(Apologies in advance for sounding like a noob)


So, I've currently got a 2005 V6, that I picked up used in early 2008, and have put about 100K miles on. It's been a great car for the most part, with just a few minor gripes (the stepping motors on the gauges being the largest one).


I'll be giving this car to my son next year as a graduation present, and I'm planning on buying a newer Mustang to replace it in a little over a year. I'm looking at a GT this time around, because there's just no way I can afford a GT350, and honestly, the gas mileage is probably an issue there.


I was looking at a 2015, because that apparently is the first year of this current generation, and I didn't see the point of buying a 2013 or 2014 if it's basically the same as what I have now with a slightly updated body.


So, I've got a few questions:


1) Should I consider a 2013 or 2014? I don't really know just HOW similar they are to the 2005. Also, if I find an older GT500 at a decent price, is that worth a look? (2010 - 2014)


2) In just messing around with the options on the Ford site, it looks like the 2016 doesn't come with a spare and jack by default!?! Is this something I need to watch out for?


3) Is there any REAL benefit between the regular GT and the Premium?


4) Any other pieces of sage wisdom?


Thanks in advance!

 

A real spare is an option on all models now. I went for it because its cheaper than getting one later.

 

I believe there were some models before 2016 that came without a spare.

 

Yup! Any 2013-2014 that have the big brakes. Brembo package or Track Pack cars will not have a spare. They come with an air compressor in the spare compartment. Open the trunk and peak under the mat to verify.

 

The 2011+ V6 motors are hilariously more powerful than the V6 you are used to. If you are happening to want a V6, or just save a few bones if you're content with 305 horsepower then yes a 2013 or 2014 is a very viable option. Will be pretty **** cheap all things considered. Also, the 5.0 in the GT is, again, hilariously more powerful than the previous 4.6 motor.

What's really the same between the two is the chassis and most the suspension, etc. Obviously there are styling differences, and the interior will be a bit more updated. Having driven a 2014 for many miles now, and having been in a number of 2005-2009 Mustangs, they're different enough to consider.

I'd go take a seat and drive both and see which suits you better. It's very likely a 2014 will be considerably cheaper, even with super low miles than a new or used 2015.

Long story short, I wouldn't leave the 2013-14 out of consideration based on it being the same chassis as your current vehicle. Plenty of differences for you to at least look at a little more closely to see if you prefer it over a newer Mustang, either due to features/styling or money.

 

Do any of the newer (2011+) Mustangs come with a spare? My base V6 with perf pack does NOT include a spare.

 

Yeah, some do. I believe it was an extra cost option though.

 

Yes, those without the Performance, Brembo and Track Packages lol. Oh, and no GT500s either.

 

Thanks for all the advice! This is exactly what I was looking for. And may I say, a car without a spare tire just seems dumb as hell. I had a blowout getting off the interstate last week, and without the spare I would have been looking at a pretty decent tow bill.


Thanks again, guys!

 

It does reduce weight, and it becomes difficult to include a spare with tire/wheel sizes getting bigger and bigger. You CANNOT run a mini spare on the rear axle due to the limited slip diff (and really not the front either, for different reasons).

 

Joeywhat is right on the money!

 

Ah, and that's exactly why I came here. Thank you for that. I simply don't know enough about this stuff. I didn't realize that much had changed since 2005, but that makes a lot of sense. I still think I'd rather have a real spare, even if it had to be a full size, but trunk space is already at a premium without it...


One other thing, related directly to that. When I was pricing the 2016 on the website, there were 3 different options, 3.31, 3.55, and 3.73 (I think I got those right). From the googling I did, it looked like the 3.73 was the best option for the V8. Does that sound right, and how much ACTUAL difference will it make? Car will be not be raced, but I would like to have the best performance when I'm on the Interstate.

 

Think of it this way: set your cruise control at a specific speed, say 60mph. The 3.31 gear will put you at the lowest RPMs of the three (say 2000, just throwing that # out there probably not accurate). 3.55 might be 2200 and 3.73 might be 2400 rpm. So that obviously affects gas mileage. But that also affects acceleration, higher gear numbers (a "shorter" gear) acts as a torque multiplier so you accelerate through each gear more quickly.

