Crossroads Ford Fuquay-Varina

Nov 14, 2024

What Is The Best Year to Buy A Used Ford Mustang? Navigating Your Purchase

Experience the perfect blend of performance, style, and technology with a used Ford Mustang, your ultimate road warrior. Whether you’re maneuvering through busy city streets or leaving someone in the dust, this coupe is designed to elevate every journey. However, deciding on a used Ford Mustang can be tricky. At Crossroads Ford of Fuquay-Varina, we’ll help you navigate what the best years for a used Ford Mustang are, factors to consider when buying one, and potential pitfalls to avoid.

Knowing Your Ride

Before discovering what the best year to buy a used Ford Mustang is, we’ll examine what makes this two-door coupe an icon in performance and style. The Ford Mustang was introduced in 1964 at New York World’s Fair in a grand way. Marketed as a car known for its affordability, performance, and innovative look made it the success it continues to be to this day. This ride initially appealed to a younger generation of drivers who weren’t interested in the cars their parents drove. 

The Ford Mustang has continued to be a symphony of power and technology. Under the hood of the current model year, a range of engines offers exhilarating performance, starting with the potent 2.3L EcoBoost® engine. Paired with smooth-shifting transmissions, the Ford Mustang delivers an unforgettable driving experience. Inside the driver-focused cockpit, a digital instrument cluster and a user-friendly SYNC® 4 touchscreen keep you informed and entertained with seamless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility. With a suite of advanced safety features found in the Ford Co-Pilot360® suite, the Ford Mustang ensures a confident and stylish ride to those daring to conquer the roads.

What to Look For When Buying a Used Ford Mustang

Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of what to consider when you’re wondering about what the best year to buy a used Ford Mustang is.

Vehicle History Report: Obtain a vehicle history report to identify prior accidents, repairs, and ownership changes.

Test-Drive: Pay close attention to handling, braking, and acceleration. Listen for any unusual noises or vibrations. Additionally, check the performance of the rear wheels to ensure proper handling and stability.

Mechanic Inspection: Have a qualified mechanic thoroughly inspect the vehicle, focusing on the engine, transmission, suspension, and potential leaks.

Interior and Exterior: Check for any damage to the interior, such as worn seats or malfunctioning electronics. Inspect the exterior for dents, rust, or uneven paintwork.

By diligently inspecting a used Ford Mustang, you can increase the chances of a reliable and enjoyable driving experience.

Should You Buy a Used Ford Mustang?

Is a used Ford Mustang the right choice for you? It’s a great opportunity for some, but others may not feel the same. Here are some factors to consider if you’re curious about what the best year to buy a used Ford Mustang is.

Budget: Used Ford Mustang models offer significant savings compared to new models. A new car, like the latest Ford Mustang, offers advanced features such as improved seating, technology, and responsive safety features, but it comes at a higher price. For budget-conscious buyers, a used Ford Mustang might be a better option due to its lower initial cost. However, consider maintenance costs, as some years may be more prone to repairs.

Driving Needs: Do you prioritize on-road comfort or off-road capability? The Ford Mustang is geared towards speed and performance, but higher trim levels offer upgraded comfort and amenities as well.

Features: Identify the features you desire, such as a sunroof, infotainment system, or specific off-road capabilities. Availability may vary by year.

If you prioritize affordability, a reliable used Ford Mustang can be a great option. However, you should still conduct research in order to choose the right year based on your needs.

Best Years For a Used Ford Mustang

Here’s a breakdown of what the best years for a used Ford Mustang are, and the ones to avoid. You’ll notice that the sixth generation that ran from 2015 to 2023 didn’t start out as the best, but as Ford continued to release these road-ready coupes, it received better reviews.

Years to Avoid

2015-2016: These years experienced issues with paint peeling, engine shaking, and excessive brake noise. While these issues are less severe than those found in other sports cars, they can still be costly to repair. Recalls were reported, and included a serious one for fuel vapor lines, while others addressed problems with the seat belts and airbags. 

Recommended Years

2017: This was one of the best years for the Ford Mustang GT trim, as it offered more performance enhancements like a V8 engine, upgraded brakes, limited slip differential, and more.

2018-2024: These years impressed with its powerful EcoBoost® engine, agile handling thanks to MagneRide suspension, and retro-inspired interior. The digital display cluster and Line-lock mode added modern convenience and performance features, respectively. 

Reimagine Your Next Ride

By considering what the best year for a used Ford Mustang is, conducting thorough inspections, and understanding key features to look for, you can confidently navigate the process of finding the right model for you. Selecting a reliable ride is crucial to avoid common problems associated with certain model years. The 2017-2024 models are ideal choices for the Ford Mustang. Unleash your road warrior today by visiting Crossroads Ford of Fuquay-Varina!

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