Why would anyone buy a new Mustang GT?

"JR1" (type35bugatti)
03/28/2016 at 09:37 • Filed to: Things only I think about

A new Mustang GT cost a minimum of $32,000. The one I optioned out cost !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! . That is a lot of car for the price but think of how much more car you could get?

A 2007 GT500 convertible with 2,000 miles on it.

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A 2012 GT500 with 18,000 miles on it

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A Boss 302 with 5,000 miles on it

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A 2011 GT Convertible with 10,000 miles on it

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A 2010 Roush GT with 24,000 miles on it

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A 2005 Saleen with 6,000 miles on it

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My point is a Mustang GT is cool and all but if you pull up to an auto show in one of the above cars you will have the more interesting vehicle. On top of that I think a strong argument could be made all of the Mustangs I listed would be more fun on a back road. I love that people buy new GT Mustangs but I can’t even imagine the temptation I would have to buy a used GT500 or Boss when looking at a new GT.

DISCUSSION (100)

FromCanadaWithLove > JR1
03/28/2016 at 09:41

I think it’s the same with any new car - a full manufacturer’s warranty, reasonable financing, unsoiled interior, etc.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > JR1
03/28/2016 at 09:41

Because the new one is better in pretty much every way.

atrombs > JR1
03/28/2016 at 09:42

I totally get what you’re saying, but If I had the money, I would still probably get a new GT. The new body style is just so freaking great.

RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht > JR1
03/28/2016 at 09:43

There’s a lot of attraction to “just how I like it” and “new” to some people, and some people don’t like anything but IRS, I guess.

SVTyler > JR1
03/28/2016 at 09:44

Longer warranty, better interior, IRS. I’d buy the Boss personally but some people just want a new car without having to worry about how the PO treated it or what could’ve happened to it during that time.

jimz > JR1
03/28/2016 at 09:45

Because maybe I like the new mustang and I don’t want someone else’s used up piece of trash? And I’m not in high school anymore so I don’t buy cars to try to “impress” them at car shows.

CounterTorqueSteer > JR1
03/28/2016 at 09:45

Because every mustang that you posted is worse than the new GT. There really is no comparison regarding driving experience (coming from a past GT owner).

Nibbles > JR1
03/28/2016 at 09:46

I’d buy a 2015 Mustang [any model] over any of the 2005-2014 units. Those models were horrid and I’m glad to see Ford has moved on.

Slant6 > JR1
03/28/2016 at 09:48

I haven’t driven either so I’d have to drive them both back to back to see which one is better.

Since I’m never really on a track or in situations where speed is critical it might be better to have the GT500. It has more wow to it than the GT and wow is all people want in a muscle car.

People like muscle cars based on what they can do, not by what they actually do with them.

Buff Nuclear > JR1
03/28/2016 at 09:53

Is it possible that they like the IRS in the new mustang? Ford has also improved the interior materials and layout of the new mustang compared to the last gen.

Then there is the financing issues. Higher interest rates for used cars, when Ford is offering 0% for up to 60 months on a new mustang.

You say that 32k starting and you optioned yours out to 40K, thats MSRP. Only some one with money to burn buys a car at MSRP at a Domestic car dealership (Ford GT when it arrives and at the moment the Mustang GT350).

Going to any auto show, there are way too many Mustangs, Camaros, and Vettes of all years. It gets boring quick... just drive the dam cars. I find them much more appealing on the road then at a show.

DoYouEvenShift > JR1
03/28/2016 at 09:56

Hell yes! The tempetation from that Boss! Or the fact that ridiculous power is only a pulley/tune away on the 500!

Also not a fan of the new Mustang styling. But Im just a random dude on the internet and thats my opinion.

RyanFrew > JR1
03/28/2016 at 09:56

I’m in the market for a new GT and would buy one over anything you listed above. The interior is lightyears better, IRS makes it more fun on a back road, the warranty is nice, and I don’t purchase cars based upon how much attention they get at an autoshow.

JR1 > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies
03/28/2016 at 09:59

Except character and engine.

Sweet Trav > JR1
03/28/2016 at 10:00

Why anyone would buy a new Mustang instead of the objectively better Camaro is beyond me.

JR1 > RyanFrew
03/28/2016 at 10:02

But don’t you think an extra 150hp would be more fun?

