[STMPD1]

I’m focused on buying a ‘07 Shelby. I want low miles (30K or less).
I would like to hear feedback on why I should choose a different year of this era of Mustang.
All responses are greatly appreciated in advance.

Thanks, Donnie (STMPD1)

 

[STMPD1]

07 was the first year of the GT500 which means that it had been more debugged for later years ... that said, I don't know of any major "first year" issues with the 2007
07 is fairly "raw" or "unrefined" compared to later years ... but that might be what you want
12 and later years made substantially more power and had the new body and interior; which are more "refined"
later years like 2014? got bigger brakes, front and rear

all of which amounts to: the later years are perhaps a bit more awesome, but 2007 is probably awesome enough, especially if you like the "rawness" of it

In my thoughts...a 07 is a little older and more "raw". I want to buy an '07 then later buy a '14. In my thinking, I want older and newer S197's to compare the best of both worlds !!

I can't really explain why I have leaned toward these two years, other than my research has just led me that way so far.
I'm not in a hurry to buy, I want to be as sure as I can that I am making a good decision. That is one reason I come to this forum.
Hopefully when I am ready to buy, I can find someone to go with me.

Personally, I'd go for a 2014. I like the looks, then engine, brakes, and technology better. That's just me I guess.

I understand your response. I am wanting a '07 and a '14! I want to buy an '07 first. I guess I am trying to compare the pros of an '07 with a '08-'09. Was the '07 the first year for the Shelby GT500?

Here are more of my thoughts on the ‘07 Shelby, as my starter Mustang:

1. I love the S197. I want a Shelby.
2. I like the price range that I have seen, so far. I’ve seen several in my price range on internet during the early stage of my searches.
3. I want “raw” (2007) and at a later time, a more “refined” (2014) S197.

I am trying to hold out and wait, but its not easy !! I guess I am looking for someone more experienced to help me decide.

 

[STMPD1]

I don’t know if you realize how much you have helped me through just one post! You have basically took 6-weeks of my research and clarified many of my questions.

So many articles are written by people trying to show off their knowledge of terminology and memorized facts, they confuse their readers/viewers. You have helped tremendously.

I can understand and follow the thought of your post. You are greatly appreciated and I look forward to learning from people like you in this forum.

Again, you have helped me realize why I want an ‘07 Shelby first, then start looking for a ‘14 later. I want to be able to experience the “raw” and the “refined”!!!

One of the first things I do in my day now is look through the posts on the forum. Yes, I am addicted!! I’m looking forward to the day that I might help a newbie find their way to owning a Mustang!!

Thanks to everyone,

Donnie (STAMPD1)

 

[STMPD1]

Thanks RecI just finished watching a couple of good documentaries today, ‘A Faster Horse’ and ‘Shelby American’.

I still think the ‘07 GT500 is going to be my starting point. There is just something about it’s looks that I like.

As always, thanks for the response.

Donnie (STMPD1)

 

[STMPD1]

Thanks for the heads-up. I'll research this issue.

Thanks again,

Donnie (STMPD1)

 

[STMPD1]

Awesome info OregonGTCS

After reading your post, I’m ready to go buy one today ‼‼
I genuinely appreciate the information. Although no one wants things to go wrong, I ain’t skeered to anticipate repairs. To me, these mods/upgrades are only small consequences compared to enjoying the status of Shelby GT500 ownership ‼‼

I picture myself having fun while still trying to be conservative. You sound as though you are the same.

Thank you again,
Donnie (STAMPD1)

 

[STMPD1]

@richie b
Thank you. Others have mentioned clutch issues as well. I will keep it in mind.
I want to get a low- mile car (under 30k miles). I expect even new 2007 cars will have some issues almost 20 years later.

My 2012 F150 had a BCM output for the running lights, tail lights go bad. To get it replaced / repaired was $1200. I tried to get the BCM replaced but I could not find a BCM. Dealers said I could not replace it with one from another truck. They told me it had to be a new one from Ford, but it was out of stock nationwide.

I ended up temporary wiring some tail lights. I’ve been driving it like that for about a year and a half.
Computer problems are not any fun and not cheap.

Thanks again for your post,
Donnie

 

[STMPD1]

FordTechMakuloco had a video related to this. The taillights on the high end F150s had special taillights that had water intrusion problems and would short out requiring very expensive taillight replacement. That could damage the SJB(smart junction box) which is the Ford term for the BCM/GEM in modern vehicles. I think that there was a TSB issued for it.
You can send your SJB out to be repaired at an automotive module repair service. That's assuming that the only problem is actually the taillight output on the SJB and not the taillights themselves or the wiring/connectors. Pro-Tech Auto Systems, Automotive Circuit Solutions, circuitboardmedics, Autoecm, Upfix, and Module Master are all proven and reputable companies to fix various modules. These companies have been talked about on here with good results but beware of any others. Read independent reviews and go to the BBB site to check any company out. Some companies won't be able to fix some modules from 2005 and up but some will.

I will check out more but the Ford dealer is who told me that the problem was an output on the BCM located behind the fuse box. The rest of the folks I talked to agreed with the Ford dealer that the part is not available.
Now that I have these Company names, I will follow up.
Thank you,

Donnie (STMPD1)

 

[STMPD1]

Awesome clarification for me. Thank you, again, as always.
Im sure the Ford Service Manager knew to use simple terminology for me 😊😂😁🤣‼

I’m not a mechanic anymore. I started out my first job at 14 working for my uncle. He was the only automatic transmission shop in our area of KY back then!! I learned a lot about working on vehicles there.
But that was almost 50 years ago!! (and a lot of misspent youth in between). I’ve certainly paid for that period of my life over the past 35 years.
Thanks again,

Donnie (STMPD1)

 

[STMPD1]

airwolff

I know it will be whenever I finally get one.
What part of FL are you in? My daughter lives in Okeechobee.
Thanks,
Donnie - STMPD1

 

[STMPD1]

Looks like about 3 hrs from Okeechobee. We will be down for a cruise out of Cape Canaveral Jan28th. Hoping to enjoy some warm FL weather.

Donnie - STMPD1