Author Topic: Test Drive  (Read 8788 times)

Offline CAP1

  • Radioactive Member
  • *******
  • Posts: 22287
      • The Axis Vs Allies Arena
Test Drive
« on: July 29, 2011, 09:07:42 PM »
CAP'S REVIEW OF HIS TEST DRIVE OF A 2011 MUSTANG GT

ok.....i stopped by the ford dealer today. to be honest, the 2012's are outta my price range, if equipped with anything beyond bare bones.

 i looked at a 2011 that was a demo....one of the sales managers was driving it. it had 5700 and change on the clock.
black, with 18" 5 spoke wheels, the ones that look like a cross between keystones, and cragers. standard 4 wheel disc brakes, 6 speed manual tranny. interior is grey, with beige leather. that threw me a bit. it took me a bit of getting used to, as i like either grey, or black interiors.

 FIRST IMPRESSIONS

INTERIOR

 very nicely put together. everything just sort of "fell" into my reach, without much effort. the gauges were easily visible, the seat(heated) is 6 way power adjustable. it was pretty far back. i had to raise it some, and pull it forward, to get a comfortable position to drive.
 the shifter is right there, unlike the old "fox chassis" mustangs, where you were almost over-extending to hit 3rd gear. no cup holders in the way, no arm rests to bang your elbow on when shifting. not a single blind spot in the entire car. visibility is fabulous. the pedals are set up perfectly, for "heel/toe" driving(which i did a lil of)  :devil

EXTERIOR

 sex on wheels. nuff said.  :aok

 driving
 
 this dealer is right on rt 30, which is a 4 lane road.....2 each direction, with its fair share of incompetent drivers. i slipped the shifter(short throw) into gear, and eased out the clutch trying to get a feel for it. this part is weird to me. if i were 20, i'd be saying that this clutch was made for sissies. since i'm 49, i think it feels perfect. very light effort, yet extremely firm and smooth engagement as i started out. it engaged right about level with the brake pedal, which to me is perfect. i let her idle out to the drive way.

 pulled out onto rt 30, still trying to feel it out a little.....wound 1st to 4500, and granny shifted, wound 2nd the same(both less than 1/2 throttle), and was nearly doing 60, when i had to brake for traffic.
 coming up on a notorious hiding spot for our local men in blue(i kinda forgot), i gave her a little kick in the arse, and was suddenly doing 70. it didn't feel like 70. speed limit was 35. i downshifted to drag the speed back to some semblance of legal.
 had a guy nearly stopped to turn off the road a ways up, i clutched, and braked, but left the shifter in 5th. at 20mph, i let the clutch back out, and fed in the throttle slow and smooth. know what she did? she accelerated to 60 again, in nearly the blink of an eye. no "lugging", no lurch, just smooth acceleration.
 i took her through a turn, that i used to managed at about 45mph in my old gt...and was working to do it......i hit this turn at 55, and was accelerating coming out of it.
 i took her up a road, that again......at night, when i know there's 0 possibility of kids being out, and no ones cars are still parked on the street.......i've done stupidly fast in my gt. i was younger, and stupid too.  :devil i currently drive this particular road at a screaming 25-30 in my jeep, or 35-45 in my dakota. since this isn't my car(yet) i didn't really hammer on it. it felt like i was creeping through the turns, so i glanced in at the speedometer....i was doing 40. this roads condition sucks. bumps, and poorly filled potholes(imagine that shocker here in nj), in the worst places.....no hop, no back end misbehaving.....she just went where i pointed her. this car easily could've maintained in the 65-70mph range on this road(although i wouldn't)
 turned around, went back out to one of the roads to take me back towards the dealer. i pulled out, easily, then hammered it. shifted at 5800rpm, and this monster was STILL PULLING. i only shifted that early, as i didn't want to beat on it too badly.
 went past the dealer, winding the gears again, heading for a big empty parking lot to try to take(make) some very hard turns(at the suggestion of the salesman). went to the very end of the lot(this is the very same lot i used to do this crap in in the snow, some 30 years ago)wound 1st, then second, then turned HARD. know what happened? the dam thing turned right where i pointed her again. no tire squeal(till i punched it again to kick the back out)
 
 the brakes, as mentioned are standard 4 wheel disc. nothing really special. the average middle aged person that may buy one of these will never exceed the capability of these brakes. they stopped this car beautifully every time i tried. i do know, though, that should i put this car through her paces on a road course, i will cause brake fade. i can upgrade them though, probably cheaper than it would cost to option them onto the car.

