Shopping for first GT350, New early 2019, or CPO 2018?

[B0N35]

Hey all, sorry if this has been asked before, curious of opinions...

I'm shopping around for my first GT350, but don't have the funds to go 100% new. I wanted to stay in the $50k range, and found a 2018 with Electronics Package for $52k that I'd offer $50k OTD ($46k+T&L). The car has less than 4000 miles and is CPO. The only downside besides being used, and it's not a big one, is it's not my top 3 choice in colors (it's Kona w/black stripes).

I know people are leery of used because of the unknown break-in, but CPO has a 7yr / 100k mile powertrain warranty, which is better than new, so that seems like decent insurance.

After more searching, I found a new 2019 Tech Pack that the dealer dropped to $60k (I'd offer as high as $57k+T&L). Magnetic w/o stripes. BUT... the car has been on the lot for 377 days. Web window sticker shows what I'm assuming is a build date of 2/21/19 (VIN ends in K55504XX). So, I'm sure that car has has some hard test drives. I'm going to ask actual miles and chassis number.

At any rate:
1) Any thoughts on CPO vs. "new old stock"?
2) Anything I should look for on the new car?
3) If you were me, would the 2019 be worth the extra ~$12k?

Thanks! Hope to have one in the garage before summer.

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[DCShelby]

They don’t let people do hard test drives or test drives at all really.

 

[thill444]

I bought a barely used 2018 (1440 miles) and have zero regrets, Like you I saved about $10K vs brand new.

There are obvious pros and cons to both buying new and used, only you know your finances enough to know which is best for you.

 

[Johnnydarkgt350]

Food for thought! A 2016 “R” with untracked low miles in thy mid 50’s possibly? Will not depreciate nearly as much ! 18000,00 upgraded CF wheels and PP2 tires ; some upgraded engine components; expensive CF Wing; Splitter; and more ! And you never will upgrade your GT350 to something someday for extra cost that an R came with as you already have them !Lower build numbers will create a higher retentive value for the future !

 

[B0N35]

They don’t let people do hard test drives or test drives at all really.

Thanks, that is comforting. I'm sure the actual miles will help confirm if that's true.

...only you know your finances enough to know which is best for you.

For sure. That, and I don't know that I would really notice a difference between a 2018 and 2019 for my use anyway... That being said, $12k would go a long way in upgrades.

Weighing the pros and cons is what's got me into this stalemate.

 

[B0N35]

A 2016 “R” with untracked low miles in thy mid 50’s possibly?

Honestly, I hadn't given it much thought just due to warranty, but only bumper-to-bumper has expired at this point. Not sure that I need more choices to add to the mix, haha!

 

[Johnnydarkgt350]

If Powertrain is still current you can have it inspected at your Ford dealer and put on a bumper to bumper premium care warranty for $2800 for four years 30,000 miles

 

[B0N35]

I was just looking into that!

 

[Johnnydarkgt350]

I love all the GT350’s but also my wallet! What I pay vs what it’s worth when I ready to move on always goes to the hardest to get limited number hi-performance cars ! Who knows? If you stumble across the right R for an affordable amount it may be a low cost ownership! The ford SVT/ performance group “R” models are resale kings ! I know as I had a 2000 R

 

[DCShelby]

Hate to bring it up, but with the 19 you get the Gen2 motor that does not yet show any oil consumption problems the 17 and 18 years had, including me. Granted a few have failed due to valve train issues but I don’t think any have the oil consumption issues. Ok so now I’ll be flogged a bit...

 

[Johnnydarkgt350]

The 2015 and 2016 total researched engine replacements to this date are the lowest numbers “. 6 “ ! Carefully inspected and assembled and I believe the suppliers with their new parts were making sure that their new machinery and building techniques were proven to Ford to not fail ! More 17/18’s have been replaced

 

[B0N35]

...with the 19 you get the Gen2 motor...

Yeah, that's what's killing me, I know that I'd get a 'better' car with the 19, but I need to decide if the cost is worth it. If this were a year ago, I'd have no problem taking a 17 over an 18.

 

[blumani]

Yeah, that's what's killing me, I know that I'd get a 'better' car with the 19, but I need to decide if the cost is worth it. If this were a year ago, I'd have no problem taking a 17 over an 18.

Hey did you ever end up buying a car? I think I am looking at the same GT350 in Kona Blue as you are? I noticed it is still for sale so I am assuming you did not buy that one.

 

[CNFLCTD]

New is new.... that’s the direction I’d go.

 

[460Fred]

They don’t let people do hard test drives or test drives at all really.

So.....You’ve never seen Radies Rides videos on UTube?

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