Why did you get a SHO?

[scott13SHO]

Mine is a long story...

 

I remember as a teenager back in the 1980's reading about a new Ford super car (or Ford's Corvette) that they where working on that was going to be called the Cobra ME230.

 

It looked like this:

 

It was going to be built in France at the time and have a high output V6 engine from Yamaha in it...it spent a couple years in development then was cancelled in the late 1980s for various reason...but Ford still had the engine and was deciding what they would do with it...and in 1989, the original Taurus SHO was born with that engine! I was 15 back in '89 when this happened and fell in love with the concept of a sport sedan.

 

I get out of the Army in 1997, and spent four years saving for my other dream car...a 1998 Mustang GT. It was nice, but to be perfectly honest, it was really lacking in performance and in the comfort department. It felt just like my first car, a 1986 Escort GT.

 

I was enamored with the Contour SVT that came out around the same time and made plans on buying one, since I was slightly disappointed with the Mustang. Things didn't quite work out for me and I instead winded up getting a Focus SVT since the Contour went away right before I could swing getting one. The Focus SVT went down as one of the worst car buys I ever made...it was a GIANT POS.

 

After having the Focus SVT, Ford showed off the 2005 Mustang...I was in love again...I winded up getting a 2006 GT since that was the first year of them offering Grey color as shown on the Press model they showed off in 2005. So far this is my favorite car I've ever owned...its very reliable even with nearly 120K miles and 3 accidents with it (the major one was my fault ) and still gets lots of complements on it and not to mention fun to drive. It becomes a weekend/fun car next week....

 

Anyways....about 4-5 years ago I hear rumors of the SHO making a comeback...the Taurus at the time was pretty doudy/boring car prior to the 2009 restyle. After I saw the car, I knew it would be my next car...since I was getting "older" and wanted to get something more practical for my future family, but not give up the fun of the Mustang I have. I did stray a bit (had an open mind) and took out a 2013 Fusion Ti with the 2L EB engine....great car, but not enough umf for me, so I was swayed by the SHO again.

 

So my journey comes to an end next week...and a new one starts when I take ownership of a 2013 Ruby Red SHO early next week! The bad thing is that I'm already thinking of a possible replacement for it....hopefully Ford is working on a Fusion ST with over 300HP on it.

[SHOdded]

Good to have more choices than too little, and great to be able to grab the one u want when u want it! A longtime Ford fan, impressed :thumb:

[goblues38]

criteria was simple....4 doors + awd + 300+ hp

 

my only compramise wise no manual tranny. This is my first automatic in over 20 years

[dbulldog]

I was actually preparing to buy a 2010 Cadillac CTS-V when 2009 came and the economy took a nose dive. Things came back and in 2011 took a hard look at the SHO and really liked it especially since it was around $30K cheaper! No regrets!

[vinnievis]

scott13sho - Great Thread idea!

 

I have had plenty of "Sports" cars or "Sports" sedans in the past. I am self employed in a small town (Suburb) so some people see me and what I drive. I have had a Corvette, CTS-V, multiple Mustang's, Taurus's (Would the plural form be Taurii?), G35X, Avalanche's, and a few others not worth mentioning.

 

So when clients walk in my office the make comments like "I see where all MY MONEY goes" and other comments like that, it irritates me. It was especially bad when I had the CTS-V. Keep in mind these were people pulling up to my office in vehicles that were brand new and they paid 25-35K for, but my Used CTS-V was about 22K. :frusty:

 

All of it just irked me so I wanted to get something comfortable, quick, loaded to the bejeezus, a sleeper, AWD, Tunable, relatively inexpensive and oh yeah... AMERICAN MADE! There werent a lot of choices to be honest. I never even looked at the Dodge Charger because of the very high number of Dodge products I see that spew blue smoke from the tailpipes, and I knew the fuel economy was going to be terrible. If I lived in a southern climate I would definitley drive a CTS-V year round (And deal with the comments), but not in MN.

 

Plus when people ask me what I drive I say "A Taurus" its almost like camouflage. There are VERY few people that know how nice these cars are now!

 

The only real choice for me was to order a new one or find a used one. I had to go used because in 1-3 years I am pretty sure I will want to drive something else, and I didnt want to lose 20K in that 18-24+ Months.

[slideoil]

I was daily driving a '93 Mustang Cobra, but needed four doors.

 

Test drove the Focus ST and the SHO. Bought the SHO for the extra back seat space. Justified the price to the wife by telling her I plan to keep it for 20 years. I figure... why not? The Cobra and my MR2 are both 20 years old. They're still in great shape.

