Hello! I'm new so please let me know if I'm posting in the wrong forum or if I should have jumped onto an existing thread.

This would be my first Mustang and first sports car. I'm learning about it all as I go. My goal is to purchase a second car for fun driving. With that, there's a battle in my mind - cool features vs. do I really need it.

I've been reading through the 2013 Order Guide and on Ford's website trying to figure out all the features. I've listed below the ones that stick out to me and what I'm thinking. If you'd be so kind as to share your opinions on these (and anything important I'm forgetting) and why, it would be greatly appreciated :-)



Base model: V6 or GT
I'm leaning on GT because, come on, V8 is cool, more horsepower is cool, but don't need to go as far as a Boss. And my defense ends there.

Standard or Premium:
From what I can tell, Premium adds cool ambient lighting around the car, apps built into the car, satellite radio functionality, Shaker 500 Audio, and voice activated SYNC. The only one of those that appeals to me is the Sound system, and that's not a big deal if the standard system is good.

Coupe or Convertible:
I don't think the convertible is that big of a deal, honestly.

Manual or auto:
I know how to drive stick but have been driving auto for the past 6 years. I feel like getting a manual transmission would help with the whole fun driving experience, but I'm not sure how much of a difference it would make.

Tech package:
I like streaming audio, no wires. I know that I can get a basic aftermarket car stereo for $100 with Bluetooth built in, so this seems vastly overpriced, but it comes with the car and I don't have to worry about ripping anything out...

Color:
I wanted Kona Blue, but that's not offered anymore, so I guess Deep Impact Blue.

Track Package (3.73 axle, Boss 302 radiator, Brembo brakes, 19 inch wheels):
Do I need it? No. But the same as a V8, if you're going for the cool car shouldn't you sup it up a bit?

Reverse sensing/Security:
I remember reading somewhere that in a few years, every car in the US will be required to have a rear-facing camera. If that's the case, then if I don't get something now, wouldn't that make my car out of date super quick?
Otherwise, I don't think it really matters.

Floor mats:
This is a car for fun, probably only driving in the summer. No need for these.

Recaro Sports seats:
I know nothing about these. What's the big deal?

Other:
My understanding is that the GT comes with all the cool lamps and lights (like in this video www.youtube.com/watch?v=cCG1J_r9xQc)


So that's what I'm looking at so far. What do you think? Too much? Not enough? Am I missing some crucial things? Your help is needed so I can make a good decision!

 

I guess i'll throw my opinion out there
There are a lot of factors that come in to play I think. One thing to start with is the cost you're willing to spend. If cost isnt an issue then more options would definately add to the fun factor. However if money is tight, then you should only opt for the most important features. How often will you be driving the car? If it's once or twice a week then perhaps more options is unnecessary. If it's say 5+ days a week then more options such as the premium package and electronics should be considered.

Im sure the V6 model would be great to drive, but I dont think you could beat the awsomeness of that 5.0 GT. Even if you went with an absolute base GT with 0 extra options it would still be a fun car.

I really believe an upgraded interior will add much more satisfaction while driving the car instead of all cloth with no electronics package, base junky sound system, and no LCD/Track apps (i think only the premiums get the LCD. Someone plz correct me if im wrong.) So for the interior i'd strongly suggest you get a premium model mustang. If the electronics package is unimportant, leave it out. If you're not hell bent on an extremely powerful sound system, you can opt out of the Shaker Pro. You'd still have the normal Shaker with the Premium which sounds pretty good I've heard.

As for the Track Package, it's definately not a must have unless you plan to track the car. If you can spend the money then go for it. If price is kinda tight, you can go with the brembo package instead which is still awsome itself.

I cant really speak for the Recaro seats since I've never seen them. But i hear nothing but awsome things about them. Very comfortable and they keep you firmly planted in the seat during hard driving. They also look awsome! Just remember you cannot get the 401a interior option or the comfort package with recaros. So you'd miss out in a few minor interior changes, along with the pony projector and heated seats.

