The growing case for a 2010 GT
Mach 1 Member
Joined: June 16, 2007
Posts: 621
Likes: 12
From: Hagerstown, MD
i feel that if i have only one or two minor problems with my cars then i am doing fine. my biggest issue so far is the battery dieing in my 2006. i probably will have the battery replaced over the summer but conflicting posts have confused me with what battery to buy.
and jj, i wasnt trying to get under the skin, just saying that in the real world everyone has problems. it is unfortunate that your dealer will not work with you. i guess i should be thankfull that mine goes out of their way to satisfy my needs with the cars. i have bought to date 8 cars from them and my dad 3. they have been very good to us.
and jj, i wasnt trying to get under the skin, just saying that in the real world everyone has problems. it is unfortunate that your dealer will not work with you. i guess i should be thankfull that mine goes out of their way to satisfy my needs with the cars. i have bought to date 8 cars from them and my dad 3. they have been very good to us.
Member
Joined: March 26, 2010
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
When I decided on the '10 it was because the car was such a good deal. Would I like to have a 5.0. You bet I would. No regrets though. I have a really nice Mustang
Funny thing is I'm now considering trading in the 10 GT for a 12 Focus.
Funny thing is I'm now considering trading in the 10 GT for a 12 Focus.
Mach 1 Member
Joined: October 22, 2004
Posts: 819
Likes: 0
From: Niantic CT
I would have no concerns buying a modern first-year car. My first-year 2005 Mustang GT has been trouble-free for over 6 years and 60K miles now. ZERO issues. Never went back to the dealer for even a minor problem. This is a car that has been driven hard on racetracks at 4 track days (see avatar pic), and is a daily driver year 'round in New England.
My mom's Toyota Corolla, on the other hand, has been back to the dealer for what, 4 recalls now?
The '05 Mustang is the best car I ever owned as far as reliability, and I would have no hesitation whatsoever in buying a 2011 5.0. But it's hard for me to rationalize getting rid of the '05 when it's been such a great car. So I bought a 2011 Kawasaki Z1000 to satisfy my never-ending need-for-speed last month instead.
By wjones14 at 2011-05-07
My mom's Toyota Corolla, on the other hand, has been back to the dealer for what, 4 recalls now?
The '05 Mustang is the best car I ever owned as far as reliability, and I would have no hesitation whatsoever in buying a 2011 5.0. But it's hard for me to rationalize getting rid of the '05 when it's been such a great car. So I bought a 2011 Kawasaki Z1000 to satisfy my never-ending need-for-speed last month instead.
By wjones14 at 2011-05-07
Last edited by wjones14; May 17, 2011 at 07:39 PM.
Member
Joined: April 12, 2011
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
From: Maryland
This pretty much echoes my sentiments exactly.
I parted ways with my 2008 GT/CS for this 2011 Mustang. At the time my 08 had just over 20,000 miles and was exhibiting some of the worst suspension degradation I'd ever seen in a car. On a completely stock suspension it felt like the car had 150k on the stock equipment. So I was looking at pouring about 2000 in to the suspension on that car to get it to drive right and quite down again.
Absolutely appalling to have a suspension go away on a car like that after only 20,000 miles.
Instead I spent that money on a down payment on the 2011, which unfortunately has been in and out of the shop since the first day I owned it.
Because of some of the issues with this car I can't enjoy it the way I had wanted to. I was hoping to get back in to HPDE events this season and spend more time at the drag strip. I haven't been able to do that because the second I do that all the issues I've been having from day one will be attributed to racing or abuse as a scapegoat.
This car has such HUGE potential. Ford quality control is seriously lacking right now however and it shows.
Here is a synapses of my own time line with my car.
-Purchased December 9th, 2010, the car is November 2010 build.
-December 10th, receive check engine light. Dealer diagnoses as bad catalytic converter, parts are ordered. Also advised of a slight knocking coming from engine that is felt through the shifter.
