1-Its a safety issue to not have remote start with a standard transmission 2- Put sunglasses on when opening trunk in the dark 3-Should have found one with convenience pkg. to have the leather heat/cool power seats (very comfortable seats) 4-Agree clutch is hard to get used to because of the spring assist on it 5-You bought a true street legal race car and Ford was trying to save weight every where they could (reason not premium Shaker stereo)
First few weeks with the car, things I don't like (that haven't been covered much)
Okay,
Let me first say, I love this car. The things I'm going to point out are nitpicky and aren't enough to sway me away from keeping my car or recommending it as a solid buy for others. But hopefully if Ford is doing ANY sort of continuous improvement, they'll take testing and feedback from customers and make it better.
None of these issues are that big of a deal, but would just be nice if they "fixed" them in future models.
1) It's hard to stomach that I paid significantly more for a car that has less amenities than the GT premium. I don't get "mycolor" which would be nice or things like remote start. Granted, I can live without either and wouldn't use remote start very much given that I live far enough South that I don't need to warm up the car before getting in. There are however a lot of people that like to leave the AC turned on and remote start their car for a minute or two, just so they don't get into a sweltering vehicle. At any rate, the key fob and this feature would cost Ford bean counters virtually nothing, as all the hardware (other than the additional FOB button), sensors, etc, are already on our cars. I understand differentiation with products and creating perceived value, but honestly, it would have been very easy for Ford to incorporate the features of the GT premium at little to no cost.
2) When you remote open the trunk, it blinds you. I've learned this lesson a few times now, so much so that I place my hand in front of my eyes when I pop the trunk in the dark. The taillights work great and the car flashes them RIGHT in your face when the trunk pops. Then you're temporarily blinded while you try to find an appropriate spot to lift the trunk.
3) The seats. The Recaros are awesome. Love them. But there's a tradeoff. Spend more than 20 minutes driving this car with your legs together and invariably, you get swamp ass and trucker nuts. I'm 6' 200 lbs, so a little bigger than "average." Again, I wouldn't trade out the seats, they're awesome. But it's just something you have to accept with good leg bolsters. If you drive for an extended amount of time, your nutsack is absolutely going to be stuck to your legs.
4) The clutch. Not really a fan. Takes some real getting used to. I'd actually prefer a stiffer clutch with a more immediate and shorter engagement. This clutch reminds me of a 2 stage trigger. I prefer a single stage trigger with a short pre-travel. I know the longer clutch operation and longer engagement is to reduce fatigue and keep you from doing one legged squats, but I think the effort reduces the feedback of the car. This is probably the only thing I'm going to definitely mess around with and perhaps swap out or remove the assistance spring.
5) The stereo. Seriously Ford? Seriously? I understand my car is track pack and the original owner chose that feature over the tech pack. Truth be told I'd rather have trans and diff coolers than a nicer nav screen (obviously it'd be nice to have both but if forced to choose....). But c'mon. This is possibly the most awful stereo system for any car over $30k from any manufacturer. Just about any Toyota, any Nissan, etc has a better stereo system and that's not comparing the "upgraded" versions. Again, this isn't something Ford bean counters would have to spend a fortune on (if anything). I don't expect a Harmon Kardon or Blaupunkt system, but damn.
Again, I LOVE this car and wouldn't trade it for just about anything. These are really, REALLY nitpicky items and hopefully Ford listens to real world feedback (doubtful I know).
Let me first say, I love this car. The things I'm going to point out are nitpicky and aren't enough to sway me away from keeping my car or recommending it as a solid buy for others. But hopefully if Ford is doing ANY sort of continuous improvement, they'll take testing and feedback from customers and make it better.
None of these issues are that big of a deal, but would just be nice if they "fixed" them in future models.
1) It's hard to stomach that I paid significantly more for a car that has less amenities than the GT premium. I don't get "mycolor" which would be nice or things like remote start. Granted, I can live without either and wouldn't use remote start very much given that I live far enough South that I don't need to warm up the car before getting in. There are however a lot of people that like to leave the AC turned on and remote start their car for a minute or two, just so they don't get into a sweltering vehicle. At any rate, the key fob and this feature would cost Ford bean counters virtually nothing, as all the hardware (other than the additional FOB button), sensors, etc, are already on our cars. I understand differentiation with products and creating perceived value, but honestly, it would have been very easy for Ford to incorporate the features of the GT premium at little to no cost.
