Initial Impressions

[topless beach]

Finally got my new baby last week- -redfire gt vert 5 speed w/ all options except shaker 1000. Got it on x-plan; dealer was relatively cooperative except for the spoiler that I did not order.

First impressions (less than 100 mi): I LIKE! Seats and driving position is exceptional for someone 6'5". I'm sensitive to seating and postion and the stang fits well w/ the shifter well positioned. Headrest angle doesn't bother me at all. Shaker 500 may not win any awards, but it sounds pretty good to me--no skipping

Overall feel is exceptional; really like the steering; no popping from suspension; no gas tank problems on first fill-up.

Quality issues: carpet loose at seams, bumper is not installed correctly, some plastic components loose.

Engine & sounds it generates are exceptional

I like stangs, but I'm not a wild eyed enthusiast that wouldn't own anything else. That said this car is the epitome of fun to drive and look at!

 

[jt14894]

Finally got my new baby last week- -redfire gt vert 5 speed w/ all options except shaker 1000. Got it on x-plan; dealer was relatively cooperative except for the spoiler that I did not order.

First impressions (less than 100 mi): I LIKE! Seats and driving position is exceptional for someone 6'5". I'm sensitive to seating and postion and the stang fits well w/ the shifter well positioned. Headrest angle doesn't bother me at all. Shaker 500 may not win any awards, but it sounds pretty good to me--no skipping

Overall feel is exceptional; really like the steering; no popping from suspension; no gas tank problems on first fill-up.

Quality issues: carpet loose at seams, bumper is not installed correctly, some plastic components loose.

Engine & sounds it generates are exceptional

I like stangs, but I'm not a wild eyed enthusiast that wouldn't own anything else. That said this car is the epitome of fun to drive and look at!

How long did it take for yours to finally come in?
I got my VIN# 2 weeks ago. Any idea how much longer it takes after you been given your VIN#?

 

[gneal]

Topless,

I also have the Refire...isn't it gorgeous?? I actually like all of the colors the GT comes in but this Redfire just looks awesome!!!

I like the black ones a lot but I know how difficult they are to keep clean, but this color hasn't been bad at all. I wipe it down each night with a quick detail and it looks great each day.

Congrats on the car.

 

[jt14894]

Topless,

I also have the Refire...isn't it gorgeous?? I actually like all of the colors the GT comes in but this Redfire just looks awesome!!!

I like the black ones a lot but I know how difficult they are to keep clean, but this color hasn't been bad at all. I wipe it down each night with a quick detail and it looks great each day.

Congrats on the car.

Congrats on the car topless. I can't wait to get mine.

gneal and topless,

Don't forget to select your color on the "Popular colors for a GT" poll.
Represent the Refires. They need your count.

 

[topless beach]

JT-I voted on color.

I believe it was about 2 weeks after I got a VIN before it was built, and then it took 2 weeks before it got to the dealer.

gneal-tell me what you use when you wipe it down nightly. I do like the color. I was wondering how it looked when it wasn't perfectly clean. I was afraid that because it was a little darker than some colors it might show dirt readily.

Do you use Zaino? I'm trying to decide what to use on my 1st detail.

 

[05PhillyStang]

topless, I'm not JT, but maybe this will help:

About 3 times a week, I wipe the car with Meguair's Speed Detailer. They also have Quik Detailer. SD is just the newer version. SD is a bit more expensive but it spreads better so the bottle lasts longer than the QD. Also, use a quality microfiber or very plush terry towel to apply this stuff or you'll instill scratches

Be careful not to use any type of mist and wipe product (SD, QD, Mother's, whatever) when your car is excessively dusty. you run the risk of dragging the dust and scratching the paint.

As for a full-blown detail, I've heard many things about Zaino, but I've never used it so I can't give an opinion on it. I use Meguiar's and it does wonders on my Black GT.

One thing to keep in mind: there are plenty of great products out there (Zaino, Meguiar's, Mother's) but none will do you any good unless you know how to use them. There are plenty of how-to's on the internet that can tell you what steps to take (it's never a one-and-done product, it takes multiple steps). Also remember to use quality application tools (applicator pads, towels, etc).

Hope this helps

 

[topless beach]

Thanks 05Philly-my last nice car was leased so I unconciously took less interest in the exterior finish. This one I plan to keep for a while.

I'm trying to understand these waterless detail products, and your warning concerns me. You don't hesitate to use a waterless detail spray on a black car or do you only use it when it is fairly clean?

 

[merlinsteele]

Congrats on the new 'stang! And thanks for the initial impressions. Personally, I'd like to hear impressions from drivers as they are updated, myself. Maybe someone should start a thread on that subject, unless it has been done already. I know threads are here with owners talking about their cars in various subjects, but a thread with straitforward and simple impressions such as you have mentioned would be interesting and informative, IMHO.

 

[topless beach]

It might be interesting to have a thread w/ basic observations a mileage intervals. At 100 mi I have a pretty limited window to comment on. I will be more interested to see how the build quality holds up and how the car feels at 15,000 & 30,000 miles. Some owners have probably had their cars for 6 months or more so let's hear from owners w/ a little mileage.

 

[05PhillyStang]

I'm trying to understand these waterless detail products, and your warning concerns me. You don't hesitate to use a waterless detail spray on a black car or do you only use it when it is fairly clean?

Oh, I most definitely look at the clenliness of the car before I use the Speed Detailer. If it is too dusty, I wash it. It's not worth the risk. You mention "waterless detail products." This is a very general term. On one hand, you have Meguiar's, Mother's and other brands that have quick "mist and wipe" products to be used in between washes. These products are not intended to replace the washing step. They are used to keep your car looking its best until the next wash. I use this stuff when there is light tree sap, light dust, water spots after a rain storm, etc...It can also be used for spot cleaning bird droppings which can be extremely harmful to your finish.

The other product is commonly referred to as a "trigger wash." I know Eagle One has a product like this on the market, and I'm sure there are others. With Eagle One, you spray it on it, hose down the car, and dry it. Basically, manufacturers of products like these claim a "bucketless wash." This sounds gimickey to me and I stay away from this stuff. Having not used it, I will not give a negative comment on it. However, I will simply say, "It's not worth the risk." Take the time and wash your car, don't look for the easy way out.

Sorry this answer is a little lengthy, but car detailing is becoming more and more of a passion since owning this car