OVERALL IMPRESSION

 
 to be honest, i was expecting something that felt like my 89 mustang gt. that one fit me a little tight, and things that this car breezed through, were hard work for that car. that is what i expected to feel, but in a prettier package.
 what i got, was a car that i cannot believe ford is selling so cheap. this car impressed me, and actually got me excited....of all times, on a friday night, after a hard 10 hour work day in a 100F+ shop. i could feel my pulse going faster each time i let that clutch out.
 
 this car doesn't lean(or at least it doesn't feel it) in the turns, nearly as much as i expected, it doesn't nosedive under heavy braking, and when you punch the go pedal, she.....whelp......she goes......like a bat outta hell.

 if the other mustangs are better than the gt..........well.....i think i'd have a "crisis" each time i got behind the wheel of one of them.

and alas, i didn't manage to scare the sales dood. i never noticed him looking for the "jesus" handle, nor trying that thing nervous passengers always do, which is putting on the brakes from the passengers seat.
 when we got back, someone asked him if i scared him. he said no, this guy knows his s%^t.

 COOL/GROOVY STUFF

sirius radio......first three months free, then the normal fee per month.
3 years voice activated turn by turn driving directions. after that, $60/month.
ford/microsoft sync system. this is cool.....you can sync your phone to it, much like i think onstar does for gm? and when a call comes in, it comes through the stereo. you do not take your hand off the wheel to answer. the button is right there on the wheel.
 heated seats(remember dicho, this is joisey), drivers seat is 6 way power.
vanity mirrors on both visors. YES!!!!  now i too, can do my makeup, or shave whilst driving!
traction control can be disengaged.

 i forgot to look in the trunk, to see how many bodies could fit in there........but that's ok. if it's small, i just need to chop em into smaller bits.

 to be honest, i think i'm gonna jump on this.....presuming that my credit goes through.
« Last Edit: July 29, 2011, 09:55:40 PM by CAP1 »
ingame 1LTCAP
80th FS "Headhunters"
S.A.P.P.- Secret Association Of P-38 Pilots (Lightning in a Bottle)

Offline Maverick

  • Plutonium Member
  • *******
  • Posts: 13919
Re: Test Drive
« Reply #1 on: July 29, 2011, 09:19:58 PM »
Well you said it was a ford, but what model?
DEFINITION OF A VETERAN
A Veteran - whether active duty, retired, national guard or reserve - is someone who, at one point in their life, wrote a check made payable to "The United States of America", for an amount of "up to and including my life."
Author Unknown

Offline Golfer

  • Platinum Member
  • ******
  • Posts: 6314
Re: Test Drive
« Reply #2 on: July 29, 2011, 09:46:19 PM »
That review is from someone who hopped into a Mustang GT with a transmission that works as advertised :)

Mine gets here mid-august Cap.  Since you (yes YOU!) made me, forced me, twisted my arm and incited me to spend $30,000 on a car, how about installing my 3.73 gears at a GBD :D

I would've been all happy with a 2009 GT but noooooo you went and pointed out the shiny new ones I hadn't even considered buying because I automatically dismissed them as being out of my price range.  Doh!

There's a step between ActiveTrac being on and off, it has a (cue dramatic music...) Sport Mode :)

It'll let you throw the tail out a little bit without the car going full retard on you.
« Last Edit: July 29, 2011, 09:48:02 PM by Golfer »

Offline CAP1

  • Radioactive Member
  • *******
  • Posts: 22287
      • The Axis Vs Allies Arena
Re: Test Drive
« Reply #3 on: July 29, 2011, 09:56:41 PM »
Well you said it was a ford, but what model?

sheesh!!!! you guys don't know me well enough yet? :devil

seriously....i can't friggin believe i put all that there, and forgot to put WHAT i drove.  :rofl

it's fixed, and thanks for pointing that out sir.
ingame 1LTCAP
80th FS "Headhunters"
S.A.P.P.- Secret Association Of P-38 Pilots (Lightning in a Bottle)

Offline CAP1

  • Radioactive Member
  • *******
  • Posts: 22287
      • The Axis Vs Allies Arena
Re: Test Drive
« Reply #4 on: July 29, 2011, 09:58:20 PM »
That review is from someone who hopped into a Mustang GT with a transmission that works as advertised :)

Mine gets here mid-august Cap.  Since you (yes YOU!) made me, forced me, twisted my arm and incited me to spend $30,000 on a car, how about installing my 3.73 gears at a GBD :D

I would've been all happy with a 2009 GT but noooooo you went and pointed out the shiny new ones I hadn't even considered buying because I automatically dismissed them as being out of my price range.  Doh!

