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Please help!!!
Huck
My wife drove last night for the first time.
It would be better if the car had adjustable pedals like my 2003 Explorer, but my wife felt confident & comfortable. Go for it !!
Great car !!
The main reason I didn't get the Shaker 1000 was because of the sub's intrusion in the trunk. While I like my Shaker 500, the after market crowd wouldn't be happy with either. While stock stereos have improved dramatically over the last 5 years, they still aren't going to please the "thump-thump" crowd. They're just fine for me, however.
I used to have an RX8. Loved the idea of the suicide doors to enter into the back seat. But, the few times people rode back there, they felt claustrophobic. I don't know of anyone who is ever pleased with the back seat of any coupe. It's just something that you live with. Back seat room isn't a high priority with me.
My philosophy (a selfish one), as long as I don't have to ride back there, I don't particularly care. IF it's a major concern, then any coupe isn't going to be very satisfactory. The new Charger maybe a more pallatable alternative to the Mustang.
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There is no way in hell you dent all 4 rims.. and don't know how you did it!!!! I got the same story for various other dings, dents and scrapes on the car.
We got her a Honda CRV 2 years ago. She is a smoker. She didn't want to trash the interior of her new CRV so she vowed not to smoke in it which made me very happy. She even took the cup holder instead of the ashtray option!! A couple months after having the CRV I noticed a rather large burn hole in the back seat... the kind you get when a smoker try's to flick their cig out the window but if flys back in through the rear window.... well she did admit to it (only after I asked what happened) but claimed it wasn't her fault... it was really windy that day... it was the winds fault.
Then there is the mysterious scratches all around the door handle. It's odd that these scratches only appear around the doors that also have locks on them, the drivers door being the worst by far. The two rear doors have no scratches (no locks on them). Now, any reasonably intelligent person can quickly deduce that the culprit of the scratches is a persons keys. When left in the hand that trys to open the door after unlocking the door, you can imagine what it will eventually do to the paint around the door handle. Any ways, when I asked how she got all those scratches around the door handles... you guessed it.. "I don't know!"
Bottom line,... when I told her I was getting a GT she was pretty excited about having a sporty car back in our driveway (after 20 minutes of accusing me of going through a mid-life crisis). Her elation was quickly ended though, when I informed her that she would not be allowed to drive it... ever.
"Why?" she asked.
"I don't know." I said.
Then, with her look of shock and utter disbelief that I would say that, I took her gently by the hand and we walked out to her CRV. I said nothing just simply pointed to the burn in the back seat and to all the "I don't know"s... and pretty much left it at that.
To those that wish the peddles adjusted so your wife could drive the car... All I can say is... Be careful what you wish for!!!
Says he only has 2 GT's on order right now, and one is mine, and the other is the guy who ordered right after I did in Nov. 04. He basically admitted that the biggest problem is yes, he's a small dealership and he doesn't have enough allotment granted to him. If I had known that in the beginning, I could have ordered at the dealer just 16 miles north and would have had one by now, as they are also a Roush dealer.
Guess the other guy who ordered when I did really came into the dealership quite hot under the collar about his car, said he was ready to kick the guy out because he made such a fuss. Well, he had a reason to be hot!
He jacked the price by $700.00. Says the cost for making the 2006 from the factory is more. That cracks me up, its the same car for gods sake, you're just putting a 2006 tag on it! Of course I walked out of there feeling like I was dealing with a JERK as he made the comments of they sold it to me way under MSRP, well yeah, you offered it in November 04, is that my fault? And you haven't produced either.
I'm only holding out and still working with them as I know I'm not going to get this price anywhere else in the area I live in. So I wait...and wait...and wait. Think I'll have my 2006 by September with a priority 10 and a dealer that has a small allotment? He showed me paperwork he had got from Ford earlier that allowed him only one convertible, he got his one and has already sold it...
I'm at the point of I'll believe I'm really getting it when I see it!