-December 15th, car in shop for repair of faulty cat. Engine techs verify my engine related concerns. Ford states, normal operation. Dealership advises me to bring the car back if symptoms get worse.
-February, car is taken back to the shop as knocking is increasing both in severity and rhythm. Techs look over car again, state they feel the noise is excessive. Ford again states it is normal operation, no repairs authorized.
-March, car in shop for sync USB issues. Techs have to completely reset the system. Factory Default and Master reset per owners manual did not work. I file a customer complain with FCS. I've never owned a POS Ford until this car. Case ends up being closed as I don't have time during this period to be without a car. I had several clients flying in for studio time and having no wheels is not an option.
-April 10th, 2 days after first oil change, the engine knock suddenly without warning becomes extremely harsh. Can be heard over the radio, erratic idle and the engine now exhibits the ignitor tick that others are seeing after the first oil change. I call FCS an reopen my case. Car goes into the shop the next week. Ford hotline still claiming normal operation. I made sure to have a tech ride with me for verification of symptoms. His exact words are "I don't agree at all that is normal." I speak with FCS and the dealership General Manager/Owner. The GM has to fight to get ford to even send a field engineer to even look at the car. Engineer finally comes after 4th day in the shop and once again states, normal engine operation.
My dealership hands over the keys as they can't perform work on the car that Ford does not authorize. Ford customer service states the issue is being looked at but at this time no detrimental consequences to the operation of the engine in this condition. No other ideas or specifics are talked about. I'm left unsatisfied with an engine that sounds like a diesel. The ignitor tick has sense calmed down, but resurfaces periodically.
The weekend that I picked up the vehicle from the shop I decided I needed to try and have some fun with it. I took it to Bandimere speedway and ran it down the 1/4 mile three times in bone stock form. The transmission now whines in all forward gears with the exception of 5th and 6th, shift effort and feel has also changed substantially. The shifter was always a little balky in the cold, but it now crunches on nearly every shift regardless of operating temp. I've been locked out of third and second on occasion as well.
Obviously I haven't taken the car in for this as it did occur while I was racing. I'll take credit for that one. However to me it's absurd that a bone stock car run at 5800 feet above sea level where it's about 40% down on power can not be driven in a manor that is enjoyable without something going wrong. If I wanted a car to drive like a Buick, I'd have purchased a Buick.
In the end, although the people at Ford I have dealt with have been pleasant, they are nothing more than drones who have no power to make anything happen. The way I've been treated in my particular situation has left a very sour taste in my mouth. I have been treated like a number, but on top of that one that doesn't know what he's talking about.
This 2011 Mustang is my 7th Ford and 5th Mustang. It will be my last of both.
While I was discussing my issues with the Owner of my dealership he was very apologetic, however couldn't really offer any further help. Between my father and I we've spent around 700,000 with that dealership on trucks, cars etc over the last decade. He knows he's losing at least my business (I can't speak for my dad) because Ford put out a piece of crap that they won't stand behind. His response to me was "Big Ford doesn't need to be losing their customers either."
I parted ways with my 2008 GT/CS for this 2011 Mustang. At the time my 08 had just over 20,000 miles and was exhibiting some of the worst suspension degradation I'd ever seen in a car. On a completely stock suspension it felt like the car had 150k on the stock equipment. So I was looking at pouring about 2000 in to the suspension on that car to get it to drive right and quite down again.
Absolutely appalling to have a suspension go away on a car like that after only 20,000 miles.
Instead I spent that money on a down payment on the 2011, which unfortunately has been in and out of the shop since the first day I owned it.
Because of some of the issues with this car I can't enjoy it the way I had wanted to. I was hoping to get back in to HPDE events this season and spend more time at the drag strip. I haven't been able to do that because the second I do that all the issues I've been having from day one will be attributed to racing or abuse as a scapegoat.
This car has such HUGE potential. Ford quality control is seriously lacking right now however and it shows.
