Do you recommend the 2012 Boss 302 for a daily driven car?

[Gearbanger 101]

well my car has a tape deck lol, and a cd player works fine for me. When you go to HMV or a store like that you buy the artists Cds, so wouldnt you want a cd player?

Dude, I haven't bought a CD in about 10-years.

CD's are cumbersome, have limited space, are always littered all over the floor of my vehicles and as a result, scratch very easily turning them into coasters.

MP3/MP3 players are where it's at. CD quality, nearly infinit storage capacity, no physical storage space required and they never wear out. I just plug my iPod, or iPhone into the jack on my Alpine head unit and listen to/watch whatever music, book, podcast, movie, etc I want at the push of a button. If I'm sick of what's on it, I just erase it and load something else.

And with hands free cell phone usage quickly becoming mandatory across North America, that SYNC system comes in mighty handy.

I'm not saying it's for everybody....but you should at least have the option to get it when you buy the car. Using the excuse that the Boss is a "serious race car" for not having one doesn't exactly fly. Especially when like I said earlier, said serious race car comes with power windows, doors, mirrors and A/C. Not exactly a bare essentials racer with those as standard features.

 

[Kurt_OH]

The issue isn't whether you can suffer through it, but whether it will work.

Absent switching to winter rims/tires, it's not at all wise to be driving a GT or BOSS in < 32F. Since the Boss and Brembo-optioned GT have larger brakes, you'll likely have to go with 18" snow tires, which are less than ideal in the snow (need more sidewall to protect rims and provide some cushion).

So that CAN work.

The rest is just personal preference: NAV, lumbar support, satellite radio ... figure that out yourself.

For those talking about AC and such, don't be ridiculous; this is a STREET car, that CAN BE taken to the track (brakes have a few good laps in them before they're toast, and probably the same for the tires if it's hot out).

 

[Gearbanger 101]

For those talking about AC and such, don't be ridiculous; this is a STREET car, that CAN BE taken to the track (brakes have a few good laps in them before they're toast, and probably the same for the tires if it's hot out).

No less rediculous than not offering a SYNC and Nav as an option to the buyer if they want it.

 

[kyle_99gt]

Dude, I haven't bought a CD in about 10-years.

CD's are cumbersome, have limited space, are always littered all over the floor of my vehicles and as a result, scratch very easily turning them into coasters.

MP3/MP3 players are where it's at. CD quality, nearly infinit storage capacity, no physical storage space required and they never wear out. I just plug my iPod, or iPhone into the jack on my Alpine head unit and listen to/watch whatever music, book, podcast, movie, etc I want at the push of a button. If I'm sick of what's on it, I just erase it and load something else.

And with hands free cell phone usage quickly becoming mandatory across North America, that SYNC system comes in mighty handy.

I'm not saying it's for everybody....but you should at least have the option to get it when you buy the car. Using the excuse that the Boss is a "serious race car" for not having one doesn't exactly fly. Especially when like I said earlier, said serious race car comes with power windows, doors, mirrors and A/C. Not exactly a bare essentials racer with those as standard features.

Does it come with a cd player atleast? or a radio?

 

[5LV8]

I am going to add my 2 cents to the discussion about why the Boss 302 has such few comfort options because it is starting to take this thread off track.

In my opinion the performance differences between the Boss 302 and GT500 are almost insignificant. Both produce similar acceleration, braking and handling. The only large difference between the two cars is comfort options. The GT500 has all leather, sync and I think any upgrade available for the GT Premium. However, not everyone wants to be forced into paying extra for these features and Ford knows this. The Boss 302 is designed to have similar performance to the GT500, but lacks all of these upgrades and is comparable to the Base GT mustang. Adding the costs of these upgrades to a Boss 302 would make it about the same cost as the GT500 and the two cars would just compete with each other. Customers that want great performance with comfort can choose the GT500 and customers that just want great performance can choose the Boss 302. It is not cost effective to make both lines of cars to compete with each other.

