Not getting the VEE-SIX Mustang, getting another Focus!

[1X83Z]

M5:
Nissan Maxima :?

You can get an '03 Maxima for that price? Show me! I'll buy tomorrow!

I agree with the rest of your post, but on this part: quite a few, actually.

Like what?!

 

[Tornado]

Like what?!

Oldsmobile Auroras, Pontiac Bonnevilles, BMW 330is (albeit very well used ones), Chevy Cavaliers (believe it or not), Chrysler 300Ms, Ford Focii, Honda Civics, Hyundai Tiburons, Mitsubishi Eclipses, Saturn VUE V6s, Saturn LW300s, etc.
High 7's, low 8's isn't really that fast if you have a car that doesn't weigh anything.

 

[a6m5]

I am so sorry to hear this, JCE. I like you, I will hold my comments.

My advice would be to wait until something else comes along. And as Brad touched on it a little bit, I wouldn't bother with V6-GT conversion either. Not worth the hassle or the cost.

Again, I wouldn't touch a V6 Mustang. But your financial health is more important than what you drive, or your pride. Ford dealers should have loads of Taurus, Focus, Escorts, etc. You are in sales, so you should be able to get them at cost+, yes? Also, as you know, Ford cars trade-in values are........ what trade-in value? You can get them, pretty much for nothing, when your purchase price is cost+ on a Ford trade-ins.

I think it might be wise to bite the bullet with cars like Taurus, Escort for now. Improve your financial situation, get a Mustang GT, which is also dirt cheap. Anyhow, good luck with you decision, and the purchase. 👍

 

[DrogoGTO]

Well, maybe not an 03, but you can get half of an 03 for that money, it would be better. Go get a early 90s maxima if youre going to get one at all, those arent shaped like bread.

My sister has one of these...

 

[1X83Z]

Oldsmobile Auroras, Pontiac Bonnevilles, BMW 330is (albeit very well used ones), Chevy Cavaliers (believe it or not), Chrysler 300Ms, Ford Focii, Honda Civics, Hyundai Tiburons, Mitsubishi Eclipses, Saturn VUE V6s, Saturn LW300s, etc.
High 7's, low 8's isn't really that fast if you have a car that doesn't weigh anything.

I think you need to check out your prices!

'03 Oldsmobile Aurora: $14,600
'03 Pontiac Bonneville: $13,400
'03 BMW 330i: $25,200
'03 Chrysler 300M: $14,200
'03 Honda Civic Si: $13,700
'03 Hyundai Tiburon V6: $12,000
'03 Mitsubishi Eclipse V6: $15,000

Saturn Vues, Chevrolet Cavaliers, Ford Focuses, and Saturn L-series' aren't quick enough, regardless of what they cost.

I'm serious - these V6 Mustangs are incredible values!!

 

[Tornado]

I think you need to check out your prices!
'03 Oldsmobile Aurora: $14,600
'03 Pontiac Bonneville: $13,400
'03 BMW 330i: $25,200
'03 Chrysler 300M: $14,200
'03 Honda Civic Si: $13,700
'03 Hyundai Tiburon V6: $12,000
'03 Mitsubishi Eclipse V6: $15,000

I found all of them under 9 grand on Autotrader, though most of them were rather high mileage examples dotted in random spots around the country.

Saturn Vues, Chevrolet Cavaliers, Ford Focuses, and Saturn L-series' aren't quick enough, regardless of what they cost.

Low 8's, right? Sure they are. While I'm at it, I'll add the Pontiac Vibe GT. In addition, I know for a fact that Road and Track took a Z24 Cavalier to 60 in nearly 7.5.

I'm serious - these V6 Mustangs are incredible values!!

I agree, if only because they are RWD.

 

[JCE]

I am so sorry to hear this, JCE. I like you, I will hold my comments.

My advice would be to wait until something else comes along. And as Brad touched on it a little bit, I wouldn't bother with V6-GT conversion either. Not worth the hassle or the cost.