Here is a synapses of my own time line with my car.
-Purchased December 9th, 2010, the car is November 2010 build.
-December 10th, receive check engine light. Dealer diagnoses as bad catalytic converter, parts are ordered. Also advised of a slight knocking coming from engine that is felt through the shifter.
-December 15th, car in shop for repair of faulty cat. Engine techs verify my engine related concerns. Ford states, normal operation. Dealership advises me to bring the car back if symptoms get worse.
-February, car is taken back to the shop as knocking is increasing both in severity and rhythm. Techs look over car again, state they feel the noise is excessive. Ford again states it is normal operation, no repairs authorized.
-March, car in shop for sync USB issues. Techs have to completely reset the system. Factory Default and Master reset per owners manual did not work. I file a customer complain with FCS. I've never owned a POS Ford until this car. Case ends up being closed as I don't have time during this period to be without a car. I had several clients flying in for studio time and having no wheels is not an option.
-April 10th, 2 days after first oil change, the engine knock suddenly without warning becomes extremely harsh. Can be heard over the radio, erratic idle and the engine now exhibits the ignitor tick that others are seeing after the first oil change. I call FCS an reopen my case. Car goes into the shop the next week. Ford hotline still claiming normal operation. I made sure to have a tech ride with me for verification of symptoms. His exact words are "I don't agree at all that is normal." I speak with FCS and the dealership General Manager/Owner. The GM has to fight to get ford to even send a field engineer to even look at the car. Engineer finally comes after 4th day in the shop and once again states, normal engine operation.
My dealership hands over the keys as they can't perform work on the car that Ford does not authorize. Ford customer service states the issue is being looked at but at this time no detrimental consequences to the operation of the engine in this condition. No other ideas or specifics are talked about. I'm left unsatisfied with an engine that sounds like a diesel. The ignitor tick has sense calmed down, but resurfaces periodically.
The weekend that I picked up the vehicle from the shop I decided I needed to try and have some fun with it. I took it to Bandimere speedway and ran it down the 1/4 mile three times in bone stock form. The transmission now whines in all forward gears with the exception of 5th and 6th, shift effort and feel has also changed substantially. The shifter was always a little balky in the cold, but it now crunches on nearly every shift regardless of operating temp. I've been locked out of third and second on occasion as well.
Obviously I haven't taken the car in for this as it did occur while I was racing. I'll take credit for that one. However to me it's absurd that a bone stock car run at 5800 feet above sea level where it's about 40% down on power can not be driven in a manor that is enjoyable without something going wrong. If I wanted a car to drive like a Buick, I'd have purchased a Buick.
In the end, although the people at Ford I have dealt with have been pleasant, they are nothing more than drones who have no power to make anything happen. The way I've been treated in my particular situation has left a very sour taste in my mouth. I have been treated like a number, but on top of that one that doesn't know what he's talking about.
This 2011 Mustang is my 7th Ford and 5th Mustang. It will be my last of both.
While I was discussing my issues with the Owner of my dealership he was very apologetic, however couldn't really offer any further help. Between my father and I we've spent around 700,000 with that dealership on trucks, cars etc over the last decade. He knows he's losing at least my business (I can't speak for my dad) because Ford put out a piece of crap that they won't stand behind. His response to me was "Big Ford doesn't need to be losing their customers either."
Thanks you for your testimony!!! It really woke my eyes up, I have a 2010 Black GT Premium that I love, but I will now stop being blind to certain charateristics that I am starting to notice with my car...ie, brake noise (car has 14k miles) and clunky shifting. I was one of the first guys in my state to get my GT (May 2009) and my dealership treated me like a King when I made the purchase, however when I went in to discuss a possible trade for a 2011, they really changed thier tone with me, trying to convince me to purchase what was on the lot, and no real incentives. Ok, I'm statring to ramble, but, I say this to say that I am noticing Fords Customer Service isn't as "top notch" as I want to believe...