2) When you remote open the trunk, it blinds you. I've learned this lesson a few times now, so much so that I place my hand in front of my eyes when I pop the trunk in the dark. The taillights work great and the car flashes them RIGHT in your face when the trunk pops. Then you're temporarily blinded while you try to find an appropriate spot to lift the trunk.
3) The seats. The Recaros are awesome. Love them. But there's a tradeoff. Spend more than 20 minutes driving this car with your legs together and invariably, you get swamp ass and trucker nuts. I'm 6' 200 lbs, so a little bigger than "average." Again, I wouldn't trade out the seats, they're awesome. But it's just something you have to accept with good leg bolsters. If you drive for an extended amount of time, your nutsack is absolutely going to be stuck to your legs.
4) The clutch. Not really a fan. Takes some real getting used to. I'd actually prefer a stiffer clutch with a more immediate and shorter engagement. This clutch reminds me of a 2 stage trigger. I prefer a single stage trigger with a short pre-travel. I know the longer clutch operation and longer engagement is to reduce fatigue and keep you from doing one legged squats, but I think the effort reduces the feedback of the car. This is probably the only thing I'm going to definitely mess around with and perhaps swap out or remove the assistance spring.
5) The stereo. Seriously Ford? Seriously? I understand my car is track pack and the original owner chose that feature over the tech pack. Truth be told I'd rather have trans and diff coolers than a nicer nav screen (obviously it'd be nice to have both but if forced to choose....). But c'mon. This is possibly the most awful stereo system for any car over $30k from any manufacturer. Just about any Toyota, any Nissan, etc has a better stereo system and that's not comparing the "upgraded" versions. Again, this isn't something Ford bean counters would have to spend a fortune on (if anything). I don't expect a Harmon Kardon or Blaupunkt system, but damn.
Again, I LOVE this car and wouldn't trade it for just about anything. These are really, REALLY nitpicky items and hopefully Ford listens to real world feedback (doubtful I know).
1 - 20 of 28 Posts
Don’t think that the upgraded stereo (Shaker- Sync 3)) is any better. Still marginal at best. Apple car play requires that you tether your phone. Speaker system could use better drivers (JBL, Polk or?).
As for the clutch, pull the assist spring, makes all the difference. if you have top end play on the peddle, which you may not have, then buy a Steeda spring replacement. I have been driving mine without the spring the last two years and it is perfect.
Good speakers will help a little, but you need to power them properly for the best sound.
Nothing more comfortable than the heated and cooled seats.
Good speakers will help a little, but you need to power them properly for the best sound.
Nothing more comfortable than the heated and cooled seats.
I agree with the clutch and am changing to the Steeda spring
I would rather have the coolers and seats than the Tech Pack
I have never had the trunk issue
I would rather have the coolers and seats than the Tech Pack
I have never had the trunk issue
I agree on the clutch, and as far as the seats go I’m trying to set my car up to have both options. My car came with the Recaros but I also got a set of the heated cooled power seats that I’m trying to figure out how to get operational as well. The idea is to have the comfy seats for daily driving, but be able to bolt the Recaros back in as needed for track days, etc.
I’ve never seen a car with a manual transmission with remote start - disengage the clutch, move the transmission to neutral, make sure the e-brake is tight enough to prevent the car from rolling...I think there’s a reason I’ve never seen one!
I’ve never seen a car with a manual transmission with remote start - disengage the clutch, move the transmission to neutral, make sure the e-brake is tight enough to prevent the car from rolling...I think there’s a reason I’ve never seen one!
I get the clutch ..... brakes lights/trunk no issues .... stereo ( im practically deaf) so take a mulligan on that one but loving the car my biggest gripe that I thought you would bring up is the fit and finish of the bumpers .... trunk lid etc. My passenger side hood is a good 1/2 inch higher than my passenger fender where it meets ...... sucks in my opinion.
don
don
The clutch is the only issue that's really actionable, the rest were just kinda tongue in cheek.I agree on the clutch, and as far as the seats go I’m trying to set my car up to have both options. My car came with the Recaros but I also got a set of the heated cooled power seats that I’m trying to figure out how to get operational as well. The idea is to have the comfy seats for daily driving, but be able to bolt the Recaros back in as needed for track days, etc.
I’ve never seen a car with a manual transmission with remote start - disengage the clutch, move the transmission to neutral, make sure the e-brake is tight enough to prevent the car from rolling...I think there’s a reason I’ve never seen one!
