Is the EcoBoost really THAT bad compared to a GT?!? - 2021 Ford Mustang EcoBoost 6MT Review 

Thank you very much! I appreciate that. Yeah, I had a ton of fun ripping this car around. Getting a manual EcoBoost is non-negotiable, no questions asked. It’s the only way to have this car! Literally goes from boring rental car, to something you can actually have a great time with. I’m sure your GT is even more fun, but this EcoBoost held its own for what it was! Please make sure to leave me a like on the video, and also consider subscribing to the channel! It really helps me out to grow, and I certainly appreciate it. Take care, and have a great day! Thanks so much for watching. -Mark

I have the same car for 1200 Canadian dollars, I got the Ford factory tune which gave me 350 horsepower and 426 pound feet of torque. Of course you need the 355 Rear End for this.

Nice! Is that an aftermarket system, or was that a factory option? I’m really glad you’re enjoying your EcoBoost though, and thank you so much for checking out my video! If you enjoyed it, please make sure to leave me a like, and also consider subscribing to the channel! It really helps me out to grow, and I certainly appreciate it. Take care, and have a good one! -Mark

@@DoubleClutchAutoReviews thanks for your reply... It's a factory option... It only comes standard on Shelby GT500's & GT350's... You can add it as an option on GT's and EcoBoost's... But I highly recommend it for EcoBoost buyers!

@@JalilAljuboory No problem! And that’s not a bad idea. I’m surprised that they have an adaptable option for all models of Mustangs across-the-board. That’s actually seriously impressive!

Yeah I hear ya! To be honest, I actually had a lot more fun driving the EcoBoost than you would expect. It’s certainly not as powerful, smooth, or lovely sounding as the Coyote… But for what it is, and what you are paying, I thought this car was a blast! And you are correct. The 10-speeds do get up and go and shift rather quickly with all of those gears, but I honestly prefer a standard any day with this kind of a platform. Thanks for checking out the video, and happy Thanksgiving to you as well my friend!

Thanks so much! Yes, those are a ton of great points that you make. Especially about the EcoBoost feeling like a GR86/FRS. Of course, the Mustang certainly feels a little bit longer than those with not as sharp of handling and maneuverability. However, since you are clearly a huge Mustang fan, given the fact that you own 2 of them, the EcoBoost certainly shines as an excellent daily driver for you that is also still lots of fun. I’m assuming your Bullitt is a Tremec 6-speed manual. Is your Ecoboost manual as well? Thanks so much for watching also! Please feel free to leave me a like, and also consider subscribing to the channel! It really helps me out to grow, and I certainly appreciate it. 😁

Fair point! As if it’s more focused on being economical, rather than on boosting for instance? Hahah makes sense though! Would you take this and potentially save up to 15 grand? Or, would you just go with the GT. Personally, I think I would still go with GT, or even a higher trim like a Shelby if I had the money. However, I cannot deny that still I had an absolute blast driving this car.

@@DoubleClutchAutoReviews I’d get the GT as well. I wouldn’t use a Mustang daily, so I wouldn’t care about fuel economy. It’s already impractical anyway so let me have the power to match the looks.

​@@gve-tp1kd ​ Very well said! I feel like I couldn't agree more. If you wouldn't use any Mustang daily, than that completely makes sense to me too. However, If I were someone that just needed to have Mustang, didn't mind driving it daily, was only able to have one car, AND I was a little younger, like in my late teens/early 20's, I can see the EcoBoost being a valid option. If that were the case, my goal would be to have a still very fun RWD manual car, that's also sort-of good on gas if I need it to be. It's also a car with a great deal of tuning potential being turboed from the factory, and it also has a good deal of aftermarket support being a Mustang. Most importantly, I would be getting a much cheaper rate on insurance for a young, single male. Those are essentially all of the points I was trying to make in this review. However, now that I am older, and I can own more than one car, I would never go with just an EcoBoost. I would get a GT, or even a Shelby without a doubt if I were to go with a Mustang at this point in my life. I'm sure many would agree with this, but I also feel like I can be a little more responsible and more equipped to handle a GT/Shelby with the years of driving experience I have now versus me at 19/20 years old lol. Let me know what you think! Also, thanks so much for checking out the video. If you enjoyed it, please make sure to leave me a like, and also consider su​bscribing to the channel! It really helps me out to grow, and I sincerely appreciate it. Take care, and have a good one! -Mark

