GoFas7
Member
- Joined
- Jun 4, 2018
- Threads
- 4
- Messages
- 18
- Reaction score
- 23
- Location
- Houston, TX
- First Name
- Gary
- Vehicle(s)
- '18 Kona Blue, GT Premium, PP1, 6MT
- Thread starter
- #1
Greetings Mustang6G,
Last week I picked up a 2018 Kona Blue GT Premium, with Performance Package Level 1, Active Exhaust, Spoiler Delete, and the Voice Navigation.
TL;DR = The 2018 Mustang GT exceeds expectations in performance and value (from a Corvette Fan/Previous Owner).
I wanted to share my experience in case any are on the fence about this car.
I am 35 and thus far in my life have owned a 1998 Pontiac Firebird, 2000 Corvette C5, 2004 Mustang GT Premium, 2017 Corvette Stingray C7, and three Toyota Tacomas (2005, 2013, 2017).
During the holidays in 2016 I purchased my "Dream Car," a new off the lot 2017 Corvette Stingray. I selected an automatic transmission as I intended to daily drive it. The car ended up having a bad differential from the manufacturer, the dreaded "warble," thousands of base stingray A8 owners are dealing with. The dealership dismantled the entire rear end with less than 300 miles to replace the diff. When I went to pick up the car, it not only still made the warble, but now it was more obnoxious and additional strange sounds and performance oddities were present. This was such a horrible experience, I took it straight to my Toyota dealer and begged them to take it and give me back a Tacoma. Please note, base stingrays with 7MT, all Z51s, Grand Sports, and z06s are fine. The issue was souly base stingrays with the A8.
Fast forward to present day and while I love Tacomas, I constantly miss having a sports car. Two months ago I began my search.
First, I went straight for 2018-2019 Stingray 1LT, this time with a 7MT. These go for ~$49-50k. I found one in Arlington, TX, but was hesitant to spend so much again since I didn't have as large of a down payment and interest rates have risen.
Second, oddly for me, I caught the Subaru WRX STi bug and took one for a test drive. My wife insisted on the Limited model with the "lip spoiler," as not to look like such a "boy racer." This ride was priced around ~$41k, is very unique, and more practical (4 doors). The model/option combo I was looking for eventually arrived in Houston, and when my wife could tell I was serious, she vetoed it. She "could not see me in a STi," and felt it was a "fixed up civic/scion for twice the price." Now, I don't agree with that, but she is my spouse and she shut this one down.
Third, I was after a black 2018 Camaro 2SS. I preferred the 2SS over 1LE track package. This was priced around $41k as well. Love the engine, 6MT, exhaust, etc. The downfall for this one is personal opinion. To me, I agree with a lot of the comments I read about it, "feels like you're sitting in a bunker," "low visibility," "styling looks like a caricature of concept art brought to life." I could get over the first two, but the exterior body styling isn't for me.
Lastly, I asked myself, what about another Mustang? If so, what would it be like? I would want a Kona Blue, GT, 6MT, with spoiler delete. My nearby dealership had just received this exact car! We went over one Sunday to check it out when they were closed. It was priced at $29-30k for Memorial Weekend. I couldn't believe the sheer value. Then I was curious about the cars with the neat 19" black wheels. Enter the Performance Package. I read up on the PP1 in industry articles, forums, and YouTube videos. I found the exact same car in Houston with the PP1 for $33k. Now, if I got the first car, I would have upgraded the tires quickly, so it was easy to sign myself up for additional $2-3k for a larger radiator, 3.73 gearing, Brembos, and all the braces. I thought my search was done, until I remembered how much I enjoyed the interior of my 2004 GT with black leather seats. Low and behold, another dealership in town had a 2018, Kona Blue, GT Premium, PP1, 6MT, Spoiler Delete priced at $39k (Sticker ~$45k). I went on Memorial Day proper and test drove this car and it was game over. I signed on the line 48 hours later. I ended up getting the car for $38k as I am a Veteran.
I want to take a moment to give kudos and appreciation to Ford. Many companies offer "Military Discounts," but they are often for Active Duty and Retired. Many discounts are off limits for your average Veteran. Ford offers $1k off for all Active/Vet/Retired. Thank you Ford!
For the last 10-15 years I considered myself a die hard Corvette fan and agreed it was America's #1 performance car.
I'm here to tell you that this GT is more comfortable, more fun to drive, has fantastic styling and value in comparison. Also, it sounds phenomenal. For the same amenities and track package I'd have to purchase a Z51 2LT which stickers at $66k. This 2018 Mustang GT is vastly exceeding my expectations at $38k and I love it!
Thank you for reading my story. Maybe it will be helpful to others in the market for a new ride.
I am new to the forum and looking forward to chatting with you all. I am also interested to know if there are any Mustang groups in Houston on here.
Now if you read this far, maybe you can assist me with naming her. My 2004 Grey GT was named, "Stormy Weather," so I'd like to stick with the storm theme and somehow incorporate the color blue. So far I've got, Tempest, Electra, Whirlwind, Monsoon, Squall, etc. My wife is partial to Electra as it sounds more feminine, but I don't feel I've incorporated the color blue aspect. What do you think?
