Manual?

[LouG]

The stock brakes are fine, and the bigger brakes eliminate being able to have a spare tire, you know the one that was $415 in 2024 now $615 dollars on the 2026, and you might want to spend that money as they no longer put the little compressor and can of slime in the car.. more cost cutting by the bean counters

You blow out a sidewall somewhere or get a flat late at night or on the weekend you are going to want that spare in the trunk.

That got me thinking. In 13 years and 4 out of 5 cars not having a spare, I've not been stranded by a flat tyre.
We've had two tyres ruined on a Toyota due to objects puncturing them in non repairable places. We were able to get them sorted without leaving us carless.
And a nail in her current car that has a spacesaver.
But I do carry my bike puncture repair kit (dog turds) so that I don't have to rely on sealant.

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[shubox56]

I'm swapping rims and tires, so easy enough to throw one of the factory originals in the trunk.

 

[Alex381]

I'm swapping rims and tires, so easy enough to throw one of the factory originals in the trunk.

Who need a trunk anyway? I really like the OEM mini spare.

 

[Frogdog1]

I bought a Modern spare and sleep better....

 

[AZ_Ryan]

You can buy aftermarket spares. And they sell one that will clear the 6 piston Brembos if thats a worry. And they're probably cheaper than anything from Ford. I certainly would not let having factory spare tire influence my decision in selecting a trim package.

 

[BimmerDriver]

You can buy aftermarket spares. And they sell one that will clear the 6 piston Brembos if thats a worry. And they're probably cheaper than anything from Ford. I certainly would not let having factory spare tire influence my decision in selecting a trim package.

Who need a trunk anyway? I really like the OEM mini spare.

I bought a Modern spare and sleep better....

I had the factory mini spare on my S550 coupe, but I have inferred from what I've read that it won't clear the brakes on the DH. Anyone know this for a fact (or not)?

 

[Alex381]

I had the factory mini spare on my S550 coupe, but I have inferred from what I've read that it won't clear the brakes on the DH. Anyone know this for a fact (or not)?

That is 100% a fact. It will not clear the front brakes on a dark horse.

 

[DarkMatterGrey]

I'm swapping rims and tires, so easy enough to throw one of the factory originals in the trunk.

If you get the PP I’d guess only a front take-off wheel/tire would fit as a rear diameter is taller overall and It may only go down into the well partially. My son and I have full size in the trunk (non PP’s) and the standard diameter just fits.

I don’t know the ramifications of running a shorter diameter on one side of a diff, but it couldn’t be any worse than a donut.

Here’s a pic of the standard GT 18x8.5” width in the trunk. The PP fronts are a half to an inch or so wider, so you’d lose a little more trunk space assuming you can even get the tire in and out. Mine came with the mini spare/jack package, my son’s didn’t. So we got an extra jack package from eBay.

Using these cars as “GT” Grand Touring, this is important to us as we’re occasionally out of cell phone range, sometimes on a Sunday too. So must be self sufficient.

 

[Alex381]

If you get the PP I’d guess only a front take-off wheel/tire would fit as a rear diameter is taller overall and It may only go down into the well partially. My son and I have full size in the trunk (non PP’s) and the standard diameter just fits.

I don’t know the ramifications of running a shorter diameter on one side of a diff, but it couldn’t be any worse than a donut.

Here’s a pic of the standard GT 18x8.5” width in the trunk. The PP fronts are a half to an inch or so wider, so you’d lose a little more trunk space assuming you can even get the tire in and out. Mine came with the mini spare/jack package, my son’s didn’t. So we got an extra jack package from eBay.

Using these cars as “GT” Grand Touring, this is important to us as we’re occasionally out of cell phone range, sometimes on a Sunday too. So must be self sufficient.

Yep. Using the car as a car means driving long distances. I can’t imagine putting myself in a situation where I have to wait an hour or several hours for a tow truck just to get towed to a shop to have them maybe fix the tire. I’d much rather have a spare and be on my way in minutes. Seeing how the full sized wheel looks makes me wonder how well it would fit in my convertibles trunk. I’ll have to try it when I inevitably add a second set of wheels and tires.

 

[turtletim]

I'm 68 and have many age related ailments, bad back etc. But love my manual anyway. I don't track at all. Just open road fun. Would not have bought a mustang with auto. But understand the tradeoff. Mine is a garage queen that only comes out for fun drives.

 

[Charger68]

At 72 I had the same doubts, ordered a GT automatic, and it just wasn't making it. I own a 2016 Challenger RT automatic, and a 2013 Charger RT Road and Track automatic. Those are fun, but something was missing with the GT. I traded it for a 6 speed and it's a blast. Yeah, the hills make you think, but Hill Assist helps, and at worse, use the E-brake. Funny how I couldn't order it right, but found one on the lot I like a lot better.

 

[JacquillynRose]

I’m a bit embarrassed to ask, but it’s been a long time since I last drove a manual. My first car was a 68 Chevelle with a small block and a stick. The motor was shot, so I rebuilt it in my high school shop with help from my teacher, who owned a 70 Chevelle 454 and a Corvette. The transmission worked fine, but the clutch was always a problem. I still remember sweating bullets on hills, terrified of rolling back when someone pulled up close behind me.