 

[ShaneM]

the boss 302 is based on the gt deluxe. it has ac, pw, pl, 6-speed, and a single CD non-shaker stereo system. the rest of the comfort comes in the recaros if you get it and the reminder is in handling and engine tweaks. there is another boss 302 forum around that is very lively, one of the guys has a gt500 with tons of mods and a full griggs suspension under it. he said the boss out of the box is better handling than the gt500 with all that money in it. this car is a track car pure and simple with enough creature comforts to make it livable in all climates. some people want to know why it has ac and power windows, the car would be unlivable in the south with out ac. it's as stripped as a modern track car can be without making it into something people cant drive daily if wanted. and keep in mind all we are seeing now is on the normla key, once the track key softeware hits the boss will be a different beast again.

 

[Kurt_OH]

No less rediculous than not offering a SYNC and Nav as an option to the buyer if they want it.

I agree with one caveat: if the Boss is produced in a manner or location that makes it a manual or super-expensive proposition to install those options, then it makes sense to leave them out.

 

[ShaneM]

I agree with one caveat: if the Boss is produced in a manner or location that makes it a manual or super-expensive proposition to install those options, then it makes sense to leave them out.

its made along side normal mustangs and pulled aside at some point for its special parts. The only thing i really miss from my 10 GT premium at all is the sync feature. It's impossible to drive a manual car in traffic and talk on the phone. As for nav, boss owners can always upgrade to a pioneer or other brand of head unit with nav and bluetooth to get those features.

 

[5LV8]

It's impossible to drive a manual car in traffic and talk on the phone. As for nav, boss owners can always upgrade to a pioneer or other brand of head unit with nav and bluetooth to get those features.

This is why I do not care about bluetooth. I prefer to concentrate on driving so I do not crash my $42,990 car plus tax while talking on the phone.

If I really wanted a GPS device, why pay for one that is fixed to the car? I can go to Best Buy buy a great GPS for a few hundred dollars or less and it can be fitted to any car I drive or I am a passenger in.

 

[5LV8]

I am confused by the ratings given to the Boss 302 at Edmunds.
Mustang GT Premium Ratings
Boss 302 Ratings

Both cars received 4/5 for performance and only a 0.5 difference (4/5 GT & 4.5/5 Boss) with driving dynamics, which is understandable because both deliver excellent performance for the price.

Ride Comfort: GT 4/5 and Boss 302 2/5? I know the Boss 302 can have a stiffer ride, but I find it hard to believe with the settings set to 1 it should be a 2 star difference? Did they test it at 1 or just leave it at the factory default 2? Even then, I think 2/5 sounds a bit harsh.

I am not going to argue with quietness, you either love the Boss 302 sound or hate it.

Why is there a difference in Ergonomics? Neither one has a telescoping wheel, but the Boss 302 is specifically criticized for it? Maybe the difference is between extra features offered in the premium?

Visibility Why did the premium get a better score with visibility? It is the same build? Does the GT being 0.7" higher and front track and rear track being 0.1" and 0.2" longer make a significant difference?

Cargo and Storage Really? The storage is identical. The interior dimensions are identical. Why did the GT get praised
"Usable trunk, especially for a convertible. Three small suitcases will fit", but the Boss 302 received a lecture
"A relatively small trunk and little overall storage space characterize the Mustang's emphasis on sportiness over utility. There are small door pockets and minimal center console storage. No small-items tray."? This might explain a small difference but a drop from 3 to 2 stars?

Finally the most important rating
Build Quality
GT "No cowl or steering column shake at all in this convertible. Coupelike solidity. Interior materials are appropriate for the price-point." 4/5
Boss 302 "We've yet to experience problems with assembly quality with a Boss Mustang. Certainly, the Mustang can't compete with Porsche here, but paint quality, interior materials and assembly are price appropriate." 3/5?????

Huh? No problems, why rate it a 3/5?

ShaneM, I think you are the only one here who has driven the Boss 302. Do you think the ratings make sense? Thank you for your advice.

 

[ShaneM]

I am confused by the ratings given to the Boss 302 at Edmunds.
Mustang GT Premium Ratings
Boss 302 Ratings

Both cars received 4/5 for performance and only a 0.5 difference (4/5 GT & 4.5/5 Boss) with driving dynamics, which is understandable because both deliver excellent performance for the price.

Ride Comfort: GT 4/5 and Boss 302 2/5? I know the Boss 302 can have a stiffer ride, but I find it hard to believe with the settings set to 1 it should be a 2 star difference? Did they test it at 1 or just leave it at the factory default 2? Even then, I think 2/5 sounds a bit harsh.