Last week I picked up a 2018 Kona Blue GT Premium, with Performance Package Level 1, Active Exhaust, Spoiler Delete, and the Voice Navigation.
TL;DR = The 2018 Mustang GT exceeds expectations in performance and value (from a Corvette Fan/Previous Owner).
I wanted to share my experience in case any are on the fence about this car.
I am 35 and thus far in my life have owned a 1998 Pontiac Firebird, 2000 Corvette C5, 2004 Mustang GT Premium, 2017 Corvette Stingray C7, and three Toyota Tacomas (2005, 2013, 2017).
During the holidays in 2016 I purchased my "Dream Car," a new off the lot 2017 Corvette Stingray. I selected an automatic transmission as I intended to daily drive it. The car ended up having a bad differential from the manufacturer, the dreaded "warble," thousands of base stingray A8 owners are dealing with. The dealership dismantled the entire rear end with less than 300 miles to replace the diff. When I went to pick up the car, it not only still made the warble, but now it was more obnoxious and additional strange sounds and performance oddities were present. This was such a horrible experience, I took it straight to my Toyota dealer and begged them to take it and give me back a Tacoma. Please note, base stingrays with 7MT, all Z51s, Grand Sports, and z06s are fine. The issue was souly base stingrays with the A8.
Fast forward to present day and while I love Tacomas, I constantly miss having a sports car. Two months ago I began my search.
First, I went straight for 2018-2019 Stingray 1LT, this time with a 7MT. These go for ~$49-50k. I found one in Arlington, TX, but was hesitant to spend so much again since I didn't have as large of a down payment and interest rates have risen.
Second, oddly for me, I caught the Subaru WRX STi bug and took one for a test drive. My wife insisted on the Limited model with the "lip spoiler," as not to look like such a "boy racer." This ride was priced around ~$41k, is very unique, and more practical (4 doors). The model/option combo I was looking for eventually arrived in Houston, and when my wife could tell I was serious, she vetoed it. She "could not see me in a STi," and felt it was a "fixed up civic/scion for twice the price." Now, I don't agree with that, but she is my spouse and she shut this one down.
Third, I was after a black 2018 Camaro 2SS. I preferred the 2SS over 1LE track package. This was priced around $41k as well. Love the engine, 6MT, exhaust, etc. The downfall for this one is personal opinion. To me, I agree with a lot of the comments I read about it, "feels like you're sitting in a bunker," "low visibility," "styling looks like a caricature of concept art brought to life." I could get over the first two, but the exterior body styling isn't for me.
Lastly, I asked myself, what about another Mustang? If so, what would it be like? I would want a Kona Blue, GT, 6MT, with spoiler delete. My nearby dealership had just received this exact car! We went over one Sunday to check it out when they were closed. It was priced at $29-30k for Memorial Weekend. I couldn't believe the sheer value. Then I was curious about the cars with the neat 19" black wheels. Enter the Performance Package. I read up on the PP1 in industry articles, forums, and YouTube videos. I found the exact same car in Houston with the PP1 for $33k. Now, if I got the first car, I would have upgraded the tires quickly, so it was easy to sign myself up for additional $2-3k for a larger radiator, 3.73 gearing, Brembos, and all the braces. I thought my search was done, until I remembered how much I enjoyed the interior of my 2004 GT with black leather seats. Low and behold, another dealership in town had a 2018, Kona Blue, GT Premium, PP1, 6MT, Spoiler Delete priced at $39k (Sticker ~$45k). I went on Memorial Day proper and test drove this car and it was game over. I signed on the line 48 hours later. I ended up getting the car for $38k as I am a Veteran.
I want to take a moment to give kudos and appreciation to Ford. Many companies offer "Military Discounts," but they are often for Active Duty and Retired. Many discounts are off limits for your average Veteran. Ford offers $1k off for all Active/Vet/Retired. Thank you Ford!
For the last 10-15 years I considered myself a die hard Corvette fan and agreed it was America's #1 performance car.
I'm here to tell you that this GT is more comfortable, more fun to drive, has fantastic styling and value in comparison. Also, it sounds phenomenal. For the same amenities and track package I'd have to purchase a Z51 2LT which stickers at $66k. This 2018 Mustang GT is vastly exceeding my expectations at $38k and I love it!
Thank you for reading my story. Maybe it will be helpful to others in the market for a new ride.
I am new to the forum and looking forward to chatting with you all. I am also interested to know if there are any Mustang groups in Houston on here.
Now if you read this far, maybe you can assist me with naming her. My 2004 Grey GT was named, "Stormy Weather," so I'd like to stick with the storm theme and somehow incorporate the color blue. So far I've got, Tempest, Electra, Whirlwind, Monsoon, Squall, etc. My wife is partial to Electra as it sounds more feminine, but I don't feel I've incorporated the color blue aspect. What do you think?
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