Paid off S197 guys: Keep, Sell, trade in for something new?
Roush Forum Stalker
Joined: March 9, 2013
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From: Massachusetts
No way the 2017 1LE looks better than a Mustang or a Hellcat Challenger. No way, no how. lol
Wait till the results come in from multiple sources first to make sure you are buying the better car. We still don't know if the 1LE is better than the GT350 car. Maybe a base model GT350. I'm guessing/hoping not better than the GT350R.
SUPERCHARGED RED ROCKET ------------------Master-Moderator
Joined: May 11, 2006
Posts: 10,648
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From: Carnegie, PA
No way. You can't fix fugly! YOu can put lipstick on a pig, but that won't make it a princess.
I paid off my car last month, and now I'm HEAVILY tempted to trade for the 2017 Camaro 1LE. GT350 performance for $40k and the proven Corvette powertrain sound great.
But it would cost me ~$15k to trade, and I'll also need to replace my winter car next year too. So someone please talk me off the ledge.
I paid off my car last month, and now I'm HEAVILY tempted to trade for the 2017 Camaro 1LE. GT350 performance for $40k and the proven Corvette powertrain sound great.
But it would cost me ~$15k to trade, and I'll also need to replace my winter car next year too. So someone please talk me off the ledge.
At any rate, I honestly don't understand what you find appealing about the 2016-17 Camaro.. IMHO despite the lighter Alpha platform it now shares with the Cadillac ATS, it still looks just as porky and bloated as it did under the previous platform and as far as I'm concerned, other than a few minor tweaks here and there, I see the Camaro as more of a mid cycle re-fresh rather than a complete re-design which still has the same old blind spots in both the cabin and rear glass sections as though your still sitting inside of a bunker..
Other than the 1LE performance/powertrain you mentioned for $40k, having to cost you $15k to trade up along with replacing your winter driver next year just wouldn't be worth it IMO and you would therefore be far better off keeping your Mustang especially now that it's finally all yours and completely paid off rather than put yourself back into debt and end up starting from scratch all over again.. Plus you can do all the mod upgrades that you desire and still come out further ahead..
Anyway, just my $.02
Last edited by m05fastbackGT; Mar 2, 2016 at 05:26 PM.
Banned
Joined: August 2, 2013
Posts: 3,090
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From: Little north of Stuttgart, Germany
Thank you gentlemen! I knew I could count on you guys 
I liked the last gen Camaro and I was torn between a 2014 1LE and the 2014 GT TP, and I'm still glad I went with the Ford. I LOVE the looks of the late S197s, and with ~$2.5k in mods I expect my car to be near last gen 1LE at road courses here in Michigan. (I have a whole lot of suspension waiting for install) 
But I really like the new 1LE too. I like the looks, and I like the motor and I love the huge sticky rubber and the magnetic shocks. Can't get those for my Mustang, and the GT350 with the same suspension is ~$47k + dealer markup
Good points. And clearly $15k can buy me 75% of my next winter car!
I think what I need to do is wait to install all my suspension goodies, track my car through the spring and summer, then drive the 1LE in the fall. I do really like the look of the new Camaros almost as much as my S197, and A LOT better than the S550.
I do think I'll be able to keep up with the last Gen 1LE at the track this year with my suspension mods. The new 1LE is 3s faster on a 2 minute course, so that car is still out of my league drivers being equal. But is that worth $15k? Hmmm... something to think about.
Meybe I can get a CIA + tune, and new rear wheels with 305 rubber for another $1.5k to make my car a total corner assault machine.
Now that's,......................putting lipstick on a pig.
No way the 2017 1LE looks better than a Mustang or a Hellcat Challenger. No way, no how. lol
Wait till the results come in from multiple sources first to make sure you are buying the better car. We still don't know if the 1LE is better than the GT350 car. Maybe a base model GT350. I'm guessing/hoping not better than the GT350R.
No way the 2017 1LE looks better than a Mustang or a Hellcat Challenger. No way, no how. lol
Wait till the results come in from multiple sources first to make sure you are buying the better car. We still don't know if the 1LE is better than the GT350 car. Maybe a base model GT350. I'm guessing/hoping not better than the GT350R.
