Would you buy a 16-18 GT350? For what discount vs. 19-20?

[Mr. Maboomba]

I am brand new here so apologies for the basic question that I'm sure many have asked before.

After 6 BMWs I'm looking for something different and shopping for a sports car that I can use on the weekends in Northern California and take to autocross events and HPDEs. I tried to order a new M3 but it's taking forever. I looked at Porsche Caymans but they're really expensive. I'm now dreaming about a GT350/R and that insane Voodoo engine.

I know there were a lot of updates in 2019 including changes to the engine. (I assume as a result that the 2019-2020 models are less likely to have oil-consumption issues.) As GT350 enthusiasts, would you buy a 2016-18 GT350? If so, how much of a discount would you need versus a 2019-20?

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[Carbide]

Good video detailing the changes/upgrades.

 

[pilotgore]

I am brand new here so apologies for the basic question that I'm sure many have asked before.

After 6 BMWs I'm looking for something different and shopping for a sports car that I can use on the weekends in Northern California and take to autocross events and HPDEs. I tried to order a new M3 but it's taking forever. I looked at Porsche Caymans but they're really expensive. I'm now dreaming about a GT350/R and that insane Voodoo engine.

I know there were a lot of updates in 2019 including changes to the engine. (I assume as a result that the 2019-2020 models are less likely to have oil-consumption issues.) As GT350 enthusiasts, would you buy a 2016-18 GT350? If so, how much of a discount would you need versus a 2019-20?

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I think if you're getting an R, the differences are a little more subtle between the years. If you can save $10k between a used '18 and a used '19, I'd go with the '18.... When I purchased my '19 new in '20, I paid $5,000 more than what I could have gotten a used '18 for with relatively the same options. My reasoning. . . I was scared to death of the oil consumption issue (probably an irrational fear, but whatever), I liked the idea of having more warranty (I exclusively track this car so I bought the 8 year extended warranty.... and I use the warranty after almost every single track weekend,) I wanted the sport heated/cooled seats (I bought a set of recaros and I go back and forth between the two now, but I prefer the sport seats,) and finally I like the look of the "swing" compared to the '15-'18 spoiler. No matter which year you get, you'll be happy. I've owned a few BMW's, and driven quite a few on track, including new M3 and M5 Dinan's. . . the gt350 is a different animal (in a good way.)

 

[pilotgore]

Good video detailing the changes/upgrades.

Solid video detailing the differences!

 

[br_an]

Yes, I did buy one recently, a '16 GT350 (Tech Pack). I'm loving it! I'm not one of track guys, just a filthy casual, so lack of coolers and all wasn't a deal breaker for me. I got the car new, with warranty, under 50k, so I didn't have a problem with the age of the car.

 

[brokenblinker]

In my area, currently, the price difference is minimal.

2019s going for ~62-65K. 2017-2018 going for 57k-60k.

 

[David Young]

Most of the used Shelby Gt 350's in my area are factory buy backs from Ford motor company. Sad to say.... But they are only a couple thousand dollars less than the going rate of value :(

 

[Tomster]

I had 3 Rs at one point. I have 2 now. 2 were 17s and one is an 18. No significant oil consumption here.

I think the issue was blown out of proportion.

 

[Kermut]

I find the larger problem is I am willing to spend $45-50k on a 2019/2020 GT350 (not R) but the market wants $60k+ hah

 

[GTthree50]

You’ll find great owner reports from all model years and some problems from all model years as well. The engine in my 2017 has not caused me any problems nor does it consume excessive amounts of oil 24+K in. Best of luck with the search

 

[brokenblinker]

The private party 2019 I plan on purchasing does seem to consume some oil (thanks owner for being transparent and honest), but within a reasonable amount and I feel better with a known quantity from a single owner car than uncertain dealer car, shrug.

I agree, seems there are good and bad from all model years - I'm just hoping for the best.

 

[GTX]

I got a 2017 as it still retained the powertrain warranty. I am modding the suspension and leaving the engine alone. I could have possibly found a 2016 out of warranty for cheaper, but valued the powertrain warranty as I have already tracked the car within a month of ownership and intend to continue to track often. I already have a few more days lined up.

If you develop oil consumption under warranty you get a new motor and a one year, unlimited mile warranty. The Gen II which debuted in 2018 makes 20 to 30 more hp according to some dyno results.

If you aren’t going to heavily track the car, or even if you are and don’t want to get heavily into modding, I would save out for the R. You could then get a 2016 or 2017 then buy a warranty for a rather affordable price.

R has Different dampers, springs, aero, etc. If you’re going to coil overs, spherical and solid bushings, etc., it doesn’t matter as much, if at all and I would just target the powertrain warranty.

 

[JC5188]

I had 3 Rs at one point. I have 2 now. 2 were 17s and one is an 18. No significant oil consumption here.

I think the issue was blown out of proportion.

I agree. I hav an ‘18 350 (non R) about to turn 21k daily driven miles. I’ve checked the oil weekly since I bought it, and has not consumed any oil at all. Sat and Sun I take it on backroads and it sees redline often. Maybe I’m just lucky, but I doubt it.

 

[Nfs1000f]

I agree. I hav an ‘18 350 (non R) about to turn 21k daily driven miles. I’ve checked the oil weekly since I bought it, and has not consumed any oil at all. Sat and Sun I take it on backroads and it sees redline often. Maybe I’m just lucky, but I doubt it.

You are correct, you are not lucky. I own a ‘17 and have no oil consumption issues. More of us need to proclaim this to contradict the overblown misgivings of this awesome car.

 

[matthewr87]

If you develop oil consumption under warranty you get a new motor and a one year, unlimited mile warranty. The Gen II which debuted in 2018 makes 20 to 30 more hp according to some dyno results.

The changes to engine were introduced for the 2019 model year. The 20-30 more hp claim has been debunked multiple times. There was a huuuuuuuuge thread on that in this forum. Just FYI.

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