Few more questions for 2026 Order

[Cz_Ziemniak]

If you care about resale value, get the 3.73 stick shift.

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[exm]

If you plan on keeping the car far past the original warranty you might consider Fords extended one. Best place to get is from Granger Ford in Iowa. My dealers eyes bugged out of his head when he saw what I paid for mine. Make sure you check the box for the lights for very little cost. Lights are not covered and not serviceable. Cost could run $1200 to $1800 to replace.

Will certainly do, and thanks for the 'lights' tip!

Hi,
I’ll give you a different opinion on the magneride.
I have a 24 GT PP with magneride and automatic transmission.
The key problem of the magneride is that you can’t adjust it independently (like you can in a bmw).
Meaning, if you want a stiffer ride your need to put the car in track mode / want softer ride need to keep it in normal mode (the sport magneride setting is very similar to the normal one).

This brings 2 problems:
. If you want a stiffer ride, you need to put the car in track mode … where driving aids are mostly disabled with a « do not drive in public roads » alert in the dashboard. If you are a driver that enjoys speed in safety, you will not to use track mode in public roads, so for all purposes you will get stuck with a too soft magneride suspension (for my taste), softer than the standard PP.
. Also, if you have the automatic, you get « stuck » with specific suspension/gearbox modes.
Ie, you cannot « mix and match ». For instance, I like the normal automatic mode, but find the magneride WAY too soft.
. Finally, in the standard PP you can easily upgrade to more flexible adjustable dumpers if you want for a similar cost (or for stiffer non -adjustable ones for way less money).
Note that I don’t daily the car: if you are a daily city driver, the magneride is a god send. If you track the car, magneride is also a good option: track mode is stiff.
But for weekend fun driving, like what I use the car for … If I was to do it again, I wouldn’t get magneride and would rather install a bit stiffer aftermarket dampers (bielstein or similar).
Just my cup of tea.

I will not do any track racing, maybe once in my lifetime. Mostly it will be weekend fun driving and driving around. The roads here in are bad with a ton of potholes and I was under the impression that MagneRide would smooth the ride on bad roads?

For what it's worth, one last word on the wheels now that you've made your decision. The Performance Pack does offer a choice of a different wheel selection if you don't like the darker Carbonized Gray painted aluminium wheels. Since you're planning to custom order, you might be interested in the optional Performance Pack wheels, known as "Machined with Tarnished Dark Aluminum Wheels" - here's how they would look on your GT PP in Adriatic Blue:

These wheels add $950 to the MSRP and are only available on the Performance Pack. They add some of the brightwork from the previous aluminium wheels you were thinking about, compliment the Space Gray interior nicely, and the simpler design is much easier to clean and maintain. (Quick note: these are staggered just like the Carbonized Gray wheels, and also come with Summer Tires.)


Beyond that, I had the same thought about cleaning the Carbonized Gray wheels and picked up a cleaning kit from Amazon to be ready for the day I when need to spend the extra few minutes cleaning and detailing in the driveway:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0CCSCQMNX

Interesting, didn't know about these. I took a look and it seems that for some dumb reason, those particular wheels can't be combined with the fading racing stripes. Go figure. I also prefer the original GT PP wheels over these, so I'll stick with what I have. But once again, I very much appreciate your input!

Thanks for the cleaning tip, I'll take a look!

In general: as far as dealers are concerned, Long Island due to its density is really not a fun place to go car shopping. Dealers aren't even taking the effort to at least try to settle between the Grangler pricing and whatever they're offering. Also, most 2025 cars in stock here are either dark grey or black, and all with a black interior. Not what I'm looking for!

 

[exm]

If you care about resale value, get the 3.73 stick shift.

I know how to drive a stick shift, but my wife does not. Personally, I think YMMV with a stick shift. I can see on the high end models that a stick is a must but it also disqualifies a lot of potential buyers.

 

[Kaptain75329]

Interesting, didn't know about these. I took a look and it seems that for some dumb reason, those particular wheels can't be combined with the fading racing stripes. Go figure. I also prefer the original GT PP wheels over these, so I'll stick with what I have. But once again, I very much appreciate your input!