Again, I wouldn't touch a V6 Mustang. But your financial health is more important than what you drive, or your pride. Ford dealers should have loads of Taurus, Focus, Escorts, etc. You are in sales, so you should be able to get them at cost+, yes? Also, as you know, Ford cars trade-in values are........ what trade-in value? You can get them, pretty much for nothing, when your purchase price is cost+ on a Ford trade-ins.

I think it might be wise to bite the bullet with cars like Taurus, Escort for now. Improve your financial situation, get a Mustang GT, which is also dirt cheap. Anyhow, good luck with you decision, and the purchase. 👍

Fact: The Ford 4.6L V8 from any vehicle will drop right into the V6 Mustang.
Fact: You can get this engine for less than $2000 in great shape with low miles or less than $1200 with high mileage.
Fact: The only reason why I'd trade the Focus in is if I got a RWD coupe that would cost the same or less than my Focus on car payments and insurance. So the V6 Mustang fits this bill perfectly.
Fact: I hate the Ford Taurus.
Fact: I don't like the North American Ford Escort.

You speak of my financial health being hurt by this decision--when I've actually stated that it would be to my BENEFIT to trade the Focus for the Mustang. My "pride" would only take a hit long enough for me to drop the V8 in it. I do get pre-owned cars for cost+$500, that's what makes this V6 so cheap. The trade-in value for V6 Mustangs is low...so buying one pre-owned makes real good sense. Its not slow, but yes its not fast. Its RWD with some good enough torque to enjoy the acceleration with the 5spd. And I'm confortable driving it. My only complaint about the driving aspect is the manual transmission is a chore to shift...my god it feels like I'm shifting an F650 commercial truck.

Well, maybe not an 03, but you can get half of an 03 for that money, it would be better. Go get a early 90s maxima if youre going to get one at all, those arent shaped like bread.

My sister has one of these...

I had 2 90's model Maximas ('95 SE & '96 GLE) and I do love those cars. However, like I've said I cannot get financing for anything older than 1999 and or with more than 70k miles. That and I'd rather have RWD to play with for a while. So IF I trade the Focus the requirement of the next car MUST be RWD and at least a 2003 model.

I think you need to check out your prices!

'03 Oldsmobile Aurora: $14,600
'03 Pontiac Bonneville: $13,400
'03 BMW 330i: $25,200
'03 Chrysler 300M: $14,200
'03 Honda Civic Si: $13,700
'03 Hyundai Tiburon V6: $12,000
'03 Mitsubishi Eclipse V6: $15,000

Saturn Vues, Chevrolet Cavaliers, Ford Focuses, and Saturn L-series' aren't quick enough, regardless of what they cost.

I'm serious - these V6 Mustangs are incredible values!!

Dear god, I don't like anything on that list minus the BMW. The insurance alone on most of those would be double that of my Focus. And don't get me started on Chrysler and GM products...*ahem* lack of interior quality and driving comfort/excitement. V6 Mustang versus the V6 Tiburon? The Mustang wins, and I do like the current generation Tiburon GT V6.

I found all of them under 9 grand on Autotrader, though most of them were rather high mileage examples dotted in random spots around the country.

That's one problem right there, the high mileage. Second problem is I don't really care for anything on that list.

Low 8's, right? Sure they are. While I'm at it, I'll add the Pontiac Vibe GT. In addition, I know for a fact that Road and Track took a Z24 Cavalier to 60 in nearly 7.5.

I agree, if only because they are RWD.

Cavalier? Oh hell no, that is one of the worst abominations ever. My former roomate had one and my current roomate had one--and they are such rubbish cars. The only thing they are good for--and they are--is point A to point B transportation. And in that aspect my Focus is lightyears better.

YSS, sorry I already HAVE a Camaro why would I want to buy another one?

*edit*
After driving the Mustang car for the weekend I've arrived at a conclusion. The clutch feels worn and the car pulls to the left a bit. Hopefully on the second part of that last statement it is just alignment (which the dealership will fix for free). As for the clutch, I'm going to see how they plan on approaching this situation. If they fix it and charge me more than $400 I'll decline the car and keep the Focus for at least a few more months. If they fix the car for $400 or less I'll do the trade. I'll find out before the end of tomorrow either way.

