2020 MARK VI MUSTANG: Lovin' My New Car - Reginald A. Craig
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2020 MARK VI MUSTANG: Lovin' My New Car - Reginald A. Craig
It was last year February 22, 2019 that I turned my pondering into a promise...
Dear Reggie,
My goal is to purchase a 2020 Ford Mustang GT with a Manual Transmission. I totally understand that this pony car is not as sleek as the Corvette or as fast as a Ferrari. However, speed is not my desire for this acquisition. I value the Mustangs historical automotive importance and the connection to my birth place Detroit. The love of cars has always been apart of my upbringing. I’ve come to a point in life where the Mustang is the only car I want to own from brand new, even in spite of typical depreciation.
REALITY ONE YEAR LATER:
On January 13, 2020 I purchased my very own brand spankin' new Mustang GT in Velocity Blue. My vehicle purchase was smooth and stress free from Tom Holzer Ford; a car dealership located in Farmington Hills Michigan. I did my research online using the official Ford website; there I was able to select the trim level, specific equipment and color I was interested in. To my delight all available Mustang's fulfilling my criteria instantly listed with details including the Vehicle Identification Number and dealer location. I was also able to electronically request a quote within the Ford website to the dealer with the specific car I selected. Within moments I was contacted by Jim Lerchenfeldt; Customer Relations of Tom Holzer Ford. Jim answered my questions over the phone and provided scheduling updates via email. The following morning Jim paired me with Christopher Pollock; an experienced Tom Holzer Ford sales representative. My Mustang to be purchased was awaiting my arrival. Chris understood my automotive needs and was enthusiastic about my selection. He has a wealth of knowledge about the Mustang and shared info to access additional resources online. Before the sale was complete I was granted a test drive while the final documents were being assembled. When I returned everything was organized in the financing office by Louis Zinzi. Lou respectfully presented to me all the terms with no pressure to add warranties outside of my budget. Afterwards I was given a personal demonstration by Alex Hamilton,(AKA) the on site technology specialist for the SYNC infotainment system and the My FordPass App. In just three days my license plate was ready. Chris installed and all the while providing helpful recommendations to get the best Mustang ownership experience. The entire process was a breeze and I would definitely suggest you check out the Tom Holzer team and their beautiful showroom.
PS. The service department was clean too
MY FIRST THOUSAND MILES EXPERIENCE AND IMPRESSION:
The dashboard is massive with the gauge cluster wide and prominent. I was shocked how readable the center digital screen is in between the analog dials. This feature is helpful to display your speed In clear vision allowing you to easily glance at other important functions while driving. The armrest storage compartment surprised me that it electronically locks with the vehicle security system. Once you start the car it allows open access. Also I was pleasantly pleased the door storage is long enough to fit a closed umbrella.
The door sill gives a warm ambient glow with the Mustang font selectable in a variety of colors. It’s an upscale touch to such an aggressive vehicle. The entire front seating area is comfortable with plenty of shoulder room between passengers. However, it is easy to mistakenly separate the rubber seal around the open window that tucks in the outer most edge of the headliner.
It seems like either my hat rubs against it when I exit the vehicle or the power window is creating a suction and pulling the rubber away from the fabric. Which ever the cause, after I realigned the materials and pressed firmly it hasn’t come apart again.
Backseats... what backseats???
To accommodate rear passengers everyone must compromise. You must be patient while the front power seat slowly moves forward to provide entry room before your guest even sits down. Even more inconvenient is the need for adjusted positions; front passengers are now pushed closer to the A-Pillar all while having to contort around the seat bolster and ducking your head away from the sloping roofline. Thankfully the seat-back has a mechanical memory lever accessible to the rear passenger. Seatbelt straps are suspended by a magnetic loop for easy reach.
Yes, the Mustang can transport additional passengers but best reserved for young children. I must admit I only dared to test the backseat once and I nearly twisted The Family Jewels upon exiting the vehicle.
The cold start is the most amazing 3 minute experience. The exhaust is raw and super deep. At the touch of a button the 5 liter engine roars to a strong idle and vapers of fog rise high covering the tail lights. The car will let you know the dramatics are nearly complete by the settling RPM to a smooth sobering rumble.
Cold vs. Normal engine temperatures give vastly different operation behavior, especially engine tolerance when lifting the clutch to engage 1st gear. Once the car reaches proper operation temperature the idle is very low, making the car sensitive and requiring the user to be mindful of clutch bite point and pressing the throttle. Drive modes especially Snow/Wet dumbs down the response to a numbing feeling. This makes you have to adjust your 1st gear clutch operation technique. However the feature is helpful especially driving on unsuspecting black ice. Towards the first 1000 miles I did notice more predictable clutch behavior in all conditions, as it seems to now be broken-in.
INFUSING TECHNOLOGY WITH TRADITION:
The Rev-match feature adds so much fun and character that’s signature to the Mustang experience. Having a manual made it easier to follow the recommendations during the break in period.
I varied my RPM’s by selecting different gears at cruising speed. Also I avoided full open throttle or bogging the engine down during that period. Other driver aid features such as Hill Assist takes getting used to. It really works but doesn’t feel natural so you must briefly delay your power through efforts as the hold automatically releases. When driving a manual you gotta pay attention. This is a machine you must respect at all times. The power is beyond sufficient with 460 horsepower at the crank and 420 pound feet of torque. Many people with new stock Mustang's have dyno figures reporting 415 real-world horses to the rear wheels. My GT is equipped with 18"x8 Machined-Face Aluminum Wheels with High-Gloss Ebony Black-Painted Pockets. I live in the Great Lakes region, therefore all season tires are a must. With this wheel package it really looks classy, especially with the complementing Silver Pony and GT emblems.
