Looking for GT350 Owners' Feedback on the car...

jvandy50

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Thank you, I agree dealerships can either make or break your experience with a car. I wonder how many other have had oil consumption issues or if it's just a certain year/build dates of the motors. That is the number 1 thing that scares me. I guess as long as the dealer is willing to take care of it... but still, it's a design flaw or install flaw of parts in the motor.

I couldn't bring myself to buy a ZL1. I know it's quite an amazing car, just couldn't buy a Camaro, lol. I would consider a C6Z but really need a back seat option for my kids.

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hey man i'm still coming to terms with it lol. after 5 mustangs, i feel i was basically pushed to look at other brands. and i know the other brand dealers will be hit or miss also, i'm fully prepared to start buying vehicles that are out of warranty so i can tinker and really have fun. but the 350 was too unique and finicky to do the things i wanted to do. i feel like a whipple on one would be perfect, as i don't have a road course near me...but no freaking way after one motor failing stock that i'd roll the dice on a 17.5k motor.

the oil consumption and failed motors on these is a very real thing, if you spend a lot of time on the forums and facebook you will see. there are plenty of people who didn't just hop online to tell their horror story, they are longstanding members or had been in the group awhile. i'm unsure why people want to defend it so much, or make up these fake acceptable failure statistics...my personal favorite is "less than 1% failure rate"...fact is, no one knows. however, if you can do math and have common sense you'll know there's no way it's less than 1% lol.

even if you were so unlucky, ford will fix it. but the process takes months if it's oil consumption. one fella with an R catastrophic failure on track had his car back and motor replaced in like 6-7 business days, that's not too bad at all. but in the end you have a car with a "blemish". ford gave me an extended warranty of 7yr/100k miles and i literally had 2 people interested in my car over the course of a month it was for sale. car worked great, had a new lease on life, but the red flag and, ultimately, drop in value was very real.
 

Max97COBRAtkd

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hey man i'm still coming to terms with it lol. after 5 mustangs, i feel i was basically pushed to look at other brands. and i know the other brand dealers will be hit or miss also, i'm fully prepared to start buying vehicles that are out of warranty so i can tinker and really have fun. but the 350 was too unique and finicky to do the things i wanted to do. i feel like a whipple on one would be perfect, as i don't have a road course near me...but no freaking way after one motor failing stock that i'd roll the dice on a 17.5k motor.

the oil consumption and failed motors on these is a very real thing, if you spend a lot of time on the forums and facebook you will see. there are plenty of people who didn't just hop online to tell their horror story, they are longstanding members or had been in the group awhile. i'm unsure why people want to defend it so much, or make up these fake acceptable failure statistics...my personal favorite is "less than 1% failure rate"...fact is, no one knows. however, if you can do math and have common sense you'll know there's no way it's less than 1% lol.

even if you were so unlucky, ford will fix it. but the process takes months if it's oil consumption. one fella with an R catastrophic failure on track had his car back and motor replaced in like 6-7 business days, that's not too bad at all. but in the end you have a car with a "blemish". ford gave me an extended warranty of 7yr/100k miles and i literally had 2 people interested in my car over the course of a month it was for sale. car worked great, had a new lease on life, but the red flag and, ultimately, drop in value was very real.
Very good insight and I appreciate your honesty response. I LOVE the interior and look of the car and judging by what people are saying, I would love driving it too. But I'm the type of person that would worry myself sick about it and it would always be in the back of my mind.

Thinking of keeping the Terminator and adding some nice seats, steering wheel, etc to it to give it that updated feel. At least I know the motor is built extremely well and has no major oil consumption issues and will all my mods is still decent in the curves. HAVE to update the interior a bit though, lol.

