[smoothvirus]

Hi folks - I'm considering buying a new 2005 Mustang GT this spring. Right now I'm leasing a Toyota Celica GT-S. I like my Celica and it's never given me any trouble, but my lease is up in early April and I'm ready to move on. Sadly, Toyota has decided to get out of the sports car business in North America for now.

(I know I just used the "T word" in your guys' forum. Please be gentle! )

Anyhow now is the time to get really serious and start doing my research on what to get next. Ever since I saw the ads for the new Mustangs, the car has been at the top of my list. I really like the retro look on the new car. First thought that came into my head was "Holy cow! Just like Steve McQueen in Bullitt!" The new Mustang is a work of art.

I've never owned a Ford before. Last American car I had was a 88' Monte Carlo SS. Beautiful car, but a total nightmare on maintenace! It will be a long time before I consider a GM again. All I ever had to do with the Toyotas I've owned is change the oil and tires. How do you guys feel Ford is on quality? Not Ford quality 10 years ago, but now.

I did go over to Koon's Ford in Falls Church VA today and looked at the GT they had on the showroom floor. Pretty nice.. they did try to get me to put a deposit down on one but I want to do my homework first. Anyone have experience with Koon's or another dealer in Northern Virginia?

Thanks in advance folks. I'll admit to being pretty much clueless when it comes to buying a car. I'm not even clear on what my options are going to be at the end of my lease ( can I use the Celica as a trade in? dunno!). Decent financing is probably going to be the deciding factor here. Last time I was a total schmoe and got the Celica on a complete spur of the moment... yeah yeah, I know - not too bright. You live, you learn.. I don't want to make the same mistake this time around, so I'm getting ready now.

Let me add that I checked out some other Mustang forums before coming here but after reading a bunch of childish drama on "the other forums" I came here. I think this is a much nicer place.


Cheers,

Cyrus "the Smoothvirus"

[Peet]

After buying some Jeeps in the late 80's I said never American again. Sad, but true. The mustang changed that for me. Since the 80's I've been 100% German. VW, BMW, and MB - I traded in an almost 2 year old Mercedes to get my GT. Hope this helps to make you feel right about this decision!

Read the lease docs. Most of them let you buy the car out for a fixed amount (decided at lease inception) or turn it in and walk away. If the buyout is 5000 and the car is worth 7000 buy it out and trade it in or sell it for the 2k profit. If it's the other way round, drive it in to the dealer, and walk out. If you will be trading it in - you have to own it.

P

[scottrngr]

My dad has driven Fords and Lincolns all his life, and I've driven fords since 93, a Ranger, 2 Contours, Explorer, and Escape, and am getting a Mustang. I've had no real problems with any of them, other having regular maintance done. My only reservation with the Mustang is the rear wheel drive in snow, so I'm getting an old 4wd to drive in the winter.

[smoothvirus]

Originally Posted by Peet

After buying some Jeeps in the late 80's I said never American again. Sad, but true. The mustang changed that for me. Since the 80's I've been 100% German. VW, BMW, and MB - I traded in an almost 2 year old Mercedes to get my GT. Hope this helps to make you feel right about this decision!

Read the lease docs. Most of them let you buy the car out for a fixed amount (decided at lease inception) or turn it in and walk away. If the buyout is 5000 and the car is worth 7000 buy it out and trade it in or sell it for the 2k profit. If it's the other way round, drive it in to the dealer, and walk out. If you will be trading it in - you have to own it.

P

Thank you Peet. OK, that makes sense on the lease then. The mileage is somewhat low for a 5 year old car, 46000. So I may be good there. Don't know yet.

I'm also considering the 350Z and the Impreza WRX. Both nice cars, but in my mind the Mustang GT is the current leader.

[smoothvirus]

Originally Posted by scottrngr

My only reservation with the Mustang is the rear wheel drive in snow, so I'm getting an old 4wd to drive in the winter.

Glad to hear you had good experiences with Ford, Scott. It's rare for us to get deep snow here in Virginia so I'm not too worried about that.

It does happen sometimes, we had big snows in 1996 and 2003.

[jqaq]

Check out this comparision test (video) between the GT, the 350Z and the RX8,
jq

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/Comparos/articleId=104196