Buyer with too many options...

[Octane1]

Howdy - new forum member. Looking for some thoughts from those folks that certainly know more about later model Mustangs than I do. I'm looking to add a Mustang to the garage. I don't track my cars and they are also not garage ornaments. I have my name on a base DHSC allocation. I jumped on this car because the Predator engine in my Raptor R is utterly amazing. Bottom line for me is that with all of the choices, I'm concerned that the DHSC - especially because it is a 2026 - won't hold value. My thoughts are with other options that put out ~800 hp, why would they spend ~$45k or $20k more for a DHSC. Here are the contenders (I left out RTR as they aren't really my style). These are all round numbers for arguments sake.

- FP800S - Amazing price point of around $65k. I don't really care for bronze wheels - this one is 4th place.
- DH w/dealer added supercharger - good price point around $90k (loaded car) - 3rd place
- DHSC - $110k with Recaro seats
- Shelby GT 350 - $115 (discounted price found online).

I have a manual transmission car already. I'd buy a manual if I could in all of these cars. However, the auto in the DHSC is fine with me. So, this isn't a deal breaker.

I'm not looking for the the cheapest alternative. Rather, I'm trying to justify the DHSC purchase and not have exaggerated depreciation the day I drive it off the showroom. All of these cars will depreciate, no doubt. I think that a 2026 could be hit harder with depreciation because 1) it is a 2026 at the end of the model year, 2) future buyers would opt for either the FP800S or DH w/ supercharger.

Your thoughts please?

Thanks
- M

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[Q6543]

Too soon to tell frankly, I don’t think the depreciation will really happen. I think they come out this year at the 110K range and next year will see a price hike to put a floor under them. I see that happening sequentially for the run.

I think a 110k DH is worth the same or more by 2030
Or buy a 20-22 GT500 and get the same drivetrain for 80k in the older model

 

[BuckeyeBOSS]

I'll preface this by mentioning that my DH has been at the dealer for warranty work for almost a month now...

- FP800S - Amazing price point of around $65k. I don't really care for bronze wheels - this one is 4th place. - Not bad, but depends on the other options.

- DH w/dealer added supercharger - good price point around $90k (loaded car) - 3rd place - You can find a brand new DH for several thousand, maybe around $10k off MSRP now. It's only ~$12k to have a supercharger added, but I would recommend other upgrades. $90k is too high for this car, you can do it quite a bit cheaper.

- DHSC - $110k with Recaro seats - The DHSC is way overpriced. I'm glad I stuck to my guns with a hard $100k limit on one before they announced pricing. No way these cars are worth what they are asking.

- Shelby GT 350 - $115 (discounted price found online). - Absolutely no way I'd buy a GT350 out of warranty. Too many of those engines blow up. Unless you mean the brand new ones? In which case, they are essentially just supercharged GTs without many of the other upgrades you should have, way overpriced.

 

[Ninjak]

Howdy - new forum member. Looking for some thoughts from those folks that certainly know more about later model Mustangs than I do. I'm looking to add a Mustang to the garage. I don't track my cars and they are also not garage ornaments. I have my name on a base DHSC allocation. I jumped on this car because the Predator engine in my Raptor R is utterly amazing. Bottom line for me is that with all of the choices, I'm concerned that the DHSC - especially because it is a 2026 - won't hold value. My thoughts are with other options that put out ~800 hp, why would they spend ~$45k or $20k more for a DHSC. Here are the contenders (I left out RTR as they aren't really my style). These are all round numbers for arguments sake.

- FP800S - Amazing price point of around $65k. I don't really care for bronze wheels - this one is 4th place.
- DH w/dealer added supercharger - good price point around $90k (loaded car) - 3rd place
- DHSC - $110k with Recaro seats
- Shelby GT 350 - $115 (discounted price found online).

I have a manual transmission car already. I'd buy a manual if I could in all of these cars. However, the auto in the DHSC is fine with me. So, this isn't a deal breaker.

I'm not looking for the the cheapest alternative. Rather, I'm trying to justify the DHSC purchase and not have exaggerated depreciation the day I drive it off the showroom. All of these cars will depreciate, no doubt. I think that a 2026 could be hit harder with depreciation because 1) it is a 2026 at the end of the model year, 2) future buyers would opt for either the FP800S or DH w/ supercharger.

Your thoughts please?

Thanks
- M

Interesting. So my opinion on your matter.

1. FP800S: GT with a Ford Performance Whipple installed. From an article I read, it has a different suspension setup that is not available on regular GTs, and a few other bits. Has a warranty.

2. Shelby GT350: It is a GT that is changed by SOA. Stage one Whipple, Corsa cat back exhaust, I think it has Shelby lowering springs? You can get a manual. The SOA registry will help it keep value. Beyond that, I feel there are better options.

3. DH with Supercharger: Good option IMO. DH premium with handling package will get you a very nice vehicle. Add on a stage 1 Whipple supercharger, and you have a nice performing vehicle. You can also get a manual. The DH has the same forged internals as the DHSC. Also, you get other nice bits with the handling pack. Bigger tires, etc. I am not being biased, but I am sure you will notice my sig. This is not a bad option.