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jvandy50

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I'm not trying to scare you and chances are you wouldn't have an issue, they are one of my favorite cars to look at for sure. but for me, the voodoo truly lived up to it's name lol. i didn't even tell it bye when i traded, that was telling. (yes, i talk to my cars)
 

08vapor500

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Switched from a 630RWHP 2011 Gt500 to a 16 350 and its been amazing so far. The 350 makes up the lack of power with how well it handles and the FPC sound.
 

Drewsky65

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i have commented a lot on this in the past on this subject and even started a few threads on me coming from my old 2013 GT500 to a 350. After months and months of debate I made the choice and never looked back. the 350 is much more car than the trinity 500's are, they can do everything! i can go on and on and on about the why and pro's/cons, but tit seems like you have already done your research and are just selling yourself at this point haha.

also do NOT worry about the oil consumption.
 

Drewsky65

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You don’t have to be an owner to know how weak the car delivers power.

I was in the market for one when I bought my 2018 GT. I drove 2 GT350’s because the first one was so underwhelming I told myself something was wrong with it so I drove another.

Nope. Both weak. No wow factor whatsoever in the acceleration department.

Is it a great car overall? Sure it is. But don’t sit here and say how impressive the power output is because, well, it isn’t.

on all the test drives prior to purchase this was my thoughts as well. I thought it was weak and had nothing compared to the 500 I had. Drive it for a week or two like you normally would your car now. you would not want to give it back! the comfort and technology alone are worth most things over the S197's it takes a min to understand the characteristics of the 350 and enjoy that it is a special car. its different in every way to the "muscle" cars out now. the 350 is not a muscle car, its much more than that.
 

Drewsky65

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I just traded a 350 for a ZL1, so i will give you my experience and hope it can help in some way. Keep in mind i’ve never driven a trinity car, but have driven a callaway vette(Eaton 2300 i think), an 18 Z06, and now the ZL1.

I got the 350 on a whim after my 16 GT, didn’t dig the Recaro at first coming from the premium in the GT, but ended up LOVING them. I also was underwhelmed at first with the low end, but just kept the RPM a little higher and it was kinda fun. She wanted to be revved, so i revved her! There is no denying they are fun to drive, you just need to keep her over 4k.

My experience with the 350 was soured by the dealership, and it is commonplace with this car. The splitter wasn’t installed correctly, came off at 140+, then i was told it couldn’t be warranty because i had to have hit something. I’m a bit stubborn, since i didn’t hit anything, and fought til they bought one. It also ripped the engine splash guard, and back of the front bumper. I asked for the parts and my dad and i would install...they said no. They left 16 pieces of hardware out of the splitter and splash guard combined...i had to actually take meds to calm myself when i had it up on the lift checking things out lol.

Thennnn at 6k out of nowhere, the oil consumption monster showed up. I had been tracking what i added just because of the reputation for the car, and couldn’t believe what i was seeing. Anyway, that process SUCKED... And the voodoo was backordered weeks... and the dealer who couldn’t bolt on a splitter after i sent them their own instructional video was installing the numbers not matching block. So i had a 3-legged gazelle for 5 months.

When i got it back, i was ready to set it on fire...but she was STILL fun to drive. A simple resonator delete and MGW shifter make it something you could just take off and drive for hours.

In the end, if you like torque, i’m really not sure its the one for you. But there are plenty of other things to fall in love with on this car. And going to the Utah track attack shows owners why the car is the way it is, really purpose built and an atypical “mustang” IMO.

when you say "oil consumption out of nowhere" after 6k, what do you mean? how much was it actually eating compared to before?
 

gimmie11s

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on all the test drives prior to purchase this was my thoughts as well. I thought it was weak and had nothing compared to the 500 I had. Drive it for a week or two like you normally would your car now. you would not want to give it back! the comfort and technology alone are worth most things over the S197's it takes a min to understand the characteristics of the 350 and enjoy that it is a special car. its different in every way to the "muscle" cars out now. the 350 is not a muscle car, its much more than that.

Agree with all of that.