Of course - happy to help. The Mustang Configurator on Ford's website allowed me to select the Tarnished Dark wheels on the Performance Pack and still allow the stripe you spec'd out, but I've seen Ford do weird limitations based on regions before; it's possible that could be a factor here. Moot point all the same as you're happy with the Carbonized Gray wheel option. Speaking as someone intently biased, I applaud your choice. haha

Thanks for the cleaning tip, I'll take a look!

Any time. And auto parts stores in your area might have good options too: as long as you get something soft, the work of cleaning the wheels will be easier and less worrisome around scratches and such.

In general: as far as dealers are concerned, Long Island due to its density is really not a fun place to go car shopping. Dealers aren't even taking the effort to at least try to settle between the Grangler pricing and whatever they're offering. Also, most 2025 cars in stock here are either dark grey or black, and all with a black interior. Not what I'm looking for!

Oof. I'm spoiled in the West for sure. Totally get it that available inventory on the lots won't ever match what I want - that would be an issue for me anywhere because of the way I prefer to spec my cars. But that East Coast attitude is something I really don't miss.

Beyond all that, thanks for hashing out your thought process with me - really happy for you man.

 

[jml]

Will certainly do, and thanks for the 'lights' tip!



I will not do any track racing, maybe once in my lifetime. Mostly it will be weekend fun driving and driving around. The roads here in are bad with a ton of potholes and I was under the impression that MagneRide would smooth the ride on bad roads?



Interesting, didn't know about these. I took a look and it seems that for some dumb reason, those particular wheels can't be combined with the fading racing stripes. Go figure. I also prefer the original GT PP wheels over these, so I'll stick with what I have. But once again, I very much appreciate your input!

Thanks for the cleaning tip, I'll take a look!

In general: as far as dealers are concerned, Long Island due to its density is really not a fun place to go car shopping. Dealers aren't even taking the effort to at least try to settle between the Grangler pricing and whatever they're offering. Also, most 2025 cars in stock here are either dark grey or black, and all with a black interior. Not what I'm looking for!

If roads around you are bad with lots of potholes, magneride is great. Enjoy!

 

[exm]

Of course - happy to help. The Mustang Configurator on Ford's website allowed me to select the Tarnished Dark wheels on the Performance Pack and still allow the stripe you spec'd out, but I've seen Ford do weird limitations based on regions before; it's possible that could be a factor here. Moot point all the same as you're happy with the Carbonized Gray wheel option. Speaking as someone intently biased, I applaud your choice. haha

Any time. And auto parts stores in your area might have good options too: as long as you get something soft, the work of cleaning the wheels will be easier and less worrisome around scratches and such.

Oof. I'm spoiled in the West for sure. Totally get it that available inventory on the lots won't ever match what I want - that would be an issue for me anywhere because of the way I prefer to spec my cars. But that East Coast attitude is something I really don't miss.

Beyond all that, thanks for hashing out your thought process with me - really happy for you man.

Yes, I can select it now once again. Ford IT. Go figure! I'm going to think about those rims for a few days, so who knows!

I see you have the Grabber Blue. That was actually one of my top options until my wife saw the 2026 Adriatic Blue and she was begging me to select that color. I told her, "okay, but we need to create a custom order" and she was fine with it. So I had my eyes on some 2025 models in GB, but I'm getting a much better equipped car now. Still love the GB blue color.

Let me upload some pictures from the dealership with the one Adriatic Ecoboost they had on the lot (it's a miracle - a bright color lol).

 

[exm]

Adriatic Blue - dealer

 

[exm]

But surprised to see the rust on these rotors already

 

[dusman59]

High carbon content rotors will flash over with little moisture if not driven.

 

[Kaptain75329]

Yes, I can select it now once again. Ford IT. Go figure! I'm going to think about those rims for a few days, so who knows!

I see you have the Grabber Blue. That was actually one of my top options until my wife saw the 2026 Adriatic Blue and she was begging me to select that color. I told her, "okay, but we need to create a custom order" and she was fine with it. So I had my eyes on some 2025 models in GB, but I'm getting a much better equipped car now. Still love the GB blue color.

Let me upload some pictures from the dealership with the one Adriatic Ecoboost they had on the lot (it's a miracle - a bright color lol).

