Pre-loved: Ford Mustang 2015-2023

by Ewan Kennedy  2023 Ford Mustang Dark Horse   Ford Mustang has been a big success on the Australian market and I see them pretty well  ...

by Ewan Kennedy 

2023 Ford Mustang Dark Horse

 

Ford Mustang has been a big success on the Australian market and I see them pretty well every time I'm on the road.

In this report we will cover the Mustang from December, 2015 when the new model was introduced in this country.

It comes in two versions, coupe and convertible, powered by either a 5.0-litre V8 or four-cylinder 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine.

The former is typical of 20th century gas guzzling muscle machines, the latter provides environmentally conscious modern motoring.

The 5.0-litre V8 featured lessons learned in developing the special-edition 2012 Mustang Boss 302.

The result is a boost in power to 306kW and 530Nm of torque.

The addition of the 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine introduced turbocharging to the Mustang powertrain line-up.

The geometry of the EcoBoost intake manifold and turbocharger housing is optimised to provide higher output -- 233kW and 432Nm of torque.

Six-speed manual transmission provides smoother shifting than previous Mustangs, while the automatic has steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters and downshift rev-matching.

Steering feel is nicely weighted with just the right heft for keen drivers of high-performance machines.

The four-cylinder EcoBoost engine is short and sits well back under the long bonnet.

It pretty well straddles the front axle area and so provides excellent balance.

The front seats are laterally supportive but a lack of rear legroom puts the Mustang into 2+2 territory.

The front seat passenger can share leg space with someone behind them, but unless the driver is short whoever sits behind them may feel a bit cramped.

A selection of driving modes can be called up by flicking a switch on the central console.

Normal offers a balance between comfort and performance, Sport+ provides more responsive steering and throttle response and Track allows the engine to respond directly to the driver's input, while reinforcing the sporty engine note.

Snow/Wet keeps the car in touch with adverse road conditions.

Convertible cabin wind turbulence was isn't too intrusive with the top down, with the body strength coping well with lateral and twisting forces.

January, 2018 saw Ford Australia launch what it called, "The Fastest Mustang Ever."

The 5.0-litre V8 engine was thoroughly reworked to develops 339kW.

This was achieved with the first application of Ford's dual-fuel, high-pressure direct-injection and low-pressure port fuel injection.

The result is solid low-end torque, high-rpm power and improved fuel efficiency.

Peak torque is now 556Nm.

At the same time the mildly revised 2.3-litre EcoBoost unit developed 224 kW.

It had 9Nm more torque, now 441 Nm.

The biggest news for 2018 is that there's a new 10-speed automatic, which is available with both Mustang engines.

It has a wide-ratio span between first and tenth, faster shifts and optimised gear spacing to keep it at peak torque, and fast response.

Steering wheel-mounted shift paddles give drivers manual control.

The six-speed manual gearboxes were upgraded to handle the added torque on both engines.

Mustang's engine note could also be adjusted.

An active valve exhaust system is standard on all GT models.

Four modes are available: Normal, Quiet, Track and Sport.

Visually, there's a lower, remodeled bonnet with air intakes in new positions and revised upper and lower front grilles.

But it still looks very much like a Mustang.

Revised shock absorbers make for better ride control, while a new cross-axis joint in the rear suspension leads to increased lateral stiffness.

The stabiliser bars have also been revised.

For the first time, MagneRide damper technology was an option for Mustang, designed to optimise ride and handling in all situations.

Previously exclusive to the Mustang Shelby GT350, the system allows automatic adjustment of each corner, up to 1000 times per second, for even better responsiveness and lateral performance.

The 2018 Mustangs have a 12-inch all-digital instrument cluster that offers three separate views -- Normal, Sport and Track modes -- and the ability to change colours and gauge layout.

The centre console adds a new hand-stitched wrap with contrast stitching and padded knee bolsters while door handles, rings and bezels are finished in aluminium.

Standard seats feature new patterns, six-way leather-trimmed Recaro sports are a factory-fitted option.

There are plenty of Ford dealers Australia wide, even in very remote areas.