Mach 1 Member
Joined: September 22, 2009
Posts: 527
Likes: 0
Jlmounce:
Thanks you for your testimony!!! It really woke my eyes up, I have a 2010 Black GT Premium that I love, but I will now stop being blind to certain charateristics that I am starting to notice with my car...ie, brake noise (car has 14k miles) and clunky shifting. I was one of the first guys in my state to get my GT (May 2009) and my dealership treated me like a King when I made the purchase, however when I went in to discuss a possible trade for a 2011, they really changed thier tone with me, trying to convince me to purchase what was on the lot, and no real incentives. Ok, I'm statring to ramble, but, I say this to say that I am noticing Fords Customer Service isn't as "top notch" as I want to believe...
Thanks you for your testimony!!! It really woke my eyes up, I have a 2010 Black GT Premium that I love, but I will now stop being blind to certain charateristics that I am starting to notice with my car...ie, brake noise (car has 14k miles) and clunky shifting. I was one of the first guys in my state to get my GT (May 2009) and my dealership treated me like a King when I made the purchase, however when I went in to discuss a possible trade for a 2011, they really changed thier tone with me, trying to convince me to purchase what was on the lot, and no real incentives. Ok, I'm statring to ramble, but, I say this to say that I am noticing Fords Customer Service isn't as "top notch" as I want to believe...
Legacy TMS Member
Joined: February 8, 2004
Posts: 3,399
Likes: 7
From: Cincinnati, OH
Just curious as to your responses...thanks!
Member
Joined: April 12, 2011
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
From: Maryland
The service department at the dealership I purchased my car from is still "Top Notch", I have taken my car there 4 times now for either oil changes or 15k service and they are EXCELLENT!!!!
Now with that said, let me answer your questions...
"being treated like a king" what i mean is they realy rolled out the red carpet prior to me purchasing the car...LOL
When I went in about a month ago and saw they had a black 2012 Shelby GT 500 on the showroom floor, I asked the Sales Manager has anyone initiated a deal on the car. I was advised..." No, no one is trying to buy the car," and he walked away. I proceeded to to walk over to one of the salesman and asked him if he was available to talk to me about the car. He laughed and said, "this one is kind of expensive, not a GT," and started to walk away. I said to them both ( not rude at all) thanks gentleman, I am in the market for a GT 500 and this is the one I wanted. The sales manager chuckled and said to me, "its 60k, and only 812 total in stock."
I looked at him and smiled and walked over to my wife and we sat down and waited for my 2010 GT to ready by the service guys. My wife asked me was i going to pursue the car since that's all i talked about for the past 3 months, and i said no, I will go to another dealership and discuss a deal with them. (we discussed this in more detail but for the sake to time I condensed the story)
Like I said earlier, the service department is awesome, but it really got to me that the sales manager and salesman both assumed that I couldn't afford the GT 500. I will say this, my wife and I can afford the GT 500, and I made my mind up I would not ever buy another car from this dealership...
My 4 cents...
Ben
Now with that said, let me answer your questions...
"being treated like a king" what i mean is they realy rolled out the red carpet prior to me purchasing the car...LOL
When I went in about a month ago and saw they had a black 2012 Shelby GT 500 on the showroom floor, I asked the Sales Manager has anyone initiated a deal on the car. I was advised..." No, no one is trying to buy the car," and he walked away. I proceeded to to walk over to one of the salesman and asked him if he was available to talk to me about the car. He laughed and said, "this one is kind of expensive, not a GT," and started to walk away. I said to them both ( not rude at all) thanks gentleman, I am in the market for a GT 500 and this is the one I wanted. The sales manager chuckled and said to me, "its 60k, and only 812 total in stock."
