Hi guys, I just joined the forum. And am in about 10 days buying my first Mustang. I searched the forum and although I found related threads, I couldn't quite understand a lot of them.

I have never owned a sports car, but I am now in a position to finally own one and a Mustang is the only one I'll consider. I love the heritage and the legend they come from.

I will be getting a 2013 base V6 and I'm hoping someone can not make fun of me, and give me a very plain language "layman's" answer to the following. I definitely want the tech package, but I'm confused about the Performance Package, and its use? Do I need this if I don't plan on racing my Mustang?

I won't be making many performance changes to my vehicle, maybe exhaust at some point down the line for a meaner sound.

Am I right in assuming that the Strut Bar will help reduce chassis roll when turning? And the other options like 3.31 gear ratio... I just have no idea what a lot of it is.

Thanks in advance for the help.

 

Welcome to TMS!

I think the PP is a suspension tune up for better handling. Not needed for plain ol street driving but some like to charge down two lane twisties. Yes strut bar firms up handling but doesn't necessarily reduce body roll like the PP does. 3.31 is fine but some prefer to get the rpms higher into the power band for launches and the 1/4 mile. with the 6 spd, you'll see some here go with the 3.55's while some prefer the 3.73's.
Keep reading and keep asking.

 

You mentioned you want a sports car and altho the new V6 are great cars the v8 will feel more sporty. I read a few people bought the V6 and then regret not getting the v8. You might wnat to test drive both cars and do alittle research on modding the v6. Either way enjoy your ride.

 

I bought the 2011 V6 with the performance package and 3:31 rear gear. I like this setup. I bought the V6 over the V8 for gas mileage, as I drive almost 200 miles a day round trip. With my setup, I get 24.2 to 24.6 MPG. I'd get better if I went with the stock 2:73 rear, but the 3:31 gives you some better off line performance, plus decent fuel mileage.

So, if mileage and price are key points to you, the V6 is a great setup. You won't regret this setup. If pure power is what your after, then consider the V8. It too is a great setup with these Mustangs.

 

Don't let mpg alone sway your decision on a V6 instead of an V8 if you do a lot of highway driving. I can average 21-22 mpg in my Boss that has 3.73 rear axle on my 50 mile commute to work, however that goes down to 17-8 if I do a lot of local stop and go driving. Now if you have concerns about insurance costs, and other factors, then by all means stick with your original decision to get the V6. I'm not trying to say the V8 is better, just giving you a real world experience that you can really get decent economy on the highway with the 5.0. It's truly an amazing engine.

My wife test drove the 6 and then the 8, and instantly knew she had to have the GT. A PP V6 would be a fine choice, so if you haven't finalized your order yet you should really test drive a Mustang that has the upgraded suspension. There really is a difference from the base suspension compared to the tighter and slightly harsher riding PP or Brembo package on the GT. To avoid regrets, see if you can test drive the different models.

Besides how it feels, having the strut tower brace definitely just 'looks cool' when you pop the hood. If you end up getting the V6, popular mods are axle back mufflers, replace the stock shifter/bracket, front speaker replacements, and hood struts.

 

Welcome to the mustang world, I recently purchased a Mustang GT Convertible with the Brembo Brake package and really enjoy the added braking power and suspension set up. What I avoided was the Shaker Pro Audio option and the Nav screen option as they are overpriced and IMO unnecessary.
If you looking for performance then by all means get the appropriate package on the vehicle, Get what YOU want and don't look back.

 

If you never plan to do performance mods on the car in the future then I would certainly get the performance pack now and get the best vehicle you can now. Why not get the sportier ride now especially if that's what you are after than wishing you had and not wanting to buy new parts later.

 

he mentioned nothing about even considering a 5.0 guys....


Cdynaco answered this question best. My personal opinion is that if you aren't racing, the 2.73s are fine and can get you awesome hwy mileage. 31-32 mpg real world, which is fantastic. That said, the PP is a great value for all that it includes. Keep in mind also that the PP tires are summer only, so you might have to get a second set for the winter depending on where you live

 

Sounds like from the choice he described he is looking for price more than performance. I recommend the performance package on the V6 because of the better handling and more over the braking. I looked and test drove the selections but decided to go with the V6 PP because the same opted GT would run me 10 grand more. But I do agree test drive different opted out Mustangs before your purchase.

 

you won't regret the pp pkg, I originally wanted the v6 premium but just reading what comes with the performance package made me get it, I loooove the wheels and the tires alone are $1400 ! I wanted 3.31 gears anyway for a little more umph and didn't care too much about the mpg as long as it was better than my previous car (boosted 4cyl getting 16 mpg!)
So yeah get the base pp pkg and youll be golden, the car will look incomplete inside though without the premium, did to me at least.

 

just curious what was your previous car?

 

A 2002 passat. It got awful gas mileage on premium! Hwy wasnt too bad. Same as mustang. It was too much to maintain and got sick of it. It was very classy though lol

 

This covers it!

My suggestion would be to test drive one with and without it. I suspect the difference is pretty noticable. I sure as heck would get the performance package!

Good luck with your purchase and your negotiations!

 

Aphai, just FYI, "Motor Trend" magazine recently proclaimed the V6 Mustang with Performance Pkg. one of the five best values in the automotive market. A 6-cyl that makes 305 horses? That's the equivalent of the Chevy 327 V8 with 4-bbl. carb of the 60's that propelled various Corvettes and Super Sports. Throw in the 3.31 for improved acceleration, and you have a VERY satisfying set of wheels under your rump. And speaking of wheels, the first thing I did when I brought mine home was 86 those 19" wheels and Summer Pirelli's for some 17" Bullitts on All-season Michelins. I ordered the PP for the rear end, brakes, and suspension; not the wheels/tires. Different strokes for different folks, but most people who buy the V6 do so for their own reasons and seem to be quite satisfied with their selections.

 

Thank you guys for all your help. I have decided to save the money up front and stick with just the base V6, no PP (will have the Tech Package though). I'm just barely in my price range on even this one. A mechanic friend, and owner of a '12 Boss, has offered help installing suspension and braking parts as I save the money for them.

I plan on being active in the community and picking all your brains often, so I appreciate the warm welcome.

So as ordered:
2013 V6 Coupe
Deep Impact Blue
Tech Package
Pedestal Decklid Spoiler

 

Welcome to the TMSers!

 

Well put!

 

Nice setup! You'll be very happy with it. Welcome aboard!

 

Very nice setup, I actually ordered mine in a similar style a few months ago and i absolutely love it. I just moved back to the US from Singapore where all cars have leather seats (no matter what!) so i kept with that and sprung for the Premium. But as I am also looking to buy a house in the first half of next year, I drooled over the GT, but given insurance, cost, and fuel efficiency, I went with the V6 without the performance package.

Did you take delivery of an instock Mustang or did you put in a custom order? I am mainly curious as i also got the Pedestal spolier and simply love the styling addition to the car. I would be very interested to see how it looks on the Blue.

You won't regret your decision with this car. It is a lot of fun no matter which model you get.

 

I will be taking delivery of a vehicle being transferred from a nearby dealership.

And since the pedestal spoiler is not an available option unless you get the V6 Premium, I will take delivery without it installed. Then the dealership will order, paint, and install it afterwards.