Hey my man! Thanks for checking out the new video as always. Yeah, even though it's "just an EcoBoost", it was a lot more fun to rip around than you would expect! And yeah, I'm glad you liked that, I just thought that was something funny I had to point out lol. I filmed this in mid-September so it was still nice and warm out. Yes, I agree same here... Pretty much waiting for the warm weather again! Where do you live Agera? And happy Thanksgiving to you too my friend! Thanks as always for checking out the video!

@@DoubleClutchAutoReviews Its a super nice car for sure. I would definitely drive it! Although I've never driven manual lol. I live in Ohio but I'm from Michigan :)

@@AgeraXXX You should try it! I'm sure you could find someone that would be willing to show you the ropes. As an enthusiast, I'm sure you would enjoy it, especially for a car like this! And nice! My very good friend lives in out in Gallipolis now if you know where that is lol

Nice! I bet they look good in gunmetal too. I don't see them too often at all either, and I'm not sure why. I feel like more people would have bought these over many other wheel options that come on the S550 Mustang. Beats me. Thanks for checking out my video though! If you enjoyed it, please make sure to leave me a like, and also consider subscribing! It really helps me grow my channel, and I certainly appreciate it. Take care, and have good one! -Mark

Hey there! Thanks so much, I really appreciate that! Please consider subscribing to the channel as well! It really helps me out. As far as the suspension setups go between the EcoBoost and the GT, my research shows that you can get sport-tuned suspension packages on both models. Double check the window sticker on the specific Mustang you are looking at to make sure. Unfortunately, I do not recall which suspension package this one had. I felt like it rode comfortably enough for what I was expecting out of a Mustang, and I was pleased. However, it did not feel as sharp or precise in corners as many other cars I have driven. You also have to consider that this is $30,000 car, and it is not going to have a very sophisticated and advanced suspension setup that other cars may have for a significantly higher cost. If handling is a big factor for you, I would absolutely recommend getting a Mustang with the sport-tuned suspension. That will probably make a big difference that people like you and I would enjoy very much. On the other hand, If you're looking for a more comfortable ride, I would probably go with a Premium trim EcoBoost or GT that just has the regular suspension package. I'm assuming that one would probably be more comfortable, and it would definitely be more affordable. I hope this helps, and thanks so much for watching! Take care and have a great day. -Mark

@@DoubleClutchAutoReviews thank you so much.. I’m looking for a Mustang with the most comfortable ride I’m over 60 but I really enjoy the mustang and I love the way it looks so I guess I’ll probably be OK. Thanks again for replying and I did subscribe I don’t know why. It doesn’t show that I subscribed I’ll check into it.

@@aaasuperiorslidingdoorrepa8273 Yeah, they are cool looking cars. The best thing is about the different trims is that they all look relatively the same, especially if you get some simple little add-ons to the EcoBoost to spice it up a bit! I would recommend you go with a Premium trim in either an EcoBoost or GT. This will ensure you have the most comfortable interior/seats and most technologies available to you. And thank you very much! I really appreciate that. I wouldn’t worry too much if it doesn’t show it, because I’m sure it worked. Double check if you would like to make sure. Either way I sincerely appreciate that!

One more thing, since new, my computer says I’m averaging 27 mpg. Now that’s mostly freeway cruising at about 75-80.

