My GT350R will likely be my last Ford car.

[MrCincinnati]

I guess what NSF1000F and RedWhiteBlues are trying to say is that they prefer to have conversations that revolve around Mustangs as this is a Mustang forum.

Nobody voices that opinion when people start whole threads about who's interested in a Raptor or a Focus RS.

This is a public forum. We share ideas. This particular thread intertwined the OPs thoughts about his Mustang - and a Porsche. I don't see why any of you are in this particular thread trying to steer the conversation away from the OPs thoughts due to some imaginary boundary lines about what can and cannot be discussed.

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[300blackout]

Cool data and accurate of the forum just not the production line. Great for speculation but not for production fact. I am on my second 350, two bad engines (TP, for different reasons) and if my R engine goes it will get another and soldier own. The R is a blast and an incredible performance bargain. I am still buying a GT3 becuase GT3. Maybe I'll keep both maybe not. Who cares lol

Given the information and statistics provided by Ford (which is zero) that's the best we can do. I believe such info can only help members be more informed and perhaps one day use the data to work for a resolution with Ford.. Maybe one day you will use it too.

Agree that the GT350R is a great performance gargain..until that is if you had to replace 2 or 3 motors out of pocket.

We are not here to bash the vehicle. We like it..that's why we're here. But let's not be fanboys and deny that there are 'issues' that can be improved.

 

[cosmo]

Given the information and statistics provided by Ford (which is zero) that's the best we can do. I believe such info can only help members be more informed and perhaps one day use the data to work for a resolution with Ford.. Maybe one day you will use it too.

Agree that the GT350R is a great performance gargain..until that is if you had to replace 2 or 3 motors out of pocket.

We are not here to bash the vehicle. We like it..that's why we're here. But let's not be fanboys and deny that there are 'issues' that can be improved.

I think the most useful bit of this is seeing if there is something/a pattern we are all overlooking.


The only 2 known component changes were the oil lines between the oil cooler and the OFA, and the filter itself. If we see an unusually high failure rate of models which have these parts, perhaps that's something to go from. Or perhaps a mileage point, such as "if you get to 10k you're good, no failures have been reported from there on."

 

[MrCincinnati]

The R is a blast and an incredible performance bargain. I am still buying a GT3 becuase GT3. Maybe I'll keep both maybe not. Who cares lol

GT3 is out of my reach atm, but waffling on that desire.. I mean the R is overkill already for my skillset on and off track.

In my mind I think I want a GT3 because... racecar.. but then I get in my R and I'm like... this really is all the racecar I actually "need"... despite the headaches.

 

[RedWhiteBlues]

What concern is it of yours what someone else is talking about that has no impact on you? Are you a mod?

No offense but... you're not being forced to read this thread. Your name is red white and blues but you're trying to limit people speaking and conversing freely? Irony.

Go easy there tiger - it was a question. I don't believe I was trying to limit anyone speaking freely, merely asking if there was a better place to do so instead of a GT350 enthusiast forum. It is a completely valid question and I stand by it.

And, of course, with no offense intended, who are you to call me out and imply that it was something more than that?

 

[Zitrosounds]

Given the information and statistics provided by Ford (which is zero) that's the best we can do. I believe such info can only help members be more informed and perhaps one day use the data to work for a resolution with Ford.. Maybe one day you will use it too.

Agree that the GT350R is a great performance gargain..until that is if you had to replace 2 or 3 motors out of pocket.

We are not here to bash the vehicle. We like it..that's why we're here. But let's not be fanboys and deny that there are 'issues' that can be improved.

Fan boy??? Hahahaha I said I am buying a GT3. Some fan boy. The data is from a closed group. Inaccurate representation of the production, fact.

 

[MrCincinnati]

Go easy there tiger - it was a question. I don't believe I was trying to limit anyone speaking freely, merely asking if there was a better place to do so instead of a GT350 enthusiast forum. It is a completely valid question and I stand by it.

And, of course, with no offense intended, who are you to call me out and imply that it was something more than that?

