2015 Mustang Ecoboost - Should I get the performance package?

[toomuchdogfur]

Hey all,

I am currently looking at getting a 2015 Ford Mustang Ecoboost (Fastback, Automatic) and am wondering whether I should spend the extra $2k for the performance package, which consists of:

• K-Brace
• Upsized Rear Sway Bar
• Unique Chassis Tuning
• Larger Brake Rotors with 4-Piston Calipers
• 19” X 9” Gloss Black painted aluminum wheels (Summer Tires Only)
• Unique EPAS, ABS and stability control tuning
• Aluminum Dash Panel
• 3.55 Limited Slip Rear Axle
• Larger Radiator
• Heavy-Duty Front Springs
• Gauge Pack (Oil Pressure and Boost)
• Spoiler Delete

Value for money wise it seems like a yes, however I will be using this mostly as a daily commuter and weekend highway cruiser so comfort is a consideration. As much as I like taking average suburban corners hard, I suspect those stiffer springs and bigger wheels will give a harsher ride and that I won't be pushing the limits of the stock setup anyway.

So what do you guys think? Anything good on the performance pack for a soft bastard like myself?

And to answer why I am getting a Mustang in the first place:

• It has an automatic option (traffic commuting, soft bastard etc etc)
• I'd like something with a bit of power
• I like how it looks
• I'm actually an expat from Australia, and Ford is currently doing the best deals for expat leases
• For some reason, it costs me less to lease this than a Ford Fiesta (not that I'm complaining)

Thanks!

 

[tweakmonkey]

Sounds like a lot of stuff that will make it more enjoyable to drive.

$2000 for all that is an insane value. You'll want the brakes and gears etc.

Boo automatic though !! Why buy a car like this if it's auto...

 

[JulesMaximus]

No, you should get the GT.

 

[toomuchdogfur]

Heh yeah I know... to be honest, I've never driven a stick properly before and I figure I'll have enough to contend with switching from right hand drive to left hand drive.

Also I live in LA, so traffic!

 

[thedarkwolf]

You are buying an automatic mustang to sit in traffic with. Skip the performance pack.

 

[tweakmonkey]

I'd buy a car with auto/radar cruise control

 

[Midwayman]

I'd do it.

 

[exar333]

Just the LSD and wheels would be worth that...definitely do it.

 

[toomuchdogfur]

Just the LSD and wheels would be worth that...definitely do it.

I can get upgraded wheels for just $155, and the 3.55 limited slip for $395 (or 3.31 ratio instead of 3.15 at no cost)... Does that change anything?

 

[Kelvrick]

I brake upgrade is a huge part of the value of that package, assuming the regular ones are the standard 2 piston up front 1 piston in back? What does the chassis tuning consist of? I'm not sure if these prices apply to the mustang, but here is how I see the value of the package. Prices are approximate and probably have a good 25% in up/down variance.

$150 K-Brace
$220 Upsized Rear Sway Bar
$?? Unique Chassis Tuning
$1500 Larger Brake Rotors with 4-Piston Calipers (front and back?)
$negligible 19” X 9” Gloss Black painted aluminum wheels (Summer Tires Only)
Unique EPAS, ABS and stability control tuning
$negligible Aluminum Dash Panel
$400 3.55 Limited Slip Rear Axle
$400 Larger Radiator
$200 Heavy-Duty Front Springs
$200 Gauge Pack (Oil Pressure and Boost)
$negligible Spoiler Delete

If you don't like the rims, you can probably trade or sell them off to someone for factory or other rims.

Cliffs: Do eeet. Unless you're just going to take this to cruise around and not drive "aggressively." Then don't do it.

 

[exar333]

I can get upgraded wheels for just $155, and the 3.55 limited slip for $395 (or 3.31 ratio instead of 3.15 at no cost)... Does that change anything?

I don't think so. Those are fantastic prices though, for sure...

The springs, brakes and radiatior will be nice additions too. It is a lot of stuff for $2k.

 

[Subyman]

I brake upgrade is a huge part of the value of that package, assuming the regular ones are the standard 2 piston up front 1 piston in back? What does the chassis tuning consist of? I'm not sure if these prices apply to the mustang, but here is how I see the value of the package. Prices are approximate and probably have a good 25% in up/down variance.

$150 K-Brace
$220 Upsized Rear Sway Bar
$?? Unique Chassis Tuning
$1500 Larger Brake Rotors with 4-Piston Calipers (front and back?)
$negligible 19” X 9” Gloss Black painted aluminum wheels (Summer Tires Only)
Unique EPAS, ABS and stability control tuning
$negligible Aluminum Dash Panel
$400 3.55 Limited Slip Rear Axle
$400 Larger Radiator
$200 Heavy-Duty Front Springs
$200 Gauge Pack (Oil Pressure and Boost)
$negligible Spoiler Delete

If you don't like the rims, you can probably trade or sell them off to someone for factory or other rims.

