"Jayhawk Jake" (jayhawkjake)
07/03/2016 at 17:19 • Filed to: None
8
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"Jayhawk Jake" (jayhawkjake)
07/03/2016 at 17:19 • Filed to: None | 8
| 27 |
It’s been a few months and I’ve driven it 7500 miles. What do I think about it now that I’ve had it for a while?
In short: I love it, but it isn’t perfect.
Quick recap: I like Chevrolet, I previously owned a Sonic RS, and back in February I drove home from a Ford dealer in this Ingot Silver 2015 Ecoboost Premium Mustang.
What’s the Ecoboost? It’s a 2.3L four cylinder turbo engine with 310 horsepower mated to a 6 speed manual transmission driving the rear wheels. It weighs around 3600 pounds and has IRS and an LSD.
Got it? Good
What do I like?
There is a lot to like about this car. At a high level it’s great to drive, well featured, and good looking.
Great To Drive
What do I mean by great to drive? It feels quite quick when driven in sport or track mode. As long as the RPM is above 2500 or so a stab at the throttle gives a healthy shove toward the seat. Flooring it on an on ramp in second or third gear gets you to surprisingly fast speeds in surprisingly little time.
How does it handle? Great. Not perfect: it’s a pretty heavy car and you can tell, but the steering is plenty responsive and the car gets a shockingly good amount of grip when exiting corners. Ford tuned it a little bit too much towards understeer I think, it could use a stiffer rear. As an aside, I’ve ridden in a GT with a rear swaybar and great tires at autox and it felt like that understeer was tuned out well. I’ll get a swaybar at some point.
Well Featured
I’m not trying to hide anything: this car wasn’t exactly cheap. MSRP on my window sticker is about $33,500. The premium package adds a touchscreen, heated and cooled leather seats, selectable driving and steering modes, and dual zone automatic climate control. In addition my car has navigation, rear park sensors with cross traffic alert, blind spot monitoring, and a good sounding premium stereo system
That’s what the spec sheet says, but what does it mean? This car is nice! When I leave work on a hot day the cooled seats make me comfortable very quickly. When backing up the car will sense a car passing behind and beep, helping get out of tight spots despite the cars generous proportions and less than generous visibility.
Recently another oppo and I drove to and from Kansas City, totaling around 600 miles, and got there and back well rested and comfortable. On the freeway the car only turns about 2000 rpm and it’s very well insulated, so it stays calm and quiet. It also averaged 30 mpg on the way there, which involved driving on back roads through small towns and around Kansas City which certainly isn’t bad for a 3600 pound car carrying two full grown adults.
Good Looking
Generally this car has been praised for its style. It looks fantastic
Why does style matter, though? I’m a car guy. I like cars. This car has a great presence in a parking lot. When I leave work and see it parked out in the lot It makes me smile knowing that it’s mine
It feels special. Or, at least it tries to, but certain factors hurt it there that we’ll get to.
What don’t I like?
There isn’t much. I didn’t have any problems with the sounds it makes until I rode in a Focus RS. I wish it sounded that good.
From a driving perspective, it could use a diet. I don’t think it’s bad, but it wouldn’t hurt to be a little bit lighter. At least it’s well balanced in Ecoboost form. I wish I could get it to go into ‘sport’ mode by default. Normal mode is fine, but a bit lacking in regards to throttle response. The cooled seats could do a better job.
Oh, and there’s that whole high pitched noise issue I’ve mentioned here before but I’m learning to ignore it.
But really, what don’t I like?
I wish it wasn’t a Mustang.
When I first bought the car, I thought this was a great feature. Saying “I own a Mustang” felt kinda cool. The car does a good job of reminding you it’s special: there’s no Ford branding, only Mustang. Details like the pony projection lights and sequential tri-bar taillights remind everyone that you drive a Mustang.