I am not going to argue with quietness, you either love the Boss 302 sound or hate it.

Why is there a difference in Ergonomics? Neither one has a telescoping wheel, but the Boss 302 is specifically criticized for it? Maybe the difference is between extra features offered in the premium?

Visibility Why did the premium get a better score with visibility? It is the same build? Does the GT being 0.7" higher and front track and rear track being 0.1" and 0.2" longer make a significant difference?

Cargo and Storage Really? The storage is identical. The interior dimensions are identical. Why did the GT get praised
"Usable trunk, especially for a convertible. Three small suitcases will fit", but the Boss 302 received a lecture
"A relatively small trunk and little overall storage space characterize the Mustang's emphasis on sportiness over utility. There are small door pockets and minimal center console storage. No small-items tray."? This might explain a small difference but a drop from 3 to 2 stars?

Finally the most important rating
Build Quality
GT "No cowl or steering column shake at all in this convertible. Coupelike solidity. Interior materials are appropriate for the price-point." 4/5
Boss 302 "We've yet to experience problems with assembly quality with a Boss Mustang. Certainly, the Mustang can't compete with Porsche here, but paint quality, interior materials and assembly are price appropriate." 3/5?????

Huh? No problems, why rate it a 3/5?

ShaneM, I think you are the only one here who has driven the Boss 302. Do you think the ratings make sense? Thank you for your advice.

no they don't make sense, the people at edmunds are idiots. i'd suspect that the cars were driven by different reviewers because if one reviewer wrote both those reviews the guy has no business writing about cars imho. the cars are the same, save the suspension and whats under the hood and the available recaro seats. the boss is stiffer than the 10-11 GT, but not harsh at all.

 

[ShaneM]

Because the novelty of listening to your exhaust system endlessly drone on quickly wears off after about the first 15-min. Especially when you’re over 30 like I am. I like to listen to myself rip through the gears as much as the next guy, but for 40K+, I should have the option to listen to whatever I want coming through my speakers….and not just the local garbage radio station. This is after all 2011....not the '80's.

the car has an aux input in the console, just no usb or sync. there is also a power port in the console too. a car charger and a aux cable and you can listen to whatever you like. and there is no drone with the boss exhaust, with the restrictor discs in or with them out drone isn't an issue. i believe the radio is sirius/xm ready too. i never listened to the sat radio in my 10 and hated the bump on the trunk to hide the antenna so i m glad to see its not included here. as for people that wont considering because of the lack of sync. Bluetooth hands free kit, i have on on my boss visor, problem fixed.

 

[Gearbanger 101]

I am going to add my 2 cents to the discussion about why the Boss 302 has such few comfort options because it is starting to take this thread off track.

In my opinion the performance differences between the Boss 302 and GT500 are almost insignificant. Both produce similar acceleration, braking and handling. The only large difference between the two cars is comfort options. The GT500 has all leather, sync and I think any upgrade available for the GT Premium. However, not everyone wants to be forced into paying extra for these features and Ford knows this. The Boss 302 is designed to have similar performance to the GT500, but lacks all of these upgrades and is comparable to the Base GT mustang. Adding the costs of these upgrades to a Boss 302 would make it about the same cost as the GT500 and the two cars would just compete with each other. Customers that want great performance with comfort can choose the GT500 and customers that just want great performance can choose the Boss 302. It is not cost effective to make both lines of cars to compete with each other.

That's just the issue though. If it were an "option", you wouldn't be forced to take anything. You could choose to buy your car with all of the bells and whistles, or without, saving you the money. The option is there with the GT500 to delete these options, lowering the sticker price. Why aren't you concerned about the GT500 taking sales away from the Boss in that case? The fact that Ford hasn't given the consumer the option to choose one or the other, when it clearly exists is what I find silly. You don’t have to take it, but it sure would be nice to have the choice.

I agree with one caveat: if the Boss is produced in a manner or location that makes it a manual or super-expensive proposition to install those options, then it makes sense to leave them out.

As stated above, it's made in the same place every other Mustang as. Which means it would be no more, or less expensive to install than any other. My guess is that Ford chose to delete these items as a marketing ploy more than anything else. If they can convince the consumer that deleting SYNC/Nav and using basic materials in the interior makes it more of a "race car" (which judging by a lot of the responses in this thread, they have) and in turn it boosts sales because the buyer thinks they're getting something even more special for their $43K, then I guess their tactic worked. Although we all know that removing a couple of bells and whistles really doesn't make it so.