I looked at him and smiled and walked over to my wife and we sat down and waited for my 2010 GT to ready by the service guys. My wife asked me was i going to pursue the car since that's all i talked about for the past 3 months, and i said no, I will go to another dealership and discuss a deal with them. (we discussed this in more detail but for the sake to time I condensed the story)
Like I said earlier, the service department is awesome, but it really got to me that the sales manager and salesman both assumed that I couldn't afford the GT 500. I will say this, my wife and I can afford the GT 500, and I made my mind up I would not ever buy another car from this dealership...
My 4 cents...
Ben
Thread Starter
Shelby GT350 Member
Joined: May 18, 2010
Posts: 2,318
Likes: 15
From: CT
The service department at the dealership I purchased my car from is still "Top Notch", I have taken my car there 4 times now for either oil changes or 15k service and they are EXCELLENT!!!!
Now with that said, let me answer your questions...
"being treated like a king" what i mean is they realy rolled out the red carpet prior to me purchasing the car...LOL
When I went in about a month ago and saw they had a black 2012 Shelby GT 500 on the showroom floor, I asked the Sales Manager has anyone initiated a deal on the car. I was advised..." No, no one is trying to buy the car," and he walked away. I proceeded to to walk over to one of the salesman and asked him if he was available to talk to me about the car. He laughed and said, "this one is kind of expensive, not a GT," and started to walk away. I said to them both ( not rude at all) thanks gentleman, I am in the market for a GT 500 and this is the one I wanted. The sales manager chuckled and said to me, "its 60k, and only 812 total in stock."
I looked at him and smiled and walked over to my wife and we sat down and waited for my 2010 GT to ready by the service guys. My wife asked me was i going to pursue the car since that's all i talked about for the past 3 months, and i said no, I will go to another dealership and discuss a deal with them. (we discussed this in more detail but for the sake to time I condensed the story)
Like I said earlier, the service department is awesome, but it really got to me that the sales manager and salesman both assumed that I couldn't afford the GT 500. I will say this, my wife and I can afford the GT 500, and I made my mind up I would not ever buy another car from this dealership...
My 4 cents...
Ben
Now with that said, let me answer your questions...
"being treated like a king" what i mean is they realy rolled out the red carpet prior to me purchasing the car...LOL
When I went in about a month ago and saw they had a black 2012 Shelby GT 500 on the showroom floor, I asked the Sales Manager has anyone initiated a deal on the car. I was advised..." No, no one is trying to buy the car," and he walked away. I proceeded to to walk over to one of the salesman and asked him if he was available to talk to me about the car. He laughed and said, "this one is kind of expensive, not a GT," and started to walk away. I said to them both ( not rude at all) thanks gentleman, I am in the market for a GT 500 and this is the one I wanted. The sales manager chuckled and said to me, "its 60k, and only 812 total in stock."
I looked at him and smiled and walked over to my wife and we sat down and waited for my 2010 GT to ready by the service guys. My wife asked me was i going to pursue the car since that's all i talked about for the past 3 months, and i said no, I will go to another dealership and discuss a deal with them. (we discussed this in more detail but for the sake to time I condensed the story)
Like I said earlier, the service department is awesome, but it really got to me that the sales manager and salesman both assumed that I couldn't afford the GT 500. I will say this, my wife and I can afford the GT 500, and I made my mind up I would not ever buy another car from this dealership...
My 4 cents...
Ben
On the other hand (and no offense is intended here)...the revelation that "car salesmen can be jerks" was a surprise to you?
If the service department is taking good care of you, that's all that matters. You know what you need to know about the car, you probably know how they drive...you don't need to be "sold" a GT500....so just figure how much you are willing to pay for the car, make them an offer lower than that, and let them come back. Your dealing with the sales person should be extremely minimal.
Basically, I hope you don't let your grudge for one a$$hat salesman cause you an inconvenience of going to a less convenient dealesrship. At the very least, ask to work with another sales person who will take you seriously.
Just my .04
Last edited by MRGTX; Jul 12, 2011 at 12:46 PM.
