Getting an '08 Looking for MUST-HAVES

kooldawg6 · Jan 16, 2008

Definitely the safety stuff such as the dual side airbags! Even if they never get used, at least you know you have added protection if needed. IUP is a plus! I like the leather wrapped steering wheel with satin trim spokes, but dang they're hot in the summer and cold in the winter!!!!! I try not to touch them, but once in awhile my hands move... I have the charcoal dash trim and prefer it over the satin. From time to time I change the instrument panel color with "My Color". Might not seem like such a big deal, but if you're lights are blue and you get tired of seeing them, change to red, purple, green, white, yellow, orange...whatever! The Shaker1000 is not worth it if you're thinking of upgrading later. I have it, but the car was dealer remaining stock and was $3500 below sticker anyway so I said why not. I will still be replacing it along with all the speakers at some point(buddy of mine works for Crutchfield ) +1 on getting the standard 17" wheels if you plan on swapping. IMO, 8.5 or 9" in the front and 10" in the back looks absolutely amazing on these cars. Transmission choice is a personal call. I can vouch that these new automatics are no slouch after you add a custom tune! Very few bolt ons and I'm very close to hitting the 12s on street tires Get what you want and don't settle although swapping out the auto for the manual is very possible(anthony05gt has done it). Another thing is do you want the factory rear spoiler or will you want to change it to something else? There are several spoilers that use/cover the factory holes and those that don't cover and you have to have them filled.
Good luck in your quest and keep us updated

bluecar · Jan 16, 2008

IUP - if anything, the IUP. I really like the message center and the 'my color' not to mention all the trimmings. Its worth the price IMO. A non IUP dash looks naked.

The chamois seats would be a great choice. Be sure you like how it combines with the exterior color.

The cloth top gives a more refined look as long as you are willing to keep it clean. Mine is vinyl because it came that way with the car. It's easy to clean. Just mild soap and scrub brush.

Good luck and I'm looking forward to seeing pics. :SNSign:

05MGT · Jan 17, 2008

Another must is to set aside money for your speeding tickets.

stanmckinney · Jan 17, 2008

Or set your cruise at the speed limit. Side air bags are now standard, so you don't have to worry about that. The IUP is essential. I also like the GT appearance package and the premier trim package. That gives you a leather dash pad and door handles. You'll also like the heated leather seats. Nice.
Otherwise, dress it up to your liking.
A Shelby Gt should be available news for the mid 30s.

stangdude2000 · Jan 17, 2008

stanmckinney said:
A Shelby Gt should be available news for the mid 30s.

If you are looking for the vert, you'll probably pay a bit more for the Shelby, but if you are willing to "settle" for a coupe, there are several new SGT's for under $33k buy-it-now on ebay.

supersleeper · Jan 17, 2008

All, thanks for the input on must-haves. Any regrets, issues, recalls or problem areas, etc. to watch for?

supersleeper · Jan 17, 2008

FYI, I am a little worried about crash safety for the vert. I have an '03 BMW 330CI vert right now, and it has stability control as well as hidden roll bars that shoot out of the rear headrests in the event of a rollover. Two safety features that the Ford will probably never have.

ranger04 · Jan 17, 2008

I fell in love with sirus radio since I have it in my 08 fusion. I'm getting it installed on my stang this spring for summer cuirsing.

supersleeper · Jan 17, 2008

I would probably go XM, since it's what I have on my DirecTV system if I were to go satelite radio. I don't really listen to the radio unless I'm looking for new music or trafic/weather. Most of my music is on the iPod .

Marine One · Jan 17, 2008

My $0.02:
I have the cloth top in black and love it. I owned 95 & 96 Stang convertibles prior to the 07. IMO, the cloth top is quieter and seals better than the vinyl. My wife had a Sebring with the cloth top and the way that it looked and wore was the deciding factor when we ordered the GT. There is no more to cleaning a cloth top than one made of vinyl.

If you want wheel locks and don't want to pay the $50 or so that they cost from Ford, go to Autozone and buy them for around ten bucks like I did.

I agree that the IUP is a must have. I dont change the colors much, just found one I liked and left it there. My biggest reason for ordering it was to get a full set of gauges. If you don't order the IUP you only get a speedo, tach, gas and temp gauge. IUP gets you a voltmeter and a oil pressure gauge (they should be standard in a performance car but nobody's ever accused Ford of listening to their customers).

