HELP - NEED BUYING INFO ON MUSTANGS....

If any of you guys/gals could throw me some advice I would appreciate it. Looking around to buy the wifey (and me, but don't tell 'er) a '05 - 08 Mustang-used. Not interested in power - just looks and decent mpg. Want the basic V-6 2dr coupe, auto w/power options, leather or cloth - Red or Black paint. Hope to get something with not more than 30k on the od.

As I window shop looks like we can get something pretty decent for around $12-15K...correct expectation?.
Is there anything in particular I need to watch out for in these basic models of Mustangs ?
In researching it looks like we'll get around 23mpg average with the V-6, auto with a light foot - sound right?
Any recommended dealers to shop or to shy away from ?
Anything else ?

Thanks in advance !

You've come to the right place. We have a few members with the V-6 package, maybe they can chime in. With all the rebates and employee pricing being thrown around...you might be able to get yourself in a new one in the price range your looking at.

As for MPG...you should see high high 20s on the highway. Heck...maybe even 30. Im basing this off of my GT. I was getting 26-27MPH on occasion with stock rearend gears. With 4.10 gears i am down to about 23-24 MPH highway.

I would do some searching at Bob Hurley Ford and let them know the Bold Moves Mustang club sent you....you should get a fair deal. Talk to Randy there and ask him to set you up with someone to show you some of the cars.

Im sure others will chime in as well. and Welcome to the club!!

try to private message mustangfanatic she is wanting to get a standard gt if she can sell hers

Yep what Kelley said. I was just thinking the same thing. Hers is real nice and has some upgrades to the appearance that you might find appealing.

Thanks guys for the info. Very helpful. I'll pm mustangfanatic and see what's up. My original plans where to purchase sometime in Feb. when I get my Tahoe paid but the more I look the more I want a pony....err, for my wife of course. I'll probably have some questions pop up and bug you guys again - appreciate it.

Bug us all you want!!! Thats what we are here for!!

I have a friend who buys from the manufacturers auctions in Kansas City and St Louis. Two weeks ago I could have got an 07 GT, standard, white w/ red interior upgrade and 10,000 miles for $19,000. That is what the dealer is paying to get the car on the lot. Based off of that, I would say you are close to 10-15k range for a decent mileage 05-08 LX.

Another tip is if you have an ebay account, log in and do an advanced search and see what completed listings have closed for. This gives a good estimate of what people are truly willing to pay and what the consumer market thinks the car is worth. When all else fails call up your bank and ask them what they would loan on it, the only problem with that is with as fast as the market is changing, I dont think all the books can keep up with the price changes.

You might just look at the dealerships at the new ones too. Rebates and incentives are insane right now. I think there is even an incentive if you have a pulse, lol. If your willing to spend 15K and can get a new one for an extra 5-6 grand, why not for 0 miles and 3/36 warranty. Just my opinion. Also, if you do start looking at new ones, look for ones on the dealers lot. The dealers get a holdback of money from the manufacturer, typically 1.5-2% of the invoice price. If they have to trade with another dealer, they lose the holdback on the car. So you are more likely to get a better deal on one that they have vs. one they have to go and get.

my 2 cents

IT ALL DEPENDS ON WHAT KIND OF CAR YOU WANT. OPTIONS EAT UP A LOT OF DOLLARS. I HAVE A V6 AND A GT.PERSONALLY FOR THE DOLLARS, IF BUYING USED I WOULD GET A GT. YOU WILL ENJOY IT MORE AND THE MPG IS THE SAME (OF COURSE THE RESALE WILL BE MUCH BETTER). I THINK MY GT GETS BETTER MPG THAN THE V6. THE NICE THING ABOUT THESE CARS IS YOU CAN MAKE IT WHAT YOU WANT IT TO BE.START WITH A PLAIN CAR AND ADD THE OPPTIONS YOURSELF. GOOD LUCK AND TELL YOUR WIFE ITS A LIFESTYLE INVESTMENT.

Thanks Chris. Hmmm....upgrade to a GT...I've done crazier. I'll pass the word on to the little woman.

yes i went to buy a v6 made the mistake of going for a test drive in a GT there was no doubt after that

if you really want a v6 i suggest not mashing the gas pedal to the floor in a GT

good advice here, and i agree about the mileage of the V6 being pretty equal to that of a GT. you'd probably be lucky to see 2 mpg better around town in the V6, but on the highway until i started modding mine i was getting about 25mpg if i was doing a steady 80-85mph and closer to 28mpg if i was doing around 70. i really think if it's gas you're worried about the V6 isn't the way to go and you're actually taking the fun factor out of owning a mustang during those times you do want to hit the gas a little and hear the exhaust/torque. you should be able to find an 05-06 for around 15k. as for finding the V6's.....you'll find them all day long for what you're wanting to spend. probably the best option if you really want to have a killer gas mileage car is to get a manual and swap out the transmission for a 6speed. you'd be amazed what you can get with that swap.

this one is 17000 on ebay buy it now option, but also has the option to make an offer. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Cars-Trucks___2006-Ford-Mustang-GT-Premium-V8-Auto-Red-Tan-Leather_W0QQitemZ180309277243QQddnZCarsQ20Q26Q20TrucksQQddiZ2282QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUS_Cars_Trucks?hash=item180309277243&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245&_trkparms=65%3A7%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318

get a standard and teach the wifey how to drive it....its worth it
standards are much better on gas mileage...plus alot more fun to drive
my .02

Ok its settled!!! get a GT that has a Standard 5 speed!! Gas is pretty much the same...and with todays prices you can snag a used one up for Cheap!! better overall investment and FUN!