[hommie]

Re: Should I trade my \'02 SVTF for \'04 Mustang GT?

The 05 Mustang will be nice and it sounds like it will perform great. There is a good write up in Motor Trend this month check it out. However I think they will be getting a high price for these when they first come out.

 

[Virtual_Insanity]

Re: Should I trade my \'02 SVTF for \'04 Mustang GT?

Wow thanks everyone for your honest opinions as that is what I love about the Jet!!

Okay here is what I have kind of decided at this point:

1. The insurance will go up $15.89 per month over my SVTF.
2. The payment will go down $33.08 per month over my SVTF.
3. The payment includes GAP Insurance(covers everything owed including interest in case of getting totalled) and 3 years of maintenance.Total monthly savings is $17.19 per month.Not a big savings but I am getting a lot more in return financially over what I pay now.
4. Yes I kept going back and looking at the 2005 Mustang GT sitting there while negociating on the 2004.Plus all of the car mags have given that car excellent write ups on it.
5. If I cannot get the price lower on the '04 GT I will keep my SVTF and wait until the '05 GT's start to become more plentiful at the dealership and work on getting that.
Finally,as far as needing more interior/cargo space I never needed it but wanted the SVTF since it was a performance model,had all of the perks that came with the car and the beginning of the SVT lineup.

 

[lwnslw]

Re: Should I trade my \'02 SVTF for \'04 Mustang GT?

Hey Jim,
I think you should wait till you can get the 05. They are definitly more spacious and handle better and have more power and etc.....

After the initial newness wears off you will be kicking yourself in the A**

for not having the patience and seeing all these 05's on the road. NOW if you could work a deal on the 04 COBRA then that would be worth it.

L8R

 

[PDX1594]

Re: Should I trade my \'02 SVTF for \'04 Mustang GT?

I sold my much modded Bullitt(suspension, tires, etc.) to pay off my SVTF because I never really drove it much after I got the Focus. Sure, the acceleration was a major rush, but the Mustang platform was crude, the Tremec 3650 trans a slow shifter, and the build quality was an insult. Steering had almost no feedback and handling lacked the easy confidence I look forward to now everyday in the twisties. I'll be checking out the '06 Cobras someday, but for now I like my SVTF just fine.

 

[DaveSVT03]

Re: Should I trade my \'02 SVTF for \'04 Mustang GT?

After the intial thrill is gone and the accelleration becomes boring, you will miss the Focus. I've had an 01 Cobra, 03 Cobra and multiple 88+ 5.0L stangs. They are very crude compared to the total package of the Focus. Once you get past the HP then all the plusses go to the Focus. Wait unitl the 05 becomes a good deal and keep driving the Focus - I'm waiting for the 07 Cobra (if it doesn't end up costing as much as a Vette).

 

[WaveBye]

Re: Should I trade my \'02 SVTF for \'04 Mustang GT?

Depends on where you live & what you need. If it helps, my decision 3 months ago was between just those 2 cars. I was looking to keep whatever I bought stock, though. As noted before, new suspensions or FI ewre never on the plate.

Deciding factors for me were:
1. Longevity: I need something that will run 25k mi/yr, and last to 150k+ miles. Edge: Mustang (only because I have taken several over 125k hard miles, without ever opening the engine or tranny- including the clutch).
2. Stock Performance: With #1 in mind, I can't afford to modify things. I shied away from a turbo/FI car because of the longevity issue. Most every mod I've done came back to haunt me after 75-100k miles. Edge: draw.
3. Handling vs. Straight-line performance: The SVT wins in handling, hands down, but I make 3 turns- all at traffic lights- on my 20 mile drive to work... it might be different if I lived around twisties (WISH I DID!), but I don't. Edge: Mustang
4. Interior room: I don't need a minivan, but I do need something to haul the 2 kids in... and with the front seats pushed back, the Mustang rear seat is unusable for anything over 10 minute trips, even when kids are <8 yrs old. Also, I am 6'+, and I hit the Mustang headliner, even w/o a sunroof.
5. Comfort: Hey, I was coming from a Z07 Corvette (stiffer than a ZR1), either option feels like riding on a cloud!
6. Mileage: I couldn't see replacing the Corvette with something slower, heavier, with less hp, and that got only 1mpg better... Edge: Focus.

Had interior space & mileage not been an issue, I would have gone with the Pony. Is the interior cheap on the 'stang? Yes! But ask my wife what she thinks of the cheap "paper" headliner & interior on the Focus next to a Japanese car... the Focus isn't that much better than the Stang. Is build quality that much different? I don't think so.

Finally, think of the good side: which ever car you get, you'll have plenty of fun! Good luck in your decision.

 

[ZIPYSVT]

Re: Should I trade my \'02 SVTF for \'04 Mustang GT?

I know I'm not the only one on [FJ] who sold a GT to get the Focus. I do miss the sweet sound of that V8, and it was a nice looking car, but man, I'd never go back. Maybe the 05's are different, by my 2000 GT was no where near as fun to drive as the SVTF. The seating position and orientation of the shifter and controls was pretty bad now that I'm out of it, and it was a real hard car to see out of - high dash, long hood, huge blind spots. The handling and brakes were pretty poor, and no side airbags.