@@Anon1mous That is awesome to hear! Thanks so much for sharing. To be honest, my intended audience for this video was pretty much people exactly like you! I'm very glad to hear you are happy with it. As you can see from my expressions, it is still quite a fun car to rip around. The V8 is awesome of course, but it doesn't need to be a V8 to be fun. It makes total sense for you to get the EcoBoost with a 80 mile commute in California. I don't even wanna know how much you would've spent on gas if you got a bare-bones GT instead! I hope you enjoyed the review, and thanks for watching! If you did, please consider liking the video and subscribing as well! I really appreciate it. Take care, and enjoy your EcoBoost! -Mark

I can absolutely respect that. 👍🏼✌🏼

​@@Anon1mous i get 14 mpg with 22' MT ecoboost.

Fair point! I can definitely see why you prefer the sound of the GT over the EcoBoost. Yes, Vegas is obviously very busy. I've stayed on the strip twice (Luxor & Planet Hollywood) but unfortunately never ventured off into the hills. Once you get well into the outskirts, is there some good driving out there? Like past Red Rock or anywhere like that? I can imagine it could be amazing if you find the right spot. I'd like to hear your thoughts! Thank you for also checking out my video. If you enjoyed it, please make sure to leave me a like and also consider subscribing to the channel! It really helps me out to grow, and I sincerely appreciate it. Take care, and have a good one! -Mark

Nice my friend! Yeah, unfortunately they still are pretty high. Might have to wait for a real market shift, or maybe even an economic downturn before prices drop back to a fair level. Good luck with the hunt, and thank you so much for checking out the video! If you enjoyed it, please make sure to like and subscribe to the channel as well! It really helps me out. Thanks so much, and have a great day! -Mark

I'll sell you mine for 30k. 2021 Ecoboost MT only 9.3k miles on it.

Horsepower numbers certainly have jumped dramatically over the last 10 years!! You are correct, a lot of people on the Internet don't realize that 300 HP was a lot back then, and it STILL is a lot today. That especially for an entry-level car, or a new driver. You can still have a lot of fun, and also get yourself into trouble quickly with that amount of power. Everyone on the internet now thinks you need 1000 HP in no matter what car or else it isn't fast or fun. Totally not true. We definitely are spoiled now with how far and fast these modern cars have come. Thank you for checking out the review video though! I hope you enjoyed it. If you did, please make sure to leave me a like, and also consider subscribing to the channel! It really helps me out to grow, and I certainly appreciate it. Take care, and have a good one! -Mark

You are correct! The GT is in fact rated for 24 MPG on the highway. If you keep your foot out of it, I bet you could probably even crest over 25 mpg on a long road trip. Not bad for a V8! However, the point I made in the video about fuel economy was mostly made geared toward every day driving/commuting in a variety of scenarios. The EcoBoost will definitely beat the GT in that regard, especially in stop-and-go around town driving. Nonetheless, I hope you enjoyed my review of the mustang EcoBoost! If you did, please make sure to leave me a like, and also consider subscribing to the channel! It really helps me out to grow, and I certainly appreciate it. Take care, and have a good one! -Mark

OOOF that is a good question. I appreciate you dropping a comment and asking my advice! First, I would say evaluate both options with a scrutinizing eye factoring in their current mileage, overall condition, and asking price. If one appears to be in much better condition, or a much better deal overall than the other, those can be significant deciding factors. Secondly, which do you like the looks of better? The 2017 is of course the new S550 body style which some people are more partial to. However, I would personally go with the older GT. I still like the styling of that generation Mustang, so I don’t feel like I necessarily need a newer one. I also feel like the V8 is a much better platform for a Mustang as a whole. That is of course, as long as you can swing the extra cost upfront, higher insurance, premiums, and the worse fuel economy. The center screen wouldn’t make a difference to me personally. I would care much more about the driving platform buying a car like that. You also have to consider that the 2012 GT has a live rear axle (one whole piece) and it’s not going to handle as well around corners. The S550 chassis has independent rear suspension, giving you much more stability and cornering ability. We all know that Mustangs aren’t real corner carvers anyway, so for that reason I would pick the GT if those were my two choices. Think about all of those factors though, and decide for yourself! If an EcoBoost is more of the preferred platform for you, I’m sure you will be happy with it if it has been well-kept, and it’s a good price. Also, thank you so much for checking out my video! If you enjoyed it, please make sure to leave me a like, and also consider subscribing to the channel! It really helps me out to grow, and I certainly appreciate it. Take care, have a good one! -Mark

