In 2012 I bought a red/white 4 option GT produced in mid 2005. It had 13,000 miles on it when I bought it (3rd owner) and it now has more than 24,000. I absolutely love it, and can't imagine selling it. Here are some suggestions regarding not only car selection, but common issues. Unless you want a garage queen, I suggest you buy a "high mileage" car like mine - it will cost significantly less and will "depreciate" less (actually, it will just not appreciate as rapidly as low mileage cars). Make sure you get a PPI by an expert; reportedly, many GTs have had accidents and been repaired without insurance claims = no accident record. You can really drive it, and it will be just as reliable as a lower mileage car. The low mileage cars have deteriorated from lack of use and need recommissioning before they can be driven (plus, they lose value if they're driven), and I understand that they tend to leak more than cars that are driven. Join the Ford GT Forum (it's free), there's a huge amount of info available from people who really know.
GTs have two common problems: 1) the original half axle bolts fail, so make sure the they have been replaced properly (a factory recall). 2) The instruments tend to go south, and their OEM replacements are very expensive (can you say $1800 each for the tach and speedo?). Speedhut makes a complete dash panel with all the instruments for much less than the cost of a speedo, and they are reliable. Plan to buy and install one. I would also buy and install a couple of upgrades: Get a GT Guy clam latch release, it will allow you to open both clam latches at the same time even if you don't have the arm length of a gorilla. Buy and install a Cooltech transaxle cooler, the mounting nutserts are already on the engine bay struts.
Yes, the unique parts are expensive and getting more expensive. As of last January, tail lights are now almost $2200 each. However, the cost of running a GT is low -
oil filters, air cleaners, etc are quite reasonable. And, a number of the parts are common to other Ford vehicles, so (as an example) if you buy an X for a GT it may cost $$, but if it fits an F150 it will be only $. Car price really depends entirely on mileage, color, and how many/which of the four (Canadian cars only had three) options it has. The number of each color and stripe combination produced is known, and you can find it on the FordGTForum web site. Red is most common (and the fastest color ;-)) ), followed (I recall) by white etc.
Finally, in my experience and that of everyone else I know with a GT, they are extremely reliable. There are cars now with more than 100,000 miles, and lots more with 30-80,000. No "Ferrari-type" issues. If you want a drop dead beautiful car that's reliable, comfortable to drive even 4-500 miles at a time (important to most wives, I think), handles well, goes like stink, and might even appreciate in value while you use it, buy a GT. You'll love it.