Have a great 4th of July weekend! :shades:
I'm one of those Southen state sales (Jacksonville, FL). I've had a TOTALLY different buying experience. I think the difference is the dealership. I don't fault Ford for miscalculating demand. It was a simple mistake and we all make them. Ford undeniably underestimated the GT model's popularity, but who can blame them when the car has exceeded aesthetic and performance expectations by leaps and bounds. I will tell you this car is sublime. It is so more than the sum of its parts and those parts are pretty damn amazing. Also, didn't Ford increase the MY build by over 50%? Making more GTs can't be that easy or simple (EPA requirements, factory retooling, conflicts between different models with parts commonalities, etc) or Ford would have done it in their pursuit of profit. The other side of the coin is increasing production, but decreasing quality control. That would be counterproductive.
I do understand and think you should walk your hard earned money over to an honest, reputable dealer. Someone who gives a customer the runaround should wither on the economic vine. I wish you the best and hope you get your Stang as soon as possible.
While, you can try to blame Ford for underestimating demand, I don't know how they could have predicted such high demand for any product. They did indeed raise production by 40,000 units when they saw demand was going to outstrip their already "bumped" up production (over '04 MY).
Plus, it's not just a simple issue of running more shifts at the plant. They have to rely on suppliers to meet higher demand and tighter delivery schedules. They need their other plants to bump production of other components. They even had a shortage of the IUP option for a while (which is probably why you'll see more base models than you see "loaded" models).
Add to that, from all outward appearances, it looks like Ford actually priced the Mustang GT too low (how often do you see that). That will translate into higher demand also. You must can't get this level of performance, handling, features and build quality anywhere near the Mustang's price (even at MSRP). Saying the styling is a "hit" would be a gross understatement. That also affected demand.
Ford also bumped up GT production. I'm sure they have very high confidence in the Mustang. Their historical numbers showed that 30% of Mustang buyers get a V8 version. I'm sure they had no idea that the number would be closer to 50% wanting a GT.
if i were you, i'd hold off till february or march of 06. by then, rebates will have hit and ford will be giving these things away. good luck.
:P
Then, they decide they are going to stick their toes in the water and try to buy one.
For most, they can't find one (expecially GTs). Once they do, they are expecting X% off MSRP, or at least some sort of rebates. None of that is available since Ford and their dealerships are selling every Mustang they can get their hands on.
Then the wailing begins...."Ford did this on purpose (undestimating demand).....dealers are ripping me off at MSRP.....I found a car I like, but no one will deal....etc".
Short story is, Ford has a hit on their hands. They've bumped production as high as they can and still can't meet demand. It doesn't look like the demand will subside, even into the next model year ('06). So, if you've found a Mustang you like sitting on the lot (rare) and the dealer is sticking to MSRP, buy it. That's what the market is for this car.
You can wait to see if demand slacks off and deals begin, but don't expect it in the foreseeable future. Even if you wait, you can bet that future price increases will offset any $$$ off MSRP that you'll save today. I saw one article that stated for the next 18 months, demand will be high for the Mustang (GT).
To me, that's a good thing. That tells me that resale on the current iteration will be very good.
Or, if you really want similar performance and you don't mind derivative styling and sloppier handling, you can always buy a GTO. GM is offering those at the employee price. Still, that price is north of $30K (about the same as a Mustang convertible).
Then again, you've got the Dodge Charger that just hit the streets. You should be able to get a deal on those in about 2-3 months, if you don't mind a 4 door, automatic trans car with a hemi.
I've had my current GT for 10 years now so haven't had to dive into the auto buying process for a long time, let alone get into such a hassle trying to buy a 2005, which will hopefully now be a 2006!
I started out in my teens & 20's owning 3 different VW bugs, went to a Trans Am, then a AWD Eagle Talon, which was a blast to drive. Then my 96 GT. I'd wanted a Mustang since high school and finally got my wish! Now I'm hooked.
I know what a hot car I've got on order, but I'm just ticked I've had to wait since November of 2004 for it. And having to get back in line all over again for a 2006 with no promise nor idea when/if I'll ever get it. Specially when some ordered in March of 2005 and already have theirs, Ford is letting a computer pick who gets what and when, instead of fulfilling orders as they are ordered.
