Ill be purchasing an '06 soon.

1) I took a test drive recently, and there does appear to be quite a blind spot, especially over your right shoulder. Is this something that you can overcome, and get used to, just using the mirrors?

2) Does the key with chip offer decent security? What does Ford charge for duplicate programmed keys?

Thanks!

 

1) I have my mirrors adjusted so I can see behind/down the sides of my car, so no real blind spot for me. The rear view mirror is fairly big as are the side mirrors.

2) Take it for what its worth, but, Ive been told that its next to impossible to start the car without the correct coded key. Im sure if a theif really wanted the car, they'd get it though. Not sure what ford charges for replacement keys.

 

yes and yes

 

for the blind spot, you might have noticed the the mirros were very concave compared to most cars, which pretty much takes care of most the blind spot (which make window louvers possible to have without being too dangerous)
you will get used to it pretty quickly, but the only problem i had with them was going back to a regular car with regualr mirrors...lol

 

My salesman told me you could get another key cut for about 50 bucks at a locksmith. You have to have both original keys though. If you lose one of your keys you are screwed. He said it would cost several hundred at that point.

 

Yes and yes...

The convertible has a larger blind spot.. but you get used to it very quickly.

The huge mirrors help a LOT!

 

For the blind spot issue, is put those little 'bubble' mirrors on my side view mirrors. I don't have an issue with the blind spot now.

 

I haven't really had a visibility problem in my GT, I think mostly due to the oversize side mirrors. As far as security goes, the coded key should be pretty good and one would need some sophisticated tools and training to bypass the system and start the car. Most cars these days are stolen with a tow-truck anyway, in which case nothing can really help you (save maybe Lojack or a vicious dog left in the car.)

 

3) IF a thief really wants your car they will get it. Pull up with a tow truck and just haul it off, alarm blaring and everything. Most people won't question a tow truck.... If you've ever seen the show 'Repoman', trying to block your car in or park it funky just makes it take longer for them to hook it up and drive off....

 

I had new keys made at a local locksmith for about $25.00 each. He told me how to program the car to accept them, but it's in the owner's manual. Basically, you insert two keys that the car "likes", turn the car on for a few seconds (don't start it), then turn it off again. Then you insert the new key and turn the car on and you're all set. The new keys even had a blue Ford oval rather than the cheaper looking all plastic original key.

As I understand it, you can program it to accept up to 8 keys before you have to go to a Ford dealer and have something special done.

And I don't have any blind spot to the right in my car, at least when the top is down.