Also congrats on looking for a new GT. They are awesome vehicles. I wish they would have sold the Wimbeldon White on more than just the 50th anniversary models. That is a great color.

cazzyodo > JR1
03/28/2016 at 10:02

Over the new GT, I’d absolutely get a used GT500. I just don’t like the rear, still. I’m constantly conflicted when I see it.

When I was looking a few years ago I almost bough a dark green, tan interior, 2008 GT. It was purrrrdy.

JR1 > CounterTorqueSteer
03/28/2016 at 10:03

Yeah but the GT500 has an extra 100hp. And I know hp isn’t everything but it certainly adds something to the experience

JR1 > RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht
03/28/2016 at 10:04

I guess I have never exercised either Mustang on a back road much so I wouldn’t know how good IRS actually is.

JR1 > Nibbles
03/28/2016 at 10:04

Why are they horrid? I have been in several and liked them a lot?

JR1 > Sweet Trav
03/28/2016 at 10:06

Ford > Chevy for some people. And I totally get it. I would never buy a Camaro over a Mustang (Except maybe the 90's Camaros). It just comes down to brand appeal.

JR1 > DoYouEvenShift
03/28/2016 at 10:07

I like the styling of the new ones but the temptation and heritage of the old name plates is also really really appealing.

JR1 > jimz
03/28/2016 at 10:08

Calling any of the cars I listed trash is an overstatement I think. Also one thing the new Mustang totally has going for it is the toggle switches those are awesome

Justin Hughes > JR1
03/28/2016 at 10:10

My wife couldn’t afford a new Ford Flex (or the Yukon she really wanted because they’re so insanely overpriced these days), so she got a 2012 Flex Limited with the 3.5 EcoBoost. Way more car for way less money.

JR1 > Buff Nuclear
03/28/2016 at 10:10

Yeah I agree with you on the whole auto show thing. I just used that example to highlight how much more interesting the GT500 and what not can be.

As for the financing you bring up a good point. Same with the MSRP. But even if the MSRP is lowered you still have a lot of attractive Mustangs in that price range.

DoYouEvenShift > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies
03/28/2016 at 10:10

Except for the Boss in my opinion. Its lighter, has more power, and on a track would have and advantage.

JR1 > cazzyodo
03/28/2016 at 10:12

Was it a Bulliet?

And maybe I am just materialistic but the weight of the Shelby badge or Boss badge has way too much heritage for me not to want one of those.

Nibbles > JR1
03/28/2016 at 10:16

Slab sides and high beltlines do not a pony car make
For how huge they are, the interiors are cramped
Not to mention so unabashedly plastic
Standard seating is hard and unsupportive
They tried too hard to be retro and it shows
Sure, it got some hips in 2010 but the front treatment is just derpy
Before you try to rebut me on the interior, I’m 5'7, 130 lbs and am straight up claustrophobic in the damned things

I’m sure I could think of more but there’s my short list. This is coming from someone who has owned three Mustangs so far - two of which were New Edges.

Future next gen S2000 owner > JR1
03/28/2016 at 10:16

GT500's, especially the older ones, aren’t that fun. They don’t turn well and only have 450 hp-the old ones do, hp goes up year over year though. Which is basically what the new GT has. So you would be paying similar more for a worse car. Plus they can suffer from heat soak due to the supercharger, so your track day shenanigans will be short lived.

Also, even if you bought a used one, all the S197's look terrible. So there’s that.

Future next gen S2000 owner > Nibbles
03/28/2016 at 10:17

This. The S197's all look terrible. S550 > New Edge > Everything else.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > JR1
03/28/2016 at 10:20

Because dammit I want my fat ass to be the only ass that has had long-term use of that driver’s seat. Not to mention the chassis improvements (goodbye, truck axle) and an interior that doesn’t feel like it’s made out of tic tac containers.

JR1 > Future next gen S2000 owner
03/28/2016 at 10:22

You think all s197s look terrible? Also the GT500 has 500hp in the old ones not 450hp. But I agree this new GT probably better around the track.

JR1 > Nibbles
03/28/2016 at 10:23

I can’t believe you think the s197 looks terrible. I think behind the originals it is one of the best looking Mustangs.