I love the seats and I'll leave them in and wouldn't swap them for the powered setup. Thigh bolsters do what they're supposed to do, which is great for keeping you in your seat, not so much for long drives. The heated/powered seats are better for long drives, but not as snug for keeping you seated. Pick your poison affair.
As far as remote start goes, it's done all the time aftermarket. There's ways to make it safe but again, it's nothing serious. I doubt I'd even use it all that much, even when it's 115 with the heat index here. There's a lot of other nitpicky stuff that's already been covered by youtube vids and such. None of which is all that egregious. I love the car.
I will add that whichever engineer signed off on the engine bay needs to be slapped. It would have cost Ford all of an extra $.50 per car to feature the reservoir tank with dark poly and a clear line to see coolant level instead of the obnoxiously ugly "grenade" tank. Again, not a big deal.
I'd love a cheap way to relocate the battery to the rear (and still be track legal) but that's a bit of a stretch request/demand. Without a firewall or an exterior vent, some tracks say no-no (and a e-cutoff switch).
I don't want the tone of my post to be mistaken, I love my GT350 and wouldn't trade it for just about anything, certainly nothing even remotely in the same price range.
I don't like that you can't set the default mode, but again, not a huge deal. Just have to change the mode each time you get into the car and startup.
I have a 17 with the upgraded seats, stereo, etc. I find the car is an incredibly comfortable road car, given the way it performs on the track. Set the alignment to the track settings and take it to the track. That is where this car comes into it's own. It's a lot of car for 60K.
Okay,
Let me first say, I love this car. The things I'm going to point out are nitpicky and aren't enough to sway me away from keeping my car or recommending it as a solid buy for others. But hopefully if Ford is doing ANY sort of continuous improvement, they'll take testing and feedback from customers and make it better.
None of these issues are that big of a deal, but would just be nice if they "fixed" them in future models.
1) It's hard to stomach that I paid significantly more for a car that has less amenities than the GT premium. I don't get "mycolor" which would be nice or things like remote start. Granted, I can live without either and wouldn't use remote start very much given that I live far enough South that I don't need to warm up the car before getting in. There are however a lot of people that like to leave the AC turned on and remote start their car for a minute or two, just so they don't get into a sweltering vehicle. At any rate, the key fob and this feature would cost Ford bean counters virtually nothing, as all the hardware (other than the additional FOB button), sensors, etc, are already on our cars. I understand differentiation with products and creating perceived value, but honestly, it would have been very easy for Ford to incorporate the features of the GT premium at little to no cost.
2) When you remote open the trunk, it blinds you. I've learned this lesson a few times now, so much so that I place my hand in front of my eyes when I pop the trunk in the dark. The taillights work great and the car flashes them RIGHT in your face when the trunk pops. Then you're temporarily blinded while you try to find an appropriate spot to lift the trunk.
3) The seats. The Recaros are awesome. Love them. But there's a tradeoff. Spend more than 20 minutes driving this car with your legs together and invariably, you get swamp ass and trucker nuts. I'm 6' 200 lbs, so a little bigger than "average." Again, I wouldn't trade out the seats, they're awesome. But it's just something you have to accept with good leg bolsters. If you drive for an extended amount of time, your nutsack is absolutely going to be stuck to your legs.
4) The clutch. Not really a fan. Takes some real getting used to. I'd actually prefer a stiffer clutch with a more immediate and shorter engagement. This clutch reminds me of a 2 stage trigger. I prefer a single stage trigger with a short pre-travel. I know the longer clutch operation and longer engagement is to reduce fatigue and keep you from doing one legged squats, but I think the effort reduces the feedback of the car. This is probably the only thing I'm going to definitely mess around with and perhaps swap out or remove the assistance spring.
5) The stereo. Seriously Ford? Seriously? I understand my car is track pack and the original owner chose that feature over the tech pack. Truth be told I'd rather have trans and diff coolers than a nicer nav screen (obviously it'd be nice to have both but if forced to choose....). But c'mon. This is possibly the most awful stereo system for any car over $30k from any manufacturer. Just about any Toyota, any Nissan, etc has a better stereo system and that's not comparing the "upgraded" versions. Again, this isn't something Ford bean counters would have to spend a fortune on (if anything). I don't expect a Harmon Kardon or Blaupunkt system, but damn.