We don't need to argue about it. My implication was based on the rhetorical tone of your question:

"Shouldn't talk about this car (including problems and challenges) be the primary focus?"

Surely you weren't genuinely inquiring without a preconceived notion of what the actual answer is and how you feel about any answers to the contrary.

If I'm mistaken - full apologies.

 

[stanglife]

Imo there were 2 issues with the GT350 that I recognized and were my reasons for selling. These reasons are why there are more for sale used two years later than I would have thought, given the hype and requisite ADM's when they were new.

You still seem like you believe you’re speaking for everyone. Did you poll all of the people in the world that have a GT350 for sale? I haven’t - but I’d suggest that it’s just as likely that this is normal for performance cars. Just as likely that people aren’t able to use them in the way they are best suited, on the street - and are otherwise bored. Just saying that none of us know these things but you are speaking as an authority and seem to think everyone shares your exact views and reason for selling.

 

[stanglife]

PS - incredible number of Porsche GT and other Porsche cars for sale, considering their generally low production numbers. I feel like this is normal.

 

[btown93]

As a former Boss 302 owner, I will say this. I wish I could have had both cars, because they are both great in their own way, and I love them. I will buy another someday. However, I think it might be a little revisionist history to opine greatly for that car as if it was made by "P". If I recall there were oil consumption, and blown engines, and VCT harness issues at introduction. clutch and trans problems still happen. Also, defective master cylinder leaking brake fluid onto fender apron and carpet. They weren't perfect. A common complaint I hear on here is about how awful the GT350 paint is. I think the paint on my GT350 Is much better than that of my Boss. The paint on that car was easily scratched in my opnion. I suppose that the panel gaps and "fit and finish" were better, but at year 7/8 of S197, they should be. Is there an argument to be made in 2015-2018 that it shouldn't be a "thing?" absoultely. My boss wasn't perfect. It had the "ignitor tick". It also had an awful transmission that was very hard to use on track until I installed the MGW. Every time I used it on track I had a flashing CEL. If I didn't add brake cooling ducts, I would puke fluid from the MC reservoir. It also had a wierd metal rattle thru the B-piller, perhaps related to the sidepipe. It had a sloppier drive line that was clunky, it annoying had that ADFSO that almost seemed to engine brake whenever you let off the gas, with either key. The entire drivetrain besides the engine felt cheap to me. The interior, stereo, and brakes felt cheap. But I loved it!

However, I do think that lately with all the engine talk on here, It sort of casts a little bit of doubt, and maybe a little bad taste in alot of people's mouths, and that leats to topics like this one. Until Ford decides to throw us all a bone or we really find out really how common or uncommon this is, its going to lead to some uncertainly for a large group of enthusiasts.

 

[flyinlow007]

Lol no. Imo the GT350 model has attracted those who've had German cars in the past. Thus, expectation of build quality of the GT350 hasn't been satisfied. You have an entire blown engine thread here as well as multiple comments on shoddy build quality. People are dissatisfied, cutting their losses and moving on.

German cars are not immune to build quality issues, in general they can't withstand a MN winter like US built cars do, most rust well before a US built car does. Also dealing with MN winters, their suspension components (bushings, ball joints, CV joints, etc.) don't hold up as well either.

BMW issues: coolant leak from the water pump on 7 series, coolant leak E46 3 series caused by bad expansion tank, failure of oil cooler gaskets on 6 cylinders ends up with oil in the coolant, oil leak from the alternator bracket on the 4.4 V8, various electronic issues, VANOS issues on the E46 M3, PCV issues across the board, window regulator failures

M-B: crankshaft position sensor failures on different engines, transmission seal failures where the electrical plug connects into the transmission, EIS module failures, air suspension failures on the S class, rust issues (ever seen an NB Sprinter that's been on the MN roads for a few years in the winter?), failure of the oil filled engine mounts, window regulator failures,

Porsche: rear main seals, front O2 sensor failures on the flat six, pressure accumulator failures on the 911 manual trans cars, trans valve body failures on the Cayenne, one or both fuel pumps failing on the Cayenne, intermediate shaft bearing failures, cylinder liner cracks, chain tensioner failures,

Audi: valve cover and tensioner gasket failures, coolant reservoir cracks, excessive oil use, timing belt replacements, timing chain replacement on some models requires engine to be pulled

All the german cars seem to have issues with window regulators and switches, not sure if they buy there parts for the same place.