 

[a6m5]

Fact: The Ford 4.6L V8 from any vehicle will drop right into the V6 Mustang.
Fact: You can get this engine for less than $2000 in great shape with low miles or less than $1200 with high mileage.

Let's say that production date and everything matches perfectly, and engine swap goes PERFECTLY. But insurance rates on your V6 Mustang, now with a V8, will be much higher than a insurance for a Focus. They might just drop you altogether.

Fact: The only reason why I'd trade the Focus in is if I got a RWD coupe that would cost the same or less than my Focus on car payments and insurance. So the V6 Mustang fits this bill perfectly.

If it fits the bill so perfectly, then why are you slamming yourself in the thread title that your are getting the V6 Mustang? Maybe it's not exactly perfect.

Fact: I hate the Ford Taurus.
Fact: I don't like the North American Ford Escort.

I can respect that. I'd rather drive a Taurus or Escort, while I save enough money for a better car. It's your choice though.

You speak of my financial health being hurt by this decision--when I've actually stated that it would be to my BENEFIT to trade the Focus for the Mustang.

No. I said that you can do better than a V6 Stang, but your financial health was more important.

My "pride" would only take a hit long enough for me to drop the V8 in it.

Is that right? Well, as long as you are OK with that.

I do get pre-owned cars for cost+$500, that's what makes this V6 so cheap. The trade-in value for V6 Mustangs is low...so buying one pre-owned makes real good sense. Its not slow, but yes its not fast. Its RWD with some good enough torque to enjoy the acceleration with the 5spd. And I'm confortable driving it. My only complaint about the driving aspect is the manual transmission is a chore to shift...my god it feels like I'm shifting an F650 commercial truck.

With the V6 Mustangs, it's not about the speed, performance. You are a Ford guy, so I can't believe I'm explaining this to you, but it is seen by Mustang crowd that V6 is not a real Mustang. They are model made for ladies and rental fleets. My personal take on V6 Mustangs are that I think they are great, just like Doug/M5Power. I can never buy one though, because I'll have every GT drivers laughing at me. Just so I don't be misunderstood again, that's not me poking fun at V6 Mustangs. I'm just explaining.

 

[retsmah]

Let's say that production date and everything matches perfectly, and engine swap goes PERFECTLY. But insurance rates on your V6 Mustang, now with a V8, will be much higher than a insurance for a Focus. They might just drop you altogether.

First rule of engine swap is you don't talk about engine swap, at least not to the insurance company.

 

[a6m5]

First rule of engine swap is you don't talk about engine swap, at least not to the insurance company.

That would be another reason why I'd get the GT in the first place. It would take fun away from your rear wheel driver car, when you have to worry about getting in wrecks.

Car accidents are stressful enough. I don't want to be fighting both the other guy's insurance company, and mine.

 

[1X83Z]

I found all of them under 9 grand on Autotrader, though most of them were rather high mileage examples dotted in random spots around the country.

Show me!

Low 8's, right? Sure they are. While I'm at it, I'll add the Pontiac Vibe GT. In addition, I know for a fact that Road and Track took a Z24 Cavalier to 60 in nearly 7.5.

What exactly is the Mustang's 0-60 anyway? I feel like it'd lose the Odyssey test but barely. 7.8sec?

 

[Jim Prower]

Depending on your state's emission laws, I might drop in, oh, say, a 351 Windsor.....

 

[///M-Spec]

Incase you guys and gals need to see what I'm getting here are the girly photos.

I propose your first mods should be:

1- Hair scrunchies on the shifter (1 pink, 1 blue)
2- Large mass of Mardi Gras beads hanging from the rear view mirror. Keep these hanging until well into summer, just to remind the fellas you're always up for gratuitous displays of public nudity.



Look at it this way, the G35 you wanted only has a VEE-SIX too.

All kidding aside, nice car 👍 Lots of potential there.


M

 

[JCE]

Let's say that production date and everything matches perfectly, and engine swap goes PERFECTLY. But insurance rates on your V6 Mustang, now with a V8, will be much higher than a insurance for a Focus. They might just drop you altogether.