Again, I LOVE this car and wouldn't trade it for just about anything. These are really, REALLY nitpicky items and hopefully Ford listens to real world feedback (doubtful I know).
Well, I just took delivery, via covered shipping to my house at 6:00 PM last night. Got an early AM drive to start following proper break-in process. Love the Ruby Red with over the top white stripes - evidently the neighbors were paying attention too (reminder to self - keep exhaust in quiet mode in the neighborhood).
Re your comments:
1. I looked literally for over two months to find a car with one of my two exterior color choices AND the convenience package. Tried the standard Recaros even though I am not overweight I found the seats too restrictive, especially when getting out of the car. I suspect that most folks over their mid-forties would have similar issues. The convenience seat package is excellent and still have sufficient bolstering for an occasional track day. I drove many other cars on the track with similar or less bolstering and survived. An let's face it, very few of us have the level of competition skills to fully air out this car's capabilities. Plus, love the seat trim, and the fact they are power and both heated and air conditioned - nice in Florida!
2. I do not personally care about changing colors on the controls, it has plenty of colors for me and I am much more interested in all the gauge information and performance configuration options available. But to each, their own...
3. I am not aware of any manual trans cars that have remote start? Are there any?
4. Just starting to drive the car - maybe I will discover the same thing as you - if so, told it is an easy fix.
5. Don't know about the remote open taillights issue - will check that one out.
6. Yes, audio sound is not too great - that will be fixed.
So far, mostly listening to the exhaust!
Beware changing the audio. There have been several reports of conflicts with the enhanced engine sound that is piped into the system. Know what you are doing or find someone that does.
The most I would probably do is either add a powered sub, or add an amp and swap out the factory speakers for something with a little more punch. I'm not trying to win any sound or bass competitions, just something a LITTLE more healthy than the stock system. And frankly, it's last on my list of priorities, every dollar spent there could be spent on other stuff.Beware changing the audio. There have been several reports of conflicts with the enhanced engine sound that is piped into the system. Know what you are doing or find someone that does.
I don't think I'll touch the head end equipment.
Noticed something else this weekend...the dreaded traction control light.
I have OCD in some ways so seeing an amber light on the center display is unnerving so every time I'm in track mode, it's there, like a little splinter in my mind and even though I've glanced at it a THOUSAND times, I wish there was another spot/way for Ford to warn us that the TC is off. The amber light reminds me of a check engine light or fault. Petty I know
I have OCD in some ways so seeing an amber light on the center display is unnerving so every time I'm in track mode, it's there, like a little splinter in my mind and even though I've glanced at it a THOUSAND times, I wish there was another spot/way for Ford to warn us that the TC is off. The amber light reminds me of a check engine light or fault. Petty I know
GreyGhost, thanks for the constructive feedback. I recently took delivery of a 2017 with the Electronics package. I love the car, it is an absolute beast running the canyons (sticks like glue) but...
1) The Recaros need more adjustability, thigh support would be nice as well as adjustable lumbar, for BOTH driver and passenger. Also to be able to adjust the angle of the lower seat cushion (not just up/down) would be great
2) Mine has the "upgraded" 9 speaker sounds (even has "Shaker" printed on the lower console - but no sub?) Anyway it's just an awful system. While I enjoy the snarl of the FPC there are sometimes when driving in quiet mode nice tunes would be appreciated.
3) This is going to sound picky, but the body gaps are awful on my just built GT350. 1/4" rear bumper sag (so bad you can see the tabs inside the gap), the passenger side front hood is almost 1/4" above the hood edge and the front clip edges droop 1/8" lower than the fender edges. Love driving this car, but how did this make it through the QC at the factory? Makes me cringe every time I walk up to the car...will get it to the body shop for repair under warranty, but having just paid MSRP for a new car, I'm really not thrilled about having to take it into a body shop!
To have designed and engineered such an awesome ride and then be so sloppy in assembly/build...
1) The Recaros need more adjustability, thigh support would be nice as well as adjustable lumbar, for BOTH driver and passenger. Also to be able to adjust the angle of the lower seat cushion (not just up/down) would be great
2) Mine has the "upgraded" 9 speaker sounds (even has "Shaker" printed on the lower console - but no sub?) Anyway it's just an awful system. While I enjoy the snarl of the FPC there are sometimes when driving in quiet mode nice tunes would be appreciated.