The s550 is a huge improvement over the s197. I love mine.
 

jvandy50

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when you say "oil consumption out of nowhere" after 6k, what do you mean? how much was it actually eating compared to before?
I was checking the oil level more often than usual because i’d read about some having the issue. I expected it to use some, and wasn’t worried about it. I never had to add any, but my catch can did seem to fill up quite a bit faster than my coyote...no biggie.

But at 6500 miles i needed half quart, then was adding more and more every time i checked. So the miles per quart was increasing rapidly. By 9k it was right under 500 miles per quart and by the time it was replaced, 12k, was about 300 miles per....
 

Drewsky65

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I was checking the oil level more often than usual because i’d read about some having the issue. I expected it to use some, and wasn’t worried about it. I never had to add any, but my catch can did seem to fill up quite a bit faster than my coyote...no biggie.

But at 6500 miles i needed half quart, then was adding more and more every time i checked. So the miles per quart was increasing rapidly. By 9k it was right under 500 miles per quart and by the time it was replaced, 12k, was about 300 miles per....
Interesting, and I don’t mean to hijack this thread because there is hundreds of post here on this subject, but we’re the miles tracked or anything? I am noticing mine taking about 1/2 qt per 7-800 miles and I am just about at 4K miles on it now. I drive it HARD but no actual track miles yet. I have heard the AMSoil will actually eliminate this problem all together as well, I plan on making that switch next time I need a change.

Back to the OP, as I said above. Don’t worry about the oil consumption on making a decision on an amazing car. It’s just what these things do. It’s a 13:1 compression race engine designed to live between 5-8k rpm all day long ! It will drink a little oil and it’s ok
 

jvandy50

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Interesting, and I don’t mean to hijack this thread because there is hundreds of post here on this subject, but we’re the miles tracked or anything? I am noticing mine taking about 1/2 qt per 7-800 miles and I am just about at 4K miles on it now. I drive it HARD but no actual track miles yet. I have heard the AMSoil will actually eliminate this problem all together as well, I plan on making that switch next time I need a change.

Back to the OP, as I said above. Don’t worry about the oil consumption on making a decision on an amazing car. It’s just what these things do. It’s a 13:1 compression race engine designed to live between 5-8k rpm all day long ! It will drink a little oil and it’s ok
No tracking, but not a babied show car either. Broken in properly and always warmed up before getting on it. The rpm were kept higher than usual because that’s what the car likes. But nothing changed throughout my ownership, besides something internally. I have a curvy country road commute, so my cars get a workout...but nothing like tracking still. I get pulled over often lol.
 

Drewsky65

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No tracking, but not a babied show car either. Broken in properly and always warmed up before getting on it. The rpm were kept higher than usual because that’s what the car likes. But nothing changed throughout my ownership, besides something internally. I have a curvy country road commute, so my cars get a workout...but nothing like tracking still. I get pulled over often lol.
about the same driving I do then.
 

sn95gts

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Just got 18 GT350 sold 14 GT500 and the comparison is apple to oranges. From a stand still the GT500 is awesome but in curvy roads GT350 hands down is the winner. If you are tired of white knuckle unexpected experiences which I am, get a GT350 or compatible auto. If you know what you are buying you will be happy.

I went from a 08 Viper to the 14 GT500 and GT350 is closer to Viper than to the GT500 just an easier car to drive and the Viper was faster than both.

With that said I still may get the new GT500 in a couple of years.
 

ANGREY

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The comparisons are always apples/oranges with the 350 to other mustang variants. The real question is, do you want a street car or a track car. Do you want an MMA experience or just drive a puncher. If you're looking for a more complete driving experience, get a 350. If you're looking for a street/strip beast, do NOT get the 350. The trans combined with the power band make launching the car a razor thin experience from bog to spin and it's not TERRIBLE from a dig, but it ain't great. It's mildly uncomfortable from a roll.