If it fits the bill so perfectly, then why are you slamming yourself in the thread title that your are getting the V6 Mustang? Maybe it's not exactly perfect.


I can respect that. I'd rather drive a Taurus or Escort, while I save enough money for a better car. It's your choice though.

No. I said that you can do better than a V6 Stang, but your financial health was more important.

Is that right? Well, as long as you are OK with that.

With the V6 Mustangs, it's not about the speed, performance. You are a Ford guy, so I can't believe I'm explaining this to you, but it is seen by Mustang crowd that V6 is not a real Mustang. They are model made for ladies and rental fleets. My personal take on V6 Mustangs are that I think they are great, just like Doug/M5Power. I can never buy one though, because I'll have every GT drivers laughing at me. Just so I don't be misunderstood again, that's not me poking fun at V6 Mustangs. I'm just explaining.

I respect your opinion on all that. So, probably a good idea to just call it opposites and leave it be. That and read at the end of the thread.

First rule of engine swap is you don't talk about engine swap, at least not to the insurance company.

Indeed. Why would you WANT to tell the insurance company that you violated the state's emissions laws by putting in a completely different motor and then not registering and insuring it as such. 👍

*update*
Ford Motor Credit has decided to not finance ANY pre-owned car. Not even certified pre-owned. And on top of that they would only finance me on another Focus--a 2007 new one, and even then with $500 cash down payment. And what's worse about all that is I could ONLY get an "S" model--that's no tach, no power windows/locks, steel wheels with hubcaps, no foglights, and a crappy audio system. All that for 4.9% APR? Better APR than what I currently have (8.5%) but not worth it trading down 2 models.

 

[retsmah]

Indeed. Why would you WANT to tell the insurance company that you violated the state's emissions laws by putting in a completely different motor and then not registering and insuring it as such. 👍

I don't know about Texas, here I can swap a more powerful engine into my car without violating emissions laws. I don't see how a motor swap would have any relevance on registering your car.

 

[a6m5]

Insurance could care less about your vehicle emission, it's the fact that their client has scammed their company into insuring a Mustang GT for a price/risk rating of the V6 Mustang.

JCE3000GT: Ford Credit is hit & miss. I'd suggest your local credit union for a auto loan.

 

[JCE]

Actually, I've decided to get the money together and get the new 2007 Focus. Something tells me to do it. The 5spd manual is quite a different animal than the automatic. So, maybe my complaints about the acceleration will at least diminish somewhat. Pics to come this weekend of the new ride. I am going to kind of miss the one I have now.

 

[YSSMAN]

To be honest, I think I'd be happy even with a "stripper" Focus. A cheap car with a stick and not too many options can be a lot of fun, and belive me, thats what I've been driving since I started a few years ago... And lets be honest, it is what I plan to do (kind-of).

A moment of clarification: Is this a ZX3 S or a ZX4 S? If you have any kind of choice, I would immediately go for the ZX3 option there. They not only look better, but are more practical, and IMO are a bit more "cool" (in a nerdy way of course).

...So yeah, I'd say go for the Focus. Pick up the last of the good-looking models, as the '08s are hideous (saw one at the GR Auto show, BAD!), and get a still-relevant small-car in a cutthroat market. The only thing better would be a Cobalt LS coupe, but that obviously doesn't come with the Ford discount attached to the hood...

 

[a6m5]

I agree on the '08's. I saw one at the auto show too. Sometimes, new design looks better in person? This was the opposite of that. It might grow on me later, but I kind of doubt it right now.
'07 ZX3 is not a bad choice, I think. It's also the most affordable model, and is dirt cheap after whatever rebate Ford has this month. My personal pick would've been the 5-door like the one you have, or the wagon.

 

[Keef]

A Cobalt is better than a Focus? Where'd you get that idea? THe only version of the Cobalt that's worth a damn is the SS, and even then it takes a B&M shifter kit for the action to stock pissing off my right arm.

Get the Focus, and have fun.

 

[JCE]

To be honest, I think I'd be happy even with a "stripper" Focus. A cheap car with a stick and not too many options can be a lot of fun, and belive me, thats what I've been driving since I started a few years ago... And lets be honest, it is what I plan to do (kind-of).

