Hello all! I am looking at purchasing my first Mustang after all my years of driving Minivans and station wagons (remember those?!).
I have been doing a lot of research and even rented a 2006 Mustang Convertible V6 from Hertz for a day just to get an idea what it drove like. The last Mustang I drove was a 2004 40th anniversary convertible model, also a V6 from Hertz and I was not impressed with the engine.
As I understand it the 2005+ V6 is a different motor than the 3.8L that was used in previous V6 Mustangs?
The Hertz rental sure seemed to have a lot of power compared to what I remember from the other one I drove.
Is the 2005 V8 the same as say a 2003 GT?
The reason I ask is that I can afford a new V6 coupe, MAYBE a new V6 Convertible, but I can't afford a new GT and a GT convertible is out of the question.
I have an opportunity to purchase a 2003 GT convertible Ford 100th anniversary model, loaded, with 16k miles on it from a dealer for about $19k.
I would love to have a GT convertible and this is one way I could do it but I am not sure if I would rather have the newer style, if only for the improvements Ford has made.
I am scheduling a test drive to compare. Anything I should look out for with the older model?
If I buy a new V6 I can get a Ford 'X plan' price so that is a consideration. Dealers aren't bargaining on the GT's at all and most are priced near $30k which is too much.
I also need an automatic.
Like others in the group I do tend to keep my cars forever.
Has anyone else been in this situation? What did you decide and why?
Thank you for any sage advice you can offer and have a pleasant day!
Terry