Buying guide: Ford Mustang – prices, problems and offers

The 2018 model year brings a new suite of digital instruments with Monitoring Software, new safety systems, B&O audio and improved build quality. For pre-facelift models, check if the air conditioner cools properly. Some air conditioning repairs require disassembly of the dashboard. Build quality and finish is good for the price in the domestic market, but lags behind premium European brands.

Motor Ford Mustang

In the Netherlands there is a choice of the 2.3 Ecoboost four-cylinder with a twin-scroll turbocharger (317 hp) and the aspirated aluminum 5.0 V8 with variable valve timing (421 hp). In other countries, Ford also offers the 3.7 V6 and 5.2 V8. The latter debuts in the Shelby GT350/GT350R. The 2018 facelift brings more power to the 2.3 Ecoboost (290 hp) and a new 5.0 V8 (449 hp) with high compression, direct injection and an active exhaust system.

Ford would later launch several more powerful models on the market, including the Bullitt with a 5.0 V8 (460 hp), the Shelby GT500 with a 5.2 V8 (770 hp) and the Mach 1 with a 5.0 V8 (460 hp). Things to consider are the risk of head gasket leaks with the 2.3 Ecoboost and ticking noises with the 5.0 V8. According to Ford, the latter can’t hurt. For early build years, check if an oil cooler overhaul has been done.

Contagion

The Mustang combines rear-wheel drive with a Getrag MT82 six-speed manual transmission or a SelectShift six-speed manual transmission. The 2018 model year brings a new ten-speed transmission with a torque converter and a new MT82-D4 manual gearbox enhanced internally. The super-powerful Shelby GT500 has a Tremec seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Torsen’s low-skid variant is available for extra grip and traction.

The MT82 six-speed gearbox (before the facelift) sometimes suffers from noise and shifting problems. Bad driving style can also affect this. Excessive use of the Electronic Lockout (burn-in function) and Drag Mode can cause accelerated wear on the transmission, drive train, differential and rear wheel bearings.

Suspended

A quiet revolution has taken place below the surface. The rigid rear axle has been replaced by a multi-link rear suspension. Together with the new McPherson front suspension with two wishbones and a pleasant automatic steering, this ensures the most improved handling.

From the factory, Ford offers a Brembo sport brake system, hard anti-roll bars and MagneRide shock absorbers, as well as optional extras like a strut tower brace and Ford Performance adjustable coilover suspension. Wheel sizes start at 17 inches and end at 19 inches (20 inches for the Shelby GT500).

Which Ford Mustang should I have?

Mustang Ecoboost combines good performance with a good purchase price and – it remains surprising to mention this for a muscle car – good running costs and good fuel consumption. Anyone who has trouble with the sound of an artificially boosted four-cylinder engine and is willing to dig deeper into their pockets will do themselves a huge favor with the eight-cylinder Mustang GT. Saving even more with the extra wild 5.2 V8 provides more spectacle and speed, but not necessarily more driving or pleasure driving.

Should it be a Ford Mustang?

The sixth Ford Mustang is truly a world car. Despite more refinement, modern drivetrain technology and an entry-level four-cylinder engine, it’s a sports car that lives up to its model name. It remains a shame that the Mustang is losing points compared to its new Dutch counterpart, especially in the areas of finish, utility and overall refinement.

For the right buyer, it more than makes up for this with its natural charm, outspoken demeanor and challenging driving characteristics – all of which are slowly but surely disappearing from most sports cars.

Part prices

Front brake pads, per set € 45.63

Front brake discs, for a set of € 254.64

Michelin Pilot Sport 4S, 255/40 R19, per piece € 222.58

Michelin Pilot Sport 4S, 275/40 R19, per piece €273.90

Front axle shock absorber, Yellow cone, each € 292.10

Twin disc sports clutch (MT82), €2,299

Prices apply to the 2019 Ford Mustang 5.0 V8 manual and include VAT and exclude installation.

Maintenance costs

Minor repairs from €350

Major repairs from €450

Maintenance interval (5.0 V8) is 15,000 km/1 year.

Positive Ford Mustang

+ Pretmachine

+ Appearance

+ Absolutely practical

+ Not very refined

Negative points for the Ford Mustang

– Finish with the use of materials

– Not for beginners (V8)

Click here for a buying guide for the fifth generation Convertible.

This Milano will be Alfa Romeo’s money maker