http://www.freep.com/money/autonews/...5_20040315.htm

It's a good read. Here's a couple of quotes from within the article:

"Along with checking how it compares with a 2004 Mustang and rivals, such as the higher-priced Pontiac GTO, he is noting engine noises, rattles and other issues that will need to be addressed with suppliers or Spender's manufacturing team."

"And since General Motors Corp. no longer sells the Camaro and Firebird, Ford has the low-priced, American rear-wheel-drive sports-car market all to itself."

It would seem that some Ford people are comparing the Mustang, though a lower cost RWD car, to the GTO as a rival...

 

Everyone who knows anything about the new GT is making that comparison.

 

Yep That's why I mentioned it.

 

I was shopping around a few weeks ago, and came whisker close to picking up a Mach 1 (thank's to someone posting that left over Mustangs were going for near firesale prices ), and I also stopped by Pontiac to get ordering info on the GTO.

GTO's my 1st choice because I like how the cars handle and I'm really impressed on how well they're built & how loaded they are for the price, in addition to how rare they'll be (as opposed to the rarity of a paint package on a Camaro SS or Trans Am).

I really like the new Mustang, and would like to grab one. But you just KNOW you'll see those things everywhere in a little of no time. 175,000+ project sales is not exactly exclusive next to just 18,000 GTOs.

I'll make an exception if the rumors of a GT powered base model pan out.

 

Why not wait for the other varients? Longest you'd have to wait would be 1 year? Who knows...GTO might even get the ls2 or Ls6 by then so a wait might very well be worthwhile. Wait and see what both models offer come 2005.

Btw: What are GTO's going for on the real market, not just msrp? If it's 35+, I would also look into the Mystichrome 04 SVT Cobra. Now the quality may not be as good, and the interior isn't as roomy, but it'll have the rarity, power potential, looks, and collectors potential on its side. That and they just might have the best factory built small block. It all depends on whether you're willing to fork over 38k for a mustang. Seems like a lot, especially with all the slightly used z06 on the market, but it is one i would seriously consider.

 

I've decided to wait awhile before I pick up a new ride..

GTOs are still going for "bendover" markups, even if you are serious about it and are financing it elsewhere. Mustangs are going to be the same way when they 1st come out (I still remember the dealer in San Diego that was initially selling SN95 Mustang GTs for $30,000 shortly after Christmas 1994 (which stickered around 18K at the time).

The new Charger's going to be no different.

It's just a matter of waiting them out till prices drop, so I'm going to wait till later next year.

 

Anyone in the market for a gto check out ebay. One week ago one car sold for a $1700 discount off sticker. Cars that had minimum bids of $1000 BELOW sticker got no bids! One dealer there even offered gms (supplier price to those that qualify for it).

Some dealers were starting bidding at say 25k with a much higher reserve. What was very interesting was that there were many bidders in the 25-29k range, but not many over 30k. This should be a clear signal to GM that there is demand for a 25-30k performance coupe.

 

Thanks for the heads up. Though I prefer to order my own, that's really tempting.