Member
Joined: October 13, 2010
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Hampton Roads
I bought my 2010 in late June 2010 when the dealer had some 2011's on the lot. I went with the 2010 over the 2011 for couple of reasons.
- Positives for the 2010 - Big rebate, Xplan, 0% interest loan
- Negatives for the 2011 - No rebate at the time, no 0% loan, limited selection of cars, none with all of the options I wanted, first year new engine and transmission
Member
Joined: April 12, 2011
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
From: Maryland
You would have to have been there to understand why I wouldn't buy from this particular dealership again. The sale person and the Sales Manager BOTH assumed that I couldn't afford the vehicle. I wasn't dressed like a "hip hop artist" (no offense to hip hop artist) nor do I act like a I want to put 20 inch rims on the car and have it bounce up and down either (again, no offense to folks who like that type of activity). I decided right then and there I didn't want to give my business to this dealership...
But I do love thier service department, those guys get it...
my 4 cents-again! LOL
But I do love thier service department, those guys get it...
my 4 cents-again! LOL
Bullitt Member
Joined: November 12, 2010
Posts: 204
Likes: 0
From: ATL
I love my 2011 but the trans does grind when cold, whines all the time. Rear end whines as well. But I'm still going to drive the **** out of it and if it breaks il bring it back to ford on a flat bed.
Last edited by Mikes5.0; Jul 14, 2011 at 05:20 AM.
Member
Joined: July 11, 2011
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
Wow...after reading this thread I must say that I'm crossing my fingers...
Hopefully my 2011 5.0 will be spared from (these common) issues.
Are most of the transmission issues related to the manual or automatic?
Thankfully mine is OK, so far !
Hopefully my 2011 5.0 will be spared from (these common) issues.
Are most of the transmission issues related to the manual or automatic?
Thankfully mine is OK, so far !
Legacy TMS Member
Joined: May 14, 2008
Posts: 1,144
Likes: 9
From: South Jersey
Yup.. Was thinking same thing. My 3v runs awesome and as time goes by I too am glad I did not pop for a 5.0. With a tune and minor bolt runs my 4.6 runs very well.
So I have no doubt that when the 2011s were announced, the folks who just came home with their hot looking new 2010s must have been somewhat bummed out. Obvioulsy, there is nothing wrong with a 2010- its a gorgeous machine that also happens to be plenty quick....but when the new version came along with 100hp more, it had to sting a bit.
Here we are, about 1 year after the 5.0s started shipping. Most folks are happy with them (like me) but there is now quite a bit of doubt swirling now about these cars- engine ticks, burnt out #8 cylinders, oil consumption, transmission problems... even for those of us who don't have these problems (yet?), it is, to some degree, sucking the fun out of ownership.
My previous car was a 2009 GT. It wasn't the fastest car I had ever driven but it pulled hard, sounded amazing and was utterly flawless for almost 20k miles. I never lost a second of sleep worrying about that drivetrain...even with a performance tune.
So what do you guys think- is the stock going up on 2010 GTs at all? I think I would feel pretty good about owning a 4.6L 3v these days. The peace of mind might just be worth the 100hp deficit.
Thoughts?
Here we are, about 1 year after the 5.0s started shipping. Most folks are happy with them (like me) but there is now quite a bit of doubt swirling now about these cars- engine ticks, burnt out #8 cylinders, oil consumption, transmission problems... even for those of us who don't have these problems (yet?), it is, to some degree, sucking the fun out of ownership.
My previous car was a 2009 GT. It wasn't the fastest car I had ever driven but it pulled hard, sounded amazing and was utterly flawless for almost 20k miles. I never lost a second of sleep worrying about that drivetrain...even with a performance tune.
So what do you guys think- is the stock going up on 2010 GTs at all? I think I would feel pretty good about owning a 4.6L 3v these days. The peace of mind might just be worth the 100hp deficit.
Thoughts?