I’m starting to hate driving a Mustang though. First, there were the ‘Nice Accord Coupe’ jokes. Those weren’t so bad. Then there’s the constant questioning of ‘why didn’t you buy the V8?’. That’s getting a little old, but still not that bad. “Hope you didn’t hit any crowds” is downright grinding now.
I try to put all that aside, but sometimes it gets tough. I subscribe to an S550 Mustang page on Facebook, and not only do ecoboost owners get questioned, we get shit on. For some reason it almost hurts more when it comes from other Mustang owners. Sure, an ‘outsider’ might not “get” buying a pony car with a 4 cylinder engine, but for another Mustang owner to shame you for it is just sad.
Beyond being shamed, I’m ashamed to be associated with these people. Look at this post, from just this week:
Is this what people assume Mustang owners are like? If I tell someone I own a Mustang, will they associate me with these monsters?
I know what you’re going to say: don’t let it get to you. It’s your car, as long as you enjoy it that’s all that matters.
We’re lying to ourselves when we say that. No, I didn’t buy this car to impress anyone, but as a car enthusiast I want to be proud of it. I want to go to a car show and park it with the other Mustangs and feel like I’m a part of something. I like getting compliments on my car, it’s fun and makes me proud and happy to own it. When I get shamed for having a Mustang without a V8, or prodded with those stupid cars and coffee jokes I just feel regret. Regret that I bought this name plate. I think to myself that I should have bought the V8, not because I want it but because I’m tired of explaining myself. I think to myself I should have bought a Camaro because surely Camaro owners can’t be this bad. Or maybe I should have bought something European so no one would give it a second glance.
I can eventually put that aside. I’ll get back in my car after seeing this shit and remember why I bought it and I’m happy, but sometimes it’s tough
So if it got totaled today, would I buy another one tomorrow?
This is a tough question, and that’s a bit disappointing. I do love this car. It’s great to drive. I’ll always recommend it to someone looking for a nice sporty DD. But if I suddenly found myself without it I don’t know that I would go back. Not because of the car, no, but because of what it is. I’d buy it as a Fusion Coupe. I’d buy it if it had a twin turbo V6. But I don’t think I’d buy it as a 4 cylinder Mustang.
Would I buy the GT instead? I don’t think so. I don’t want to be one of “those” guys. That’s not to say GT owners are bad in general, I know quite a few that are great people, but the rotten eggs have left a bad taste in my mouth.
Sadly I don’t think the negativity can be escaped, and it’s a god damn shame, a sickness that we car enthusiasts need to clean up. Buy a hot hatch? “Shame it’s FWD. RWD or GTFO”. Buy a small sports car, like a Miata? “That’s a hairdressers car”. Buy a BMW, Audi, or Porsche? “That guy’s definitely a douchebag”.
The Ecoboost Mustang might just be one of the best new sports cars money can buy, and it’s a shame that no one else will tell you that.
Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
> Jayhawk Jake
07/03/2016 at 17:28 |
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You’ve made numerous posts recently that give me the “one foot out the door” vibe. Time for a FWD Accord Coupe.
CB
> Jayhawk Jake
07/03/2016 at 17:41 |
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I think your last few paragraphs hit the nail on the head. Automotive enthusiasts are assholes.
Overall, excellent review. I’d like a Mustang at some point in my life.
LongbowMkII
> Jayhawk Jake
07/03/2016 at 17:49 |
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The worst part of the mustang has been the tool that so often is behind the wheel. I think it’s a self fulfilling stereotype. I don’t think the camaro group would be much better. LSx brah!
It’s really hard not to generalize.
But I do think the mustang/crowd joke is a bit unfair. Mustangs are just ubiquitous. the same jackass wrecking at c+c in a mustang would wreck in an M3 or a one wheel peel in a civic.
Bman76 (no it doesn't need a WS6 hood) M. Arch
> Jayhawk Jake
07/03/2016 at 17:52 |
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What you’ve described is generally what I’ve found about (insert model name here) enthusiast. Be it Mustang, Corvette, GT-R, etc. groups it’s the same as political groups, they turn into echo-chambers and declare superiority. It’s why I love Oppo, we have enough variety to keep it interesting/stable around here.
