Mustang Loyalty

[Unit 5302]

What's your next car going to be? Do people already have a car in mind, and if so, is a Mustang on the list of cantidates. The only reason I ask is because the Mustang doesn't really seriously make the cut on my list anymore, even though I plan on keeping my Explorer as a second vehicle.

The 2003-2004 Mach 1 or possibly a pre SC Cobra are the only cars I would consider with the Blue Oval right now. I had such bad luck with my '02 GT that I'm simply not able to consider another newer GT. The 2003-2004 Cobra's are very expensive, still commanding $25k+ from dealers in many cases. The Mach 1, while relatively inexpensive from private sellers seems to be the target of a ridiculous markup by dealers.

Also, the new Mustang's seem to be rather... well... expensive to be honest. Booking at over $25k brand new, they're closing in on territory occupied by cars with somewhat less straight line performance, but arguably much better quality and comfort.

My critera... Blue, the car absolutely has to be blue. No exceptions. Decent fuel economy, reliable (or at least free from major reliability issues), under $15k, would prefer low mileage 30k or less, fun to drive, manual transmission. A lot for a little? Perhaps, though most things are flexible. No Honda or Toyota products. I need the car to have some sort of soul for cripes sake. No GM or Chrysler products either (remember that reliability issue I brought up?)

The fox body 5.0GT would be on my shopping list, but this is the kind of stuff you deal with

Ebay GT

The fender is rusted, the quarter panel is likely rusted through, the hatch is rusted (probably toast), the interior is stained, and the front seat lumbar looks to be broken, it's not emissions legal (no cats), the whole engine bay is dirty, the AC doesn't work, the owner doesn't know what gears are in it (thinks 3.73s.....) the brakes are shot, the tires look bad, the paint is peeled from the bumper covers, the tint is shot, the paint is mismatched/faded and the buy it now is $4k. It says 82k miles... unlikely, but I suppose possible. Anyway, it's a piece of shit.

So what am I truly left with that fits into my categories (the fox is just a love thing)

Audi A4
BMW 3 Series
Ford Mustang Cobra 99, 01 possibly 98 Atlantic Blue
Ford Mustang Mach 1
Hyundai Tiburon 03+
Jaguar XK8 (yes yes, I know meets like 0 critera.. but can't help myself)
Mazda3
Mazda6
Mercury Cougar 99-02 (yes they have a lot of "little" issues)
Subaru 2.5RS
Volkswagen Jetta
Volvo S40