@@DoubleClutchAutoReviews Thanks a lot for your detailed breakdown of the comparison, i’ll keep all that in mind. they’re both black and both convertibles and same price but I’m going to see the GT first because it’s location is much closer to me

@@calebbell2848 Not a problem! Sounds like a good idea. Make sure you drive both of them though if you are serious! It's always good to have multiple experiences to compare your options. That way you can pick the best one that's right for you. You may end up liking the EcoBoost better, who knows?! Good luck!

Good question! I’m not sure, but I do believe so, according to some quick research. I did not notice that it had that feature when I reviewed this car though. The rev matching that you heard in the video was just me. Personally, I do not prefer auto rev matching. I know it’s a nice feature to have at times. However, if you make the choice to buy/drive a manual transmission, I say you should put in the extra work to rev match it yourself. To me, that is a great portion of the fun of it anyway! Why bother getting a manual if you don’t want to do the work to shift it yourself, up or down? That’s just me though! Either way, I hope you enjoyed the video! If you did, please make sure to leave me a like, and also consider subscribing to the channel! It’s free, and it really helps me out to grow, so I certainly appreciate it. Take care, have a good one! -Mark 😎🤙

Just a muffler and resonator delete! Tell me, do you like the sound of it, or no? Just genuinely curious!

Damn! You must either send it 24/7, or the EPA significantly underestimated the fuel economy… Probably a combination of both, right? Hahahah

Even with bald tires I don’t get that type of mpg with good tires I can get around 27-28 mpg right now I’m getting 25mpg

@@ThePery123 Yeah, I believe you. I’m guessing this person either drives in rush hour traffic every day, sends it full throttle everywhere he goes, or a combo of both hahaha

@@DoubleClutchAutoReviews lol I’m still on the same brakes at 30K I like to go with the flow it’s a ecoboost not a 2013 GT500 😂😂😂

@@ThePery123 Fair enough! As long as you have fun and stay safe, how are you drive your Mustang is up to you.

Do you mean the specific one I went to? Or, just all dealers in general? You are right though. EVERYONE was jacking up prices. Unfortunately, the GTs did seem to carry a higher percentage dealer mark up a lot of the time compared to the EcoBoost. That's purely just based on demand. However, taxes, insurance, fuel economy, and any other factors that I mentioned have nothing to do with this crazy market we have nowadays with all of the dealer mark ups! Someone will still save a lot of money in the long run with an EcoBoost over a GT. Yet, they can still have a fun, 6-speed manual, RWD Mustang. That was the main point I was trying to make in this video. The EcoBoost certainly isn't as cool. However, it is still at decently affordable and very fun car to put through its paces for someone wanting to get into a Mustang. Nonetheless, I still hope you enjoyed my review video! If you did, please make sure to leave me a like, and also consider subscribing to my channel! The subscription is free to you, and it really helps me out to grow, so I sincerely appreciate it. Take care, and have a good one! -Mark

Thanks for checking out the video! If you enjoyed it, please make sure to leave me a like, and also consider subscribing to the channel! It really helps me out to grow, and I certainly appreciate it. Take care, and have a great day! -Mark

Your opinion is absolutely not worthless! I welcome all constructive criticism of the vehicles I review, as well as my take on them. I also completely agree with you. I don’t think an EcoBoost can or will ever sound as good, let alone better than a GT. The only way I could see it being possible is if you fully build the engine and slap a huge turbo on it that makes tons of awesome noises. Even then though, it will never have the growl of a V8. Nonetheless, thanks for checking out the video! I really appreciate it. If you enjoyed it, please make sure to leave me a like, and also consider subscribing! It really helps me out to grow my channel. Thanks so much! Have a great day. -Mark

@@DoubleClutchAutoReviews No problem. I just subscribed

@@TheHudsonValleyWanderer Thanks so much! 😁 Have a good one my friend.