As far as reliability, I actually had my GT in the dealer more than I've had my Focus. It took 3 trips over a year to fix a clutch rattle (sound familiar?) and there were a couple of other minor things.

Anyway, sounds like you're seriously into it, so good luck, either way! Check out http://www.corral.net/forums/ if you haven't already.

 

[Virtual_Insanity]

Re: Should I trade my \'02 SVTF for \'04 Mustang GT?

ZIPYSVT,
Thank you for your input and also for providing the Mustang link.

I have been browsing over there for a bit and it is full of info for all of the Mustang versions including the 2005 that just came out.

Anyway,I am still pondering what I am going to do as I gather more info.I won't decide until I can actually test drive the 2005 Mustang GT first to see if that will be the route to go for me down the road and wait the year out.

 

[Osiris]

Re: Should I trade my \'02 SVTF for \'04 Mustang GT?

LOL.

Not when resale value is concerned. The Mustang will easily hold it's value better.

I love the '05, but the '04 isn't bad. And yes, you can make 'em really fast really cheap. The SVTF is a great handler, but it isn't terribly fast.

You'll have to decide what's most important to you, and while the car may be cheaper a month you'll be paying on it longer.

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't considering the same thing sometimes though, but my heart is set on the '05. I just need to wait a year or so.

 

[Rodewaryer]

Re: Should I trade my \'02 SVTF for \'04 Mustang GT?

I'm voting with the NO's. Sorry but the Mustang is some kinda cheapness. I opened and closed the door on a Mustang and a Focus and I think in a nutshell that summed up the quality thing I'm on about. The Mustang sounded like a can, the Focus a solid car. Other comparisons are not really on par with each other. They're apples and oranges and you need to decide which you like better. The Focus regardless of numbers of them out there has quite a bit of uniqueness on a Mustang. I also think the connectivity with the driver is way more direct with the SVTF.

 

[04PitchBlack]

Re: Should I trade my \'02 SVTF for \'04 Mustang GT?

I have owned a few Mustangs...one that was pretty tricked out..Paxton superchager..chassie and suspenion plus more. I do love the V8's but my SVTF is just alot of fun to drive with good gas milege. I would wait to see how the 05's turn out to be like after a year out on the road...this body style is very cool compaired to the 04 back to the 94 or 93..do not remember when the last change came around.

 

[burs757]

Re: Should I trade my \'02 SVTF for \'04 Mustang GT?

Oh, and EVERYBODY has a GT. Hardly anybody has an SVT Focus.

I agree 100%, the mustang def falls in the category of everyone and their mother has one. their a nice car and yes they are faster stock for stock than any North American Focus. i look at mustangs as the civic of the V-8 world. good car, but way too many out there, nothing to set you apart. I say stay with your svtf. whatever you do, good luck. i'm sure you'll enjoy it either way.

 

[dbmstng]

Re: Should I trade my \'02 SVTF for \'04 Mustang GT?

i have a 99GT and 04 SVTF. if you want a race car, get the GT. if you want the better all-around car, get the SVT. it's as simple as that.

 

[OrangeSVT03]

Re: Should I trade my \'02 SVTF for \'04 Mustang GT?

If you want a race car get a older Cobra, 99-02

 

[Virtual_Insanity]

Re: Should I trade my \'02 SVTF for \'04 Mustang GT?

Well yesterday I went to a different Ford Dealership to see what they would do to sway my decision on getting a 2004 'Stang GT.They had like a dozen of them there in stock so I figured they would be happy to part with one to make way for more 2005 models.After taking one out for a test drive I was ready to make a deal and see what they could do.The salesman comes back with numbers so far off it is was funny yet kind of insulting to me so I said thanks,laughed and walked out.I did get to sit in the 2005 'Stang GT there but as usual you can't drive it unless you buy it

.Ahh if only I could afford one right now

.Yes there are pros and cons with getting a 2004 'Stang GT.Pros-The cash rebates and lower finance rate make it affordable to buy plus very mod friendly.Cons-Old design and yes they are a dime a dozen out there on the roads.
Anyway I am still undecided but have until Jan 3rd 2005 before my extra $756.00 "special cash incentive" from Ford expires.

 

[hommie]

Re: Should I trade my \'02 SVTF for \'04 Mustang GT?

I would agree with the fact that the SVTF is a good all around car. However the Mustang is just as nice. Most people are saying that they are very common and I wouldn't disagree with that. However you can do you own stuff to it to make it different from the rest.

I have owned several Mustangs in the past and currently have a 93 & 03 Cobra for the wife. They are very fun cars to drive and drive and ride just as good as the SVTF. The only problem is they just don't get good gas mileage like the SVTF. However there is more to life then gas mileage

 

[LITE2LITE]

Re: Should I trade my \'02 SVTF for \'04 Mustang GT?

I much rather drive my SVTF than the wifes 99 Mustang.

But the new v6...yes V6 with a suspension and tires invested on it will probably surprise the FSVT with suspension and tires....let alone a GT

If you truely have mastered the ways of the Focus snatch this pebble from my hand and move on to the next level grasshopper