Speaking of adding a nice touch, you can adjust the radio volume and Bluetooth on the fly with Ford SYNC. This intuitive 8" touchscreen and voice command infotainment system allows you to control various functions including the ventilation temperature.
The audio levels can also be set different between sources. For example if Siri is too quiet under your music you can turn the volume knob up while she is speaking and it won’t increase the radio broadcast. The same applies to the radio, turn it up or down when Siri isn’t giving map directions and that setting won’t be effected.
CARE AND CLEANING WITH CAUTION:
Frequently check engine bay fluids especially the motor oil during the first few thousand miles. The 5.0 Coyote V8 has a larger than usual (10 quart) oil capacity that must be maintained at the proper level.
The keys don't like to be dropped, sometimes the car won't recognize key fob briefly after being jarred. This is a temporary condition that usually corrects its self.
Door handle will conveniently unlock automatically on first pull, just allow the sensor a chance to recognize your finger placement and body position with key fob.
Sharp edges on exhaust tips are a flesh slicing hazard when cleaning the car. You must protect your hands and extremities when near the area.
Honeycomb grille holds dirt and the Heat Extractors trap water. You must raise hood for a couple minutes to drain excess water. If you forget to practice this tip, you will be reminded later with flowing streams of water crawling up the hood when you accelerate quickly. By the time you reach your destination a haze of dried spots have already peppered your shiny hood.
CLOSING THOUGHTS:
I have zero regrets purchasing my 2020 Mustang GT. Knowing cost and options in advance prevented me from sticker shock. Having access to a wealth of information helped me to make a financially sound decision. I'm proud to support a local company who have reached global scale, but still manufactures right here in Michigan at The Flat Rock Assembly Plant.
LINCOLN LOVE: A TRUE STORY EXPERIENCED AND WRITTEN BY REGINALD A. CRAIG In the mid-70’s I was born and raised in the city of Detroit where cars and music were king. The first automobile I ever rode in as an infant was my dad’s 1972 Lincoln Continental Mark IV. My father always owned a Continental and it was a normal thing for me to see growing up. The earliest memories I relate to the Mark IV is a family outing to Safari Land - Canada, where the giraffes stoop their necks low to be hand feed leaves while visitors drive their cars slowly through the terrain. When we weren't cruising around my father often drove his Continental to work. On his return home he’d CB radio to the house his handle; “Handyman 1 to Handyman 2, do you read me over…”. That was our cue that he was coming in for a landing and to open the backyard gates. However the least flattering memory was how frequently my dad needed to add oil. Seeing this routine familiari...
RELATIONSHIP LOVE: Easy Starting - Difficult Keeping, by Reginald A. Craig They say you don’t miss what you never had, but that doesn’t mean you didn’t want for it! WAITING FOR THE FIRST KISS: Deny at all cost. Sabotage with insults and spitballs. Nobody can even be allowed to conjure up the idea that me and a 3rd grade classmate would ever be sitting in a tree… Well folks, back in those days it was total embarrassment for anyone to assume that I would have a girlfriend. As a kid all I really wanted to do was play with my joystick and dribble a ball, Atari joystick that is ; ) The next school year girls weren’t as scary to me but I was still afraid to befriend one particular classmate who at the time might have been the ideal first “Girl Friend”. Her name was Melissa and she was a very bright student. My trouble however was not with her, but with a kid named Michael. He was the class bully and often tormented me. I could’t afford any additional attention being drawn to...
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Cold vs. Normal engine temperatures give vastly different operation behavior, especially engine tolerance when lifting the clutch to engage 1st gear. Once the car reaches proper operation temperature the idle is very low, making the car sensitive and requiring the user to be mindful of clutch bite point and pressing the throttle. Drive modes especially Snow/Wet dumbs down the response to a numbing feeling. This makes you have to adjust your 1st gear clutch operation technique. However the feature is helpful especially driving on unsuspecting black ice. Towards the first 1000 miles I did notice more predictable clutch behavior in all conditions, as it seems to now be broken-in.
I varied my RPM’s by selecting different gears at cruising speed. Also I avoided full open throttle or bogging the engine down during that period. Other driver aid features such as Hill Assist takes getting used to. It really works but doesn’t feel natural so you must briefly delay your power through efforts as the hold automatically releases. When driving a manual you gotta pay attention. This is a machine you must respect at all times. The power is beyond sufficient with 460 horsepower at the crank and 420 pound feet of torque. Many people with new stock Mustang's have dyno figures reporting 415 real-world horses to the rear wheels. My GT is equipped with 18"x8 Machined-Face Aluminum Wheels with High-Gloss Ebony Black-Painted Pockets. I live in the Great Lakes region, therefore all season tires are a must. With this wheel package it really looks classy, especially with the complementing Silver Pony and GT emblems.
The audio levels can also be set different between sources. For example if Siri is too quiet under your music you can turn the volume knob up while she is speaking and it won’t increase the radio broadcast. The same applies to the radio, turn it up or down when Siri isn’t giving map directions and that setting won’t be effected.
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