Thinking of buying 2013 SHO

[ruhurt]

Looking at buying a 2013 SHO, but not sure it's a good deal. Any feedback is welcome. **Note: Car is in Germany, so really interested to drive it on the autobahn.

Car has factory Performance Package wheels with Eagle F1 Supercar tires as well as separate winter set which includes Bridgestone Blizzaks, 20" wheels with centering rings, lugs, and TPMS sensors with sensor retrain remote. Car currently has a custom tune from shop in Germany, 3 bar MAP, cold air intake, and H&R Sport Springs. 450 hp & 450 ft-lb. 15K miles. $29K

 

[SHOdded]

Could be a good deal depending on:

1. how much life the tires have left
2. whether dyno charts are available for the tune, whether there is any warranty from the tuning shop, how difficult it would be to get updates/revisions
   
3. whether all recalls have been performed, and there are any known problems with this particular vehicle
   
4. condition of the vehicle, exterior/interior
5. whether any factory (Ford) warranty is remaining to give you time to get to know the vehicle & take care of issues you notice

Take a look through the TSBs here to help you cast a more critical eye over your potential purchase.

As far as speed/acceleration, I doubt you will have a complaint on the Autobahn. The SHO will laugh at the Autobahn AFAIK, the Autobahn isn't what it used to be anyway, with all the construction/speed limits cropping up in so many sections.

 

[ruhurt]

SHOdded....thanks for the link and feedback.

1. Only 5k mile driven on winter set and 10k miles on performance set
2. No dyno charts. According to current owner, updates are easy to get...not sure about warranty.
3. All recalls done.
4. Owner has taken very good care. Regular wash and wax. Very mechanical guy...makes sure work is done properly.
5. A few months left on factory warranty.

 

[SHOdded]

Ok, so you have about 50% life, maybe a bit more if you are not driving aggressively, left on the tires. Snow tires typically come with only 1 year warranty or no warranty at all. The F1's last about 20K miles or so.

See if the owner will cover the cost of a dyno session. Not that big a deal if you are happy with the way it drives, though. How long has it been tuned (trying to determine when plugs will need changing, since tuned turbo motors eat plugs faster than stock)?

Ask if the PTU/RDU/trans fluids have been checked/changed. If the 15K miles are mostly highway, probably don't need to worry at this point.

I would pay particular attention to the electronics when you test drive:

1. Climate control - blend doors (should be quiet, no ratcheting, etc)
2. Backup camera/sensors
3. Door latch switches
4. Rear sunshade

Electronics can get expensive to replace if not under warranty.

Do you have a good Ford dealership or a solid service shop lined up? Do you expect to do your own maintenance?

 

[ruhurt]

Not sure on how long its been tune...I will make sure to ask. I will also have to ask about the PTU/RDU/trans fluid. I believe most of the miles have been highway. When I drove it I didn't notice any issues/noise with the electronics.

There are a couple of Ford service centers close to me. I expect to use them, or find a different mechanic close by. I'm still learning about working on cars, so I will be taking it to a mechanic for most work.

Back to your Autobahn comment...construction/speed limits are a plenty, but there are still some great stretches.