Spares for Mustangs may not be held in smaller dealerships, but can usually be shipped to them within a few working days.

Insurance is surprisingly moderate in cost - if you have a good driving record and minimal previous claims.

As always, shop around but be aware that a long-standing record with one company can be to your benefit.

2021 Ford Mustang Mach-1 coupe

 

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

A professional inspection really is a must for a car like the Ford Mustang.

As is a full service history, preferably at a Ford dealer.

A Mustang that has been thrashed may have serious rear tyre wear and lots of brake dust.

Perhaps you're best to steer clear of that car.

Check the fluid on the automatic's dipstick.

If it smells burnt and looks dark, that's another sign of hard driving.

The 10-speed auto seems to stand up better than the six-speed.

Convertibles are generally water tight, but it still pays to look and feel for dampness in the carpets as on open-top Mustang may have been caught with its top down in the rain.

Look for signs of previous crash repairs, wrinkles in the panels when viewed end on, mismatched paint colours and overspray on unpainted parts.

If there's too much turbo lag on the 2.3 EcoBoost there could be electronic tuning problems.

2020 R-Spec coupe

 

HOW MUCH?

Expect to pay from $65,550 - $93,100 for a 2023 a Dark Horse auto coupe, $60,000 - $83,050 for a 2021 Mach 1 manual coupe; $45,200 - $64,300 for a 2021 GT auto convertible; $69,750 - $96,600 for a 2020 R-Spec manual coupe; $42,850 - $61,000 for a 2019 GT auto convertible; $40,100 - $56,550 for a 2019 GT auto coupe; $40,600 - $58,000 for 2018 GT auto convertible; $37,400 - $52,500 for 2018 GT manual coupe; $26,400 - $37,950 for a 2017 Turbo auto convertible; $32,500 - $45,950 for a 2017 GT auto coupe; $31,550 - $44,550 for 2016 GT auto coupe; $29,950 - $43,500 for 2016 GT auto convertible; $29,250 - $41,650 for a 2015 GT coupe auto; $22,600 - $32,400 for a 2015 Turbo coupe auto; $29,250 - $42,450 for 2015 GT convertible auto; $24,800 - $35,650 for a 2015 Turbo convertible auto.

2018 Ford Mustang turbo convertible

 

CAR BUYING TIPS

Much as we love open top cars the lower rigidity of their bodies and the chances of the interior being sun and/or deliberately damaged can make them depreciate faster.

Take a friend with you when shopping for a used car.

That way they can keep the chattering sales person at bay while you check out the car without interruptions.

Used car prices have generally increased during the period of new car stock shortages.

Start looking at adverts for used vehicles several months before you intend buying.

That way you can get a feel for the price being asked and whether they are rising and falling, as dealers need to clear stock due to overcrowding.

Keep an eye on adverts for new cars that say there are specials on particular models.

This can lead to a lot of traded-ins taking up too much space in yards and they will be discounted to get rid of them.

Keep an eye open for ads of unpopular cars, as there can vary greatly in price.

Owners struggling to find a buyers may be forced to grit their teeth and drop their asking price.

If checking a used car at a dealership look at other cars on the lot. 

This can provide an insight into the quality of the vehicles in which the dealer specialises.

If buying privately ask for proof of ownership and make sure the insurance covers you for taking a test drive.

Take a slow walk around any car you're considering, looking for obvious defects.

It amuses us how many people dive into tiny details, only to discover later a major ding somewhere on the other side of the car.

Ideally any road test of a car you're getting serious about should be done with the engine stone cold. Early morning is best.

If you're serious about buying a vehicle, tell the seller you would like to take it for a good long test drive.

If they insist on coming that's understandable, but try to avoid them "selling” the car to you.

Put bluntly, ask them to shut up,

In their later years, cars with a reputation for being long lived and trouble free sometimes attract buyers who have no intention of ever servicing them.

The next owner may suffer as a result.

2015 and the first Ford Mustangs arrive in Australia

 

RECALLS

To browse recalls on all vehicles go to the ACCC at: www.productsafety.gov.au/products/transport/cars/

 

BE SURE TO CHECKOUT OUR OTHER USED CAR REPORTS