not going to race a lot get the gt if you are get the snake they are boyh fast but the snake has the cake good luck on your're choice FORDS RULE ------------------

08-28-2001, 06:40 PM	#13
Unit 5302 Registered Member Join Date: May 1999 Posts: 5,246	I've seen the 99 GT priced as low as $14k. Try www.classifieds2000.com. It's a better search engine than Autotrader. More options, better for narrowing searches. I would personally avoid the 1996-1998 GT's. To make them fast is just too much money. The 1996-1998 Cobra's need very little to be very fast, and they are a little bit better as a platform for very hi performance street/strip applications, because they have a solid rear axle. They make less hp and are a different body style though. A 1999 or 2001 Cobra (there is no 2000 model) makes 320hp and should run mid 13's stock. Differences from the GT are significant. Independant rear suspension, DOHC 32v engine, styling package, bigger brakes, better wheels/tires, and some other odds and ends. I've shopped these cars recently, and right now, it's hard to come by one of these, unless you max your price range. On a side note, gears and tires will put the car into the 12's or damn close to it, and you should be able to keep your warranty. The 1999-2001 GT has 260hp. You can find a 99 with 20k miles at as low as $14k right now. Stock they should run about a 14 flat with a good driver. The 1999 GT is what I will most likely be buying in the late winter of next year. As far as the 5.0 vs 4.6 debate, I currently drive a 1987 GT with 152k miles on it. The engine doesn't tick, knock, or stutter. Even with it's horrible gearing (2.73's) I pull LT-1's in 3rd gear and all it has is exhaust, H pipe, and a K&N. I don't even have the timing bumped. Gteched last spring, missing from a bad vacuum line to the BAP sensor, with stock 10* timing, on a shitty country road, with a z spec 2.95 1st gear, with 100 extra lbs of crap in the car and 30k on it's last tuneup it ran 14.19@103.8mph. Even after subtracting the 3-4mph Gtech variance, it traps just as fast as a new GT. Had it been properly tuned with a clean airfilter and 30min of work I could have probably pulled a 13.8x@105 out of it. In my opinion the 5.0L stock for stock will usually lose to a new 4.6L GT, but it's got a bit of Musclecar to it, where the new GT feels more like, well, a GT. [This message has been edited by Unit 5302 (edited 08-28-2001).]