Early 05 vs late 05 models

[MJSFRX]

I've had the GT bug for 5 years and will soon (hopefully) be an offical GT Owner. I have heard that when looking to buy a Ford GT, I should stay away from early 2005 model (vin < 500.) Are the early model that big of a risk? Is the fair market value less with these early models? Is there anythign else I should be considering when looking at a purchase? If anyone can help direct me in the best direction, that would be great.

 

[sandman]

The differences in the cars from beginning to end are minor and certainly not anything that would steer me away from any car be it early '05 late '06 or anywhere in between. I'd imagine that whomever gave you the information would be referring to the hype at the time re: the a-arm recall or possibly the speedie sleve. As to the a-arms many here covet the billet replacements. Their are small differences (clamshell bumpers, front grill and engine accessory brackets being silver on my '05 vs. black on my '06) that I can think of off hand. Do a search it's been discussed before here and good luck in your quest!

 

[gtjoey]

At this point, they are all great cars....the only difference being fit and finish. Ive seen vins as low as 50 in "05" with 60,000 miles on them , they just wont blow up, sleeve,no sleeve...take your time, look for the small details,band aid clips, crooked air vents in real early cars..after that buy one , run it and have fun....gtjoey1314 hey if you want a REALLY EARLY ONE IVE KNOW SOMEONE WITH AN 04:biggrin BUT YOU CAN ONLY GO 5 MILES PER HOUR :biggrin GTJOEY1314

 

[shelbyelite]

They indeed are all good cars. There are SOME people out there that would shy away from an early 05 production car, but not the majority of people. I have had several good early 05 cars. The best thing is to take it on a car to car basis. I have seen early 05s that did not look that great, and I have seen Early 05s that were extremely nice. Same goes for late 05s and all 06 cars. Really just gotta go by each car.

 

[AZSTAD]

I've owned both an '06 and early '05 (#102). The 'fit and finish' was tighter on the 06 - but we are talking about very small detail things. Like the paint is cleaner and more refined on the "tunnel" where the HVAC knobs are.

Frankly, I like some of the items that were not "polished" on my early 05. For instance, I personally think that the early cars that have the billeted A Arms may have higher value in the long run??? I also like the small things like the more "raw" look of the CF underneath on the clam shell. Or that someone on the build team left masking tape up in the clam shell from painting I'm assuming? (which I've yet to remove).

Also, this is one that I've never posted, but asked around to a few people, including DBK...but all of my toggle switches on the dash are not white backlighting at night. I'm pretty sure it's my 'fog light switch' that is colored 'amber'??? Can't confirm which one because the car is back in LA at the moment with more CF work being done to it.

Find the one you like, that fits your budget and buy it! You can't go wrong (unless it's been wrecked and they weren't up front about it). And you will wonder why you didn't buy one years ago since you've been on the fence for so long!!!

 

[gtjoey]

AZSTAD, You are absolutely right, 2 years ago while taking pictures of gt's at the barn Joe Bruni's very early vin had the same amber light, look for old posts , we did a whole thing on it years ago..they were early pre production switches that work fine , so instead of wasting them , they were used till the batch ran out. We know of 2 in the new york area and I remember someone outside the states posting it too. As for the billet arms, they are pure jewelery, BUT COST FORD ALOT OF MONEY TILL THE ARMS WERE RECTIFIED...To the tune of 5,000 per set........buy one and you will never go wrong.......enjoy gtjoey1314

 

[djs]

The difference between early '05 cars and late '05 cars? 3-9 months.:rofl:lol
Sorry guys, couldn't resist.

 

[david b]

I have number 149 which is an early 2005. The car is absolutely stunning and I can tell you I have not had some of the other issues that the owners have had here, ie gauges going, battery etc. Additionally, the billet arms are unique. Longer term, I believe the billet arms will add collectibility. One thing I would say is get a ppi and bring it to a specialist for service (GT GUYS or SHADOWMAN). The cars are awesome be it the first or the last one produced. They are special. For the money, I can think of no other car that compares. Find the color, options you want, get a ppi and step on the gas and drive it as hard as you can.

 

[MJSFRX]

Thanks for everyone's amazing knowledge, down to the detail. This has really helped clear things up for me.

I've got a finger on a couple of possible fits. One is an early 05 with 7,500 miles at a reasonable price. The second is a late 05 with 3,000 miles. The later model, with less miles, looks a bit rough on its cleanliness as if the owner only washed the outside body. This one is priced about $8,000 more. Any suggestions on which way to lean?

 

[PL510*Jeff]

Thanks for everyone's amazing knowledge, down to the detail. This has really helped clear things up for me.

I've got a finger on a couple of possible fits. One is an early 05 with 7,500 miles at a reasonable price. The second is a late 05 with 3,000 miles. The later model, with less miles, looks a bit rough on its cleanliness as if the owner only washed the outside body. This one is priced about $8,000 more. Any suggestions on which way to lean?

choose the color you like and buy it. 8k is not significant, and you'll learn alot about your new GT by doing the top to bottom, inside & out, detailing yourself.

 

[FENZO]

Maintenance records would be a must in my book. For example, an '05 with 3K miles should still have had the oil changed 4-5 times (anually), etc.

 

[AZSTAD]

AZSTAD, You are absolutely right, 2 years ago while taking pictures of gt's at the barn Joe Bruni's very early vin had the same amber light, look for old posts , we did a whole thing on it years ago..they were early pre production switches that work fine , so instead of wasting them , they were used till the batch ran out.

GTJOEY - This is great information. Thanks for sharing. I'll dig a bit more on the forum.

 

[MNJason]

Thanks for everyone's amazing knowledge, down to the detail. This has really helped clear things up for me.

I've got a finger on a couple of possible fits. One is an early 05 with 7,500 miles at a reasonable price. The second is a late 05 with 3,000 miles. The later model, with less miles, looks a bit rough on its cleanliness as if the owner only washed the outside body. This one is priced about $8,000 more. Any suggestions on which way to lean?

I just went thru a very similar search. Email me to discuss.

 

[Kingman]

I'm pretty sure it's my 'fog light switch' that is colored 'amber'???QUOTE]

I have a late '06 and my fog lamps switch 'light' is amber.

 

[nota4re]

Pull an Oasis report for both VINS. The only thing that would give me the slightest pause is if one was early enough as to have a speedi-sleeve installed in the rear main seal.