Having said all that, it's not made to be a street fighter. If hauling ass in a straight line is MOST important to you, do NOT get a 350. You're way better off getting an 18+ GT with a 10 speed and modding it.

Lebanon Ford just built a moderately modified 18GT that ran 8's for mid $50's. The 18+ GT with 10 speed is one of the best street/strip platforms we've seen in a very long time.

If you want to be able to turn and brake, to get more than 1 lap at a track without overheating and going into limp mode or having the brakes fade like crazy, get a 350.
 

gimmie11s

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The comparisons are always apples/oranges with the 350 to other mustang variants. The real question is, do you want a street car or a track car. Do you want an MMA experience or just drive a puncher. If you're looking for a more complete driving experience, get a 350. If you're looking for a street/strip beast, do NOT get the 350. The trans combined with the power band make launching the car a razor thin experience from bog to spin and it's not TERRIBLE from a dig, but it ain't great. It's mildly uncomfortable from a roll.

Having said all that, it's not made to be a street fighter. If hauling ass in a straight line is MOST important to you, do NOT get a 350. You're way better off getting an 18+ GT with a 10 speed and modding it.

Lebanon Ford just built a moderately modified 18GT that ran 8's for mid $50's. The 18+ GT with 10 speed is one of the best street/strip platforms we've seen in a very long time.

If you want to be able to turn and brake, to get more than 1 lap at a track without overheating and going into limp mode or having the brakes fade like crazy, get a 350.


This is a great post.

Why do you think the 350 is mildly uncomfortable from a roll?

Seems like the car would be very fun roll racing.


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Tob

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If you road race or open track the GT350 is a fantastic platform that can be pushed to limits that previous generation Mustangs just couldn't reach.

If you are more inclined to drive only on the street/highway and are interested more in short bursts of power from a standstill then you might not be as fond of the GT350.

I had a monster GT500 and loved it. I still got excited each and every time I climbed into the GT350 and smiled every time I turned the wheel.
 

ANGREY

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This is a great post.

Why do you think the 350 is mildly uncomfortable from a roll?

Seems like the car would be very fun roll racing.


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I meant for the car, not the driver:)

There's vids of racing GT350's against the new GT from various roll speeds and my comparison is that of an MMA fighter and a boxer. For the 350 to hang with or beat a car roll racing is like an MMA fighter getting into a boxing ring with a boxer and edging him out. Put them in an Octagon and it wouldn't be a fair contest, but because roll racing and straight line jaunts are what most people know and use as measuring sticks of performance, the 350 is just out of it's depth from a launch and mildly uncomfortable from a roll, it's not in its element and for the car to even be close or win shows how stout it is in terms of overall value.

I guess a fair comparison for the 350 would be in twists and turns.

Everyone wants to compare the 350 to other street cars and ask input on a decision and it's a bit like saying "I have a GSXR and I'm thinking about getting a YZ350, which do you think is better?" Well, it depends on what you want get out of it.
 

1FASFKR

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I've had the pleasure of owning some really nice cars. To name a couple - 2012 Boss 302, 14 GT500, 16 Hellcat A8, and now the GT350R.

I loved the Boss. I often remarked to my wife that I wish I never would have traded it. But as it were, I went in for an oil change and there was a beautiful Ruby Red with black stripes 14 GT500 on the show room floor. I got caught up in the looks number one, and HP number with that car number two. The dealership made me a great deal and I parted with my RR Boss. In hindsight, I regret it. That car was fun to throw around and plenty of power for me. Just great car to enjoy driving. I want another still to this day.

The 14 GT500 was a all that as far as upgraded interior and creature comforts compared to the Boss. Lots of HP and TQ. Immediately, I could tell the difference in handling. The Boss was better. More nimble. The GT500 could blast away in straight line from roll really well. I absolutely hated the 3:31 gearing from a stop. Just hated it. The rear suspension was also lacking. You'd think Ford could have beefed it up to handle 662 HP. 285 rubber on the rear was a joke too. So like everybody else, I started modding. Beginning with the rear suspension. In its stock form it can't be trusted and there was always a pucker factor associated with it. So here I am, totally changing my true direction of what really makes me happy about driving and getting caught up in straight line fun runs. Enter the 16 HC A8.