Manual transmission should definately add to the fun factor

Thats about all the input i can give right now. I hope you find the right vehicle for YOU

 

This is my midlife crisis car, so I went GT, the 6 didn’t enter the equation. Premium, because I wanted the bells and whistles that it had to offer, and I went with the CS package. Love the look that it provides.
Coupe, not a convertible person.

Stick. This is my first sports car in a long time so I wanted a manual. I think the auto has paddle shift, but there’s something about using a clutch and running through the gears.

I live in Indy so the winters can be cold, I did get the Comfort package. Both front seats heated and power, and heated mirrors. Wife said I couldn’t have 2 cars: summer/winter.

Electronics package – looks really cool, but I didn’t want to spend the 2K on it. For that amount you could install a killer aftermarket system. IMO. The Shaker system that it came with isn’t bad. I have my iPod connected to it, have my phone connected, Bluetooth, and the Sync system is a nice feature – still learning it.

I have the Deep Impact Blue and it looks great in person. The online Pics don’t do it justice. No regrets on the color choice.

Track pack – not offered with the CS L, not sure if it is offered with an auto? I did go with a 3.55 axle. If the trackpack were offered with the CS, I would have done this package. In the future, I would like to add some of these options.

Reverse sensing/security – I don’t think this is was offered on the CS. I wasn’t interested in it either.

Floormats –I didn’t go with the all weather. I might pick up something when winter rolls in.

Recaro Seats – not offered on the CS, but if they would come in the CS upholstery, power and heated, I would have purchased J. I have driven a car with them a modified RX7, 20 years ago, and they are comfortable, look great, and they have a cool factor. Subjective of course and my opinion. Try them if you can. If you plan on tracking your car, they would be worth the upgrade. The standard leather seat is very nice as well.

The lights – fun to play with and everyone who has seen the pony projector and the dash and ambient lighting think it is cool to customize and select your own colors. The track apps and the other functionality are really cool as well.

Hope this helps. I am very happy with what I purchased, and I haven’t stopped smiling since I picked it up!

 

Here's my thoughts on how I ordered mine. I already have a 06 GT Mustang and the lack of torque in the V6 was more than I could handle when I test drove it. It was a nice car, but it was missing the throw you in the seat ability of the V8. So I went with the V8 even though it has more horsepower than I really want/need. (That's not a slight on the V6, just wasn't me.)

A Convertible was just out of the price range with the options I wanted and I the dealer advised against it on a commuter car.

I figure a Mustang is an emotional purchase, so buy what makes you happy. My favorite parts of my Mustang are the silly features that Ford put into it. I thought My Color was the dumbest thing ever until I got it, now it's a laugh and something to show off to my friends. In that same vein, I HAD to have the Pony Puddle lights and the ambient lighting and the Track Apps, pure silliness on my '13. My mom fell in love with the screen on the electronics package and since she'll spend a fair amount of time in the car, I figured it was a small price to pay to ensure she was excited about it too. I think its over priced for what you get, especially since a lot of the features require Sirius...

I tried a Recaro car before I ordered and I just didn't find the seats to be that comfortable. Alot of the people on here swear by them and they do look cool, but I have a 70 mile commute and figured I'd go with what I know (and I really wanted the Puddle Lights!).

I debated for weeks over the color and it ended up between the Deep Impact Blue and Sterling Gray. Ended up with the Gray because I liked the dark stripe on the CS package, but if I had gone with the regular GT I would have preferred the Deep Impact Blue.

The Reverse Sensing and the Camera options are both nice and if it was available on the CS I would have definitely gone with the Camera. Visibility out the back is rough in my GT at least so having something to be able to see kids and objects would make me feel better, but, as its not an option on the CS, I'll aim for pull through parking spots

My car is basically going to live its life on the highway so it doesn't have the Brembo package, and for medical reasons I went with the Auto.

I guess my best advice really is just look at your budget and make sure you get what you want. No option is a MUST have... its whether you want it. I hope this helps. I like what I ordered. I tend to walk around work with what everyone has started calling the Mustang Grin... its a dopey, love-sick look but I can't help it...

 

Here's what you do...............


get the GT500!!

