I picked it up last week and am having a blast.
At the dealer:
In the garage:
Side sill:
Pony logo:
Rear 3/4:
Side Profile:
19" wheels:
Front (with rear-facing child seat installed):
Gear Knob, cooled seats, shaker sound:
The vehicle is a 2017 Mustang GT Premium with 401A package, 3.55 gear, california special, with rear sensing system and navigation. I didn't care for navigation as the car has Android Auto / Apple Car Play but this was the closest vehicle I wanted that was in stock.
The price that I paid was incredible given the power, performance, sportiness, and quite frankly the amount of fun this car is. I was going to wait for the 2018s but couldn't refuse an incredible deal when the dealer knocked off over $10K (plus Costco rebate) and threw in some goodies.
I compared this car with the Camaro SS, STi, Golf R, Focus RS, 370Z, and MX-5. Having already owned a Miata, I wanted something with more power. I didn't need AWD as I already have a winter beater, so that narrowed the field to just the Camaro and a Mustang.
Camaro SS is objectively better in every category, but it just didn't speak to me. I don't know if it was the Camaro's looks, the drive, the space, the visibility etc., but I felt more at home with the Mustang. Not to mention that the Camaro SS was more expensive (almost $8K more) than the Mustang as equipped, though to be fair the Camaro did have more features (moonroof, head-up display, 20" tires). Curiously, the Camaro does not have a manual handbrake.
What's up with that?
Given that I am not tracking the car, I specifically told the dealer that I do not want the performance package. The PP is too hardcore for me, given my age.
The Recaros were uncomfortable for me and the leather/suede seats in the California Special are perfect based on my size and weight.
The 18" base tires were too narrow and they let loose very quickly. These 19" not only look good, they perform better as well. Though these will be quickly replaced with different tires.
I've owned many cars and have been driving/riding for close to 3 decades. But never before had a car given me so much pleasure. Even though the Mustang GT isn't the fastest car, isn't the sharpest in handling, nor is it the sexiest, it is a car that makes me should check after I've parked it. A feeling that was very similar to when I had the Miata and I'm so happy that the feeling is back. This car, by far, is the best vehicle I've owned: it is comfortable, clutch action is easy, it is fast, loud if you want it to be, and it fits all my criteria.
I also wanted to get in on the V8 action before these engines are no longer affordable to the public.
Some Pros:
That Engine!
Cooled and heated seats
Amazing shifter
It has all the features that were only on high-end luxury cars (like memory seats, backup camera with dynamic lines, blind spot, rear sensors, rear cross traffic alert, HID lamps, LED tail lights)
Some Cons (the usual):
Gas mileage...? LOL
The transmission makes noises / clunky
Back seat is rather small (car seat will fit, but anyone with legs will NOT)
MSRP for this vehicle was over $52K which is insane
All the panels line-up correctly.
If you have any questions or need some more pics, ask away.