Gotta admit, this was my first auto ever in a sports/muscle car. The HC was a very comfortable cruiser with all the amenities and brutal bruiser in a straight line with that A8. No mods necessary but DRs on wider light weight wheels. Fun to punch that car anywhere there was a straight line. Fricken smoked a lot of people. Many cars would start making their way up to give it go only to slowly fade away after seeing the side emblem. That car had R-E-S-P-E-C-T. Huge Brembos worked very well to stop that huge chassis. But corning was a laugh. The HC Challenger is true to its roots as a big sedan muscle car with a big powerful motor. Suited for the adrenaline hit of a straight line run. This car is high on the list of fun things I've owned. Still the daily/normal driving was sloppy and uninspiring. Cool to be seen in it tho. Like being seen in a 60's muscle car kinda cool.

The GT350R is the Boss I missed and much much more. Phenomenal handling. More power with all that handling. I call it Neo from Matrix. More capabilities and performance features. I'm finally back into what I really enjoy doing. That's driving. I've finally come full circle. My wife's Corvette Z51 M7 is joy to drive. It handles great and has really nice power and pull. Love to shift it. I thought GM hit a home run with its magna ride. Now, I think the Z51 is OK. Don't get me wrong, it corners extremely well and holds the road like glue. However, the GT350R whips it's ass in everything but creature comforts and creature amenities and I'm ok with it. The R is from another planet compared to the Z51. Enough tech for me but not over the top with subs, special floor mats, leather, heated/cooled seats, heated steering wheel, memory seats, etc. Don't get me wrong, I've enjoyed those comforts but the R? Well it's a different animal. Meant for different people. People who don't require all that nonsense. People who enjoy a driving experience like no other every second you're behind the wheel. Whether you're doing 50 mph or 150 mph. From the exhaust note to the shifting, to the turns. I cannot imagine a better handling balanced powered mustang ever. I can't imagine getting back into a auto ever again either. No doubt the GT500 will make an attempt to be the 9th wonder (the HC A8 was the 8th) of the automotive world but I'm good right where I am. Driving the R with a permagrin. For those who don't know how to drive a manual, LEARN. This car is "The One". This car is what driving a manual is all about.
 
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ANGREY

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All these comparison discussions over the past couple of years really demonstrate that the 350 is in a different class, as in it's own class. It isn't fitting to compare it to muscle cars and yet, it still retains some of the attitude and experience (although not all) of a muscle car so comparing it completely to a high end touring/handling car isn't the same either.

I guess the best way to some it up is to say, would you rather have a very good complete driving experience with the 350 or have a very specialized/narrower driving experience of a muscle car. The 350 isn't going to win many drag races against cars focused on straight line go, but it'll hang tough and it'll also carve up turns, brake, thrill you with every howl and shift, etc.

As I said earlier, if you want seat dyno throws of digs and roll jaunts, then get an 18+ GT, slap a dealer installed TT kit on it and have a monster. If you want a more complete all around driving experience, get a 350.
 

Max97COBRAtkd

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This is the first time I have came back to this thread in a little since I have been focusing on selling my 03 Cobra. It's sale pending now so I can focus on this. Thank you all for the input. And yes, I do believe I am just trying to sell myself at this point. I want something different from what I've had in the past, which is lots of straight line performers... I am sold on the GT350 so I will be looking for a 17 with Recaros, track, and tech packs in either lightning blue/black stripes or magnetic/blue stripes. I have time, it's starting to cool down here on the coast of NC and Winter is creeping up. Going to keep my eye out for some good deals here in the "off season" before prices start going up for Spring.

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