I would get a manual 5.0 with all the goodies that appeal to me...I like everything. This is a big investment and if you can afford to get things then get them exactly the way you want them. You'll probably have the car for awhile so there's no use in settling if you don't have to!!!

 

One package you didn't mention you may want to consider. That's the comfort package. The big reason we have it is the Wifey's is like 5 foot nothing, and just can't see out well from the passenger side. So the power seat is a must for us. I don't know if your married or single, but if the rider is of short stature, they will be happy you got it. Plus you get the heated seats, and the pony lights in this package. IMHO.

BTW, GT premium is my choice.

Whatever you decide on, you'll love these new Mustangs.

 

My 2 cents: GT premium, glass roof, 3.73, kona blue, manual, no nav. Here's why I say no nav even though I have on mine: it's a really cool gadget to have no doubt, but going with manual it's such fun to drive u don't look for other features to enjoy the ride, it's fun with 5.0 manual alone.

 

Please tell me you have at least once offered to get her a booster seat.

 

Ah, lots of responses. Thanks for all the feedback.

The track package includes the Brembo brakes, the 3.73:1 ratio axle, and the Boss radiator, right? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each of those? I won't be racing, but it will be nice to have fun with it.

How do cars like a Mustang handle in the cold/snow? I was planning on keeping a second car for those occasions (instead of getting the comfort package).

I'm understanding there to be two LCDs... one between the speedometer and odomoter where all the computer config is (and the optional Track apps) and one in the center console where Navigation and Reverse camera would be. Is that right? If I only cared about that screen between the gauges that has all fuel gauge and air mixture ratios and stuff, what packages is that included in?

I'm single (meh) so I never put any thought into the comfort package. I've never had heated seats so I don't know what the big deal is (am I missing out? haha)

What are the big gains from the Premium edition? MyColor, Navigation, Satellite Radio, power seats, built in garage door opener? The only one of those I'm interested in would by MyColor...

 

Most of that stuff is just personal preference - you need to go check out the cars in person and just decide what you like, though there's arguments people will make either way.

I'll answer your winter driving question though - if you live where it gets below 40 degrees, want to drive the car and you get the track package, you're going to need a second set of tires. The track pack upgrades your tires from all-seasons to summer performance tires, which are truly unsafe to drive in cold temperatures.

The all-seasons will work ok in winter but if there's much (if any) snow where you live, you'll want to park it all winter or consider a dedicated set of winter tires/wheels. Do a search for "winter" in the title and you'll find lots of talk about specific tires and opinions/experiences in the snow. I live in Kansas City, where we don't get a ton of snow usually, but I decided to buy a set of winter tires because I didn't want to have to worry about the weather every time I drive in the winter, but I don't have a second car either.

As far as the heated seats, they're great in some cars, but not these Mustangs. There's only one heat setting and that setting doesn't get that warm. I searched around a lot to find one with heated seats, and it was a waste, looking back.

 

And live through it, no way Baby. She's short, but wirey.....

 

Funny, that was a requirement for me to be able to purchase a new Mustang. When we rented a convertible V6 Mustang on vacation this winter that was her #1 gripe and she was going to nix the upcoming purchase of the GT until I told her the comfort pack came with a height adjustable passenger seat.

 

lol...probably smart.

My wife is 5'1", and while she's fun to tease about trying to get something down from the cupboard above the counter, she only puts up with it for so long.

 

Okay, then. If I want to impress the ladies, I'll have to get the comfort package :P But what about the Brembo brakes (and all that comes with that) or the MyColor feature? Those aren't NEEDED but add a certain amount of coolness. What do you think? Do you like having those features, or did you skip out on them?

 

See my early comments on the tire issue the Brembo package can present you. Otherwise, just depends on if you're going to track it or if it's worth $1,500 for the look. MyColor just comes with all Mustangs, doesn't it?

 

Ah, yes, I didn't comment on that. I don't really intend to use the car during the cold and wet months, but if that ends up happening I would look into investing in different tires.

I was under the impression that MyColor was only available in Premium editions, but I'm not sure.

 

I wrote a big long response to this last night & then my browser crashed, so I got a beer instead.