3) This is going to sound picky, but the body gaps are awful on my just built GT350. 1/4" rear bumper sag (so bad you can see the tabs inside the gap), the passenger side front hood is almost 1/4" above the hood edge and the front clip edges droop 1/8" lower than the fender edges. Love driving this car, but how did this make it through the QC at the factory? Makes me cringe every time I walk up to the car...will get it to the body shop for repair under warranty, but having just paid MSRP for a new car, I'm really not thrilled about having to take it into a body shop!
To have designed and engineered such an awesome ride and then be so sloppy in assembly/build...
Great point, I have read that you may e able to disable the "piped in" sound via Forscan??Beware changing the audio. There have been several reports of conflicts with the enhanced engine sound that is piped into the system. Know what you are doing or find someone that does.
DITTO, all I see when approaching car. First thing my Corvette buddy noticed too..I get the clutch ..... brakes lights/trunk no issues .... stereo ( im practically deaf) so take a mulligan on that one but loving the car my biggest gripe that I thought you would bring up is the fit and finish of the bumpers .... trunk lid etc. My passenger side hood is a good 1/2 inch higher than my passenger fender where it meets ...... sucks in my opinion.
don
To be honest, I stopped caring about the body panel fitment and alignment long long ago. When you buy an American car, you get American crap quality. Sorry, it's just the way it is.
It's like the "plastic" interior. There's just no comparison between getting into a BMW, even an entry level product and getting into any non-luxury American brand, (Ford, Dodge, Chevy and all their affiliates).
Before someone says that's apples/oranges, consider that a great deal of BMW cost is import penalties and buying a BMW in Germany is cheap. So apples to apples, fit and finish for our cars vs. most of the rest of the world is awful, has been and probably will stay that way.
It's like the "plastic" interior. There's just no comparison between getting into a BMW, even an entry level product and getting into any non-luxury American brand, (Ford, Dodge, Chevy and all their affiliates).
Before someone says that's apples/oranges, consider that a great deal of BMW cost is import penalties and buying a BMW in Germany is cheap. So apples to apples, fit and finish for our cars vs. most of the rest of the world is awful, has been and probably will stay that way.
I do agree somewhat. My 2016 Audi SQ5 "Black Edition" is beautifully assembled, interior is gorgeous (Audi is known for their interiors) and the supercharged six with crisp shifting 8 speed makes it pretty quick for a mid-sized cross-over. It is an excellent trip and everyday car, dripping with Teutonic attention to detail and QC - but there it ends...To be honest, I stopped caring about the body panel fitment and alignment long long ago. When you buy an American car, you get American crap quality. Sorry, it's just the way it is.
It's like the "plastic" interior. There's just no comparison between getting into a BMW, even an entry level product and getting into any non-luxury American brand, (Ford, Dodge, Chevy and all their affiliates).
Before someone says that's apples/oranges, consider that a great deal of BMW cost is import penalties and buying a BMW in Germany is cheap. So apples to apples, fit and finish for our cars vs. most of the rest of the world is awful, has been and probably will stay that way.
The new Shelby I just bought out of a showroom did not excessive body gap or hood fitment issues. Having been forewarned many times to look for these things, I did just that. This car was not built on a Monday or a Friday before a three day holiday - I examined it closely. Plus, for my 60's body, the Recaros were not particularly comfortable, lacked a lot of adjustment, and were a PITA to get out of. I am not overweight and still do pretty strenuous work-outs, but I much preferred the convenience package seats, which are electronic, have much more adjustability, are heated AND cooled, and sufficient bolstering for what track skills I have on an occasional venture to a club track day.
But where the Audi is coldly efficient and drips with quality, the Shelby is coldly badass and drips with personality. And it has some pretty unique (in USA) attributes, is a hellacious performer with a "stick a finger in your eye" attitude. Perfect fit for the other side of my personality. ;-).
Now, if my engine starts gulping prodigious amounts of oil ( I am breaking it in slowly) or the azz end of the car starts falling off, I will be pissed and Ford will hear about it ipso facto. But if and until that happens, I am happy with what I bought.
And that's all I have to say about that - back to my box of chocolates.
The remote open for the trunk is to the left of the steering wheel ....its a small square about 2 inches by 2 inches ....
don
don
Don in case some don't know as long as your close to your car with your remote theirs also a button in the middle of the rear fascia below the black panel (above indention for license tag) you can push and open the trunk.
1 - 20 of 28 Posts
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