I hope Ford takes all the GT350R parts, adds the EcoBoost, and makes an awesome SVO successor too.
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Jayhawk Jake
> Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
07/03/2016 at 17:53 |
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Eh, I wouldn’t say I’m one foot out the door. I’m always dreaming about what’s next. I do really like this car, but it was never a ‘forever’ car.
Conan
> Jayhawk Jake
07/03/2016 at 18:30 |
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Tune it.
TheBimmerGuyWhoNowOwnsAChevy
> Jayhawk Jake
07/03/2016 at 18:31 |
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Stuff like this makes me glad to be an opponaut because we are so nice to each other and usually don’t care what another drives. I’m proud to be on oppo and not some regular forum where bigotry runs amuck.
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Jayhawk Jake
> Conan
07/03/2016 at 18:35 |
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I will eventually
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Conan
> Jayhawk Jake
07/03/2016 at 18:36 |
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It’d be what tempted me into Ecoboost land if I could be.
Chasaboo
> Jayhawk Jake
07/03/2016 at 18:45 |
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Don’t sweat it, you bought a great car. A dude at work has one in black, it looks amazing. Change the exhaust, check out what GAS has, it helps the sound a lot!
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Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
> Jayhawk Jake
07/03/2016 at 18:45 |
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Do you think you’ll even keep it for 3 years?
daender
> Jayhawk Jake
07/03/2016 at 18:51 |
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Fuck the stereotypical V8 Mustang bros. They’re just as had as the unsafe-stance bros. Let them crash into a tree at Mustang Week in front of a cop car.
AMGtech - now with more recalls!
> Jayhawk Jake
07/03/2016 at 19:42 |
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Maybe more like the door is open and through it you can see the dealership across the street?
Kanaric
> Jayhawk Jake
07/03/2016 at 19:43 |
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Ya I don’t associate with muscle car fans in general they are asshats who have no appreciation for any other car including other muscle cars. The import scene whether it be euro or japanese is far better. Even BMW owners are less snobby.
Case in point I brought my Skyline to a car show and parked in the Japanese section and it was all well and good. Everyone was friendly. I then wanered over to the Mustang section since I own a 2014 GT. I told people there I brought that car, with obvious talking about rice, but then I said I owned a 2014 Mustang GT and wanted to check out classic mustangs. More than one person shit on my car saying it sounds like garbage and all kinds of shit like that.
This is why I like weird cars. If I talk to a guy with a MGB GT with a V8 in it that would never happen. AMC guys? They are cool and nice. The guy I met with a delorean? Great guy to talk to. People who own big 3 muscle cars? Should play the game spot the douchebag.
Vicente Esteve
> Jayhawk Jake
07/03/2016 at 20:03 |
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Excellent review, the last paragraphs define perfectly the rotten side of automotive enthusiasts.
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Jayhawk Jake
> AMGtech - now with more recalls!
07/03/2016 at 20:52 |
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Maybe? I’m always that way. Even if I get a “dream car” like a corvette I'll probably be eyeing something else. I'm just not the type to get a car and be convinced that I'll keep it for 10 years
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Jayhawk Jake
> Conan
07/03/2016 at 20:54 |
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I want to get 10-15k miles on it first. There was some scare around these motors giving out, I figure a solid year of autocross should suss out any problems
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Conan
> Jayhawk Jake
07/03/2016 at 21:12 |
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Seems like a solid plan. Autocross makes a really good proving ground in general.
aquila121
> Jayhawk Jake
07/03/2016 at 21:37 |
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I get the feeling that I’d agree with so much of what you’ve said if I owned a pony car myself. Nice write-up.
gawdzillla
> Jayhawk Jake
07/03/2016 at 21:57 |
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I will only get one if it’s a gt350r
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Jayhawk Jake
> Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
07/03/2016 at 23:30 |
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Probably. But not much more
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AMGtech - now with more recalls!