 

Also, I've got a 1 year old and a 2 year old that will be much bigger before I get rid of this car.

[goblues38]

and oh yeah... AMERICAN MADE!

.

 

I will admit, I was completely turned off from American made cars since the late 90's. When I was driving an Audi then Volvo, there was not an american car that interested me in terms of build quality and technology.

 

the 2013 SHO is the 1st car I have come accross that impressed me enough to come back to an American company. Ford has really turned its act around, and i wanted to reward them for that, and the fact they didnt take any bail out money.

[Kolk1]

My last car, Turbo Genesis, was becoming too much of a weekend toy, and I didnt enjoy driving it as a daily driver any more. Manual 6 speed, with very short gears, small turbo 4cyl. Decided since I was building the bike(should be done mid april), I wanted to go back to a Power Cruiser type car.

 

My search criteria was, Not Slow and at least peppy, full size 4 door, Automatic, about 30mpg, under 35k miles(what I had on the genesis) and about $25k or less. I almost bought a 2012 Turbo Sonata.

 

Found the SHO, it didnt meet all, but it blew some out of the water. HUGE 4 door, TONS of power, Mid 20s mpg wasnt bad. Mine did have 35,000 miles, and I found it for $25,999 out the door. I found better deals, but I really wanted the 20s, and I wanted the big screen for the stereo.

 

I am so glad I didnt get the Sonata, I like them, but I was finding people that were having issues with the car, and I love the size and power of the SHO.

[Crash712us]

For me buying the SHO was very simple. ITS BADASS! Now seriously, I have been a ford/mazda employee for 25yrs and honestly never been a ford guy. Yeah of course who wouldn't love a mustang, but its not a family car or a winter car. While I would like to have truck but not as a DD, Ford just never had anything I had to have. And Mazda dealers wont give employees the time of day, no money in it for them.

 

But with the state of the auto industry at the time, I told myself if I where to be a new car it would have to be a Ford. And I had already liked the look of the Taurus and explorer, I test drove the explorer was under powered and again I am not a truck guy.

 

But once I test drove the SHO, I was sold.

[HighBarSHO]

I feel it was the best deal for the money. Got a 2013 with only 3k miles for over 13k off sticker price. Lotta bang for the buck. Plus just love the 13 SHO styling myself.

[dmharvey79]

I had to get rid of my M3 coupe and get something more "family friendly". I miss the agility and overall handling of my M3 (like driving a large go-kart) but I really like my '13 SHO.

 

Initially I looked at the Audi S4 but I wasn't impressed for the money, the SHO is a far better option in my opinion.

[RamblinClam]

I was walking into the dealership to buy a Limited and the SHO was parked outside the door. It was a dealer demo, I asked to drive it and the price was right.

[Harmon Rabb]

Hmm. Found myself mid 30s, with a wife and 2 kids, one of whom is a toddler, and owning a 625rwhp gt500 as my only car (just bought a new rav4 for the wife).

 

Was bored of the gt500. Just didn't enjoy it any more. Sure, when you nailed it, it was the most absurd vehicle I've ever driven, but at any other time, it wasn't enjoyable.

 

Was looking at trucks, ended up seeing a deal on SHO's. Always thought they were cool ever since the first gens, so took a look. Was sold, got it.

 

A month or so into it now, am still happy. I like this car. It has something for all moods. If I drive like grandma, it rides quiet and smooth. If I nail it, it hauls (livernois tune installed). If I mess with it around corners, it handles like no fat girl has any right doing.

 

So, yeah, here I am. Cool car. Especially with the wake up the tune gave it. Feels like am honest 400hp now.

[sweetair]

Had a G8 GT with a flare in the trans after a new one was put in. Got a great price on the trade and a decent price on the SHO. It complemented my Ford fleet of vehicles. Owned a 94 GL back in the day.

 

Really love this car.