I can totally respect your opinion! I'm impressed that you can get such great gas mileage on the highway. Your Mustang sounds like something that I would definitely see myself owning too one day! Without a doubt, the GT is a better Mustang. The bottom line is it just comes down to whether someone can afford one or not. The main point of this video was that the EcoBoost with a 6MT (not the auto) is still a really fun car to drive every day. It looks the part of a Mustang, and will save you a lot of money in many different avenues. This is especially true if you are a younger, single male that would have outrageous insurance premiums on a GT compared to this car. Not many people think about that, but that makes a big difference to some people. However, as I explained in the video, if you can spend an extra $10,000 to $15,000-ish overall over the course of 5 years of owning, it is worth it to get the GT. But, if you need to pinch every penny you respectively can, yet you still need to have a Mustang, the EcoBoost 6MT is still a great option. It's not nearly as terrible as some people make it out to be. That's all I was really getting at! As far as upgrading to the S650, I would say see what the prices of the new ones are when they come out (not just the MRSP, the actual going price) while also comparing how much you could get on a trade-in or in a private sale and go from there. If you would pretty much break even, which a lot of people that bought new cars a few years ago are doing nowadays, I'd say go for it if your heart is set on it! If not, I'd stay with the one you have. It sounds like you really enjoy it as it is. Sometimes newer isn't always better. Happy motoring my friend! If you enjoyed the video, please make sure to leave me a like, and also consider subscribing! It really helps me out to grow, and I certainly appreciate. Take care, and have a great day! -Mark

@@DoubleClutchAutoReviews - An on point response - I have been intrigued by the “High Performance” EcoBoost - I’m sure it’s a car that would be great fun to drive and for sure would be the better handling choice, especially in the tighter twists and turns. Enjoy your Mustang & happy motoring & safe travels.🚗

@@analogguy5548 Thanks! Yeah, that is an interesting car. Except for the fact that the prices of those are climbing REALLY close to a base GT. Now we’re getting into the decision of do we get a fully loaded top trim 4-cyl turbo? Or, do we get a bare bones Mustang, but it has the coyote V8 under the hood?.. Personally, I’m definitely leaning more towards the base GT at that point. I value performance and the fun of driving over all the creature comforts you can possibly get. The 100 pounds less on the nose probably makes a little bit of a difference in corners if you are really pushing it. However, that wouldn’t be enough of a difference for me to decide to get a 4-cyl, yet still pay a hefty price. The only reason I liked the EcoBoost so much for what it was is because it was still A LOT of fun, AND significantly more affordable. Once you blur those lines of the price tags between the two, the GT makes much more sense. And it’s not my Mustang, it’s the dealership’s (Tasca Ford in Seekonk, MA) but I appreciate that though nonetheless! Hahah same to you. Take care, and thanks so much for watching!

I have a 6 speed eco and I would look into getting my hands on a S650 just for the screens and handbrake

You're marginally faster in a straight line. Don't mistake that for better.

