Just a reminder of the greatest Mustang value going - 1979-04 Fox-body Mustangs. Get into great contemporary Mustang fun without the high price tag.
Periodically, we feel compelled to remind you of the greatest Mustang value going because not everyone can afford the classics and newbies.
When Ford introduced the all-new S197 Mustang coupe and convertible for 2005, it changed the Mustang landscape significantly. The 2005-10 Mustang has been a grand slam right out of the ballpark for Ford Motor Company because it is best new Mustang introduction since 1964. The masses are crazy about Ford's sporty new four-placer from Team Mustang and the Flat Rock, Michigan assembly plant. And if you find that hard to believe, observe traffic around you and attend a few Mustang shows. S197s outnumber classics and Fox-bodies combined because they are so hot.
The up side of this news from Ford is a new higher benchmark for Mustang - an unbeatable combination of world-class styling, serviceability, hop-up potential, and great driving fun - the best Mustang generation ever from Ford.
Surely no secret is what the S197 did to 1979-04 Fox-body Mustang values, which is a downer if you happen to be in a hurry to sell one. But, the news isn't all bad either if you are selling. Rare and collectible Fox-body Mustangs such as the SVO, Saleen, Roush, Predator, Mach 1, Bullitt, and others have held their value because they are that enviable combination of rare and popular.
More mainstream Mustangs like 1983-04 GT, 1993-04 Cobra, and 5.0L LX notchback and convertible rocket ships are excellent values because they're traditional Mustang fun cars without the high price tag. And if you happen to selling one of these mainstreamers in pristine condition with conservative mileage, you can hold out for a higher price and be assured of getting it in due course because Ford isn't making them anymore.
If you've just got to have a Mustang, but can't afford a classic or S197, cruise the classifieds, EBay, and Craig's List for cool mid-generation Mustang values.
What are your thoughts on Fox-body Mustang values? Do you agree or disagree with us? If you got a smoking deal on a 1979-04 Mustang, we'd like to know about that too. Write to us at jim.smart@sorc.com or www.mustangmonthly.com.