Anyway, thanks again for your help and suggestions, I'll keep in touch and hopefully one of these days i'll be able to give you a big YIPPPPEEE!!!! IT'S HERE NOTE!! LOL....... :P
At this juncture, I can't tell if the ordering routine with no car in sight is a dealer problem or a plant problem.
At first glance, I'd think it's a dealer problem. Like you, I bought mine in the dead of winter when car sales in general were stagnant. That's why you and I got deals well below MSRP. Once spring hit, and it became clear to the dealers that the Mustang was a runaway success, it became clear they didn't have to discount the Mustang (GT) to sell it. Some were getting crazy money for any GT they could get their hands on.
I had heard more than a few stories of people ordering and paying under MSRP and, "poof", their order disappeared or couldn't be tracked. Same person, offering to pay MSRP, all of a sudden their car was miraculously "found" or ordered and delivered within 8 weeks (not 8 months). One person even found his X plan Mustang GT (complete with matching VIN #s) on his dealer's back lot. All the while the dealer stating the car wasn't even built yet. Fact is, the dealer had sold the ordered Mustang to someone else for MSRP. That was the entire reason it was sitting in the back lot....awaiting PDI and delivery to the person who paid more.
Is this the case in your scenario? I don't know.
Even though dealers are stand alone business entities (franshisees), separate from the factory, Ford chould have put pressure on the dealers to honor customer orders....mayve set up a "Mustang order task force" to do nothing but track customer cars.
As it stands, I can feel and understand your frustration. If my dealer hadn't been so "upfront" with me about my order, and I hadn't known about priorities, allotment, VOCs, etc, I could be in the same boat since mine was an X plan car.
Just for giggles, I think I'd take a Saturday afternoon and go to 4-5 different Ford dealers in your area and ask them what their status for '06 Mustang ordering is. See how many agree or disagree with what you're hearing from your present dealer. Even see if they agree with each other. That could give you a bit of insight on what's going on with Mustangs in your area.
BTW, I always thought those AWD Turbo Talons were hot little numbers when they were on the street.
Keep us posted.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Then the wailing begins...."Ford did this on purpose (undestimating demand).....dealers are ripping me off at MSRP.....I found a car I like, but no one will deal....etc". So, if you've found a Mustang you like sitting on the lot (rare) and the dealer is sticking to MSRP, buy it. That's what the market is for this car.
Graphicguy, Ford is going to Offer their employee price discount INCLUDING the Mustang V6 and GT shortly. People should just WAIT till then to buy/order it. You will get a decent price. I know the ultra expensive 2 seater GT will be excluded from the program though!!
Graphic writes.....Or, if you really want similar performance and you don't mind derivative styling and sloppier handling, you can always buy a GTO. GM is offering those at the employee price. Still, that price is north of $30K (about the same as a Mustang convertible).
For now. Starting August 1st, GTO is ExCLUDED from GM's employee pricing program, along with Corvette and medium duty GMC Pickups !!
I have to disagree with you on that one. The GTO coupe backseat is very impressive and just as comfortable as the front seats! The "GM" W body coupes, Monte SS and ex Grand Prix coupes were very roomy in back as well !! nearly 36" rear leg room vs only 30" in Mustang.
Graphic writes My philosophy (a selfish one), as long as I don't have to ride back there, I don't particularly care. IF it's a major concern, then any coupe isn't going to be very satisfactory.
I DISAGREE again, I have to ride in the back occasionally, mother in law gets picked up etc. After 1+ hr in backseat, very comfortable in GTO, just like front seats. A full sized adult me at 5'10 fits quite nicely back there with room to spare. Kudos to Holden on that one. Certain Mercedes Coupes are quite comfortable in back too. Of course, you don't buy a mustang for the backseat, best for kids or stereo equipment like subwoofers to sit on.
The accord Coupe is semi decent as well. Mustangs have always had useless backseats for adults anyway.
You don't want the 18" wheels, go with the 17", 18" will give you a bigger/harder turning radius esp. in mall parking lots and you will feel more bumps and more chance to damage wheel.
You would have figured Ford would have been able to put the Subwoofer in the rear deck or under the seats like most cars to preserve space, esp. trunk space.