Yes, usually that’s the right! However, that’s not always the case… I have noticed some GTs recently that have those ugly (IMO) 5 spoke wheels that typically the EcoBoosts come with. I’m not sure why someone would get those wheels over the much more appealing multi-spoke ones that you can get included with a GT. However, to each his own, I guess… When you are out on the road, if you see a modern Mustang, try and take note of the wheels, and see if you can find one like that! I was surprised honestly. I’m sure you will be too! Either way, thank you so much for checking out my video, and I hope you enjoyed it! If you did, please make sure to leave me a like, and also consider subscribing to my channel! It really helps me out to grow, and I certainly appreciate it. Take care, and have a good one! -Mark 😎

Hey man, I hear your point, and everyone is entitled to their own opinion. I hope you fully understand though I did not say, imply, or believe in any way that the people that bought the GT are idiots. Nor do I think the EcoBoost miraculously performs better than the Coyote. Those statements are utterly false. This video was focused on pointing out the pros & cons, while also stating that the EcoBoost certainly has appeal to certain buyers. However, I never said that the GT was a lesser mustang for more money… Personally, do you know which Mustang is the one I would buy? The 2011 Shelby GT500 I drove over the summer. That thing was an absolute beast, has so much potential for a build, and it would hold its value insanely well for years. All I was trying to depict in this video is that I truly don’t think the EcoBoost deserves all the hate that it has gotten, and continues to get. It’s a great option for people on a tight budget who still want a fun car. In foreign countries where vehicle owners are taxed on every liter of displacement, the EcoBoost is an especially good choice over a GT. Overall, it’s a good bang for your buck car that makes decent power for what it is, AND can still be relatively affordable across the board. This is especially considering gas prices these days, insurance costs, and taxes like I said earlier. I totally get why the Coyote fans love it because it is such a great motor/platform, but it’s not the end all-be all. That’s all I was trying to say man. Please, try to keep an open mind! Thanks for watching, and I hope you enjoyed the video nonetheless. -Mark

@@DoubleClutchAutoReviews no stress Mark, I apologize my comment was truly sarcastic. Unfortunately sarcasm doesn’t come out well when writing a comment, I absolutely understand and agree with you. lol Great review, hope your channel continues to be successful. I’ll be much more careful with my wording, you definitely didn’t deserve to think you said or did anything offensive or wrong. 👍🏼✌🏼🇺🇸

@@franktags136 Not a problem sir! I appreciate your understanding as well. You are right. Translation through text can be tricky/misleading at times. I still totally get your point though. The 4-banger is no replacement for the Coyote or a Shelby! I just thought it wasn't as bad as it is perceived, and it can be a great option for many. And thank you very much! I really appreciate that. Please consider subscribing to the channel as well! It certainly helps me grow and means a lot to me. Take care, and happy new year! -Mark

@@DoubleClutchAutoReviews subscribed Mark. Thanks 👍🏼

@@franktags136 Thanks so much! I really appreciate it! Take care, and thanks for watching.

Good to know! And what do you mean by the pro pack? Did you mean the performance package?

Performance pack one to be exact.@@DoubleClutchAutoReviews

@@BoydBrandson Gotcha. Thank you for the clarification! Also, thank you so much for checking out my review video! If you enjoyed it, please make sure to leave me a like, and also consider subscribing to the channel! It’s free to you, and it really helps me out to grow, so I certainly appreciate it. Take care, and have a good one! -Mark

Honestly, not one bit! I felt that the 6-speed did not mind being put through it's paces at all. It was easy to rev-match, and it shifted quick and clean. Of course, I wasn't absolutely beating on this car. However, I was certainly driving spiritedly, and I gave it a righteous rip for about 45 mins or more! It seemed to respond to it very well with no hiccups or issues as far as I could tell. That's what made it so much fun to drive! Because it just took it like a champ, and asked for more. I had a lot more fun driving this EcoBoost than I thought I would. I would recommend it to someone that wants a relatively affordable, fun, RWD + 6MT platform that can take some hooning when you want it to! Sure, you're not going to have the sound, the power, or the "street cred" if you get an EcoBoost instead of a GT. But, you are going to save a lot of money in all of those aspects that I mentioned in the video. I would never recommend going with a 10-speed automatic for the EcoBoost though. At that point, I feel like it just ends up feeling like a rental car. No character at all, and you can't really get the full "fun" potential out of the drivetrain IMO. And I'm not talking 0-60 times, because in an EcoBoost, it's not really fast either way. I'm talking about better control, and a much more engaging in fun driving experience overall! Thank you so much for checking out my video as well. If you enjoyed it, please make sure to leave me a like, and also consider subscribing to the channel! The subscription is free to you, and it really helps me out, so I certainly appreciate it. Take care, and have a good one! 😎 -Mark