I'm sure we can come up with a list for US cars and Asian cars too, but they generally cost less for the same repairs than the German cars do.

Don't get me wrong, there are many German cars I love, just not willing to put up with the expense of ownership, both the acquisition cost as well as the maintenance costs.

 

[Wriggly]

The discussion of the 911T prompted me to go and look at the Porsche website to see what you get for what you pay. So, it looks like the T is just a regular 911 with a premium price that's been lightened by 33 pounds, or putting it in more concrete terms, the weight of five gallons of gas. I'm not seeing the charm, actually.

What about the difference between an R with electronics vs a base R? Any charm there?

 

[Wriggly]

PS - incredible number of Porsche GT and other Porsche cars for sale, considering their generally low production numbers. I feel like this is normal.

Lots of Porsche GT owners take delivery, drive em for a few months or even less, then flip them for substantial gains. I have an acquaintance that briefly owned a 2016 GT3 RS and 2016 GT4 and flipped both for enough profit that between the two almost paid for a new Mercedes GT R.

He also owns a 2014 918. He goes through cars faster than I go through underwear.

 

[Wriggly]

As a former Boss 302 owner, I will say this. I wish I could have had both cars, because they are both great in their own way, and I love them. I will buy another someday. However, I think it might be a little revisionist history to opine greatly for that car as if it was made by "P". If I recall there were oil consumption, and blown engines, and VCT harness issues at introduction. clutch and trans problems still happen. Also, defective master cylinder leaking brake fluid onto fender apron and carpet. They weren't perfect. A common complaint I hear on here is about how awful the GT350 paint is. I think the paint on my GT350 Is much better than that of my Boss. The paint on that car was easily scratched in my opnion. I suppose that the panel gaps and "fit and finish" were better, but at year 7/8 of S197, they should be. Is there an argument to be made in 2015-2018 that it shouldn't be a "thing?" absoultely. My boss wasn't perfect. It had the "ignitor tick". It also had an awful transmission that was very hard to use on track until I installed the MGW. Every time I used it on track I had a flashing CEL. If I didn't add brake cooling ducts, I would puke fluid from the MC reservoir. It also had a wierd metal rattle thru the B-piller, perhaps related to the sidepipe. It had a sloppier drive line that was clunky, it annoying had that ADFSO that almost seemed to engine brake whenever you let off the gas, with either key. The entire drivetrain besides the engine felt cheap to me. The interior, stereo, and brakes felt cheap. But I loved it!

However, I do think that lately with all the engine talk on here, It sort of casts a little bit of doubt, and maybe a little bad taste in alot of people's mouths, and that leats to topics like this one. Until Ford decides to throw us all a bone or we really find out really how common or uncommon this is, its going to lead to some uncertainly for a large group of enthusiasts.

The Boss, like the GT350 is a cool car. I really liked the rear axle and the ability to get it kicked out with incredible control at will. I almost bought a black 2013 Laguna Seca that had only 500 miles on it this past February. I know the guy that bought it new and it was pretty much a garage queen in perfect condition.
Unfortunately he consigned the car with Gateway and they wanted too much or I probably would have bought the car. I ended up getting my Porsche instead. That Boss would've been a great companion to my GT350.

 

[mustang1]

... Thin and flawed paint, saggy bumper, panel gap inconsistencies, rattles, cheap decals etc, over time pride in ownership withered for me.

Is the paint and bumper different than the GT ? How about for colors they charge extra for, such as Orange or Ruby Red? German performance car paint might be better but if the car ever needs a paint repair, I suspect that will cost quite a bit more.

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