[SD13SHO]

I was waiting for a 2013 DIB Mustang GT/California Special to come into the dealer. I was trading my 2011 GT/CS, 6 speed manual for the '13 with an Auto, and electronics package. I had injured both ankles and my left knee and it was a pain, literally, to drive the manual. While at the dealer I saw three SHO's, a Red one, a Black one and a Silver one with the PP. I test drove the Black one, and that was it. I was really impressed. They offered me $26615 for the Mustang, plus the incentives and my $750. personal cash coupon from Ford. The dealer, then offered me the PP SHO for $3000 less then the Black one since it had been in inventory longer. But it was winter in South Dakota, and no spare tire, plus the summer tires was a deal breaker. We just took our first trip in it, to Rocky Mountain National Park, in Colorado. A thousand miles round trip. What a dream..at 75 on the Interstate, and fun on the twisties. Woke up to 9+ inches of snow! And, was impressed, again, with the handling and the AWD system driving through the park. The drive to our rented cabin had at least a 30 degree up angle, with ice. The SHO just drove up like it was summer and dry. The Michelins performed very well in all conditions. And, those comfort seats and heated steering wheel are very cool. Great car, no regrets!

[shobiz]

I've been a Mopar/Nissan fan most my life, but I saw the 2013 Ford Fusion on the internet and wanted to see it in person. I went to a Ford dealership, but the Fusion was not out yet; but as I was walking through the showroom I saw a Tuxedo Black Taurus SHO and I was floored--"What is that!?" "A Taurus." "Really? I always thought Tauruses were ugly, but this one looks sweet!"

 

The salesman asked me if I wanted to test drive a used one they had on the lot (the new one was just too far out of my price range), and I said ok. I didn't know what a SHO was, and the salesman didn't say anything about it. I decided to drive it although in my mind I was thinking if I bought something I wanted more power.

 

So during the test drive, I stepped into it a little bit, and the car was moving. I was like "Wow, this car is really peppy." The salesman said, "Oh yeah, it's a twin turbo all wheel drive, over 350 horses."

 

"Oh, really?" Then I really started getting into the accelerator, and I was completely blown away...this car is fast! I decided right then to put the SHO on my short list. The only thing was that I didn't like the color of the car (it was kind of blue-gray, IIRC).

 

I got home and went online and found a newer SHO in Tuxedo Black, with a NAV package and the black leather/tan miko-suede interior, and decided that's the one I want.

 

And I got it.

 

I've never been a Ford fan, but I love this car. I've also been paying attention to the 2010-2013 line up of Fords, and I have to say that I think they have the strongest line up right now of most manufacturers, between the Taurus, Edge, Expedition, Fusion and Focus; I really like the exterior and interior styling of all the current models, and the build quality seems really good right now.

 

I much prefer my SHO to a 300, and the rarity makes it even more special. Everyone that's seen it loves it, especially after they get a tour and a ride. Nobody believes it's a Taurus, either!

[vernonator]

I have always been a Ford guy - 3x Mustangs, 2x Explorers, 2x Expeditions, 1 Edge, 1 Escape and 1 F150 (not in that order). I had traded in my last Mustang on the F150 when we moved to an acerage in the country. I had 4 acres to turn from timber/alfalfa field into a lawn. Drove that for 7yrs and now that the acreage is in pretty good shape found that I wanted to get back to something sporty (the F150 was at 120K miles). Was looking at 3 series BMW's...but REALLY wanted to stick with Ford. When the bug bit I did some searching found a 2012 w/PP at a local dealer, went there over lunch to test drive....and took it home that afternoon. I call it my "Married /w Children Mustang". Price, performance, and made in USA by a NON-bailed out Ford.

[scott13SHO]

A longtime Ford fan' date=' impressed :thumb:[/quote']

 

My old man worked for Ford starting in 1979...the family's first Ford product (since 1949!) was a 1979 Fiesta. My old man was a diehard GM guy (first car he got out of the army was a 67 Firebird that was green and burned valves like no tomorrow...funny thing he has one still...gave one to a friend who was working at a place that had got in a electroplating machine in and asked him to get it electroplated....his friend comes back and it was electroplated in GOLD of all things! So its actually worth more then its weight LOL) We've had nothing but Ford (or Mercuries) since then. Getting A/Z plan helps out alot!

[goblues38]

I drove my brother in laws f-150 with Eco Boost. Thats what made me aware of how good tis engine is. Didnt go car shopping for moneths later, but the eco boost f-150 was always in the back of my mind.

[gpfarrell]

Well, I wanted to ease my 450 hp supercharged Mercury Marauder out of the daily grind and into semi- retirement. We have a BMW 535... it's a 6-speed stick station wagon and twin-turbo'd as well. I really like the Jaguar XF Supercharged, but like Vinnie said above, I'm in a career where folks do judge me by what I drive. While a 2010 Jag with a blower was only a few grand more than the 2011 MKS we got, the perception would have been much harder to deal with. I'm a big fan of light, bright interiors... which Ford just doesn't offer in the SHO. So the MKS is the perfect solution.