@@DoubleClutchAutoReviews you sound like you work for Ford 🤣

@@JuancoPRoFlow LMAO I swear I do not. My opinion is completely unbiased and honest. I genuinely enjoyed the car! By the way, I just noticed you edited your comment from before. I’m sorry you’re dealing with that kind of an issue. That’s very unfortunate, and Ford should fix it. How many miles do you have on it? Any mods? Or is it stock? No reason for the transmission to feel that clunky either way though. This one however felt pretty good I will say. Maybe it’s just a matter of time before this one gives out, but who knows? Sure, is the build quality nearly as refined as pretty much any Japanese or modern South Korean car that I’ve been in lately? Absolutely not. Would the automatic transmission in this car feel like a slug and barely be any fun? Probably. It’s certainly not perfect. However, I feel like the best way to describe the EcoBoost 6MT was that it almost feels better when you’re driving it hard? Maybe it’s just a perceptual thing on my end, but I didn’t necessarily feel bad or like I was hurting it banging through the gears ripping around town. That’s genuinely how I felt. I felt like the EcoBoost 6MT was made to just be hooned around in. That is truly how I felt. Does that make me seem less Ford salesmany? Lolll

@DoubleClutchAutoReviews I got 9.3k miles on it. I feel you , thanks. I'll beat on it till it breaks then throw down a cliff if I could find one here in Florida. I'm still under warranty so let's see what happens. Fml

@@JuancoPRoFlow Yeah, noooo wayyy it should that feel sloppy or clunky at all with less than 10k on it. I don't even care if you've been tracking it. That's not great build quality at all. Unless you've deliberately tried to destroy the transmission, Ford should replace it under warranty without a doubt. No excuse for that. Like I said, Ford, and other American car brands have their place in the car community. I feel like many of them were meant to be relatively affordable hoon machines! In my opinion, does their build quality, especially at the lower tier price range like the EcoBoost Mustang is, even come close to standing up to any German or Japanese brands, and as well as some Kia and Hyundai's that were built very recently? Not at all. But, that's why you can get those platforms for a lot cheaper than what a Japanese or German alternative would offer. Looking back, I could just tell when driving this car that the fit and finish wasn't completely nipped and tucked. The infotainment was archaic, and a lot of the interior was just straight up gray or black plastic. However, that didn't necessarily bother me for this type of car. I didn't care! I figured, if someone wants something cheap to buy, insure, and maintain, but still really fun to just send it in, I feel like this car was a great option! Parts are also relatively cheap to replace, which is also a big deal to me. I feel like if I had a track-dedicated one of these, I would have an absolute blast just beating the ever-living snot out of it all day on the track. Or, if I really wanted a stick shift RWD platform, but I'm still trying to be financially responsible, and it also needed to be my daily driver, I feel like this could be an excellent choice for someone, especially a young enthusiast. I hope all of that makes sense! This car certainly isn't perfect, but I feel like it has its place. Although, build quality and fit and finish is one thing, but reliability is another factor entirely. For this kind of a car, I don't mind if the interior is a little poopy, as long as the mechanical components hold up. Your transmission issue is inexcusable from what you've told me. And sure, typically most new cars all feel OK at first. However, the true test is the test of time. Your transmission issue definitely changes my perspective on this car a little bit. Good luck with it, and at least have fun with it while you can! Yes, I will try to handle that while it's still under warranty as quickly as possible. Where are you located in FL by the way? I actually recently just moved to Hollywood! 😎