But I really like the new 1LE too. I like the looks, and I like the motor and I love the huge sticky rubber and the magnetic shocks. Can't get those for my Mustang, and the GT350 with the same suspension is ~$47k + dealer markup
I'll try my best to talk you off the ledge lol. First, I'll start out by saying that I couldn't agree more that you cannot fix fugly.. And just as you also posted, no matter how much lipstick you put on a pig, it will not turn it into a princess..
At any rate, I honestly don't understand what you find appealing about the 2016-17 Camaro.. IMHO despite the lighter Alpha platform it now shares with the Cadillac ATS, it still looks just as porky and bloated as it did under the previous platform and as far as I'm concerned, other than a few minor tweaks here and there, I see the Camaro as more of a mid cycle re-fresh rather than a complete re-design which still has the same old blind spots in both the cabin and rear glass sections as though your still sitting inside of a bunker..
Other than the 1LE performance/powertrain you mentioned for $40k, having to cost you $15k to trade up along with replacing your winter driver next year just wouldn't be worth it IMO and you would therefore be far better off keeping your Mustang especially now that it's finally all yours and completely paid off rather than put yourself back into debt and end up starting from scratch all over again.. Plus you can do all the mod upgrades that you desire and still come out ahead..
Anyway, just my $.02
At any rate, I honestly don't understand what you find appealing about the 2016-17 Camaro.. IMHO despite the lighter Alpha platform it now shares with the Cadillac ATS, it still looks just as porky and bloated as it did under the previous platform and as far as I'm concerned, other than a few minor tweaks here and there, I see the Camaro as more of a mid cycle re-fresh rather than a complete re-design which still has the same old blind spots in both the cabin and rear glass sections as though your still sitting inside of a bunker..
Other than the 1LE performance/powertrain you mentioned for $40k, having to cost you $15k to trade up along with replacing your winter driver next year just wouldn't be worth it IMO and you would therefore be far better off keeping your Mustang especially now that it's finally all yours and completely paid off rather than put yourself back into debt and end up starting from scratch all over again.. Plus you can do all the mod upgrades that you desire and still come out ahead..
Anyway, just my $.02
I think what I need to do is wait to install all my suspension goodies, track my car through the spring and summer, then drive the 1LE in the fall. I do really like the look of the new Camaros almost as much as my S197, and A LOT better than the S550.
I do think I'll be able to keep up with the last Gen 1LE at the track this year with my suspension mods. The new 1LE is 3s faster on a 2 minute course, so that car is still out of my league drivers being equal. But is that worth $15k? Hmmm... something to think about.
Meybe I can get a CIA + tune, and new rear wheels with 305 rubber for another $1.5k to make my car a total corner assault machine.
Last edited by 5.M0NSTER; Mar 2, 2016 at 05:37 PM.
Bullitt Member
Joined: March 29, 2015
Posts: 352
Likes: 13
From: So. Cal
There's always some type of modification you can do, to change things up a bit. Not much you can do about making it newer though. New Wheels and tires, bolt- on engine mods, new hood, etc...You could even have it wrapped, in a unique color of your choice. As for me, I'm still very happy with my classic style S197! She just keeps on satisfying! 
SUPERCHARGED RED ROCKET ------------------Master-Moderator
Joined: May 11, 2006
Posts: 10,648
Likes: 2,519
From: Carnegie, PA
Thank you gentlemen! I knew I could count on you guys
I liked the last gen Camaro and I was torn between a 2014 1LE and the 2014 GT TP, and I'm still glad I went with the Ford. I LOVE the looks of the late S197s, and with ~$2.5k in mods I expect my car to be near last gen 1LE at road courses here in Michigan. (I have a whole lot of suspension waiting for install)
But I really like the new 1LE too. I like the looks, and I like the motor and I love the huge sticky rubber and the magnetic shocks. Can't get those for my Mustang, and the GT350 with the same suspension is ~$47k + dealer markup
Good points. And clearly $15k can buy me 75% of my next winter car!