 

Oh, it compares very well to the 535. There are some areas ( steering, braking, and availability of a manual) where I prefer the BMW. But the technology in the Lincoln is much more user friendly, and stock-to-stock, I think the Ecoboost is quicker.

 

Very pleased so far!

[BIGFOOT]

the wife and i decided that our 05 TSX was getting to small. we both decided we did NOT want an SUV, too big. i wanted something fun, fast and good looking. my wife was more interested in luxury features, looks. we went back and forth for a year or so. at time we thought to just keep the TSX as it was paid for and low mileage and a fantastic car, just slow as mud.

 

we looked at...

 

335i

335d

TL

E63 AMG

C63 AMG

ISF

545i

IS350

G37

C350

 

and the SHO was always in the backround.

 

after looking at new and used, comparing pricing, reliability and value it actually came down to the SHO and the ISF. i know thats an odd paring, but out of the list the ISF is incredibly reliable and of course very quick. what ended up make the SHO was the winner was its ability to combine everything.

 

its quick, reliable, full of luxury and looks handsome enough. my wife had a hard time getting over the "Taurus" moniker but after we test drove our SHO she was on board and we both love the SHO more than we could have imagined.

[schalacker]

I just got a new job and was making some more money. My old Subaru Impreza 2.5i was running up in mileage and i LOVED that AWD system. Wanted to trade it in for some decent $$ while i still could.

 

Test drove:

Chrysler 300S AWD

Infiniti G37X

Taurus SHO

 

Moving up from the Subaru, I preferred the size of the G37 to the SHO & 300 (VERY different sized vehicles). Of all the vehicles we drove, the SHO was by far the most car for the money. The dealership was a wholesaler and gave me plenty off and that sealed it.

 

The Infiniti dealership put me off by crapping on the Ford brand compared to the Infiniti. All those vehicles are very comparable, but I looked at it as the best value.

 

Oh yeah, and it's easily tuneable and has more stock HP than the rest of those vehicles...

[mjhpadi]

 

 

 

The Infiniti dealership put me off by crapping on the Ford brand compared to the Infiniti.

 

 

 

You know, it's surprising how many dealerships do things like that...talk trash about other dealership/brands...it's like they don't realize that the negative talk does nothing more then portray their dealership in a negative way. I know the dealer I purchased from never mentioned another dealership or brand. BTW, biggest reason for the SHO was two-fold; first, my knees were going downhill fast, so it was very difficult for me to get in and out of my Lincoln Mark LT, and second, although I wanted a Shelby, wife just won't hear of a Mustang...so I sold here on a Taurus (I just left out the twin turbo, 365hp stuff), we had already owned an older Taurus wagon and still have an older Sable for our "Beatermobiles" so I knew she would OK the Taurus....however, it became a bit tougher when we got to the dealer and she saw the SHO part of the deal.....

[Harmon Rabb]

You know' date=' it's surprising how many dealerships do things like that...talk trash about other dealership/brands...it's like they don't realize that the negative talk does nothing more then portray their dealership in a negative way. I know the dealer I purchased from never mentioned another dealership or brand. BTW, biggest reason for the SHO was two-fold; first, my knees were going downhill fast, so it was very difficult for me to get in and out of my Lincoln Mark LT, and second, although I wanted a Shelby, wife just won't hear of a Mustang...so I sold here on a Taurus (I just left out the twin turbo, 365hp stuff), we had already owned an older Taurus wagon and still have an older Sable for our "Beatermobiles" so I knew she would OK the Taurus....however, it became a bit tougher when we got to the dealer and she saw the SHO part of the deal.....[/quote']

 

My wife and I have agreed that we get to discuss the budgets for each of our car purchases, but not what is purchased. I suggest you adopt a similar policy.

[mjhpadi]

My wife and I have agreed that we get to discuss the budgets for each of our car purchases' date=' but not what is purchased. I suggest you adopt a similar policy. [/quote']

 

That's a great idea, but won't work in our house, wife only has a vague idea of what she wants in a vehicle, and I get to narrow down her choices simply because I know more about vehicles then she does. Right now she is leaning towards a truck for her next vehicle, but she is undecided, she likes her Explorer, but does not want a new one, because it doesn't have enough towing capacity and is now unibody construction instead of being built on a frame. But I think I will still end up with a Shelby once son is out of college and she has her new vehicle. It will be the best of both worlds, because I'll keep the SHO and add the Shelby. (Hopefully).