Very nice - glad to see that the Configurator is working correctly again. Whichever choice you make, both wheels will look good. Really good.

On the Grabber Blue.. it's awesome. Not as metallic as I would like, but I still love it. Even so, I'm one of those weirdos who thinks it would pair nicely with the Carmine Red interior.. that's not a popular option if my friends and family are anything to go by. No surprise Ford won't built it that way. Still, there's no denying the car makes a statement:

This is my 2024 GT Premium. Love taking it onto mountain roads, and I have even accidently found dirt pathways that are smooth enough to enjoy once in a great while.

I said in an earlier post that impulse buys don't end well at this price point, and I say so with experience. I do like the '24, it's not a penalty box by any means. But I should have waited to test a PP+MR Mustang GT before buying, and I should have custom ordered instead of taking delivery from dealer inventory. Thankfully I've been going to the same dealer for years exclusively for service and sales, and so they are cutting me a lot of slack on this custom order. They know they'll more than make their money back. When this GT goes on the market next month, it's going to make someone else very happy.

Another big reason to upgrade includes adding in the 401A equipment group (turns out that skipping the memory seats was a bad idea for me). I traded a 2019 Mustang EcoBoost with the PP+MR for this GT, then paid the rest in cash to avoid taking out a loan and that has been a point of pride. But I realized I'd made an expensive mistake in my eagerness to get into my second ever GT (The first was a 2013 California Special) and that was leaving out a lot of gear I took for granted in my previously loaded EcoBoost. Indeed, Rocket Man was right: if you like what MagneRide brings to the table but then skip it anyway, you'll (very probably) be sorry.

I decided to put it right and fix my mistake: placed a custom order this past June and I'll be taking delivery in a couple of weeks; new Mustang is currently in transit and should arrive at the dealer soon. Really love the Carmine Red interior, and if I can't have Blue, I'm grateful that Silver has always been a favorite choice of mine: that hue tends to show character lines much better than most colors. Add in the red accented race stripe, red brake calipers, and red seatbelts... and you have a theme that comes together beautifully:

Beyond aesthetics, it'll be fantastic to regain all the missing equipment, and in a *GT* no less. I'll finally be driving my dream car for the first time ever. Something tells me you'll be able to relate in the not too distant future.

 

[Kaptain75329]

sounds like a great build. Definitely get the PP and the 20 inch Aluminum wheels. Then get the DWS06's. Great tire.
Also, since you are spending all that money, get what you want and get the Magneride. Worth every penny. You will be sorry later if you don't.

Rocket Man is right again: as it happens, I have this exact plan after the Summer Tires wear out - my top choice is the exact same Continental tire he recommended.

If anyone else here would like to do the same, here is the link to those tires - easy enough to find on Tire Rack or have your dealer order:

https://continentaltire.com/tires/extremecontact-dws06-plus

 

[Kaptain75329]

Adriatic Blue - dealer

Good lord. If the Adriatic Blue looks this good in real life photos, I can't wait to see it in person.

I considered this color before custom ordering, but ruled it out once I saw the order guide made clear Carmine Red was not available in this combination. I really like it, but if I'm being honest with myself, it's really gotta be a loud blue or a light silver for me.

Still, when adding in the red racing stripe and red brakes... I'd be tempted. haha

 

[exm]

Very nice - glad to see that the Configurator is working correctly again. Whichever choice you make, both wheels will look good. Really good.

On the Grabber Blue.. it's awesome. Not as metallic as I would like, but I still love it. Even so, I'm one of those weirdos who thinks it would pair nicely with the Carmine Red interior.. that's not a popular option if my friends and family are anything to go by. No surprise Ford won't built it that way. Still, there's no denying the car makes a statement:

This is my 2024 GT Premium. Love taking it onto mountain roads, and I have even accidently found dirt pathways that are smooth enough to enjoy once in a great while.

I said in an earlier post that impulse buys don't end well at this price point, and I say so with experience. I do like the '24, it's not a penalty box by any means. But I should have waited to test a PP+MR Mustang GT before buying, and I should have custom ordered instead of taking delivery from dealer inventory. Thankfully I've been going to the same dealer for years exclusively for service and sales, and so they are cutting me a lot of slack on this custom order. They know they'll more than make their money back. When this GT goes on the market next month, it's going to make someone else very happy.

