Looking at buying; what trim/options?

[Topslop1]

Hello all, I'm currently in a 2011 Infinti G37 with 189,000 miles on the clock. We've got paint peel, interior damage, jerky transmission, but still running (for now).

Currently looking at purchasing a used lower mileage 3-4 year old Mustang GT, as the price point of ~30,000 is about where I'd like to target. I'd prefer less tech in most instances; the 'shut off' at the stop-light feature, etc, I can't stand.

Must haves: V8 and Manual transmission.

Would like: Leather seats, premium sound, not sure what else.

Not sure about: Which year?, What trim?, Performance Pack 1? 2?, Magnaride?

Need some education in these areas and what the sweet spot is for a new to me 'stang.

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[MAGS1]

GT Premium will get you leather seats. It’s really more vinyl than leather though. They are comfortable though. For the 2018+ cars, a Premium will also potentially get you the digital dash if it’s got the 401a package, which also gives you the upgraded stereo system.

I have a base car, so the “analog” dash, 4” screen (no touchscreen) and cloth seats. The seats are really comfortable. I sometimes wish I would’ve done the 301a package to get the touchscreen, but not to the point where I’m going to buy the upgrade kit (at least not yet). Performance Pack gets you the 6 piston Brembo, a different belly pan that helps with brake cooling, different fender liners for a similar purpose and a few other things. Some will argue to cost new wasn’t worth it but in a used situation it probably makes sense to consider it.

A popular combo around here for dealer ordered stock was the 301a package with performance pack. Cloth seats but the upgraded 8” touchscreen as well as a 9 speaker system vs 6 that is on the base 300a cars. The other popular dealer stock option was GT Premium with the 401a package

The Mustang does not have the Start/Stop feature that some of the other Ford’s have so you’re good there. I personally like bright colors on these cars, but there a lot of good colors out there. If you want some ideas, take a flip through the photo threads. There’s one for each color over the years.

Also, the order threads have the order guides in them, so you can see what each of the various packages contained. Some changed slightly over the years as did colors, which will also be shown on the order guides. No wrong answer as far as what options to look for IMO, all depends on what you really want or need

 

[Paddles]

For $30k a 2017 GT Premium will be a good year for a low mileage car and it will have the normal gearing on the manual. Should still support CarPlay and Android Auto. Look for one with the factory subwoofer in the trunk if you want the top audio trim. If you're trying to stay 2018+ it will be higher miles and the manual transmissions are geared funny. The front end looks different on '18+. Auto stop start didn't begin, for Mustangs, until 2024.

 

[Farkel]

I did a lot of research on this site before ordering mine. Not wanting to do a lot of modifications to get the performance, sound and handling I wanted, I ordered a PP1 Premium with Magneride, 401A interior, B&O stereo (w/ CD!), and active valve exhaust. I knew I'd want to get different wheels & tires, and the MGW shifter, but otherwise I'm very happy with the way it's equipped.

 

[GrabberBargeCaptain]

If you don't get the PP1 it's not the end of the world, easy enough to add the PP braces and one-up the PP by getting the Ford Performance track pack, or if you want the same as the PP, the street pack. The main thing is you don't get the big brakes.. but the standard brakes still have enough power to pull your eyes out of their sockets... but still. Bigger radiator is nice but i havent had issues in 110 degree weather. 3.73 also seems like it would be nice as the 3.55s rev forever.

On second thought if you can find a PP and it's reasonably priced, go for it. It's just in my case, i was buying new and they were all 60K and up, which for a mustang GT is insane.

 

[CrazyHippie]

For $30k a 2017 GT Premium will be a good year for a low mileage car and it will have the normal gearing on the manual. Should still support CarPlay and Android Auto. Look for one with the factory subwoofer in the trunk if you want the top audio trim. If you're trying to stay 2018+ it will be higher miles and the manual transmissions are geared funny. The front end looks different on '18+. Auto stop start didn't begin, for Mustangs, until 2024.

Wait a minute, did you say that the 2024 Mustangs have auto engine shutoff when you stop? That's the first that I've heard about that!

 

[MAGS1]

Wait a minute, did you say that the 2024 Mustangs have auto engine shutoff when you stop? That's the first that I've heard about that!