Future next gen S2000 owner > JR1
03/28/2016 at 10:25

Yes. They got better after ‘10 but they are all varying levels of fugly.

jimz > JR1
03/28/2016 at 10:27

I am always wary of used performance cars, because I have no real way to determine how the previous owner(s) treated them. and if they have performance mods, I won’t even touch one.

Nibbles > Future next gen S2000 owner
03/28/2016 at 10:27

Someone who shares my opinion on the New Edge!

Future next gen S2000 owner > Nibbles
03/28/2016 at 10:28

It needs a minimum of 1.5" drop to look really good but yes, that opinion is the correct opinion.

vondon302 > JR1
03/28/2016 at 10:29

For the irs of course. From what I’ve read online this one magical feature makes all older mustangs obsolete. Get out of here with your stick axle son and no I don’t care that its lighter and not complex.

Nibbles > JR1
03/28/2016 at 10:29

That’s the fun thing about aesthetics; they’re very subjective. To me they looked and felt cheap.

JR1 > jimz
03/28/2016 at 10:31

If the car has 2000 miles like the ones listed above I think they were treated pretty well. Agree with the mods comment though

JR1 > vondon302
03/28/2016 at 10:32

Or that the Mustang with a live axle beat the Camaro of a similar year with IRS is almost every comparison

vondon302 > JR1
03/28/2016 at 10:35

And I think this guy seems to be ok without irs.

Kinja'd!!!

jimz > JR1
03/28/2016 at 10:36

That ‘07 GT500 is only a couple of miles away from me. Part of me is curious enough to want to go check it out. it says “private seller” but the phone number is for a business. Hope it’s not curbstoning.

Nibbles > Future next gen S2000 owner
03/28/2016 at 10:37

This right here:

Kinja'd!!!

The Bullitt GT in correct Dark Highland Green

I swear to gof if they make an S550 Bullitt I will buy it on day one

Dru > JR1
03/28/2016 at 10:39

Peace of mind knowing no one has flogged your car to hell and back?

Frenchlicker > JR1
03/28/2016 at 10:41

I would get it for one simple reason, I like the styling better. However I would love to get the Ecoboost Stang.

JR1 > Dru
03/28/2016 at 10:41

I think when they have 2k miles like a few I listed you can have that peace of mind

Dru > JR1
03/28/2016 at 10:44

That’s true. Full disclosure: I have never cared for Mustangs until 2015. I was leaving a golf course one day and one of the older chaps had one in red and the rear end is what does it for me. Wide hips that sit low. I would definitely consider one. but +32,000 is outside of my budget for now. I would be stuck with something used no matter what I do.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > Sweet Trav
03/28/2016 at 10:47

The Camaro costs more.

RyanFrew > JR1
03/28/2016 at 10:57

Thanks! I’ll probably wind up going with a 2013 Boxster S instead of the GT, but the Mustang is the only car that still has me kind of intrigued besides the Porsche.

I do a lot of autocrossing, so I think IRS would be more fun than the 150hp. I will say, though, that there is a guy in my region with a gorgeous GT500 and it’s definitely fun to watch.

RyanFrew > JR1
03/28/2016 at 11:00

Agreed about the character, but the 5.0 is a way better engine than anything with a 4.6 above. Some of those cars just happen to have superchargers, which anyone could slap onto the 5.0 anyways.

JR1 > RyanFrew
03/28/2016 at 11:00

I wouldn’t blame you for picking a Boxster over a Mustang. That car is defiantly the one that handles better

Cherry_man1 > JR1
03/28/2016 at 11:00

I'll take a BOSS 302 please.

JR1 > RyanFrew
03/28/2016 at 11:01

I would say the 5.0 in the Boss is pretty great as is the 5.4 in the GT500 (which correct me if I am wrong is the same engine in a Ford GT)

TylerJ > JR1
03/28/2016 at 11:04

Why don’t you like the new Camaros? I’ve been in love with Mustangs since my brother brought one home in Laser Red in ‘01, but I think the newest model Camaro are pretty fantastic.

Jayhawk Jake > JR1
03/28/2016 at 11:09

Ah, the ol’ new vs. used debate.

Financing has a big part in it. It’s harder to get reasonable financing on a used car. If you already have a car you’re trading in, you’ll get a lot more for it if you buy new. Also, in this case, I think a lot of people would agree that the new GT is better than the old ones. If it’s not just a track or weekend toy a new GT will be a better daily than a Boss or GT500.