A moment of clarification: Is this a ZX3 S or a ZX4 S? If you have any kind of choice, I would immediately go for the ZX3 option there. They not only look better, but are more practical, and IMO are a bit more "cool" (in a nerdy way of course).

...So yeah, I'd say go for the Focus. Pick up the last of the good-looking models, as the '08s are hideous (saw one at the GR Auto show, BAD!), and get a still-relevant small-car in a cutthroat market. The only thing better would be a Cobalt LS coupe, but that obviously doesn't come with the Ford discount attached to the hood...

It's a ZX3 SE model--black. Didn't look (or care) what color the interior is. Probably black or gray. And instead of the $2500 rebate I can only choose the 4.9% interest--this is Ford Motor Credit's call not mine. Since the overall financial cost is the same I gain 2 model years, 39k miles, and a factory warranty. I lose a tach, fog lights, and the killer 6 disc in-dash mp3 CD changer. The 5spd should be good, I drove one last year and it has quite a bit more from-a-stop acceleration. Easily almost ½ a second faster to 60mph--if not more.

I agree on the '08's. I saw one at the auto show too. Sometimes, new design looks better in person? This was the opposite of that. It might grow on me later, but I kind of doubt it right now.
'07 ZX3 is not a bad choice, I think. It's also the most affordable model, and is dirt cheap after whatever rebate Ford has this month. My personal pick would've been the 5-door like the one you have, or the wagon.

*see above on the rebate vs low APR

The 5dr hatch is actually quite a bit more expensive than the 4dr saloon and the 3dr hatch. The 3dr hatch is the cheapest model--and better looking than the saloon. I prefer the 5dr but the 3dr is a bit more comfortable to drive than the 5dr. Don't ask me why lol.

And the 08's are cool, I like them. That is I like the coupe--but it does suck that the current hatch model has been phased out. That's what everyone thinks of when they think Ford Focus...is that odd-looking hatch.

 

[YSSMAN]

A Cobalt is better than a Focus? Where'd you get that idea?

...Not that this is necessarily a good place for a tangent, however I do believe that the Delta-chassis is a bit better than an eight-year-old Focus that just won't die in America. IMO, the Focus was really only a big winner in my heart in SVT form, and to some extent as the American ST, but pound-for-pound, the Cobalt wins out these days. Better quality, better options, and beyond that be ability to get your sport-on even in the most basic models. I would suppose that the Cobalt LT would get the better suspension than the basic LS, but even then, the LS I drove handled quite well... The only awkward thing being the electric, self-adjusting steering. But even then, that is easily overcome.

 

[JCE]

Focus ST > Cobalt anything

After driving a Cobalt SS and a Focus ST I prefer the Focus. More precise steering, better transmission feel, and I also prefer the suspension. And cosmetically the Focus has a much more attractive interior and exterior. In stock form the SS looks riced--the ST doesn't. [/off topic]

 

[Tornado]

Show me!

Oldsmobile Aurora V8 '02.
Pontiac Bonneville SSEi 1 and 2 (I admit I screwed up with the date. I thought they were '02 cars, when they were '01s).
Hyundai Tiburon GT '03.
BMW 330i '03.
Chrysler 300M 1 and 2 ('02 cars).
A whole helluva lot of Honda Civics (the Si wasn't the only one that pulled 0-60 under 8.5 seconds).
Eclipse GT Coupe. Eclipse GT Spyder 1 and 2. All '02s.

What exactly is the Mustang's 0-60 anyway? I feel like it'd lose the Odyssey test but barely. 7.8sec?

I have a time of 8.4 seconds for a heavier V6 convertible to seven flat for a '99 V6 coupe (which is obviously crap, because that would make it faster than the current Mustang V6). So, about the same speed as the Focus JCE is currently being forced to look at.

And cosmetically the Focus has a much more attractive interior and exterior.

Yes. So attractive:

[/joke]

 

[Leonidae]

getting another focus? wise call.

 

[1X83Z]

...Not that this is necessarily a good place for a tangent, however I do believe that the Delta-chassis is a bit better than an eight-year-old Focus that just won't die in America.