Sorry got to disagree again. You got to check the facts Graphic
WRX easily outhandles the Mustang and comes close 0-60 for same or less $$ and offers 4 doors.
SRT-4 is $22k or less, similar perf. numbers to Mustang and similar handling, near .90 skidpad.
In dollar per horsepower GTO is same or cheaper then Stang
Even the FAMILY CAR Grand Prix/Impala now has more hp and torque then Mustang for similar price, 303hp + 325torque large/med 4 door with big trunk. 5.9 seconds and 27 EPA highway with 4 spd automatic!! Advantage of FWD for snow/rain.
There are cars that BEAT or MATCH or COME close to Stang for SIMILAR or LESS $$.
FORD is NOT offering the employee discount on the MUSTANGS. Look closer at the add. They do not need to offer it on them. They sell themselves at the current price. Why would Ford lower the price? It sure would be nice though. About the best deal you are going to get is if you can get the x-plan (if you can find a dealership willing to honor it, and there are some out there, you just have to look) Also, the college grad $500 rebate is available on the V6, if you apply of course!
I just picked up an 05 GT Coupe Premium with IUP, Shaker 500, etc. at X plan. I don't share the info to gloat, but just to point out that if you hit the right dealer at the right time you can still find a GT at a good price.
Turns out the dealer I purchased from had a very large allotment of GT's (near a military base) and he needed to move some inventory. I was surprised to see this small town dealer carrying Roush and Saleen GT's as well. So net is that you may want to contact smaller dealers around military bases to see if you can also get a GT.
If you're in Texas let me know and I'll let you know the dealer and sales person I dealt with.
Apparently on the truck/train on Tuesday.
Thursday morning, arrived at the dealership lot
Thursday afternoon, I'm a little deeper in debt with a HUGE smile on my face.
2005 GT convertible, Sonic Blue, Parchment top and interior, about all the upgrades except the Shaker 1000 (might need the trunk space). Oh my God, she's beautiful! Picked her up just before remnants of T.S. Cindy blew through town, so Thursday night was spent in the garage . Friday was a different story, however. I got to put a few miles on her on the back roads, and this car is everything I hoped for. Handling, power, head turning ratio; all off the charts! I'm not sure I'm going to get the grass cut or any other chores done this summer!
I know this not an advertising forum, but I want to publicly give major kudos to University Ford in Durham, NC. When I made my order in March, the dealer wouldn't even take my deposit until they were sure the car would fit in their 2005 allotment. When I finally was called about getting a car this summer, they had me in as a priority 10 and had delivery date pegged (in early June) as July 10. They were honest and straight forward all the way, and they have won a customer for life. Price? I paid MSRP, not a penny more, and am happy to have done so. No one tried to push paint protection, undercoating, extended warranty, or any of that other garbage on me.
Alllright! Lets go Cruizin' :shades: :shades: :shades:
Funny and great news. That's the way it's supposed to go.
Congrats!!!!
Maybe you should change your username to sonicblujoy now?!
frisconick,
LOL! Don't do it man! Step away from the G35, Sir! PUT YOUR CHECKBOOK DOWN AND WALK BACK SLOWLY FROM THE INFINITI DEALERSHIP!
Great post, thanks. But the GT is an expensive ride too. I have decided to wait untill the end of the month to see if dealers are a little more willing to deal.
I am interested in contacting the dealer you bought from. My email is in my profile.I would be really interested in a dealer honoring x plan on a gt. thanks , jay
Daniel
05 V6, MMR intake, Magnaflow, 20" Chrome Rims on 245/35/20 Toyo Proxis's, SCT custom tune.
http://www.allfordmustangs.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/25334/cat/500/ppuser/23762
You can make deals on V6s. GT's are another matter, entirely.
fris.....G35s are nice cars. Much different than a Mustang, however.
I don't think anyone is going to try to talk you out of the G35. If you've driven a Mustang GT and it didn't grab you, then I'd stick with the G35. It won't be as fast nor as visceral as the Mustang, but you've got that "warm & fuzzy" feeling that Infiniti dealers will give you. You'll also have to pay more for that G35.
But, if you're in love with it, that's what you should get.