I'll appologize for the long windedness in advance, just trying to get some decent advice.

So I'm thinking that it's time for a new car. Right now I'm in college, and I'm driving a 2007 Dodge Charger SXT. I do like my Charger, but being a muscle car lover I've felt the need for the grumble of a V8 for quite some time. My Charger was bought used and is paid for, and I think in a month or so I should be in a position where I can make a purchase. Looking at cars available today, the only two that really catch my eye are the Challenger and Mustang. After seeing seeing a television show or two featuring the new Boss 302, I sort of fell for the 2013 Mustang. A little research into the financials showed that I could afford the note on a GT Premium with a few options, and I'm pretty sure that's the route I want to take right now.

There's a few things I'm debating at the moment though. My gear head instinct tells me that I should definitely buy this car with the 6 speed stick. The problem with that is I have no experience actually driving a stick (yeah, I know, I'm a sad excuse for a gear head). I know it's not that hard to learn, and I know a good few family members and friends that can teach me. I also know it's a great skill to have, as the rest of the driving world doesn't seem to be too keen on the automatic.

However, my home city seems to be rapidly outgrowing it's roads. Traffic is everywhere and going in and out of town is usually met with plenty of stop and go traffic. An automatic is definitely a plus in these situations, and I certainly don't want to by paying for clutch swaps every couple of years. The new select shift trans also sounds interesting, since I can basically use it like a manual, although the button doesn't seem like the best setup for something like that. I understand the auto also has a sport mode that shifts more aggressively than the normal drive setting, and selecting the gears yourself is optional while in this mode.

With either transmission, I be opting for the track package/Brembo brake package. Other options would include sterling grey paint, the comfort package for the interior, the nice illuminated door sills, and the over the top racing stripe. I love most of the features of the premium, from the steering wheel controls to the customizable interior illumination. I also absolutely love the sequential tail-lights.

So, long story short, I'm basically looking for some input from experienced Mustang owners. I'd like to hear some feedback on the two transmissions as well as the car itself. Any help would be appreciated.

 

I drove the automatic v6 for a while and the selectshift is awesome, it doesnt shift down for you either so its not like tiptronic. I have the manual since its the manly way to go but its on the way. I have little experience with manual but itll be worth it. I used the sport mode and it was okaaay.

 

can you get brambos with a auto?? I think you might want to check on that.

 

You can get the Brembo package with an automatic. Maybe you're thinking of the Track package, which you can only get with a manual.

 

The manual is the most forgiving, easiest to drive that I've ever used, and it would be very easy to learn on. I had very minimal manual trans experience before I got my 2005 GTO, and while that notchy Tremec was much harder to master, it was also worth it in a way, because everything else seems easy as pie now.

 

It's a matter of how you look at the Mustang. I have a GT convertible with an auto transmission. It's sporty however more of a cruiser than a hard top which I see as a sports car. In my mind, sports cars have manual transmissions. If your interested in the track/Brembo package, I believe your wanting a high performance sports car. An auto transmission just wouldn't be my choice with this car.

 

The first mechanical undertaking I ever did was a clutch swap in a Carolla. I didn't know squat what I was doing, but I got a Haynes and did it in my parents driveway with my Dad's VERY limited tools. A clutch swap is easy, and not all that expensive, considering how much more fun to drive in the long run. So the wearing out of clutches doesn't make as good of an argument for an auto as the shtity traffic does in general. Still, I lean manual. Its a man's duty to learn how anyway.

 

I have a GT manual - I've never driven a automatic GT, never even test drove, I wasn't interested in it. The MT82 is a funky transmission, just google it. Many have issues with it, I don't. If I were you, I'd go learn on a stick from a friend, then test drive both, decide what you like. I will tell you this.... there is NOTHING like the sound of the MT82 downshifting as you close in for a stop, and I have stock exhaust. I plan on upgrading soon, when I do those sounds will be magnified.... I've never heard a automatic sound as nice as a manual...

oh, and silver is ok, GHIG is the way to go but that's my preference....I had two choices in my mind, SBY boss, or GHIG GT(or boss). My "boss" said no to the price of the boss, so I got a green mustang (she calls the pistachio).... enjoy whatever mustang you get, you'll love it like all of us do....

 

Silver and/or sterling grey are just fine. Pay no attention to the above poster, as he's clearly colorblind.

 

Auto426, allow me to put my perspective in as a Mustang beginner. I have driven many manuals over the past 22 years. You definitely want to practice on someone else's less powerful vehicle. If you jump a gear in a 420HP mustang, you are likely to lose control and hit something.

What I like about manuals is the fact that I am in full control of the vehicle. I can slow it down using a combination of breaking and shifting while creating that wonderful noise which Xar just spoke about. In traffic, I can make a manual 'talk' to the other commuters to get my point across. I really love cutting the corners, as I shift down to second and whip the vehicle around the corner to quickly regain the same speed - cautiously of course.

This has come with over many years of experience....and I am currently very cautious and respectful with the Mustang which I own, and will be for some time. This has almost twice as much power as my 2006 BMW 325I (Sports Pack)....and you will feel every bit of it!

When I starting driving a manual, I was in Italy. The head-on collision that I had after approximately two weeks of driving was mostly attributed to me placing the shifter in neutral while trying to slow down abruptly. After that, I learned the importance of downshifting and knowing your gears at all times.

I hope this helps.