I think what I need to do is wait to install all my suspension goodies, track my car through the spring and summer, then drive the 1LE in the fall. I do really like the look of the new Camaros almost as much as my S197, and A LOT better than the S550.
I do think I'll be able to keep up with the last Gen 1LE at the track this year with my suspension mods. The new 1LE is 3s faster on a 2 minute course, so that car is still out of my league drivers being equal. But is that worth $15k? Hmmm... something to think about.
Meybe I can get a CIA + tune, and new rear wheels with 305 rubber for another $1.5k to make my car a total corner assault machine.
I liked the last gen Camaro and I was torn between a 2014 1LE and the 2014 GT TP, and I'm still glad I went with the Ford. I LOVE the looks of the late S197s, and with ~$2.5k in mods I expect my car to be near last gen 1LE at road courses here in Michigan. (I have a whole lot of suspension waiting for install)
But I really like the new 1LE too. I like the looks, and I like the motor and I love the huge sticky rubber and the magnetic shocks. Can't get those for my Mustang, and the GT350 with the same suspension is ~$47k + dealer markup
Good points. And clearly $15k can buy me 75% of my next winter car!
I think what I need to do is wait to install all my suspension goodies, track my car through the spring and summer, then drive the 1LE in the fall. I do really like the look of the new Camaros almost as much as my S197, and A LOT better than the S550.
I do think I'll be able to keep up with the last Gen 1LE at the track this year with my suspension mods. The new 1LE is 3s faster on a 2 minute course, so that car is still out of my league drivers being equal. But is that worth $15k? Hmmm... something to think about.
Meybe I can get a CIA + tune, and new rear wheels with 305 rubber for another $1.5k to make my car a total corner assault machine.
Banned
Joined: August 2, 2013
Posts: 3,090
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From: Little north of Stuttgart, Germany
You can always look into adding cams or supercharged as well with a good tune and CIA that will put you in the 450 HP range and above in addition to your suspension goodies.. IMHO after it's all said and done, you'll be very pleased in the end for sticking with your current S197
My issue at the track is not being able to put the power down early, due to pitch/roll/dive. Suspension and better tires are the way to fix that. FI is heavier with more overheating issues, plus it only help on the straights, so not what I need.
But if I zoom out and take a 10,000 ft view at my car and my goals, the suspension + sticky 285's on all 4 corners will get me 80% there. Meybe CAI + tune to squeeze a bit more power out of the coyote and raise it's redline a little, and MGW .... and I think you're right. I'm going to love my S197 even more.
Mach 1 Member
Joined: April 3, 2012
Posts: 971
Likes: 144
From: Indy
Well, it's 2016 and many of us went with the traditional 60 month finance plan which means that us 2010 and 2011 guys are probably paid off by now and some of you 2012 guys are getting there too.
What are you guys thinking? Are you going to stick with your S197?
Right now, KBB is showing a trade-in value on my GT (base, BBP, 27,000 miles) as being just under $20,000 in my part of the country.
I'm really happy with my car! It's still fast and fun...I'm far from tired of it but it's certainly not new and exciting anymore!
99% sure I'm going to keep it but it's hard to not look at the facts- the car is out of warranty and will start to need replacement parts. The hood is just about to start rotting visibly (and will cost quite a bit for a temporary repaint)...and it's still worth "something" as a trade!
So if I did trade it in, I'd have another dilemma. There's nothing that I like all that much more.
The S550s have some highlights (gorgeous interior, stronger version of the Coyote) but they're just not styled to my personal preferences. Most angles look melted and frumpy to me. Plus, they're heavier than my already heavy S197.
I love the performance of the new Camaro but I just can't see myself being a "Camaro guy." No offense to the owners..and I have a ton of respect for that LT-1 motor...again, not my personal taste. Also, the stripped SS starts at $37k?!
Challenger-- LOVE the styling...but they're too big and way too heavy. The 5.7L is a great engine but it's just passable for the R/T. The Scatpack is super appealing with the beastly 392 (485hp...sounds incredible with the stock exhaust)...base starts at $40k (ouch) but it's a pretty darned nice package. If only it was 15% smaller..
