Why so few convertibles?

[MaskedRacerX]

Ford pulled a fast one by not allowing the base GT to get convertible - otherwise I'd of considered it.

There's probably a small minority of folks who want a stripped/de-contented modern, 4-seat convertible, especially since they tend to be more cruiser type rides vs. track/drag cars.

That being said, I was thrilled when I found out the PP was available for MY16. While I might not track this car, I still much prefer the driving experience with the PP

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[QRK]

I think it mostly has to do with pricing and the fact that you lose the fastback roofline. That's not to say it looks terrible with the top up but the design is definitely compromised.

To me, the compromised design makes always makes me think "rental spec" because of the area I live in. I spend a lot of time in St. Augustine where it seems 80-90% of the convertibles you see are rental cars driven by tourists.

Would I love to be able to throw the top down in my car and be open to the sky every once in a while? Absolutely, but I have my E30 for that.

 

[WindveilNJ]

It's Magnetic with the Performance Package. I have an identical 2017 on order but going with the nickel PP wheels instead of black.

My 2006 was a stick. But for a lot of reasons, I wanted an automatic so no PP. I will probably add most of the PP stuff as parts become available.

The automatic is not as good as in Porsche or many of the European cars. On my test drive, when you hit the paddle, you could count to two before it kicked in. But, it is adequate for my needs

Why getting out of a 2016 into a nearly identical 2017 - if you don't mind me asking?

 

[elfiero]

[ My mom's cat got on the top and did some very, very minor damage. Yea, cat still alive (I'm getting kind in my old age...).

I will say you're a better man than I......................

 

[Chameleon]

This is my first vert.... wanted one since forever. And wished I would have gotten one WAY before now. For me it changed some things since I'm single. Gives me another option to do something "free" and made some experiences available I did not have before.

I've had mine for a year and 15 or so days now... I've had the top down every month except for maybe Feb. Great winter this year... I normally drop the top from 60 to 90 degrees... and when it is not raining. I love it because it gives a bit more head room for people in the back seat...

I'd do it again... will my next car be a vert? I'm not sure but I'm loving this experience.

Negatives: when I power wash the car, it leaks on the passenger side... never when it rains though. My mom's cat got on the top and did some very, very minor damage. Yea, cat still alive (I'm getting kind in my old age...).

I might go with a hard top vert next.... but I'll have to say I really LOVE the look of the current mustang... I am interested to see if Ford can pull off something like this again.

Top up or down or hard top.. Mustang is one sexy damn car... I don't care what anyone says.

I love seeing another Mustang on the road... if I did not have one, I'd WANT one.

Something you don't hear very often.

 

[MarkH]

Why getting out of a 2016 into a nearly identical 2017 - if you don't mind me asking?

The car has QC issues from factory that were not fixed properly, the dealer is taking it back and since they were unable to find the same model year they went ahead and ordered a new one.

 

[WindveilNJ]

The car has QC issues from factory that were not fixed properly, the dealer is taking it back and since they were unable to find the same model year they went ahead and ordered a new one.

Glad to hear of a dealer doing the right thing. You should do a string with their name if you have not already!

 

[MarkH]

Glad to hear of a dealer doing the right thing. You should do a string with their name if you have not already!

Agree, they seem to be very upfront and honest, kind of strange for a dealership IMO. Once the new car is in my driveway I plan to do a major internet shout-out to thank them for stepping up.

 

[peetucket]

I didn't start out wanting a Mustang - I started out wanting a convertible. I also wanted 4 seats and a proper trunk so I could use it to take my kids places and we could use it on a road trip. I also wanted a manual transmission.

Surprisingly all of those requirements (convertible, manual, usable 4 seats, not teeny tiny trunk, decent handling/braking) led to a really short list of possibilities, and if you want to spend less then $50k, there ain't much other than the Mustang. I guess there aren't many folks who have that list of requirements.

Even if you wanted to spend more (BMW, Audi) its getting harder to find a manual transmission convertible these days with 4 real seats. The BMW M235i was one of the few other options in this price range, but was still several thousand more than even a loaded GT convertible. I intend to keep this car for a while and was also concerned about the long term ownership costs of higher end brands. I tried the Mini but it was way too small to get even kids in the backseat (and the trunk, if you can call it that, was comically small).

I considered the V6 Mustang, but was willing to pay more for some tech content and luxury. Came down to Ecoboost vs GT, and then I made the mistake of driving them back to back and ended up with a GT. Paid around $41k + tax optioned well, which was still $6-7k less than the BMW. The kids love it and we've already done a couple road trips with the family - a lot fits in that trunk (pack'n'play, bags, sleeping bags, etc.)!

With the top up, its pretty quiet and living in California we get a lot of nice days to put the top down. I even had the top down in mid February at the beach - its what convertibles were made for...

 

[WindveilNJ]

Peetucket,

Convertible aside, I suspect that one of the reasons that the Porsche 911 has endured so well (50 years as well) is the very utility you just identified. You want performance and may want a manual. You need to be able to fit your kids (and given the amount of leg room in the back of both, once they get to be teenagers don't expect them to be as willing to sit back there), and need some room for baggage or go grocery shopping. Oh, and the fact that it is a better than average performance and has a classic look that can trace its lineage back all the way means it checks a lot of boxes like the Mustang.

 

[peetucket]

Convertible aside, I suspect that one of the reasons that the Porsche 911 has endured so well (50 years as well) is the very utility you just identified.

Indeed, while I wanted a convertible, I needed a car that was a functional family mover as well year round. While our primary family car remains the Prius, the Mustang does regularly get used for all 4 of us (slightly more fun than the Prius...). I'm actually surprised at the space available in the Mustang for a road trip. And, yes, our kids are small (2 and 6), once they get to be teens, it'll be a different story. The six year old is already asking me if he can drive the Mustang when he is 16. :faint:

 

[WindveilNJ]

Indeed, while I wanted a convertible, I needed a car that was a functional family mover as well year round. While our primary family car remains the Prius, the Mustang does regularly get used for all 4 of us (slightly more fun than the Prius...). I'm actually surprised at the space available in the Mustang for a road trip. And, yes, our kids are small (2 and 6), once they get to be teens, it'll be a different story. The six year old is already asking me if he can drive the Mustang when he is 16. :faint:

If I could figure out how to attach a picture (I don't know how to reduce the size of the file - I think that is the problem - also likely the reason I can't get a picture as an avatar to load) I would post a picture of my then 6 year old daughter on her first ride in my brand new 2006 GT vert. The look of pure joy on her face in the rear view mirror is something I will never forget. Now that she is 18 and taller than her mother, she has no interest in the back (the same is true of my 911, in truth, I think she could get in but not out of the Porsche).

I previously had a '97 Z3 and if I got a call from the school nurse to get her, I would have to go home and swap cars first. Not with the Mustang.

I am a little concerned about ordering the new one - she could not drive the last one because it was a stick!

 

[WindveilNJ]

Wow. Looked like it worked after all. Still can't get an avatar though?

 

[TheDivaDanielle]

I loved that shade of blue.

 

[WindveilNJ]

I loved that shade of blue.

Thanks - Windveil blue - I wish it was still offered.

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