Now, at 70 years old, I’m considering buying another manual, but I’m nervous about the prospect. In my recently sold 56 Chevy, I ran a reverse manual valve body TCI Turbo 400 and loved it—the fun of a manual without the clutch. Realistically, I’ll probably play it safe with a 10‑speed automatic, but deep down I know the stick would be more fun.

For those with experience: what are your thoughts on choosing a manual at my age? Any advice or stories that might help me decide? I’m currently leaning toward either a GT Premium (loaded) or a Dark Horse (basic), though also looking at a base stingray.

Hi!! I know I’m late to the party, but my opinion on the manual Mustang is that it’s not a very stiff clutch so it shouldn’t been too uncomfortable. Best advice though is to go test drive one and see how it feels to you. I did this before I committed to my first Mustang which ended up in a repurchase but my Intense lime yellow is the same vehicle but a slightly higher package, and I’m in love. My challenger has a much stiffer clutch that feels like it’s trying to throw your foot off. So test it out, and maybe even drive an automatic while you’re there. Write back and let us know what you think.

 

[Killshot58]

Hi!! I know I’m late to the party, but my opinion on the manual Mustang is that it’s not a very stiff clutch so it shouldn’t been too uncomfortable. Best advice though is to go test drive one and see how it feels to you. I did this before I committed to my first Mustang which ended up in a repurchase but my Intense lime yellow is the same vehicle but a slightly higher package, and I’m in love. My challenger has a much stiffer clutch that feels like it’s trying to throw your foot off. So test it out, and maybe even drive an automatic while you’re there. Write back and let us know what you think.

I dd not like the feel of the clutch when I first drove it. That's why I ended up with the automatic . Then, I got the manual and switched to the steeda clutch spring and it worked very well.

 

[Clawfford]

I’m a bit embarrassed to ask, but it’s been a long time since I last drove a manual. My first car was a 68 Chevelle with a small block and a stick. The motor was shot, so I rebuilt it in my high school shop with help from my teacher, who owned a 70 Chevelle 454 and a Corvette. The transmission worked fine, but the clutch was always a problem. I still remember sweating bullets on hills, terrified of rolling back when someone pulled up close behind me.

Now, at 70 years old, I’m considering buying another manual, but I’m nervous about the prospect. In my recently sold 56 Chevy, I ran a reverse manual valve body TCI Turbo 400 and loved it—the fun of a manual without the clutch. Realistically, I’ll probably play it safe with a 10‑speed automatic, but deep down I know the stick would be more fun.

For those with experience: what are your thoughts on choosing a manual at my age? Any advice or stories that might help me decide? I’m currently leaning toward either a GT Premium (loaded) or a Dark Horse (basic), though also looking at a base stingray.

My experience is similar to yours. My last manual was probably 30 years ago. Dunno why I changed to automatics. But I retired recently, and when I decided to reward myself with a new car, I remembered how much I used to enjoy driving stick. Occasional back, hip, and leg issues plague me nowadays, so I made sure to test one first.

If you can find a manual to test drive, DO IT! The new Mustang is a great car for beginning and returning manual drivers. The anti-rollback on hills is perfect - you'll think you're in an automatic. The rev matching means simple downshifting. And the powerful V8 climbs my semi-steep driveway into the garage without a foot on the gas pedal. It took very little time to reacquaint myself and become comfortable.

I've been on several all-day road trips. I've been in long stop and start traffic jams. I've been on hilly, tight, twisty, take-it-careful roads. No leg pain. No back pain. (I have the premium non-Recaro seats).

My personal experience with this car (2025 GT Premium convertible with all the goodies) has been nothing but fun since I got it in April. Your mileage may vary, but I'm lovin' it. Probably the most enjoyment I've had driving a car.

 

[shubox56]

My experience is similar to yours. My last manual was probably 30 years ago. Dunno why I changed to automatics. But I retired recently, and when I decided to reward myself with a new car, I remembered how much I used to enjoy driving stick. Occasional back, hip, and leg issues plague me nowadays, so I made sure to test one first.

If you can find a manual to test drive, DO IT! The new Mustang is a great car for beginning and returning manual drivers. The anti-rollback on hills is perfect - you'll think you're in an automatic. The rev matching means simple downshifting. And the powerful V8 climbs my semi-steep driveway into the garage without a foot on the gas pedal. It took very little time to reacquaint myself and become comfortable.

I've been on several all-day road trips. I've been in long stop and start traffic jams. I've been on hilly, tight, twisty, take-it-careful roads. No leg pain. No back pain. (I have the premium non-Recaro seats).

My personal experience with this car (2025 GT Premium convertible with all the goodies) has been nothing but fun since I got it in April. Your mileage may vary, but I'm lovin' it. Probably the most enjoyment I've had driving a car.

To everyone who has shared their personal stories, I truly appreciate it. Once we dig out from the recent snowstorm in Chicago and my retirement begins (at least part-time) on January 1st, I plan to step up my search for the right Mustang. That will include test-driving both the automatic and the manual. Still, I keep circling back to the strong opinions suggesting that the Tremec is the best option if I go with a manual. As much as I love the idea, I struggle with the thought of spending over $70,000 on a depreciating asset. Ultimately, the test drives will tell me more.

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