I have a 2012 V6 Kona premium with auto. It was a great deal because it's so much fun for relatively low cost. I love this car. (And hate the fact that I can't manually control the gears. Stick is not an option because of my insane commute.) Seeing the new 2013 model however, and wishing for more low end power, plus the new auto-stick mode, had me thinking about upgrading to a 2013 GT. Problem is, either way I spec it, the car I'd really want is 45k. That's not only a LOT more expensive than my V6, but it's a whole different ballpark. Once you are in the 45k game, you suddenly find some interesting alternatives, and also, one would expect more "amenities" in a 45k car. (If I spend that much, I'd like at least a telescoping steering wheel and maybe also memory seats, keyless entry, etc..etc...)
So the question is, is it that much better than what I have now?

 

Test drive one if you haven't already. That's what got me sold!

 

45K range? you need to figure out how to get into one of the various dicsount programs...like x-plan. My wife is getting a fairly loaded GT Prem....though no glass roof...for the mid 30's, with an auto.

 

The power is dramatically different and addicting. That said, the gas milage of the 5.0 pretty much sucks, at least the way I drive it. Getting the car for invoice should be pretty **** easy and 45k doesn't buy the car it used to. A 45K bmw will have less power and very few amenities. I don't think you can get much of a vette for 45k. Really you are hard pressed to get remotely similar performance in a new car for that money. If that's at the expense of a telescoping steering wheel.....hey my elbows bend and extend... excellent!

As someone said, drive it and see what you think. You already have a very nice car. If you can comfortably move up and you'll enjoy it... go for the gusto. Either way I'm sure you'll enjoy the car.

 

I would wait and see how the 2015's are going to look before doing anything unless you trade every year or so.....

 

You already admitted your commute sucks which must likely means bumper to bumper traffic...so why even think about buying a V8 in that kind of situation when you know it would waste more fuel than your current V6? If you don't care about MPG and can afford the gas then do it.

 

What kind of options are you looking for? 45k seems high, I mean you could option it out to that but it would have every option, I payed 36k out the door for my 2011 gt manual with 401 a brick red leather shaker 1000 brembo brakes and apperance pack 2. Msrp was 38k

 

If you have a long commute & are iffy on the $ Id say dont do it b/c if you cant stay off the gas (I struggle) youll be paying a ton more in gas costs unless its all highway. An 11+ V6 is a great commute car, but give me MT all day, every day, highway or city.

 

Xplan is 2% over cost, boss and Shelby's don't qualify for xplan

 

LAWL - name another RWD coupe w/ a V8 and manual transmission for under $50,000. Now find one weighing in under 4000 lbs.

Sure I can spend $45,000 on a car with a telescoping steering wheel. And memory seats, keyless entry/start, etc.

But it will probably have the base anemic 4-cylinder turbo. At least it has the 'bigger backseat' though and the blue/white propeller emblem too, right? Eh.

Nothing can be said to convince you otherwise until you get behind the wheel of a new 5.0 GT. On paper it is a very unfair fight actually - but in person, you know the real world - its true, there is simply no replacement for displacement.

You have to be able to answer whether things like 'memory seats' are really that important or if it just gets in the way.

I find I NEVER stick with the position the memory seats 'position' to on my parent's Infiniti anyway. Plus who wants to look like every other tool who got a 'better deal' driving the slower G37 or 328i?

 

Wait for the 2015. Maybe it will have a telescoping steering wheel.

 

and a V6.

 

It's a no brainer, if you can afford the V8 get the V8

 

If you want the purely financial answer, no. If you want the emotional answer, yes.

 

He already has that.

 

I had a '02 GT and and when I test drive a '13 when I stomped on the gas I literally laughed every time in enjoyment. Last time I did that I drove a friends '02 Corvette Z06. Simply awesome

 

He will probably being close to 45k after he takes a hit on his 2012 v-6 as a trade in! Thats something else id look at, how much are you going to lose on your trade, then losing on your mpg when its all said an done!! I agree with an earlier post... The smart thing to do is ride and enjoy your car for awhile, but the emotional parts says go get that 5.0 beast!!!

 

With the car being so new it might be a pretty good hit

 

Interesting how many of you mentioned BMW. Is this really where ford is these days? It's not the first time I heard lately how many BMW buyers are cross shopping to Ford.
I certainly considered the X5 before we got our '11 Explorer. in the end the EX won for comfort, ride and room. But that touchscreen is a big letdown and I hope they won't ever put it in a mustang.
Anyway, back to my original point: here are the random 40-50k alternatives off the cuff. Yes we are comparing apples and oranges but I like them all:
Charger/300c SRT or base hemi, 370z, maybe even a base corvette (almost), used M5, used Z4, used Jag xkr, used 911, or even the new Taurus sho.

 

Fanboys. BMW boys have turned into Boss boys now. They will turn again soon I'm sure.