What are you guys thinking?
What are you guys thinking? Are you going to stick with your S197?
Right now, KBB is showing a trade-in value on my GT (base, BBP, 27,000 miles) as being just under $20,000 in my part of the country.
I'm really happy with my car! It's still fast and fun...I'm far from tired of it but it's certainly not new and exciting anymore!
99% sure I'm going to keep it but it's hard to not look at the facts- the car is out of warranty and will start to need replacement parts. The hood is just about to start rotting visibly (and will cost quite a bit for a temporary repaint)...and it's still worth "something" as a trade!
So if I did trade it in, I'd have another dilemma. There's nothing that I like all that much more.
The S550s have some highlights (gorgeous interior, stronger version of the Coyote) but they're just not styled to my personal preferences. Most angles look melted and frumpy to me. Plus, they're heavier than my already heavy S197.
I love the performance of the new Camaro but I just can't see myself being a "Camaro guy." No offense to the owners..and I have a ton of respect for that LT-1 motor...again, not my personal taste. Also, the stripped SS starts at $37k?!
Challenger-- LOVE the styling...but they're too big and way too heavy. The 5.7L is a great engine but it's just passable for the R/T. The Scatpack is super appealing with the beastly 392 (485hp...sounds incredible with the stock exhaust)...base starts at $40k (ouch) but it's a pretty darned nice package. If only it was 15% smaller..
What are you guys thinking?
SUPERCHARGED RED ROCKET ------------------Master-Moderator
Joined: May 11, 2006
Posts: 10,648
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From: Carnegie, PA
For the track FI is not the direction I want to go. I want my car to be a fun DD, and a track car. I can do that with the adjustable suspension I'm getting ready to install (adjustable dampers, CC plates, lowering springs, PH bar and IF needed adjustable front sway. I'm afraid all the negative camber up front will give me mid-corner oversteer, but more front sway will fix that).
My issue at the track is not being able to put the power down early, due to pitch/roll/dive. Suspension and better tires are the way to fix that. FI is heavier with more overheating issues, plus it only help on the straights, so not what I need.
But if I zoom out and take a 10,000 ft view at my car and my goals, the suspension + sticky 285's on all 4 corners will get me 80% there. Meybe CAI + tune to squeeze a bit more power out of the coyote and raise it's redline a little, and MGW .... and I think you're right. I'm going to love my S197 even more.
My issue at the track is not being able to put the power down early, due to pitch/roll/dive. Suspension and better tires are the way to fix that. FI is heavier with more overheating issues, plus it only help on the straights, so not what I need.
But if I zoom out and take a 10,000 ft view at my car and my goals, the suspension + sticky 285's on all 4 corners will get me 80% there. Meybe CAI + tune to squeeze a bit more power out of the coyote and raise it's redline a little, and MGW .... and I think you're right. I'm going to love my S197 even more.
For the track, you can also add nitrous for squeezing even more power as well.. Therefore the possibilities are endless..
So I think in the end, you'll love your S197 more and more just as much as I have towards mine
Mach 1 Member
Joined: March 3, 2015
Posts: 756
Likes: 33
From: Lexington, Ky
INCOMING WATER SHOCK! *dumps bucket of ice water*
Keep the paid off stang and mod the CR@P out of her, and tryly make it your stang (thats what I am doing with mine, got bored of the current interior and the steering wheel is well...worn out...so I went with this beauty (see pics), its my very first wheel install but still its a new skill and I like to learn new things!
hehe
Keep the paid off stang and mod the CR@P out of her, and tryly make it your stang (thats what I am doing with mine, got bored of the current interior and the steering wheel is well...worn out...so I went with this beauty (see pics), its my very first wheel install but still its a new skill and I like to learn new things!
hehe
Super Boss Lawman Member
Joined: February 5, 2015
Posts: 4,247
Likes: 1,155
From: Yukon, OK
Keep it, mod it with what you are saving by not having a car payment. I bought my '13 in July 2012 and paid it off in September 2013. I love having no car payment and have used some of that money for a supercharger.