Cliffs: Do eeet. Unless you're just going to take this to cruise around and not drive "aggressively." Then don't do it.

Consider too that the $2k performance pack goes into the auto loan which could be as low as ~2% APR. Compared to a 20%+ credit card purchase.

 

[salvorhardin]

IMO, since you're leasing it I would go with the Standard package. If I was buying it then I would get the package. Unless you plan on keeping it once the lease ends.

 

[HitAnyKey]

For a DD its not worth it. You got a decently fast car to get you to work. I think spending another 2K is going a bit overboard. Save your coin for a vacation.

 

[inachu]

sport mode in the eco boost is more noticeabe than in the 5.0 mustang.

After switching to sport mode at a red light i almost crapped my pants.

 

[MagickMan]

You are buying an automatic mustang to sit in traffic with. Skip the performance pack.

This. If you're going to sit in traffic all day you might as well get the squishy suspension. In fact, you might as well buy a base V6, because you'll rarely get into the boost range anyway.

 

[CombatChuk]

The Brakes and suspension upgrades are worth it IMO... I'd do it

 

[Yuriman]

I voted "no". That's a lot of stuff for $2k, but the rear axle and rims (and presumably tires) are probably going to rob you of some of your fuel economy, and it sounds like you'll rarely (or never) push the car enough to appreciate them. You'll be more comfortable and have more money in your pocket if you skip the pack.

 

[MongGrel]

I wouldn't buy a mustang to begin with.

Just my two cents.

 

[inachu]

I wouldn't buy a mustang to begin with.

Just my two cents.

I went to BMW first.

It was the sales guy that mention that I would be better off getting a mustang.

This was 3 years ago when BMW had those fire issues and nobody wanted one.

 

[xSkyDrAx]

You should probably try one with and one with out. Pretty sure the dealer will have both on hand.

Also if you're not entirely interested in 'pushing the limits' of the car, then I guess the question is are the rest of the upgrades i.e looks/features worth the 2k to you?

Sometimes the visual difference is enough to justify. Also it sounds like you're leasing which means you won't have it for that long so it doesn't seem like that big of a deal either way?

 

[slugg]

IMO, since you're leasing it I would go with the Standard package. If I was buying it then I would get the package. Unless you plan on keeping it once the lease ends.

This is the most correct answer in the thread.

 

[IHateMyJob2004]

AMAZING.

I grew up in 1990-1995 and when my brother had a Plymouth Acclaim that got 200 HP I was amazed. Not the standard engine but an upgrade.

Now people get 200 HP as a matter of fact and they wonder if it is enough.

What a crock of shit.

 

[toomuchdogfur]

Thanks for all the replies everyone, I really appreciate hearing some more thoughts about this. I will try to address the points raised here:

Consider too that the $2k performance pack goes into the auto loan which could be as low as ~2% APR. Compared to a 20%+ credit card purchase.

My lease rate is quite a fair bit higher than that... but yeah the numbers quoted for the rims and LSD are also factory spec so they will go into the lease like the Perf Pack does. I'm asking my agents to requote the Mustang with and without the Perf Pack to see how much of the $2k I'll actually have to pay over the life of my lease.

IMO, since you're leasing it I would go with the Standard package. If I was buying it then I would get the package. Unless you plan on keeping it once the lease ends.

Yeah that makes sense... not keeping it, I will probably be going back to Aus.

You should probably try one with and one with out... are the rest of the upgrades i.e looks/features worth the 2k to you? ...

I will try to do that, but to be honest I'm not sure I will have enough time (there's a very limited time frame in which I can secure an expat lease). If I was just after the visuals then I could get the rims for $150... I'd like to have the best performing variant of the Mustang for the occasional kick, but not sure if I want to compromise DD comfort for it

The springs, brakes and radiatior will be nice additions too. It is a lot of stuff for $2k.

Agreed, the upgraded brakes and bigger radiator are appealing to me as well... springs, eh, better handling but firmer ride, not sure about which way to go...

sport mode in the eco boost is more noticeabe than in the 5.0 mustang.

After switching to sport mode at a red light i almost crapped my pants.

Hahaha this summarizes my dilemma... I'd like a less stiff ride and a cheaper lease, but damn I'd like to have that kick! Are the selectable modes really that big of a difference? (Also wasn't it only the Eco Premium that had that?)

 

[michal1980]

OP you sound like you don't know how leasing works. You really need to educate yourself before a dealer takes advantage of you.

currently the ecoboost mustang has a .75% interest rate with a 68% residual on a 24month/10k miles lease.