Decision to Make

[Stilletto]

Hey Guys, I have a painful? decision to make...

The Mach is getting kinda old and I have been playing around with a few options. Either way, come the end of summer I will make a move.

Current Options are:

a) Sell the Mach and get a '13 or '14 GT500
b) Keep the Mach and get a '13 or '14 GT500 (would have to wait a little longer)
c) Invest $20-40 Grand into the Mach.

I am in a position to do either, but can't seem to make up my mind.
I am used to being in a rather rare car, so I would only replace it with another rare car LOL....

The only problem with option C is the availability of parts (Interior, mainly, like door panels that will need replacing eventually) and resale value of course, but what a MEAN Mach $40000 would make!

Opinions?

[blown03Mach1]

IMHO 20-40k into the Mach is not an investment. At best you might make back 40% off every dollar you put into it. How many invest cents would you be happy with that lost 60%?

If I were in your shoes and could swing it, I would keep the Mach and get the 500. If that is not really possible, I would sell the Mach and get the 500.

I love the Mach, but the 500 is SO much more car than a Mach.

[falcongtho3]

Although I don't have a GT500, I do have a '13 Boss 302 and I did keep the Mach 1. I'm glad I did, the Boss 302 is a superior car in so many ways, but in other ways it makes me appreciate what a great car the Mach 1 was and is. Even thought they both wear the tri-bar pony logos they couldn't be more different. Get the 500 but hang on to the Mach 1. You can always sell it if you don't find it worth hanging on to. But you'll be surprised to what you'll see.

[jbrad88]

That's a tough call. Watching the improvements in the breed, Coyote 5.0's, Boss302, GT500, Gt350 is difficult sometimes. Much improved cars. "Better" in almost every way.

If I were in a position I would buy one of the others, (probably a Boss 302), and keep the Mach...These cars are unique and special in their own right.

[Stilletto]

Well, after listening to allot of advice.....I am about to do an about face and scratch option C off the list....I am afraid that the investment wisdom is not there.

So, I am thinking of a new car, but which?

Many of you are suggesting the Boss 302. If I went with that I could definitely keep the Mach. However, my original intention was to do a massive power upgrade. Seems like the Boss wouldn't really satisfy this itch if you know what I mean. Nice, most definitely, but I would immediately be thinking about power adders.

I have seen several GT500 with under 6K miles on the clock lately for ~$45-48k

I have until September before the funds are in place so I have plenty of time to decide but I always like to thoroughly think through an expenditure of this magnitude (for me, at least)

[Wharf Rat]

I actually owned an 04 Mach and a 14 GT500 at the same time. The GT500 is a phenomenal machine but the reality of it is that 700 hp is overkill for a street car. I've had five S197's and think around 500 horses is the sweet spot in those cars. Even with drag radials first and second gear were useless on the street in my 2012 GT500 (550 rwhp) and my 2014 GT500 (620 rwhp). Neither were really any fun on the street till you were approaching felonious speeds. After 2 years I got bored with it and traded it in on a 911 Carrera 4S (no traction issues there).

So I completely agree with adding option D- get a Boss 302 or nice Coyote and keep the Mach. I still have my Mach but if I ever want to swap the 911 back for another Mustang it will likely be a Boss 302 or GT350. GT500's won't be in play.

[DSG2003Mach1]

definitely agree with killing off option C, wish I wasnt so far into my car. There is definitely something to be said for being able to beat on a car for more then 2-3 seconds and not having to worry about handcuffs.

[sutyak]

If you do decide to go forced induction and big power on the Mach 1, do yourself a favor and go turbo so you can dial it down for 99% of the time. I have mine set up for 9psi off the wastegate, ~13psi, and then 18psi. I leave it on 9psi for the street and it's plenty fast. It still hooks up with drag radials and is certainly enough to put a smile on my face.

[ab_mach1]

There was a grey 2013 GT500 here locally for about $49k this past summer/fall. I was interested for a while, but I got to thinking whether I'd ever use that power lol. I came to the realization that it would just be a popular car at the local cars and coffee and car shows, but that's about it. I wouldn't want to beat on a car that cost that much, so I'd baby it. Then there's what was mentioned here about power vs. traction lol.

I would buy a Boss 302 in a heartbeat, and darn near did in 2015 after test driving it. I decided that I would wait a bit longer, partially because I didn't exactly want a GHIG Boss. I want the comp orange 2012 or a grabber blue 2013 Boss. My mod desires have diminished over the years. I would probably do an exhaust on the Boss and possibly springs and shocks/struts, but that's about it lol. I'm more into the "special" Mustangs. I wish I could buy a new Mach if they make them, but I'm sure it'll be out of my price range.