2014 SGM Roush Stage 2 --------- Moderator------
Joined: July 7, 2013
Posts: 3,181
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From: Idaho
I am starting to see a lot of 2014 GT500's for sale with lots of options and not too many miles. The prices have seemed to drop a bit now that the GT350 is hitting the streets. Like low to mid 50's. I have even seen some for $47-$49k. There are quite a few out there with under 10k miles. Most I have seen have around 2000 to 8000 miles. I have been tempted to go after one of those. I have seen some with Ford Certified status that get 7 yr/100K drive train warrantys.
To me the S197 is a great looking car and only improved with each body change.
All I know is I would have to sell mine out right before anything could happen. The stealerships think these are all stripped down v6's. They offered me $28k for mine, that I have about $55k into, only 10k miles and near perfect condition. I am not doing anything for a long while.
To me the S197 is a great looking car and only improved with each body change.
All I know is I would have to sell mine out right before anything could happen. The stealerships think these are all stripped down v6's. They offered me $28k for mine, that I have about $55k into, only 10k miles and near perfect condition. I am not doing anything for a long while.
Last edited by shaneyusa; Mar 3, 2016 at 12:07 AM.
Bullitt Member
Joined: October 28, 2014
Posts: 277
Likes: 10
From: Clarksville, Tennessee
In 2 months my gt will be fully paid after making payments for 18 months. I will keep her for life. Why would I trade her in, be screwed on the interest I paid, be screwed on depreciation, be screwed on taxes and then repeat?
I am sick of being a debt slave and in 2 months I will be fully debt free apart from my mortgage. I do not intent on being caught with my pants down when the global economy collapses, sooner or later it will tank.
As for not exciting you, its a mustang with a massive aftermarket, spice it up.
Personally if I could choose between a new mustang or camaro, it would be the camaro. Actually no i'd get a c6 z06. The mustang looks like crap from the front.
I am sick of being a debt slave and in 2 months I will be fully debt free apart from my mortgage. I do not intent on being caught with my pants down when the global economy collapses, sooner or later it will tank.
As for not exciting you, its a mustang with a massive aftermarket, spice it up.
Personally if I could choose between a new mustang or camaro, it would be the camaro. Actually no i'd get a c6 z06. The mustang looks like crap from the front.
Member
Joined: July 9, 2015
Posts: 46
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I bought my 14 GT/CS in June of 14 w/ 500 miles. After seeing the s550 I decided to grab the last year of the retro s197. The CS package/trim created one of the best looking mustang to date IMO.
With just an intake, tb, midpipe, and tune I running easy 12.1's on my stock 245 all seasons at 1500' track elevation. Now it should be 11.9 car on 275's street tires. (Revised tuning, race axle back, more tire.)
I owe 10k on the car and it has 8k miles on it. Car will more than hold it's own on the street and is absolute blast to drive. Car hooks out of the hole on warmed up street tire. Going to keep her for another 2-3 years myself.
With just an intake, tb, midpipe, and tune I running easy 12.1's on my stock 245 all seasons at 1500' track elevation. Now it should be 11.9 car on 275's street tires. (Revised tuning, race axle back, more tire.)
I owe 10k on the car and it has 8k miles on it. Car will more than hold it's own on the street and is absolute blast to drive. Car hooks out of the hole on warmed up street tire. Going to keep her for another 2-3 years myself.
GT Member
Joined: November 27, 2012
Posts: 146
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From: Moore, OK
I'm wanting to upgrade to the 5.0. I'm going to be waiting for the 2017s to come out. I'm afraid if Ford has to compete with the camero the price will be going up to match it too. If it does it will be out of my price range. Better to get a premium now then a base model at the same price later
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From: Rockaway, NJ
Legacy TMS Member
Joined: August 7, 2006
Posts: 16,113
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From: In Boredom
I recently test drove a 2016 gt and I wasn't like oh boy I need to get one of these. I really thought I would want it more after the test drive but nope. Yes it seemed a little nicer and and more powerful but just not worth making the jump. Still happy in my ol 06 gt