There's a step between ActiveTrac being on and off, it has a (cue dramatic music...) Sport Mode :)

It'll let you throw the tail out a little bit without the car going full retard on you.

i'd be happy to toss those gears in for you. it's only a couple of hour job.  :aok

also, the only dealer near me with any 2012's in stock, is the same place i went to to drive this 2011. they're all in the $37k range, which is out of my price range. i really shouldn't even be doing this with the demo....but i'm 49, and work my arse off.......and of course, that mid life crisis thing and all.  :bolt:
« Last Edit: July 29, 2011, 10:13:07 PM by CAP1 »
ingame 1LTCAP
80th FS "Headhunters"
S.A.P.P.- Secret Association Of P-38 Pilots (Lightning in a Bottle)

Offline Pigslilspaz

  • Gold Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3378
Re: Test Drive
« Reply #5 on: July 29, 2011, 10:12:23 PM »
And my old man just told me he bought a Automatic Subaru hatchback.  :bhead :bhead :bhead :bhead :bhead

Quote from: Superfly
The rules are simple: Don't be a dick.
Quote from: hitech
It was skuzzy's <----- fault.
Quote from: Pyro
We just witnessed a miracle and I want you to @#$%^& acknowledge it!

Offline CAP1

  • Radioactive Member
  • *******
  • Posts: 22287
      • The Axis Vs Allies Arena
Re: Test Drive
« Reply #6 on: July 29, 2011, 10:15:35 PM »
And my old man just told me he bought a Automatic Subaru hatchback.  :bhead :bhead :bhead :bhead :bhead

there is nothing wrong with subarus.

 one customer(he's in the air force) has a 500+hp WRX. it's awd, with a 5 speed, and he loves the thing. another has 2 subaru legacys. his is a 5 speed, and his wifes is an automatic.
 his is in the shop right now, as he drove it too long with a bad throw out bearing...and ripped the collar right off the front of the transmission. i had to get him a new case, and get his trans rebuilt for him.....i should be finishing that one up tomorrow. it's a quick car too.
ingame 1LTCAP
80th FS "Headhunters"
S.A.P.P.- Secret Association Of P-38 Pilots (Lightning in a Bottle)

Offline Dichotomy

  • Plutonium Member
  • *******
  • Posts: 12386
Re: Test Drive
« Reply #7 on: July 30, 2011, 12:49:30 AM »
i'd be happy to toss those gears in for you. it's only a couple of hour job.  :aok

also, the only dealer near me with any 2012's in stock, is the same place i went to to drive this 2011. they're all in the $37k range, which is out of my price range. i really shouldn't even be doing this with the demo....but i'm 49, and work my arse off.......and of course, that mid life crisis thing and all.  :bolt:

Save the money.. call my guy and enjoy a road trip home bro :) Fly Southworst and I'll pick you up.

My one week owner report. 

6 cyl
Automatic
Mustang Club of America package

Feels heavier than it is in a good way.  As Cap said it's easy to get it going faster than you think you're going.  The 305 HP will jump out from under you if you are not paying attention.  Corners like a wet dream on wheels.  I had to almost literally force it to start getting sideways.  The sound system and the ability to synch it to your smart phone are added bonuses and I got six months of Sirius radio included (sadly I haven't found stations that I like their line up but that's a personal taste). 

Interior design is good but I stop short of 'great'.  The ability to change your ambient light is cool but not worth the price.  The drive directions are pretty good but can get annoying (synchmyride.com) and we're still trying to figure out how to use two smart phones at once. 

When I'm driving decent I'm getting 17 city and 28 highway.  When I'm being a knucklehead you don't want to know.

I'm used to a convertible so the next comes with a disclaimer.  It's a tad difficult getting used to the length when parallel parking or making corners but that's a feel thing and I can discount it.  I loathe the forward pushing headrests and the steering wheel feels like it's about 3 inches too far away from me.  Nothing insurmountable but a little discomforting at the start. 

Monumental leg room for the driver and passenger.  Not so much for the back seaters and the trunk could hold at least 3 bodies of big wise guys or 5 not so wise ones with ease. 

Overall I give it 8 out of 10 stars..   

