[gopackersjtxlv]

I've wanted a Mustang since 3rd grade, I'm graduating high school in a few months and decided I'd buy myself a nice graduation gift! (I'm playing for it, not mommy and daddy like a few kids at my school , so I have a budget) But here's my dilemma. I always loved the fast and aerodynamic look of the 2004 body. When I was looking around on craigslist I noticed a big difference in price between the 03' and 04' Mustang, and also noticed that cosmetically, they look pretty much identical. I figured that I could buy the 03' and use the cash that I saved on the car (instead of the 04' model) to buy some extras such as a sound system, cold air intake etc... So what would you more experienced guys suggest I do? Buy the older 03' or just get the 04'? Is anyone with an 03' starting to get problems out of them now that they're a little older? I'm completely new when it comes to cars, but I do know some basic stuff. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[mp4 player]

A year difference isn't going to cause more problems.

Honestly all 99-04 are almost identical. If you can get a older car with less miles go for it. My 2000 has almost no problems.

[mcqueen]

The biggest differences between the 03 and 04 models are the badges (04 has 40th anni fender badges) and the 04 has some slight engine differences, making some of them 3.9L engines. Also, 04's that have the 40th anni package have some visual things that are different from regular 99-04 models, but you can always add those yourself. I would say go with the 03 if money is tight. Also, our cars are full of problems if the previous owners didn't take good care of them, but once you get into modding you'll find that problems just mean a chance to upgrade

[XxstarspyXX]

I got my mustang in my senior year of high school, 2002 v6 94k Miles, so far no problem, you just need to make sure you dont buy a car that was been abused, gl

[Nito2v]

When you buy, don't do it impulsively, though you probably won't. Look carefully, take your time, and make sure when you see it, it's the one. Drive them too, get the most out of the test drive. I also recommend getting a stick if you get the v6, it makes it more fun to drive in my opinion. Your choice though.

Try to get a low mileage garage queen, something an old guy owned. Those seem to be the best.

[Alexander III]

Not a big enough difference between 04 03 justify dishing out more cash.

[mcqueen]

Originally Posted by Ur Panic I also recommend getting a stick if you get the v6, it makes it more fun to drive in my opinion.

I agree, although it's still an opinion. These cars are far from quick without some work so getting a 5speed gives it a little more of a "fun factor" when driving. It just takes some practice to get good a driving it and even more practice to keep yourself shifting at decent points to keep your gas mileage from plummeting

[gopackersjtxlv]

wow! thanks for all the quick info! I know that the 04's cost more because they're the 40th anniversary model, and when it comes to dropping big bucks on anything, I always look at every single aspect of the item. I'll look around for a few weeks, it's still snowing here in Cleveland so I'm in no hurry to get it yet. When I look at the cars, I'll bring my friend who is a mechanic and I also have a friend who's knows a lot about Mustangs, so I'll have some knowledge with me. Also, I take great care of my stuff, I'm not just another teenager who's gonna get wasted and crash it into a brick wall the day I get it.

[mcqueen]

Originally Posted by gopackersjtxlv wow! thanks for all the quick info! I know that the 04's cost more because they're the 40th anniversary model, and when it comes to dropping big bucks on anything, I always look at every single aspect of the item. I'll look around for a few weeks, it's still snowing here in Cleveland so I'm in no hurry to get it yet. When I look at the cars, I'll bring my friend who is a mechanic and I also have a friend who's knows a lot about Mustangs, so I'll have some knowledge with me. Also, I take great care of my stuff, I'm not just another teenager who's gonna get wasted and crash it into a brick wall the day I get it.

Keep in mind, when all that snow melts the prices are going to go up because more people are going to be out enjoying the weather and wanting a sporty car (until winter comes around and they regret buying it). It happens to almost all sports car and motorcycles, then the prices will go back down when the snow starts again. Also remember that the 99-04 V6s are all basically the same with some minor changes over the years such as spoilers, hoods, center consoles, double din vs single din radios, internal vs external balanced engines. Don't just limit yourself to the 03 and 04 models. All the 99-04 models can be excellent cars if they've been maintained. Just stay away from the 94-98 models. They've got single port engines, low gear ratios, and are even slower than the 99-04s.

[gopackersjtxlv]

After reading all of this I decided to look around at the 2000 Mustang's and a few other years as well. I have a lot of options now, and have to take everything I just learned here into consideration. And that was a good point about the snow, totally forgot about price changes. Thanks again guys! really helped me figure some of this out! I'll report back here if I have any more questions, and I probably will.

[6ER THEN I 8ER!]

why do all you kids like 5speeds lol...haven't i taught you guys anything

@op...gl finding a decent 7+ year old car now adays...just stay strong and look for something driven buy an adult and not some other kid

[mcqueen]

Originally Posted by 6ER THEN I 8ER why do all you kids like 5speeds lol...haven't i taught you guys anything

Psh, I love my 5 speed. I get bored driving autos

[6ER THEN I 8ER!]

Originally Posted by mcqueen Psh, I love my 5 speed. I get bored driving autos

it's a v6....lol

i'd rather have a consistant slow car then a slow car that has a horrible 5speed

[TheUNZippee!]

Originally Posted by 6ER THEN I 8ER it's a v6....lol i'd rather have a consistant slow car then a slow car that has a horrible 5speed

That may be what you want, but not what other people want. Some people enjoy banging gears.

And if you really know how to drive, you can be consistent with a manual gearbox.


<--

[6ER THEN I 8ER!]

Originally Posted by TheUNZippee! That may be what you want, but not what other people want. Some people enjoy banging gears. And if you really know how to drive, you can be consistent with a manual gearbox. <--

i know how to bang gears lol...i got my GT to a 14.7 w/o a 3rd gear

[TheUNZippee!]

Originally Posted by 6ER THEN I 8ER i know how to bang gears lol...i got my GT to a 14.7 w/o a 3rd gear

Note that nowhere in my post did I question if you could bang gears or not. I was just pointing out that some people enjoy shifting.

[6ER THEN I 8ER!]

Originally Posted by TheUNZippee! Note that nowhere in my post did I question if you could bang gears or not. I was just pointing out that some people enjoy shifting.

eh if they do they do...i find it boreing lol.

btw...how's zippers doing today?

[TheUNZippee!]

Just chilling out wishing it would warm up... I am so over winter it's ridiculous lol

[6ER THEN I 8ER!]

Originally Posted by TheUNZippee! Just chilling out wishing it would warm up... I am so over winter it's ridiculous lol

we've had the 3rd warm day in a row...makes me happy since my job is delivering auto parts all day...window down and music on

[mcqueen]

Originally Posted by TheUNZippee! Just chilling out wishing it would warm up... I am so over winter it's ridiculous lol

C'mon down to Iowa. I was out workin on my car in shorts and a tshirt today