I went with the Shaker 500. It gives you a CD changer. With a convertible and 50+ year old ears that have been around loud noises and heavy equipment for the last 29 years I couldn't see spending the $$ on the Shaker 1000. I also think that the Shaker 1000 will consume some trunk space. You've already lost some for in the convertible for the top when its down.

If you get the GT Premium or GTCS, you're going to end up with leather as part of either package.

I also went with the 3.55 gears. They were around $100 more than the standard ratio. Many who post here will tell you to save the money and change to different gears later. I knew that I'd probably never get around to doing that so I ordered the factory option.

What did I not order that I wish I had? Only two things: The 18 inch chrome wheels and a power passenger's side seat.

Good luck & enjoy

anticubicle · Jan 17, 2008

Transmission - Either of the options are great, Ford did an excellent job w/ the 5spd AUtomatic. Cool thing is, if you plan on Turbo'ing the car I'd lean towards an auto. Seems the S197's equipped w/ turbos love the automatic!

As far as the other options it all boils down to what you like. I personally wouldn't bother with the Shaker 1000 or Nav systems since I can upgrade to a better, aftermarket system.

HIDs, you can get a cheaper kit from Stangmods.com for a better price and more options with the colors.

Ambient Lighting, cool option. It gets the attention of people and I'm sure your wife will love it.

Leather! Def do leather! What good is having the top down if you've got the cloth seats to show off (No offense to cloth seat owners).

bluecar · Jan 17, 2008

kooldawg6 said:
From time to time I change the instrument panel color with "My Color". Might not seem like such a big deal, but if you're lights are blue and you get tired of seeing them, change to red, purple, green, white, yellow, orange...whatever!

What are the settings to get yellow?

stangdude2000 · Jan 17, 2008

bluecar said:
What are the settings to get yellow?

Don't feel like running out to my car to test it, but yellow should be R = 5, G = 5, B = 0

kooldawg6 · Jan 17, 2008

bluecar said:
What are the settings to get yellow?

http://home.surfree.com/~pauld/mustang.htm

kooldawg6 · Jan 17, 2008

I had mine purple (312), now it is blue(114)

Five Oh Brian · Jan 17, 2008

supersleeper said:
FYI, I am a little worried about crash safety for the vert. I have an '03 BMW 330CI vert right now, and it has stability control as well as hidden roll bars that shoot out of the rear headrests in the event of a rollover. Two safety features that the Ford will probably never have.

08 Mustang Convertibles just received the highest ever crash test results possible from the government, so you can rest better knowing what a safe car the Mustang Convertible is.

Troy-Stangsaver · Jan 17, 2008

id get nav. its so help full.

Five Oh Brian · Jan 17, 2008

supersleeper said:
My question is, since I'm not familiar with all the options, what some of you recommend as a "Must-Have" in options...

Interior Upgrade Package is a must to get the two extra guages (charging and oil pressure), as well as the MyColor and Trip Computer. If you don't like the bright aluminum trim across the dash, you can opt for the dark charcoal weave instead (especially useful in a convertible for less glare).

Leather Seating is a must for better durability and clean ups in case of a spill. Resale value is much better with leather. If you're in a hot climate, get a lighter color interior (parchment or graphite instead of the dark charcoal).

Cloth Top is much better insulated than the standard vinyl top, so it'll be much quieter and cozier inside - almost coupe-like! However, the cloth top attracts lint (vinyl does not).

There are other things that were on my Must-Have list, but they were more personal preference, so I'll end my list right here.

jmanpatsfan · Jan 18, 2008

IUP is a must have, along with the premier trim package. If I could do it again, I would make sure the car had 18" polished bullitts, instead of the minivan wheels my car came with.

bluecar · Jan 18, 2008

kooldawg6 said:
http://home.surfree.com/~pauld/mustang.htm

Woah, I had no idea there was such variety. I'm going downstairs and doing 551. Thank you thank you.

Getting an '08 Looking for MUST-HAVES

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mine works really well and can take a fair amount

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mine works really well and can take a fair amount

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mine works really well and can take a fair amount

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