[Stilletto]

WOW

So much love for the Boss!

I just don't know anymore


Keep in Mind my original goal was to get at least 500WHP.

I occasionally track my car and really wanted a 11 sec DD capable ride.

I really have slowed down a bit on the crazy street driving like many of you now that I am past 40. But that doesn't mean I don't have the occasional WTH moment.....

Also, the car (whichever the heck it is now that you guys have thoroughly confused me) will be only driven maybe 2 days a week.

That being said, I probably only floor my Mach once a month anymore, but when I do I am just not satisfied with the power at all ....especially when some punk in an Audi races around me to merge onto the Interstate LOL

And I suppose I should confess that I have been dreaming of a Shelby since....forever.....

[falcongtho3]

I totally get the Shelby thing and would still love to have one, but they've always been just out my reach.
The Boss is 444 hp stock, so mods will get you well on your way, and if you go with pretty much any kind of blower it will get you there. Much of the reason I decided to concentrate on the Boss is handling and well as the rarity and uniqueness. With only 3500 a year made over the two year run they are much rarer than a 500. You might want to find a way to get some wheel time in one or both, I'm telling you they are very different animals than the Mach 1.
As far as the power deficit, there will always be something faster out there. I've often wondered what a Coyote (5.0 non-Boss) or Road Runner (Boss 302) powered Mach would be like...

[NastyNate]

I guess Im the lone wolf say go for option C !
Thats what I plan on doing...I really have no desire for a newer mustang and they payments that go along with it. Even if I had the cash the only thing that would interest me is a Ford GT . Id rather build my a Mach the way I want. Granted if you cant do the work yourself then its gonna be costly. I think I can finish my car the way I like for $25k. Im NEVER selling the Mach so Im NOT worried about the resale.

[sutyak]

Definitely drive all of them first, and drive a 2015+ GT for comparison, too.

[SLO-RIDE]

For what it's worth, everyone likes horse power, and the GT500 has all you could want right out of the box. No mods to buy, dial in, tune for street use, yada yada yada. Find a clean low mile car and enjoy. Then if down the road you want to resale, everyone likes a clean car with big power. If you can swing $40K go for the GT500. I found one with 4K miles and it can be had for $40K. I'm not buying it......she said NO!

[TTSaleen]

Quick suggestion you might not have considered.

Keep the Mach and buy a 03/04 terminator.
This coming from a guy that currently owns both, had a 2008 GT500 making 700rwhp and various other mustangs from 87-2006.
I never liked the feel of the GT500 on the road. It never felt planted and with the 3 link rear suspension, seemed to get outta control much faster than the 4 link design of the 2004 and older models.

I love the overall character of my Mach 1. It is unique and the older it gets, the less people actually see them on the road. My Mach gets twice as much attention as my GT500 ever did.

I love my terminator as my fun toy, but my Mach isn't far behind and still maintains that overall badass look.

Just my 2 cents based on my experience and current ownership.

Ryan

[Stilletto]

Seems like the Bosses held on to their value pretty good as well. I am not sure I can spend 30K on a low mileage Boss when it's only 10K to 15K more for the Shelby....

[USMCWeatherMan]

I'd go for the Boss

[Stilletto]

How much money would I throw away getting a Boss and driving for a year or two.....I only ask because I am just never satisfied for long LOL

This is my current line of thinking:

Keep the Mach
Buy a Boss....get used to that one, trade for a Shelby 18mos later or so

[falcongtho3]

My purchase of my Boss was with similar thinking. I may hang on to the Boss, but I have yet to drive a new Shelby. I'm hanging on to the Mach regardless, and doing a rolling restoration, replacing items as needed or warranted.
I still think that he next step for you will be to drive a Boss or a GT500 to get a handle on your thoughts on the newer platform and whether you are satisfied with it. I have a good friend with a number of Mustangs, from '69 GT500s to a 2012 Boss LS, and I got the chance to drive a 2008 Shelby GT-C, the Laguna Seca, and a 2007 GT500 back to back. Even though they are all the same platform, the dis-similarities are amazing.

[carfixer]

I currently own a 2013 Mach1 and a 14 GT500. I love them both. Both of mine are still stock. The GT500 is a blast to drive, so much power. I can't go a mile without someone Revving at me or giving a thumbs up. I daily drive it because it's so fun to drive. I also had a 2012 Boss302. I loved that car and regret not having it anymore. My other regret is I treated it like a garage queen and didn't enjoy it enough when I had it.

I think the only car I would trade my Mach1 for would be a Boss302. Nothing will ever replace my GT500.