 

Well one of the major things that drove me over to this years Mustang was the Trans Am racer heritage that seems to be oozing out of it. I love the new high revving snarly 5.0, the 1970 inspired looks, and the supposed great handling. The technological features are very attractive as well. I do want a modern muscle car, but I also know that this car will be my daily driver for the next 5 or so years and is much more likely to see stop lights and stop signs in town than windy back roads or open freeways.

My main desire at this point is a V8 to listen to. I'm sick of hearing the V6's in all of my family's vehicles, I want some real American grunt. I also want some brakes that respond when you press the pedal, as I've felt for some time that the stock brakes on my Charger are lacking. While it sounds as though the stock Mustang discs are adequate performers, I like the looks of the Brembo's and the other features the package adds and I won't mind the improved brake performance.

It seems as though I would be able capture some of that sports car fun with the selectshift by either popping it into sport mode or selecting the gears myself. However, I realize there is no substitute for that 3rd pedal. I've got a few hours logged on a Kubota tractor, so I'm not a complete stranger to a clutch, but I've never had the opportunity to drive an actual car with a stick. Seems that everyone I know has switched over to automatics. I do feel as though my right hand should be doing more than just resting on the center console when I'm driving around in my Charger though.

 

Since you said you were looking for advice, I'll suggest this: enjoy having no car payment, and put the money towards an emergency fund, a retirement fund and a first home fund. I don't know your situation, but I do know 99.9% of college students don't have any of those. Hell, most 30 year olds don't have them all, myself included. I sure wish I did though, for the car can come later and those three things are all more important.

Bt if you only wanted advice on the car and transmission thing, I'd say the car is a great choice but the track package is a waste unless you are going to track it hard. The bigger wheels just mean a rougher ride and more expensive tire replacements, with less tire options. As far as transmissions, that's a personal thing. I can't imagine buying an automatic Mustang, but that's just me.

 

I second that on the Manual Transmission. I gave it a split seconds thought before ordering because I am on my second knee surgery. Sooooo glad I stayed with the M/T. Just could never see myself sitting there just pressing the gas to drive around. I had to rent two cars recently before my '13 mustang/GT came and was bored to tears driving an auto again after so many sticks. Soo much pleasure from the experience for me personally and it never wanes.

As for the GT/premium - DO NOT hesitate about get the Premium the extras
are worth every single nickle. I also am in love with my NAV Package, Comfort Pack was a must for me, and of course the mighty Shaker Pro Audio!!!! Thinking of some minor mods for the future, but right now totally enjoy my factory GT. Personally I think the Nav is a must if you can afford the extra $ on your car payments. I wanted my payments to stay in the $450 range and no more, so I had to sacrifice an option or two.

By the way if you are not headed to the track, I would save the money on the Trac pack. You don't need it at all to fully enjoy that GT Beast. I have read that the car rides stiffer even more than the Brembo pack and you might not enjoy that for you cruising. I was concerned about the 19 inches with a slightly lower profile, but it rides like a dream. The only thing about the brembo package I do like is the larger diameter and one size larger tire width(less than a 1/2 inch is all) and of course the cool Brembo Brakes (I read plenty of brake dust). That might be my only regret as to not getting the brembos and instead getting the optional 19 inch premium painted luster nickle alumium wheels. I love the look of my wheels, but that brembo wheel and brake package is nice. Same exact package with the same wheels for three years running (nothing unique or new on the road for the '13. Maybe that's what swayed me away from the Brembo Pack. Now I am researching the internet for aftermarket brembos for my car and wider rear wheels. More Money, Maybe. I seen a GT with 275's on the rears and it looked really awesome.
Some touch choices and there will always be regrets, no matter how much thought and final decision.

 

I understand how annoying it is to drive in traffic with a manual. But you're denying yourself the best part of owning a V8 Mustang if you choose the automatic.

As for learning to drive a manual, I learned over a quarter-century ago, so I can't remember how hard it is. I suppose the older you get, the harder it would be. But you're still young and I encourage you to take the plunge. You won't regret it.

 

I agree with Kyle, by the way, about saving the money for more important things. Having no car payment would be helpful in many other ways and is the fiscally responsible way to go. You'll have plenty of time to buy a new car once you're established in a career.

However, I think the poster said he's financially able to buy, so I didn't include that advice in my first response.

 

Good to hear that some still have priorities and are thinking ahead. I would also agree to save the money for now. Not having to have that new car is something to think about. A steady job, a place to live, and a future are all that should be considered over a car, especially since you currently have a nice ride.

 

That was my goal as well, I waited until I was over 40 to buy a brand new mustang. The house, retirement, savings... all are way more important and that's why I waited.

 

I understand the concerns of no car payment vs. having a payment due every month, but as I said before I am in a decent position right now where I feel buying a new car may be a bit advantageous. I won't be completely breaking myself to purchase the car, and I will have a decent sum left over in my savings account even after the down payment should I end up out of work for a time. My parents would co-sign for me so I could get a better interest rate and actually having a payment that I can pay off every month will help me build up my practically non-existent credit rating. I'm also looking ahead knowing that the warranty is long gone on my Charger, and any repair bills will be coming out of my pocket. It's value will only go down, meaning a larger monthly payment should I decide to buy later on down the road.

I think that at this point I am going to have to start checking into more friends and relatives to see if I can find anyone with a manual equipped vehicle who's willing to let me learn in it. Driving a stick is something I definitely want to learn and get experience with, I'm just unsure if it's really appropriate in this case since my car will be a daily driver till it's at least paid off.