Another big reason to upgrade includes adding in the 401A equipment group (turns out that skipping the memory seats was a bad idea for me). I traded a 2019 Mustang EcoBoost with the PP+MR for this GT, then paid the rest in cash to avoid taking out a loan and that has been a point pride. But I realized I'd made an expensive mistake in my eagerness to get into my second ever GT (The first was a 2013 California Special) and that was leaving out a lot of gear I took for granted in my previously loaded EcoBoost. Indeed, Rocket Man was right: if you like what MagneRide brings to the table but then skip it anyway, you'll (very probably) be sorry.

I decided to put it right and fix my mistake: placed a custom order this past June and I'll be taking delivery in a couple of weeks; new Mustang is currently in transit and should arrive at the dealer soon. Really love the Carmine Red interior, and if I can't have Blue, I'm grateful that Silver has always been a favorite choice of mine: that hue tends to show character lines much better than most colors. Add in the red accented race stripe, red brake calipers, and red seatbelts... and you have a theme that comes together beautifully:

Beyond aesthetics, it'll be fantastic to regain all the missing equipment, and in a *GT* no less. I'll finally be driving my dream car for the first time ever. Something tells me you'll be able to relate in the not too distant future.

What a nice story to read, and I feel your pain about missing out on some of the options (well, not with the Mustang but with one of my previous Volvo SUVs - the family hauler). It is interesting that Silver is such a popular color for cars, but you don't see a lot of Mustang's in Silver. It looks fantastic in the picture. Can't wait to see it for real!

About the racing stripes: wife doesn't like them, I do. So we settled on the Opacity Fade Stripe. Whatever gives the car an unique tint, right?

When I was looking for 2025 models, I did not want a black interior so I noticed a few with the Carmine Red. I think it is a fantastic color if you can match it with the right exterior. Honestly, I think it clashes with any Red exterior but it will look nice with white, blue and silver. But yes, 401A is a must for me and I'm surprised it's a relative inexpensive option (don't tell Ford!).

About the tires: still on the fence if I'll be driving the summer tires until the late fall and swap them out, or immediately swap them. I feel that I might be getting a better deal on them if they're pretty much new. But then again, I have no clue how easily I can sell them in New York.

My next mission is transportation of the car from IA to NY. Folks are suggesting to fly down and drive the car. The problem is that it's a 17 hour drive, so most likely it will take all weekend. Plus the temperature should be decent since it comes with summer tiers. Ideally I'll pay for shipping and be done with it, but there are not a lot of reliable options out there unless you're willing to spend $1500-$2500 (and then you're getting into the territory where you might as well buy a car locally). As of now I'm hoping to drive the car home. If only for the experience of picking up your new car at the dealer. There's something super special about it!

 

[Kaptain75329]

What a nice story to read, and I feel your pain about missing out on some of the options (well, not with the Mustang but with one of my previous Volvo SUVs - the family hauler). It is interesting that Silver is such a popular color for cars, but you don't see a lot of Mustang's in Silver. It looks fantastic in the picture. Can't wait to see it for real!

Agreed. The 2019 Mustang was custom ordered for the same reason, and you'd think I'd know better and do the same with a proper GT. I compromised because the huge incentives and discounts on this GT got the better of me: Taking $7784 off a $54,850 MSRP was a steal, then roll in a paid off trade worth $28,627. That left only $18,439 to finance or just pay off out right. A good deal at the time, and trading in now seems almost ungrateful. But I should have thought carefully about what it would be like for me to live with the trade-offs.

Thankfully, my dealer is offering a similar discount on my custom order, and I'll end up financing (at most) roughly $23,500 over 3 years. Since my current GT is already paid off, all the equity it has will roll in to the new deal and pay off 68% of the new car right off the top.

On the color, you're right: I don't see many silver Mustangs anywhere.. and I'm very OK to be among the few rebels waving that flag and sharing photos.

About the racing stripes: wife doesn't like them, I do. So we settled on the Opacity Fade Stripe. Whatever gives the car an unique tint, right?

