Reimann said:
That sounds a lot like my Mach 1. It had 1,700 miles on it when I got it and the dealership was asking $26,995 for it. I got them down to around $23,000 for it. Ernad will tell you that is too much for a Mach 1. I remember he got his Comp. Orange slightly before I did and claims to have paid $21,000 for it. I say tell the dealership you can only pay so much a month and stick to it. That is how I got them down. If I were you though, I would keep that 5.0 and not trade it in. You'll be kicking yourself later if you do. It is worth more than whatever measly amount they will offer you for it.
Hmmm, how the hell did you know that I was going to post in this thread? Damn!
Anyway, to the original poster.....Yes, that is too much. First, it's a Mustang, a 2004 Mustang. There were thousands made and thousands are for sale. I imagine that the car itself is AT LEAST a year and a half old. Even when the last Machs were being sold, Ford offered a few incentives on them. I've heard of people getting new Machs (back then) in the mid-20s. So as you see, $26k would be a bit too much for a new Mach today, especially a used one, no matter how many miles are on it. Its warranty won't live for long either, though the exact time of this depends on when it was sold first. A new 2006 GT would run you the same price and you'd have a new car (not that you should buy one, they kind of have a fat ass).
The dealer may argue this "Oh, but it's a special Mustang. Only made in 03 and 04. Not many of them. Got a better engine,
suspension, wheels...." Forget that. There were thousands of Machs made too, economicaly speaking, they're nothing special.
So, what would I pay? If the car was mint, I'd be willing to put up to 20 grand for it (cash). However, I would not finance that car for more then 18 grand.
A quick Mach description:
Machs were only produced in 2003/04 (in the recent times). They were all coupes and were available in autos or 5 speeds. The manual versions got a forged crank and higher speed limit - limit. Machs have a different suspensions than GTs through different springs and shocks/struts, thus they are a bit lower. They came with Mach wheels, a solid rear with 3.55's. The engine is a 4.6 DOHC with 305hp and 315tq. And not to forget, the shaker hood and the shaker. Also side graphics and a black rear wing and a chin spoiler.
Here is a great Mach site
http://www.mach1registry.org/forums/ On there you can even get an OASIS report (tells you a lot more about the car) in case you go for this one or any other Stang.
I'm not done yet
.....Don't get stuck on one car and think that you won't find anything better and pay more then you should. There's tons of late model stangs in good shape and price that will give you that newer car thing that you're looking for. Good luck.