This is why I do not care about bluetooth. I prefer to concentrate on driving so I do not crash my $42,990 car plus tax while talking on the phone.

If I really wanted a GPS device, why pay for one that is fixed to the car? I can go to Best Buy buy a great GPS for a few hundred dollars or less and it can be fitted to any car I drive or I am a passenger in.

Whether it's a $43,000 Boss, or a $15,000 KIA is kind of irrelevant. You can't tell me you've never talked on your cell phone while driving, nor could you ever convince me you would stop doing so the moment you took delivery of a new Boss. As North Americans, cell phone usage has become part of our day to day existence. The only people that don't care about a Bluetooth option are ones that have never had it IMO. They're as important a safety device as airbags IMO. Anything that allows me a free hand in traffic, or when I'm doing 120 down the expressway is a godsend as far as I'm concerned. More importantly, anything that allows the yahoo in the lane next to me the same benefit, makes me feel that much better still.

Sure, you can go to best buy and buy a Garmin or a Tom Tom. Then you're stuck with some clunky, non factory appearing aftermarket unit suction cupped to your dash. Yeah, I guess it will work, but it'll always look like an afterthought. Not to mention in my experience, the Bluetooth and Nav features of the aftermarket units are nowhere near as good as the factory installed one.

Not to mention it's a lot easier (an tempting for that matter) for a thief to break out your side window and pull a ****** and grab with an aftermarket device that takes 5-seconds to remove compared to the need to spend several hours and disassemble half the dash to remove the factory set up.

....and hey, since they're already in your car anyway, why not steal your wallet, phone, or any other loose items left in plain sight while they're at it?

 

[Joe Fan]

I thought about getting a 2012 Boss 302 but opted to go for a 2011 GT/CS instead. Why? I wanted Remote Start so that meant getting an automatic (Boss 302 only available in manual). The Boss 302 does not have all the bells and whistles that a Premium Coupe has such as ambient lighting in the door sill and cup holder, leather seats, etc. Plus, the Boss does not come with all weather tires so if you live anyplace where it snows, you'll have to get all-weather tires for winter. In the end, I felt like I did not want to sacrifice comfort and luxeries and felt I could performance mod a GT/CS to be on par with a Boss 302 in the 1/4 mile.

 

[mustangford289]

Roush

If u want all the bells and whistles in a car that will out handle and out race a Boss or a GT500 get a Roush Stage 3....

 

[5LV8]

If u want all the bells and whistles in a car that will out handle and out race a Boss or a GT500 get a Roush Stage 3....

I am glad you mentioned the Roush Stage 3 because now I can post more videos

All about the new Roush Stage 3 The title says Roush Stage 3 vs Boss 302, but the Boss is not discussed in this video.

EDIT:
The Roush Stage 3 is less expensive than I thought it would be. It adds $16,800 to the price of the GT Premium and possible less if they will add the package to the GT.

 

[kyle_99gt]

Whether it's a $43,000 Boss, or a $15,000 KIA is kind of irrelevant. You can't tell me you've never talked on your cell phone while driving, nor could you ever convince me you would stop doing so the moment you took delivery of a new Boss. As North Americans, cell phone usage has become part of our day to day existence. The only people that don't care about a Bluetooth option are ones that have never had it IMO. They're as important a safety device as airbags IMO. Anything that allows me a free hand in traffic, or when I'm doing 120 down the expressway is a godsend as far as I'm concerned. More importantly, anything that allows the yahoo in the lane next to me the same benefit, makes me feel that much better still.

Well i can tell you i have never talked on my phone while driving, its just not safe and i really have nothing that important to talk to someone about i cant wait 10 mins. Also the fact its illegal here and you will be given a huge fine also stops you.

 

[Gearbanger 101]

Well i can tell you i have never talked on my phone while driving, its just not safe and i really have nothing that important to talk to someone about i cant wait 10 mins. Also the fact its illegal here and you will be given a huge fine also stops you.

So you don't speak to your passengers while driving either....because it's really no different than talking to someone on the phone with a bluetooth device.