Bunkie2100 > JR1
03/28/2016 at 11:10

I *am* doing my best to convince my wife that we need a new Mustang GT as our main car. This would be Mustang number 3 for me ('69 Mach I bought for $400 back in '77, new '85 GT). Why buy new? The IRS has cured the biggest Mustang deficiency. Also, I like new cars. Not dissing the notion that used models might be more *interesting*, they are just not for me.

JR1 > TylerJ
03/28/2016 at 11:11

Styling mainly. Although I do love the Z/28

Steve is equipped with Electronic Fool Injection > JR1
03/28/2016 at 11:12

That’s like 8000 1/4 miles. Actually closer to 4000 really...because the drive back to the pits.

JR1 > Jayhawk Jake
03/28/2016 at 11:13

Totally agree it will be a better DD. If you need a DD buying new is always the better choice. Same goes with financing

Bunkie2100 > JR1
03/28/2016 at 11:13

Sorry, but the beating one gets from the solid rear is it’s main characteristic. The new Mustang is a revelation. I've been driving IRS RWD cars for too long to give it up. I'll take IRS for $2000, Alex.

JR1 > Bunkie2100
03/28/2016 at 11:14

Good luck convincing the wife. That's a tough battle

cazzyodo > JR1
03/28/2016 at 11:17

I don’t even recall every detail now. It was being shown to me while it was being detailed. Absolutely gorgeous, 8k miles on it after 5 years because it was owned, and I shit you not, by John Henry (of the Red Sox). He traded it in for a newer Mustang, I believe.

I should have bought it but I ended up falling for a hatchback.

A Mustang is in my future, though.

Hooli > JR1
03/28/2016 at 11:24

I recently bought a ‘15 F-150 crew cab. Love it. The ecoboost 2.7 gives me plenty of power, but also 22-23 real world mpg. Not bad for a full size pickup.

bryan40oop > JR1
03/28/2016 at 11:28

Warranty, plus the S550 is a much much better chassis.

Easy choice honestly.

Cherry_man1 > JR1
03/28/2016 at 11:28

Also I wanna take a moment to say that BOSS 302 is over priced for the year it is. That’s 2013 Pricing right there.

Dsscats > JR1
03/28/2016 at 11:36

It is not the same engine as a Ford GT

Dsscats > JR1
03/28/2016 at 11:37

Because they want a car that can actually handle.

Niko's Work Account > Steve is equipped with Electronic Fool Injection
03/28/2016 at 11:47

I like the way you think

JR1 > cazzyodo
03/28/2016 at 11:54

Damn that would have been worth it just for the story

JR1 > Cherry_man1
03/28/2016 at 11:55

But it is very low miles. Really all the cars I listed are probably op. But they were all low miles

JR1 > Dsscats
03/28/2016 at 11:56

I know the GT is a dry sump and the GT500 is not but that is the only difference I saw when I did a Google search

JR1 > Dsscats
03/28/2016 at 11:57

I would say the Boss, Roush, and probably Saleen can handle

RyanFrew > JR1
03/28/2016 at 11:57

I can’t argue with the 5.0 in the Boss. Of all the cars above, I would definitely get the Boss. The 5.4 in the GT500 was alright. Wasn’t really heralded for being great or terrible, from my understanding. Sure sounds nice, though.

Expo2k > JR1
03/28/2016 at 12:00

I did because the interior is so nice on the Premium, and because it’s my wife’s new DD coming from an ‘04 G35 Coupe.

cazzyodo > JR1
03/28/2016 at 12:00

I know. I’ve had second guesses ever since because I loved everything about it. I just wasn’t completely sold on it somehow. Idk...but can’t change it now.

William Byrd > JR1
03/28/2016 at 12:08

I’m a Mustang guy and would have to make a strong argument inside myself to buy the new car. I reviewed it last year though, and freaking loved it . Would still be hard to choose it over a “special” model though. As good as it is.

Cherry_man1 > JR1
03/28/2016 at 12:13

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/… This one here has 2k miles and is only $500 more.