Agreed, and I never agree with you.

However I feel both are at the very end of the compact segment.

Oldsmobile Aurora V8 '02.

Yeah - that's a good deal on those. I'd buy that car before the Mustang.

Pontiac Bonneville SSEi 1 and 2 (I admit I screwed up with the date. I thought they were '02 cars, when they were '01s).

Indeed, a bit old and a bit up there in price. But it's a lot more car than the Mustang: it's the difference between a top-line car and a V6 Mustang. I'd buy that car before the Mustang, too.

Hyundai Tiburon GT '03.

Scary miles on that guy, and it's really pretty tinny. I'd skip it.

BMW 330i '03.

I'll believe that one when I see it - I think the ad is either scam, he's missing a "1," or the car is hugely flawed. Note that the ad refers to the car as AWD, but shows a photo of an RWD model.

Chrysler 300M 1 and 2 ('02 cars).

Decent. Mileage is high on that first one, but it's that beautiful Special Edition model. I saw one this weekend. I'm not a 300M fan, but I'd probably go for it over the Mustang.

(the Si wasn't the only one that pulled 0-60 under 8.5 seconds).

I disagree.

Eclipse GT Coupe. Eclipse GT Spyder 1 and 2. All '02s.

Killer mileage on those guys, but point taken.

Here's the deal though: those cars were all stretches. Not one is the right year, they're all high mileage (although I can't find JCE's mileage), and the only RWD is that questionable BMW, which the owner doesn't even call RWD. Plus it seems like they'd all require travel, and they're all the worst of the lot as their particular models go. I think while your more in-depth point is one worth noting, you're missing my more general point which is that as these things go, nothing is a deal like this Mustang is a deal.

 

[///M-Spec]

BMW 330i '03.

This car is either salvage titled, has been in a serious collision and should have been totaled or is a scam.


M

 

[Takumi Fujiwara]

Why not look at a Mazda3? It shouldn't be much more expensive than the Focus, will be better equipped, and you should be able to get any deals/pricing plans that you have through Ford, as it's a Ford Group car.

 

[1X83Z]

Why not look at a Mazda3? It shouldn't be much more expensive than the Focus, will be better equipped, and you should be able to get any deals/pricing plans that you have through Ford, as it's a Ford Group car.

Focus might hold its value slightly better. Any chance the Focus will be a better drive?

 

[JCE]

Why not look at a Mazda3? It shouldn't be much more expensive than the Focus, will be better equipped, and you should be able to get any deals/pricing plans that you have through Ford, as it's a Ford Group car.

Even with D-plan the base Mazda3 is still over $2000 more than what Ford Motor Credit will approve for me. I'd PREFER a Mazda3 but it just wouldn't work out financially. And the insurance is much higher in the 3 than the Focus...and by much higher I mean $50 more a month. Too high...

Focus might hold its value slightly better. Any chance the Focus will be a better drive?

The Mazda3 is slightly more fun to drive...reason being (obviously) more power. And I feel a slightly better rear suspension and brakes (being four wheel disc where the Focus needs the ST to get that).

Ford Motor Credit is dictating to me what to get--basically. I get to choose between a ZX3 "S" 5spd or a ZX3 "SE" 5spd + $500 cash down. I (obviously) choose the "SE" + $500 down. And, since I just started this job I don't have a long standing job history so that automatically puts me in Tier V--which is as low as you can go--and if it HADN'T been that I WORK at Ford Tier V is an AUTOMATIC HELL NO. My only option to bring me to a Tier IV was to put $500 down and provide previous 2 years of stable enough income ($2000/mo) to get that increase. On the POSITIVE side of all this is my APR is 4.9%. That's insanely good considering my 582 beacon score. And, so the record is straight, I don't have ANY other financing options--no one else will finance. Not even my current Focus' financier Wells Fargo. So, to sum it up--it is impossible for me to get ANYTHING other than a NEW ZX3 5spd Focus. And with around 5 within 300 miles of my dealer not only do I have to drive to get it myself but I'm at the mercy of those cars selling before Friday--which is the day I sign the paperwork and get the dealer trade paperwork in order.