4. DHSC.: The refined rebirth GT500. Ford has taken all of their lessons from the GT500 and used it on the S650 DHSC. I feel it will be a really nice performer. Also, you get a purpose-built car and will not need to do much modding, if any at all. Just enjoy the car. The DTC will be there, more refined, I am sure, but still an automated transmission. All things that come on a DH premium will be on this vehicle. A good choice to sign and drive.

I will add one other option not mentioned.

1. SOA Shelby Super Snake or SS/R. With a Shelby SS, you will have a SOA-registered vehicle. It will retain value. Also, you can get a manual. The SS has upgraded bits that matter.

a. Cooling systems -- bigger radiator and HE
b. Hardened extended wheel studs
c. The Ford Performance Half Shafts upgrade.
d. The full Shelby suspension package. Sway bars, stiffeners, springs, toe links, etc., etc., etc.
e. The Borla exhaust system
f. Upgraded braking system. (Rotors)
g. Stage 2 Whipple supercharger.
h. Short throw shifter setup for manual

Of course you get the Shelby styling; I feel they have one of the best rear ends out there, along with all the CF bits and their unique branding and badging. Expensive? Well, that depends. It will cost the same as a DHSC with track package or whatever they are calling that version, will perform just as well IMO, it has the parts where it counts, and I believe it will have a higher resale value as most Shelbys do. All of it with warranty included.

Now I know some hate on SOA. I feel some of their products are a bit on the expensive side, but looking at the DHSC and other products of the same nature, I now feel it may not be that bad. The SOA Shelby GT350 I think, is a bit underwhelming. You are paying mostly for styling. The Shelby Super Snake, I feel, is worth the squeeze because many more parts are included, along with the styling, and if you were to do it yourself, or pay someone to do the exact same build, how much would it be? How much would you save? Also, warranties come into play, and for some, that is an important factor as well.

So these are my thoughts on the matter. Good luck with your purchase, and enjoy the drive. In the end, that is really what matters.

 

[Octane1]

I appreciate all of your replies.

I asked ChatGPT to do a deep dive of differences of DH vs DHSC, leaving out the engine. The high points: revised chassis, better MagneRide, aerodynamics, and weight reduction.

Sure wish I could drive them back to back. haha.

Thank you. - M

 

[Ninjak]

@Octane1 : See my thread on my build.
https://www.mustang7g.com/forums/threads/introducing-warhorse-dark-horse-build.176323/

I understand it is not for everyone, but you can get an idea of the path I took. As I mentioned earlier, a DHSC will be warrantied, and it will be a sign-and-drive. I set my car up to track and also to enjoy the drive. Also, I am not bad at turning wrenches, and I have friends who also turned wrenches for a living.

I was an owner of a GT500, 21, so I believe that DHSC will be. It will be a more refined version of the S550 GT500, much the way the S650 GT is a more refined version of the S550 GT.

The DH with a handling pack drives really nicely. The Magnaride suspension is great, the Recaros are good, and the chassis feels planted. I feel it rides better than my GT500 did. My build took this and turned it up. A lot. lol. Maybe too much, but here we are. The car drives just as nice, but when you decide to get serious, WHOA.

As I said, no matter your decision, enjoy the ride.

 

[Octane1]

Your car looks awesome. Great job.

 

[Sofa King]

If you have your allocation at MSRP... get the DHSC. This one should retain value above the others... if that is a concern.

 

[Q6543]

Literally was just seeing 30K ADM asks from dealers

 

[Ninjak]

@Q6543: I put a WOW emoji, but honestly, I am not surprised. The same thing occurred when the GT350 was released and when the GT500 was released.

 

[Upacurb]

In terms of just keeping value (if that is your only concern)

Shelby American retain value? nope -
205K sticker just sold for under 100K after 6 years with 5K miles for example......
2020 Ford Mustang Shelby Super Snake x Shelby Signature Edition 6-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $97,000 on July 31, 2026 (Lot #255,230) | Bring a Trailer

I think the DHSC is headed the same direction as the Dark Horse- over sticker to start then 2 years later will be discounted .......the starting price is just WAY too high ........but will get to that in a second

Dark Horse with a Supercharger - pick up slightly used (heavily discounted) DH HP - add blower......I dont see you losing too much money with this combo over time

If you are just after value retention- outside of the Dark Horse with blower... well the DHSC biggest problem is that the GT500 exists .......why pay 140K for a Carbon Package car when you can pick up an almost no mile GT500 CFTP for 115K? The Predator/DCT combo is stout when left stock ....If a DH SC with the Carbon package was closer to 125K I would feel differently ...but why pay 25K more for basically the same car - even if its a touch faster on the track....the GT500 is all ready completely unusable on the street- so your just going to get something that is even more unusable? lol)

Or- for the people who spend all their time on YouTube and think the S550 GT350s are all ticking time bombs- come on over to the forums- there are boosted guys hitting over 80K miles on their cars now.......I havent seen a failure on the forums for years......17K miles on mine and doesnt burn a drop of oil.....and values on the 19/20 Rs are steadily increasing.....

 

[Octane1]

yep, MSRP. Avalanche, recaros, back with red strip seatbelt. The GM allowed me to modify their order before it locked. $110k.

 

[Octane1]

great info. Thank you.

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