JR1 > William Byrd
03/28/2016 at 12:13

Yeah there is something about the special models that has such a draw

JR1 > Cherry_man1
03/28/2016 at 12:14

Eh I don’t like the look of the 13s as much

Cherry_man1 > JR1
03/28/2016 at 12:15

It’s more designed off the the 1970 and the 2012 = 1969

Conan > JR1
03/28/2016 at 12:28

Alternately you could push a bit farther and end up with a GT350.

JR1 > Conan
03/28/2016 at 12:30

Not a little further. Like 20k/30k further.

Sweet Trav > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies
03/28/2016 at 12:38

Ok. A ‘15 SS 1LE is both cheaper and better than the 16 GT, for a performance car. When comparing the V8 cars, what's a few grand to have superior car? Not much at all. Besides, it's not like anyone here is going out and dropping cash on either of these cars. That 2k difference is negligible to your monthly payment.

put-some-turbo-on-meeeee > JR1
03/28/2016 at 12:41

Dude, you’re smoking crack. Not a single one of those Mustangs you listed are a deal. $40k is too expensive for a new GT, but is a deal for a 12 year old, supercharged Roush?

In my area, you can find a few loaded new 2015s for $30k and there are plenty of new, lightly optioned 2016 GTs in the $30-33k range.

JR1 > put-some-turbo-on-meeeee
03/28/2016 at 12:46

You can find GT500s, Boss 302s, and Roushs in that price range too

Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever > Sweet Trav
03/28/2016 at 12:57

The Camaro has poorer visibility and a cheaper-feeling interior.

Valid reasons if you’re buying one as a DD. That, plus brand loyalty is very strong in the muscle car and pickup segments.

Saracen > JR1
03/28/2016 at 13:35

Because the new Mustang is better looking, has a nicer interior, and has IRS.

Dsscats > JR1
03/28/2016 at 14:17

Boss, yes. Roush and Saleen, not even close.

Morgan ATX > JR1
03/28/2016 at 14:26

man, list prices/MSRP don’t mean jack.

you can get ‘16 GTs all day long 4K under sticker.

if you live on the east coast you can get them from Koons for $6K under.

brand new base GT’s are a hair over $27K. 435HP. RWD. Manual. IRS. Warranty. New.

I bet those cool cars you are comparing to do not have all the options and do-dads your optioned out GT does. Not saying to not get a more unique ride, but comparing a commodity production car (NEW) to something more collector isn’t a 1-1 eval. sometimes you just need a new car to drive....

that said, I say get a low miles ‘13 boss...

Morgan ATX > Cherry_man1
03/28/2016 at 14:32

it is fairly close to the market +/- a couple $k. it is at a dealer....

the diff between 12-13 is minor; appearance and a couple electric features, so I suppose it is about taste. I’ve been watching the prices ever since I passed on a LS back in ‘13.... they are dropping fairly fast since the GT350 came out. time will tell. they certainly aren’t at the bottom the depreciation curve yet.

PS9 > JR1
03/28/2016 at 14:39

Find one of those listed with 0 miles and the factory warranty intact and you might have a point.

trmoore09 > JR1
03/28/2016 at 14:42

Bought a new GT/PP Comp Orange in January for right at $30k. Not a whole lot else in that price range that I was interested in.

JR1 > trmoore09
03/28/2016 at 14:43

How are you liking it so far?

trmoore09 > JR1
03/28/2016 at 14:45

I love it. I’m coming from an E46 M3 (trying to sell it). The extra power over the M3 is addicting and makes a huge differences. The PP brakes are incredible and caught me off guard the first few times I got on them. Also, the quality and extras are great, even for a base GT (track apps, backup camera, bluetooth, and other stuff).

Conan > JR1
03/28/2016 at 14:52

For the moment. Save a couple years and you could have an IRS Shelby again.

Somethin' 'bout a truck > JR1
03/28/2016 at 14:57

You could ask this same question for literally any car... the new one is almost always better, but the used one is always cheaper.

yamahog > Sweet Trav
03/28/2016 at 14:58

because differnt strokes for different folks

JR1 > trmoore09
03/28/2016 at 16:14

I didn’t realize all of that came on the base trim. That is impressive.

JR1 > Conan
03/28/2016 at 16:15

Something tells me those are not going to go down in price as much. I could be wrong though.

Conan > JR1
03/28/2016 at 17:02

You’re probably right. They’re amazing, though I think it’ll be the Rs that drop the least.