What is good for you depends on your specific needs and wants. With the transmission gearing on these vehicles I feel like a 3.55 is about as high as I prefer, unless you're driving a stick and want to start out in second instead of first gear. 3.73 and up makes first pretty useless on the street, and the v8 makes plenty of torque to not need the shorter gearing. Just my opinion, though.

 

FWIW, my '13 V6 with Perf. Pkg. (3.31 gears) is doing about 70 on the interstate in 6th gear @ 2000 RPM. Acceleration is quite adequate for me, and I regularly get 30 MPG + on these flat Midwest turnpikes. What's not to like?

 

Anthrax, as someone who has owned an S197 GT and two V6 models I can tell you with absolute certainty that the 3.7 V6 is worlds better than the 4.0 V6. It is much closer to the performance level of my 2006 GT. There have also been some suspension upgrades in the intervening years that make the 2013 /14 a much better handling car. And finally the 2013 / 14 interior is a vast improvement that came about in the 2010 refresh. The 14 would also offer features like blue tooth connectivity for your phone and so forth. So yes the basic overall design is the same but there have been some pretty substantial improvements from 2005 to 2013 / 14.

The new 2015 / 16 car is going to offer IRS of course which further refines the handling of the car and the interior in the new car is also well done. I personally am not a fan of the new front end but love everything else about the new car. To each is own and many people love the new front end. I don't think you would be disappointed with either car and of course the GT's now have all the power you would ever need in a street car.

 

The diameters are awful close though, like 1/2" total. Ya sure you couldn't pull it off on the rear?

BTW I always wondered about using the compact spare with a spacer on the front too. Never tried it.

 

Even an 11+ V6 is going to be a huge upgrade over your current mustang. So a lot of it comes down to your budget and what your comfortable spending. It seems like your set on a GT. I went and test drive a 15 GT and a lot of the dealers don't really want to budget on price too much. A base with their dealer addons was close to $35k OTD. I've seen lots of 13-14 GTs in the $20-26k range and there is wiggle room there too.

 

My husband and I both own a 2014 GT/CS Premium - I have the convertible and he has the coupe. The premium I think is worth the money. The interiors are great and the car in general - I don't think I would look at just a GT anymore. We also like the looks of the California Special - why we bought the Coupe. We don't really care for the new style of body. My convertible was 32 and the coupe (with comfort package, electronics package, and moon roof) 29,2. Mine had 21 thousand - the coupe had 4500 miles on her. Mine doesn't have the electronics but has the comfort package and the heated seats etc. We are very happy campers. Both cars the same colors with the same exteriors - people don't even notice right away it isn't the convertible but the coupe. LOL Just my opinion. Oh the convertible gets 28 highway and we average town and highway around 24. The coupe gets about 24 highway and we have only owned it since Saturday so not sure what we will average city and highway. It is heavier with the solid roof so therefore the less miles per gallon.

 

I have a premium 2015 Mustang GT. I love it. The seats are both power w multi adjustments. Leather is nice. This is a big difference having two power seats. (Not available w recaros). Black on black with silver or white stitching. I'm sure the other differences are more subtle. It also has the upgraded stereo stock. I believe it's the same as the pro with lesser quality speakers and no subwoofer yet still 810 watts. I am very particular about speakers and these have been great. Max volume a lot with no issues. However I added a sub which doesn't fi nearly as well as the pro shaker with sub. However mine is louder. I have the nav. It's great. I saw this car as a keeper so worth the extra $. Also there is some difference with the rear valence possibly (bottom of rear of car around exhaust). Had a chance to get the premium with pro and performance pig. Very Happy with car.

 

The 2015 has telescoping steering wheel. Big difference for me. The new body is 50% more rigid yet ride is improved. Interior had significant improvements over prior model. Only interior mod I'm doing is a Foose shift **** and switching to red LEDs (doesn't affect night vision) and possibly all weather floor mats.