As long as you are happy with it, that's all that matters. Totally get the need to be flexible, and the solution you picked looks attractive if you ask me. I like it.

When I was looking for 2025 models, I did not want a black interior so I noticed a few with the Carmine Red. I think it is a fantastic color if you can match it with the right exterior. Honestly, I think it clashes with any Red exterior but it will look nice with white, blue and silver. But yes, 401A is a must for me and I'm surprised it's a relative inexpensive option (don't tell Ford!).

Irony on my part, since there was a time that I used to insist black interior or no sale. But back in those days, you usually had some contrast with the dash. Now it's all black everywhere and it's... well, I don't hate it. But if given a choice, I'd liven up the space with any contrast, and so Carmine Red and Space Gray are welcome options.

About the tires: still on the fence if I'll be driving the summer tires until the late fall and swap them out, or immediately swap them. I feel that I might be getting a better deal on them if they're pretty much new. But then again, I have no clue how easily I can sell them in New York.

I know you definitely didn't ask, but I suspect you'd be a tough spot trying to sell them: those tires are not a common size and being Summer treads, the target market likely shrinks a fair bit more.

If it helps, let's assume you custom order next week. If that happens, then we can reasonably assume Ford delivers the car in 4 to 5 months. Average temperatures in Long Island should increase enough by the time the car arrives that it would likely make sense to use the Summer Tires until they are ready for replacement. Unless you drive low miles or they somehow last longer than 20K on the odometer.. in which case, you might have to replace them before they are depleted to be safe for Winter.

My next mission is transportation of the car from IA to NY. Folks are suggesting to fly down and drive the car. The problem is that it's a 17 hour drive, so most likely it will take all weekend. Plus the temperature should be decent since it comes with summer tiers. Ideally I'll pay for shipping and be done with it, but there are not a lot of reliable options out there unless you're willing to spend $1500-$2500 (and then you're getting into the territory where you might as well buy a car locally). As of now I'm hoping to drive the car home. If only for the experience of picking up your new car at the dealer. There's something super special about it!

If it were me, I'd do the drive. For a few reasons:

• That Mustang is already going to be shipped from Flat Rock, MI via a third party. I'd be nervous about immediately shipping a second time by another third party, but this time one that is not directly beholden to Ford.
• The prices you're talking about are higher than I'd want to pay. I get it that shipping is no simple task, but still. That's a lot. Agreed that if you really would rather not do the drive, pickup the car locally and spare yourself the potential pitfalls of managing uncommon logistics.
• I love road trips. A cross country trip would be a treat for me. Plus, it's a great way to break-in the new ride and get to know the machine in a way that would build muscle memory faster. (Ford still recommends not using cruise control for the first 1000 miles, along with going easy on the gas and brakes during this period. The engine needs speeds to vary and the linings need time to wear in gently so they don't fail early.)
• Being on the road for extended periods of time offers a lot of opportunity to be alone with your thoughts and sincerely enjoy a break from the routine of work and family. It's not only a good way to break-in a new car, it's good for you mentally if you are one of those people like me who find road trips to be a rejuvenating experience. Then you get to come back to your routine with more appreciation for what you have.

The only drawback to doing the drive that comes to mind at present is that you will almost certainly pick up some paint chips on the bumper and hood as the factory paint has not had a full month to finish curing properly. On the other hand, automotive finishes are always a "pay me now or pay me later" deal and you will get paint chips no matter what you do over years anyway. You can always get panels repainted at a good body shop when the time comes.

With all that said, I'm starting to get into that delivery mindset; not excited yet but I will be. Ford corporate confirmed yesterday on the phone and via the online tracker that my car is in transit to my dealer. I'm counting down the days until I take the keys.. It is something special, and for me this event will be a red letter date in my memory.

 

[exm]

With all that said, I'm starting to get into that delivery mindset; not excited yet but I will be. Ford corporate confirmed yesterday on the phone and via the online tracker that my car is in transit to my dealer. I'm counting down the days until I take the keys.. It is something special, and for me this event will be a red letter date in my memory.

Nice chatting with you! Wife likes the PP wheels better also (over the $950 option) so that's settled. Please post some pictures when you get your car! I don't think I asked, but what options do you have on yours?

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