Used Ford Mustang 2015-2023 Buying Guide

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Ford’s Mustang is a very old nameplate celebrating 60 years this year and it has fans for every one of its six generations. For this used guide, we’re concentrating on the most recent evolution from 2015 to 2023. Unlike many used vehicles, the Pony demands some smart shopping, thanks to its ability to draw what we politely refer to as enthusiastic drivers. Canadian sales for this generation ranged from 4,000-7,000 per model year.

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Used Ford Mustang 2015-2023 engine options and trims

Engine choices on mainstream Mustangs ranged from a 2.3L turbo-charged four-cylinder, to a 3.7L V6 to the 5.0L V8. To get Ford’s upgraded sports suspension/braking package, the four-cylinder had to be the power plant. All three engines are relatively trouble-free, but don’t expect to get posted fuel mileage out of the 2.3L, as real world use of the turbocharger drops its economy into the V6 and V8 range. Transmission choices were traditional automatic or manual shift type.

Used Ford Mustang 2015-2023 price range

The price range is wide, but that’s to be expected when dealing with nine model years and a variety of power plants. Asking prices run from as low as $20K and all the way up to $70K.

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Ford Mustang 2015-2023 interior & practicality

The seats are comfortable and deliver good support. The dashboard layout is spot on and there’s also an oil pressure gauge along with a Track app that gives you access to the stopwatch function. The build quality of the interiors was better than the previous generation Mustang while the rear seats of the Mustang were best suited for small children.

Ford Mustang efficiency and ownership costs

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Most Mustangs run on lower-profile sport performance tires that may only last half as long as a traditional highway touring tire. Opting for cheaper versions won’t likely save you any money in the long run due to shorter tread life and unpredictable handling under throttle.

Used Ford Mustang problems

On the lot compare the tire sizes embossed on the sidewalls with the factory door tag. If they’re widely different, and you want to go back to original equipment sizing, you may be replacing wheel rims, as well.

Your inspection should include checking for any owner modifications and whether or not they might lead to early repairs, as well as getting an opinion on manual transmission clutch life; as a replacement can easily set you back $2K or more. Also have the vehicle checked for any unreported collision damage or repairs. Vehicle repair history reports are often limited to those paid by insurance companies and not those covered by owners out of pocket. Unless the tires on the vehicle are a recognized national brand with the proper speed rating (found on the door tag), assume you’ll need replacements.

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One mod that’s very popular with Mustang owners and which doesn’t bring a downside is the addition of a support bracket for the shift linkages on manual transmissions.

If you’re looking at a drop-top model, open and close the roof several times while checking for any binding of the bars and pivots or unusual noises from the mechanisms. Check the rearview camera operation. One of the few factory design flaws on the Mustang created a pinch-point for the camera’s cable in the trunk lid area, which was repairable with a proper re-routing of the cable and a pinch-protector.

Ford Mustang reliability

General reliability is rated well above average but routine maintenance can be a little pricier than your normal run-of-the-mill commuter car. If this is your first foray into the performance car arena, do a little price checking on inevitable repairs such as brake replacements and tires.

Which used Ford Mustang should you buy?

As with any generation of a multi-generation vehicle, your best value usually lies with later production years as most kinks have been worked out by then. With that in mind, the best picks would be 2020-2023 model years for the sixth generation Ford Mustang.

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