It’s there for 2025MY, it’s mentioned on the Build & Price site. I believe you can turn it off though

 

[Paddles]

Wait a minute, did you say that the 2024 Mustangs have auto engine shutoff when you stop? That's the first that I've heard about that!

Yep, I'm no expert but I believe it was a wierd mid year release for 2024 GTs so the first batch did not receive it but all proceeding batches did. I think the EB had it for all of 2024. Not sure on DH but I think it's still free of auto stop.

 

[luc]

If you don't get the PP1 it's not the end of the world, easy enough to add the PP braces and one-up the PP by getting the Ford Performance track pack, or if you want the same as the PP, the street pack. The main thing is you don't get the big brakes.. but the standard brakes still have enough power to pull your eyes out of their sockets... but still. Bigger radiator is nice but i havent had issues in 110 degree weather. 3.73 also seems like it would be nice as the 3.55s rev forever.

On second thought if you can find a PP and it's reasonably priced, go for it. It's just in my case, i was buying new and they were all 60K and up, which for a mustang GT is insane.

Pp also get you the 3.73 Torsen
Expensive to retrofit

 

[Järn]

Active Valve Exhaust!

 

[StangTime]

I have a 2019 301A package PP1. It's one of the best bangs for your buck. With the touch screen and Android Auto/CarPlay and ambient lighting. Skip the so called premium sound system. Its complete trash and should not even be called a sound system. Serious audio upgrades required on any of these cars to make it sound good. If you want leather you will need to look a premium model. But be warned the leather in these cars is fake and does not wear well.

 

[shogun32]

I sometimes wish I would’ve done the 301a package to get the touchscreen, but not to the point where I’m going to buy the upgrade kit (at least not yet)

I have one on the shelf when you're ready to take the plunge.

The PP1 *used* is a much better deal than paying for it new. But the PP1 shocks are junk so if you want a good handling car, you're gonna toss those dampers sooner rather than later. And of course, do all the chassis/IRS fixes regardless of trim.

The price delta between used Premium trims vs cloth is IMO still completely whack. Buy a cloth car and put Katzkin et. al. on if you want that leather'ish feeling

If you buy a '17 then you have the good trans ratios and the 3.73 diff is not required. If you buy an 18+ the 3.73 should be mandatory.

I don't like 'tech gadgets' for gadget sake. The mach1 comes with the 401a equiv digi dash. I prefer the analog in my 300A.

Ford's audio systems are a joke. Sure the 9 or 12 sounds better than the base 6, but all of the offerings are turds. The major weakness of the 6 is lack of low. Replace the speakers with not-garbage and it'll help considerably. If you want good audio, rip and replace.

The voice-command and BT response is actually better in the 300A trim than in the ones with the 8" screen.

 

[S550HPP]

Magnaride is a must.

Premium for the interior.

Ford 360 or predecessor with distance control cruise (priceless for scenic drives).

Non B&O 9.speaker because it's easy to upgrade with plug and play DSP amp like Audison, and will accept B&O OE sub box in the trunk.

The packages configuration change year to year almost so check carefully has what you want.

I thought I got the distance control cruise on my 2020 just because it was in the same bundle as on a 21....when got it home realized missing LOL. I saved $10K so no stress.

 

[NightmareMoon]

Ideally a 18-23 PP1 premium (leather) with the magnaride would be sweet. Prefer something with less than 50k miles. These cars wear stuff out (bushings mostly) when the mileage gets too high.

You may not find a premium package car without the big screen but that’s ok, its handy for carplay and the base with all the buttons for dialing a phone and a tiny screen just looks tacky to me.

 

[shogun32]

Magnaride is a must.

as long as you get the Mach1/GT500 front dampers instead of the PP. It's $1000 to source so not cheap but considerably better than what Ford otherwise consigns you with. Yes, it's a drop-in. If you don't want to outlay, then do all the PP1/Steeda front and rear bracing, and IRS/DIFF fixes and it actually helps the low-rent PP1 Magride work better.

Ford 360 or predecessor with distance control cruise (priceless for scenic drives).

Or you could just pull over, or pay attention to your driving regardless of the natural beauty unfolding to either side, and then swap drivers after a bit.

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