Getting back into an S550, need advice, 15-17 or 18

[madsedan]

I had a '15 GT PP with manual tranny in base package when they first came out. Loved the car but a job change after a year with longer drives forced purchase of a more fuel efficient car.
Now that I'm back into a normal commute I want to buy another. At first I was strictly looking for a deal on a new/pre-owned 18 GT with PP, but as I have been reading more on the forums at the tuning options out over the last two years for the 15-17 models and the big price savings over an 18 I am considering buying a nice 15-17 instead.

Cheapest 18 GT/PP I can find is a base/cloth model with 6mt for about $34k+ and Ford hasn't put out 0% financing in Texas yet.
For $24-25k I can get a really nice and clean, low mileage 15/16 model, premium package, in excellent condition. We are talking about 1 owner cars with service records under 20k miles, and found a couple of base with Recaro's in them as well.

Seeing as now we have established tuning options for using the gt350/18GT intake manifold with TB/intake/tune to achieve the same numbers or more than the stock '18 is there any downside to buying the 15-17 if the tranny shifts smoothly on the test drive?
If I buy the 15-17 I'll do the IM/TB/intake/tune combo as well as exhaust and suspension mods, it'll be daily driving and taken to race tracks a few times a year for HPDE schools.

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[thehunterooo]

My popcorn is ready.

 

[Rock&Roll]

The 16 is the best because it has the blinkers on the hood.

 

[poncho@home]

In your situation I'd likely buy the 2015-17, but I am biased. If you can save $10k + and get a premium vs a base 18, its a no brainer. You can easily get the 15-17 at 18 performance levels for much less than that, and you'd have a Premium version that's more to your personal tastes as you do the upgrades to it.

Outside the hardcore enthusiast scene, most people can't tell the difference between a 15-17 vs 18-19

I love my '17 and have no regrets on buying it new last year deeply discounted vs the new 18s at the time.

 

[madsedan]

I am just blown away at the selection of nice 15-17 models with really desirable color choices, interior packages, PP, and light mods.
One popped up on my radar last night that has a GT350 rear bumper cover with dual tipped exhaust, gt350 steering wheel, with JLT intake and Lund tune for 25k with reasonable miles.
Obviously I'll need to check these cars out to make sure they are tip/top but I have 5 different models in my area that someone has already done the GT350 steering wheel swap on lol.

 

[Zinc03svt]

What is up w/ people wanting manuals...? Around SW Missouri you can buy that base/18/manual for 30/31k. I waited for 18 refresh before getting into s550 myself.

 

[madsedan]

I'll try to find one under warranty or certified at a Ford dealer obviously but there doesn't seem to be much of a premium in getting a certified car either. One I looked at last night was 26k miles on a 16, GT/PP with red/black interior, air conditioned seats, incredible condition with a clean 1 owner carfax I could drive off the lot for $26k. That car likely stickered for $46k new?

 

[madsedan]

What is up w/ people wanting manuals...? Around SW Missouri you can buy that base/18/manual for 30/31k. I waited for 18 refresh before getting into s550 myself.

My 15 was a manual, I've had nothing but manuals since 1994, like 32 cars and all manual.
I know the 10sp auto is quicker off the line but I'll give up a few hundredths of a second for a more entertaining/engaging drive. I have done laps in loads of DCT/PDK/DSG cars and they are quick, fun in a different way, but the feeling I get blipping the throttle and properly heel/toe going into a turn is sweet.

 

[The_Phantom]

My popcorn is ready.

My thoughts exactly.

OP, it doesn't sound like you NEED an '18. So I would be looking to save some cash if it were me. Find a nice 15-17 GT Premium and pull the trigger.

 

[madsedan]

Thanks guys!

 

[joshy5oh]

i was in the same boatt, sold my heavily modded 14 for an s550, waited to see the refresh, threw up in my mouth, and bought a 16 cali special. The 10r80 is the ONLY reason to get an 18+, and yes the bolt on numbers of 500+ are enticing but id rather spend the extra 5-7k$ on the FULLY refreshed s560 in 2020-21. Just my opinion. Love my 16...

 

[MELLOWYELLOW06]

Everyone has their opinions and they all differ!!!!!!!

If you had a 15 already, why not go for something a little different wearing the current look of the car?


But again, do whats right for you.

Either way, you cant go wrong getting a Mustang!

 

[NoVaGT]

Cheapest 18 GT/PP I can find is a base/cloth model with 6mt for about $34k+ and Ford hasn't put out 0% financing in Texas yet.....

I've been watching for Ford Credit to hit the remaining '18s with 0% for the last 3 months, and I don't think it's going to happen. Evidently the 2018MY was a very short production time, and there isn't that many 18s left over for Ford to go 0%.

 

[sdiver68]

As much as I love my 10R80 GT, if you dont want the A10 definitely should consider saving the money. There are lots of changes like suspension that added up might be worth it for the 18. Drive the 18 and choose from there, cost of 18 versus extra mods on the 15-17.

 

[wcharon]

I am also in the same boat coming from a Nissan 350z 2004. I love and found the 2017 Grabber Blue color with PP1 and Black Package but that color doesn't come on 2018.

Love the 12" display and the new transmission from the 2018.

Drove a OX White PP1 with red seats and also Black Package which i didn't like too much the White but after seeing some pics with modifications seems better.

At the moment there is a 6K price difference which i think the 2018 has better value for the specs and features but we are talking 6K more..

Decisions, decisions, decisions.

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