Trading 370 for 5.0?
 

Hey guys, I wandered into a Ford dealership yesterday and ended up test driving a 5.0 Mustang w/ premium package - I came away very impressed. Before I left they offered me a killer deal on the car (I'd be paying about $40 less per month than on my Z). I didn't commit to anything, but I am VERY tempted to make the trade. I'm just curious as to what some of your thoughts are and if anyone else has made a similar trade?

test drive
 

So, how does it handle?

And does it seem quicker?

Ford has a deal for this month I think( a grand off )

Interesting

You'd be paying $40 less but your loan terms may have been extended an additional year. I think that the 5.0 is a really great car if you want the power and torque plus the rear seats. I wouldn't mind driving a 5.0 around, but I just love my 370z too much to make the trade. If you look at your car as just another vehicle, then do the trade. I see my 370z as a superbly rare well made sports car.

Check the fine print- also, when you purchase a vehicle, don't worry about the monthly premiums right away. Focus on the actual trade in versus new purchase values.

The new v8 mustang is a great car, imo. It is not, however, a 2-seater sports car that carries the same bearing as a Z. If you need a back seat, get it. If not, grab some bolt-ons for the Z and call it a day.

If you can get a good deal, do it.

seems everyone is going the 5.0 route.
walk in there with some ideas on what you want for the trade... try to avoid committing until you've got good reasons, both because of the car and the financial aspect.

although if you need the rear seats, you should probably trade regardless of whether or not you're losing a lot of money.

As much as I like the Mustang, I can't bring myself to ever own one. I see way to many people driving it in my area. Either car is a good choice so I would narrow it down to personal preference.

The best part of owning a Z; exclusivity. It feels even better when people rubberneck even after it's been around for a couple years.

Actually, maybe not the best part. Still nice, though.

Ehh...was it that much more fun/exciting to drive than the Z? I'd wait it out for some time and if you still feel the same about it, go for it.

The power (especially down low) was head and shoulders above the Z. I'd still give the Z a slight edge in handling, but the Mustang didn't handle badly at all considering the solid rear axle. I also didn't expect the interior to be as nice as it was, the premium interior on the Mustang is right there with the Z.

I'd be getting the Mustang for 31.2k OTD, this is for a GT Premium with M/T. Sticker is just under 36k.

is that the same car mustang got?

I made the trade in September of last year and it was worth it. If you want the car and the numbers work out for you, go for it.

If I recall, he does have a 5.0.

Here are some tips I put together so I don't fall into traps during my next car purchase. Hope this is helpful for everyone:


Car Buying: Things to remember when purchasing

Drive the exact car you want. If a dealer doesn’t have the exact car, find one that does.
Ask for a take home test drive (keep the car for an evening). If they don’t allow it, settle for nothing less than a no-salesperson test drive. They can be distracting.
Don’t be bullied or pressured.
DO NOT SHARE DESIRED MONTHLY PAYMENTS or TRADE IN VALUES. Say you’re only looking to discuss purchase price and you want to hear what their trade value is.
The dealing isn’t over when you’re done with the sales person. Finance managers will push extended warranties, paint protection, etc. Also, carefully evaluate their rates. They will add a percentage point to the bank rate or use rates to steer you into other additional charges to make extra money.
Reply to bullying lines with mirrored answers. “This offer ends at the end of the month” gets “My purchase offer ends tonight.” “I have to put food on the table” -> “I have to keep food on the table.” “I have to check with my manager” -> “I have to check with my spouse”. “We’re already losing a lot of money on this deal” -> “I’m already losing a HELL of a lot of money on this deal.” “I have another offer, this car is in high demand” -> “They have this car down the street or I’ll just order one from someone else.”

That's a pretty frikkin sweet deal. Bet they rtry to make it up on trade-in value though.

Great advice man! Thanks! :tup:

Get your car appraised at Car Max before you accept a dealer trade as well. Always a good idea.

For sure. Every once in a while they will surprise you with a good offer. If nothing else, it gives you more room to negotiate if you don't have a trade in.

Yeah, that might be a good idea. My cousin did that and he said Car Max usually gives you an offer that is more than a dealer trade, without the hassle of having to sell the car on your own.

As some have said if you can get a good deal do it! I've already driven 2 Stangs and while I wouldn't personally make the trade it is undeniable that the new 5.0 is very nice.

At the very least the dealer will (usually) match the CarMax appraisal.

and raise the price of the new car to compensate:rofl2:

Negotiate the price of the new car before you work out the trade agreement.

quality > quantity

Don't be a trader. LOL

Ford stands for
Fourth on race day
Found on road dead
F&*K over rebuilt Dodge

PS, all in good fun.

I think a mustang is a boring car and they are a dime a dozen! Granted I understand you are getting the new one and it is supposed to be much improved but I didn't go that route because for one it's a Ford and Mustangs are so common on the road.

I sold cars for a couple years and I can say it unless you plan on having the car for the full term on the loan. I really consider resale value when buying a car….. I can’t tell you how many people are upside down in there vehicles due in part to their car taking a big hit on the resale value of their car. I own a 1970 camaro and really wanted the new camaro. But I’m glad I didn’t buy, domestic cars don’t hold their value and now I see camaros everywhere too.

It's interesting you say that because the new Mustangs actually hold their resale values quite well. The 2011 Mustang actually took top honors in resale value in KBB's "high performance" category, which includes cars like the Camaro, 370, etc.

But you are right, it's always something you need to consider. If I buy new I make sure I always put down at least enough cash such that I am never underwater at any point during the loan.

OK I have to jump in. I am an avid car person. I have crewed a sprint car and owned a few cars of my own. Camaros, Corvettes, Firebirds, and others. I've attended a few car shows and get to the local cruise night about twice a month. I would never trade my 370z Roadster for a 5.0. Z's are few and far between and handle very well. 5.0's are everwhere and as you said a straight axle. Last year there was a Mustang at the cruise that the owner stated was a $100,000 special edition. I didn't see anything special and my car got more attention than his.This was prior to any mods being done. Ultimately it is your choice but for me it would be a no brainer.

As the saying goes, "to each their own."

FWIW I know of no $100k "Special Edition" Mustangs out there. The owner must have been yanking your chain.

100k special edition?:ugh2:


f***er only runs downhill!

Sure there is. GT500KR
http://www.mustangheaven.com/stangsp...T500KR_top.jpg

Sigh. I hate modern Shelby with a passion.

thats the 100k unspecial edition

If it had Miata doors, $100k would be a bargain. The doors alone are worth millions.

I think Mustang's are fine cars, but I read somewhere that they'll give your children cancer. Just food for thought.

Disclaimer: may be fictitious.

Their owners also have a habit of sexually abusing people with the initials A.S.

All Hail The Almighty Miata Doors, the only forum meme to be constantly referenced whenever possible.
:roflpuke2:

Well, that's just one initial away from fun.

Hey kid, will you help my find my lost puppy?