Work the dealers bro or let me work them here :)

 

JG11 - Dicho37Only The Proud Only The Strong AH Players who've passed on :salute

Offline RichardDarkwood

  • Silver Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 1925
Re: Test Drive
« Reply #8 on: July 30, 2011, 10:39:30 AM »
A yappy back seater like Jester wasn’t popular or fun to fly with, more of an unnecessary distraction than anything else---Puma44

https://www.twitch.tv/hounds_darkwood
CO--The Bad Guys

Offline eagl

  • Platinum Member
  • ******
  • Posts: 6769
Re: Test Drive
« Reply #9 on: July 30, 2011, 11:07:18 AM »
CAP,

Before you buy that stang, find a used pontiac G8 to test drive.  The GT is auto only, but the GTX is manual.  Don't need to really be serious, but just give it a shot.  You should be able to find an awesome deal on those things and if you get a used one in good condition, you'll be past the period where a handful of owners had to wait for parts to arrive from Australia.

I love my G8 GT, and both the engine and transmission modules are fully programmable so you can tune them to your hearts delight to get the shift points just right, and gain a few mpg back in addition to the 20 *true* hp gain from the engine tune.
Everyone I know, goes away, in the end.

Offline Spikes

  • Aces High CM Staff
  • Plutonium Member
  • *******
  • Posts: 15721
    • Twitch: Twitch Feed
Re: Test Drive
« Reply #10 on: July 30, 2011, 11:08:15 AM »
And my old man just told me he bought a Automatic Subaru hatchback.  :bhead :bhead :bhead :bhead :bhead
Beggars can't be choosers.
i7-12700k | Gigabyte Z690 GAMING X | 64GB G.Skill DDR4 | EVGA 1080ti FTW3 | H150i Capellix

FlyKommando.com

Offline Pigslilspaz

  • Gold Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3378
Re: Test Drive
« Reply #11 on: July 30, 2011, 12:03:50 PM »
there is nothing wrong with subarus.

 one customer(he's in the air force) has a 500+hp WRX. it's awd, with a 5 speed, and he loves the thing. another has 2 subaru legacys. his is a 5 speed, and his wifes is an automatic.
 his is in the shop right now, as he drove it too long with a bad throw out bearing...and ripped the collar right off the front of the transmission. i had to get him a new case, and get his trans rebuilt for him.....i should be finishing that one up tomorrow. it's a quick car too.
It's the fact that its an automatic hatchback, the 2 things I cannot stand. and now we have 3 in the driveway.

Quote from: Superfly
The rules are simple: Don't be a dick.
Quote from: hitech
It was skuzzy's <----- fault.
Quote from: Pyro
We just witnessed a miracle and I want you to @#$%^& acknowledge it!

Offline Dichotomy

  • Plutonium Member
  • *******
  • Posts: 12386
Re: Test Drive
« Reply #12 on: July 30, 2011, 02:08:26 PM »
It's the fact that its an automatic hatchback, the 2 things I cannot stand. and now we have 3 in the driveway.

sounds like he's grown up

glad I never caught that disease ;)
JG11 - Dicho37Only The Proud Only The Strong AH Players who've passed on :salute

Offline CAP1

  • Radioactive Member
  • *******
  • Posts: 22287
      • The Axis Vs Allies Arena
Re: Test Drive
« Reply #13 on: July 30, 2011, 04:12:11 PM »
sounds like he's grown up

glad I never caught that disease ;)

 thankfully, i have not.  :devil
ingame 1LTCAP
80th FS "Headhunters"
S.A.P.P.- Secret Association Of P-38 Pilots (Lightning in a Bottle)

Offline Grayeagle

  • Silver Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 1487
Re: Test Drive
« Reply #14 on: July 30, 2011, 04:45:04 PM »
Sounds like a blast CAP :)
They are definitely not the pony cars we grew up with :)

Reading up on the Laguna Seca makes me wonder how much they gonna ask for one because it sounds like performance will be pretty good.
Almost in Z06 territory, definitely in Grand Sport Vette area.. and a GS from Kerbeck is ~50k depending on options.

Had a neighbor comment on the Vette, asked me if it had much power
.. I told him if I had owned a car like this when I was younger I would have been in Jail.
Massively deceptive about how fast yer goin, it just doesn't 'feel' like 75 .. or 135 for that matter, and it gets there quick.
 
-Frank aka GE
'The better I shoot ..the less I have to manuever'
-GE