Advice for a near-future owner?

[SDock]

Hey everyone. I've run some searches on here about this topic and have been researching these cars a lot, but haven't found an answer to specifically what I'm curious about. I'm looking to pick up a used s550 probably within the next 6 months. I know I want a manual GT with PP. My main question is, are the '18-up cars noticeably/significantly better than a '15-'17? The looks aren't super important, both look good to me. I'm mostly concerned about durability issues and performance. I'm not new to performance vehicles and this will be a nice weather/weekend driver with a few track days per year. Thanks in advance!

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[Pkvir]

I would say engine performance wise, not a big difference. Edge would go to the 18-21. The new 10R80 is a better auto, but that doesn't concern you as you want a manual. The ditigal dash on the 401A package (18-21) is a big one for me, you may not care about it at all. As for as durability, I would think that's a wash. Go find you a low mileage 15-17 with a stick and have fun.

 

[boB]

Take a look at the thread "

Need your opinion! What year GT?
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[Silver Bullitt]

If you’re looking for a nice weather/weekend car to also be used for a few track days, you might consider a 2018-2020 PP2 car. That is exactly what I wanted and my ‘18 GT PP2 fits that bill perfectly. I switched to a little less aggressive summer performance tire from the stock Michelin Sport Cup 2’s staying with the stock 305/30/19 square setup. Car is amazing on the streets and fun on the track.

I’ve never experienced some of the rear diff overheating issues some with a more aggressive tire have reported. I’ve run 15-20 minute sessions in 70-80 degree ambient temps with no issues. It certainly gives up some of the performance capabilities this car has in stock form with a little less aggressive tire, but it’s still capable of delivering.

I’m at 18K on my car now with zero issues. It’s been tracked about 1/2 dozen times now and made about 15 or so 1/4 mile passes. I do run a set of 325/30/19 MT Street drag radials for the strip. The only mod I’ve done is a resonator delete H-pipe. With the stock active valve exhaust and the H-pipe, it’s one of the best sounding stock exhaust systems I’ve ever heard.

My car was a special order 301A with Recaros and active valve exhaust. I paid less than $39K for it in May 2018. I wouldn’t change a thing if I had it to do all over again.

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