Doing homework on the 13-15 GT

[Emt1581]

I've never owned a fast car. Grew up with them, drove them, but never personally owned one. I've come to a point where the 13-15 GT seems like the best bang for the buck in terms of horsepower, seats 4 (only need room for my 4 year old in the back right now), similar gas mileage to my current Subaru's, and seems like something I might be able to maintain (compared to a German car).

Now between the 3 years, there are lots of things to consider which is why I joined up here. Multiple members on another forum suggested that this place would have the greatest wealth of knowledge/experience on these cars, especially on the 15 model. At the end of the day I need to find which specific year/model/trim would be best for me.

I plan to search around the forum. But here are some of the questions I hope to answer...

1. When comparing the 13, 14, and 15 GT, does the 15 really warrant the extra $10k+?

I know, I know, independent rear vs. live/solid. But otherwise...

2. What's maintenance/wrench turning like and how is it different among the three years compared to your standard family sedan?

I'm used to working on my bike (Suzuki Intruder), Subaru's and GM's. Due to increased performance/sensors/computerization... I'm guessing special tools/computers might be needed especially on the 15 GT. But maybe not. Maybe metric sockets, good eyes/ears, and an OBD II will get me by.

3. GT, GT premium, GT premium + performance?

Everywhere I look, people seem to say go "performance pack" or go home. This car might see the track sporadically over the years, but in general it'll be driven 10 miles to and from work on the highway in the warmer months and maybe here and there on nice/dry days in the colder months. But mostly it'll sit in the garage over the winter (except to start up every few weeks). I'm anxious to see if the performance is worth the extra cash.

4. What to look for/avoid when shopping?

When used car shopping there are always things to look for. I always drive the car, jack it up and roll around underneath with a head lamp to check EVERYTHING out. But in a car that's only 1-3 years old I'm not sure what to look for to see if the previous owner really abused it or babied it.

I've been looking on CL and cars.com but are there other sites to check? I'm okay with flying to buy and driving home. Plus I won't actually be buying until Summer/Fall of 16. So plenty of time for homework and shopping. Just curious what sites to monitor?

Again, I plan on reading the threads already in for forum to gather different view points, info, and experience. But if there's something you can contribute it'd be much appreciated.

Thanks!

-Emt1581

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[jasonstang]

If you can afford a 15, get a 15. Why even bother with the 13-14.
As for tuning, there is tons of option out there to fill your wildest dream (700hp+).
As for PP or not it all comes down to what you want. I am planning to SC my car and the automatic is the one to go so I got an automatic.
AS for things to look for. Realistically as long as the previous owner don't wreck the clutch if you go for a manual, it should be good to go (without big accidents of course).

 

[AR306]

Go to a dealer, test drive a used 13-14 GT, then test drive an s550 and hit yourself in the head for wasting time considering a s197. :headbonk:

 

[BAdrosky]

Wouldn't bother with the 13-14, get whatever you can afford. To maintain fill with gas and change oil.

 

[GoBlues38]

yes. the 2015 is truly a "modern" mustang.

Quality interior. Quality suspension. A 2015 sitting next to a 2014-2010 makes the older car look..well....old.

Well worth the extra cash. I fall in the skip perforce pack group.

But, find one with 3:55 gears.

 

[Emt1581]

Wouldn't bother with the 13-14, get whatever you can afford. To maintain fill with gas and change oil.

As for maintenance I meant things like replacing struts/axles/brakes/filters/links/etc....so parts that will wear out with time. Unlike a german car owner that loves nothing more than to drop it off at the stealership and cut a check....The more I can do myself the better.

Thanks!

-Emt1581

 

[daltron]

1. When comparing the 13, 14, and 15 GT, does the 15 really warrant the extra $10k+?

In one word, YES.

Suspension, interior, refinement, Sync 3, etc etc etc.

 

[jasonstang]

As for maintenance I meant things like replacing struts/axles/brakes/filters/links/etc....so parts that will wear out with time. Unlike a german car owner that loves nothing more than to drop it off at the stealership and cut a check....The more I can do myself the better.

Thanks!

-Emt1581

You can do all that on about just any cars. The basics of cars are same. It's only different when it comes to electronically controlled stuff.
German cars are also easy to work on.

 

[BallisticBurrito]

In one word, YES.

Suspension, interior, refinement, Sync 3, etc etc etc.

'15s don't have Sync 3. That starts with the '16.

 

[daltron]

'15s don't have Sync 3. That starts with the '16.

That is correct, misread the thread, thought he meant a new S550.

 

[CommyO]

Get a 15/16. Get the premium and have a debate on the PP like a thousand other people.

 

[Emt1581]

It's only different when it comes to electronically controlled stuff.
German cars are also easy to work on.

What German cars have you worked on? The engines I've seen are so cramped and cars are so over-engineered it takes significantly more time (and sometimes specialized tools) to do the work.

As for the electronically controlled stuff...is there any inexpensive diagnostic purchases that 15 GT owners are benefited by?...or do those issues require a 6-figure dealer-only computer?

Thanks

-Emt1581

 

[Emt1581]

Get a 15/16. Get the premium and have a debate on the PP like a thousand other people.

Yeah I just read the regret thread and it seems that no one complained about having purchased the PP but plenty regret NOT having it. Again, I just need to learn more about the specifics but up front it seems like something worth having.

Is there another name for it though? On cars.com I found tons of premiums but I think just one PP. I've also heard it called a track pack.

Thanks

-Emt1581

 

[daltron]

The name is the Performance Package.

 

[Mgsouthwest2001]

I had a 13 5.0 and now have the 15. There is really no comparison between the two cars. The 15 is a massive improvement. The interior is better. The car is much more comfortable, from the seats to the way it rides. Horsepower and torque are both up from the S197. I personally think the 15 blows the last gen out of the water in the looks department too. Sitting a S550 beside an S197 makes the 197 look very plain. I have had 5 mustangs now and this 15 is my favorite by a long shot.

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