> Jayhawk Jake
07/04/2016 at 00:17 |
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I know the feeling.
Mitch Moen
> Jayhawk Jake
07/04/2016 at 02:02 |
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1. Buy a staged kit. 2. Install it. 3. Defeat the haters. Great review
http://www.cobbtuning.com/ford-mustang-ecoboost-stage-power-packages/
PWRandSPD
> Jayhawk Jake
07/04/2016 at 12:36 |
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It’s your car, enjoy it. I have had a Mustang in my mass variety of cars that I have owned over the years. I have had an addiction problem to cars (27 to date) but I have been getting under control as my wallet has gotten lighter. My 8 cylinder mustang, a ‘98 GT convertible only had 225 hp with 285 ft/lb torque. By my math, you are doing better with the power under the hood. Mine may have made a better sound naturally through the exhaust, but that is not the only part of the driving dynamic. I have had FWD, RWD, AWD, 4WD with many vehicles as sports cars, people movers, SUVs and heavy duty trucks. If you like your ride, that should be all that matters. If you ever fall out of love with your vehicle, there will always be another right around the corner that may tickle your fancy. I won’t tolerate vehicles I don’t like because I spend too much time behind the wheel to not enjoy myself. If people don’t like my vehicle or make fun of it, they are probably jealous or just have a different opinion. To each their own, I love my “Cowboy Cadillac” Ram 3500 HD Diesel. It is my DD. Granted it is used as a work vehicle and serves more than just a fancy ride. It is not the vehicle I would necessarily DD if I did not need to, but it is comfortable and gets me where I am going. I only have 385 hp in that big heavy truck which should make your 310 hp look just fine, granted I have 850 ft/lbs of torque and get 10-16-22mpg. I go with smile factor whenever I buy a car. If it makes me smile, I will buy and drive the hell out of it. When I no longer smile, it’s time for a new ride. Sounds like yours makes you smile, enjoy it while you have it, and look back at it fondly when it is just another line in your little black book of vehicles.
6SPD5.0
> Jayhawk Jake
07/05/2016 at 17:58 |
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Really sad to see the stupid people getting to you like that. I understand, it’s annoying, it just makes you want to back out and leave those groups/situations. But, the crux of the matter isn’t just Mustang, it’s the popularity. Of course the weirder enthusiast cars have better communities, smaller groups tend to support each other better. A very large population is very often characterized by the loudest members, those being the negative Mustang stereotypical owners in this case.
If you look across the board at similar cars I’m sure you’ll find the same thing. If you can’t deal with it, then yeah your choices are either ignore it all completely or move on to something with a smaller following. I don’t mean to sound rude here, I’m very similar to you actually (though I have a GT now). I don’t like to be associated with those assholes, but I have thick skin. My car is a huge (yuuuge) part of my life. The happiness I get is awe inspiring from shifting gears, accelerations, heel-toe downshifts into corners, the comfort of the seats/tech/stereo system, and the exterior looks.
Nothing anyone can say is going to change my mind. I had a 2011 V6, and I had constant questions on my engine choice like you mention. But, I still maintain it was the best possible car I could have bought at the time and will recommend it in that category forever. Now that I have a GT, insults haven’t stopped, they just changed the words. Hope the support from the other Oppos helps.
Carbon Fiber Sasquatch
> Jayhawk Jake
08/01/2016 at 23:44 |
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Thanks for the review! As a Chevy guy who is also interested in the Mustang Ecoboost, this was a great read! I'm glad to see you're enjoying it. I may have to pick up a Grabber Blue version soon. I can’t justify the V8 personally, it would just always remind me that I don’t have the GT350.
Kirby13
> Jayhawk Jake
07/06/2018 at 19:38 |
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I live in Colorado. If they bring their V8 to ride the fun mountain roads here, it’ll lose 30% of its power. I prefer the turbo, thank you very much. Could probably skunk the V8 on mountain roads, except that kind of road racing there is very dangerous, not to mention illegal.