By Josh RosenbergDue to extremely high new and used car prices, as well as high loan interest rates, many shoppers are now looking for "older" models to better fit their budgets.
However, this does add some additional risk in terms of reliability and maintenance issues for people considering the "older" 2011 Mustang, or any other older vehicle.
Is The 2011 Ford Mustang Reliable?
Overall, the 2011 Ford Mustang has a reputation for being a reasonably reliable sports car. That said, how reliable a specific model actually is can vary depending on several factors, including how well the vehicle has been maintained, the specific trim level, and the driving conditions it has been subjected to.
This Mustang year generally has a good reputation for being reliable, with many owners reporting few issues that are beyond those typical for used cars. In addition, parts are readily available and maintenance costs are generally low, making this Mustang a potentially solid choice, especially if you can find one with well below average mileage.
See more on this in the Mechanical Problem Watchlist section below.
Things To Do When Considering An "Older" Vehicle
Locate Lower Mileage Vehicles: They are certainly out there to be found with careful and patient shopping. Be willing to drive a distance if you have to.
Vehicle History and Maintenance: Ask for the vehicle history report (CarFax or AutoCheck) as well as documented maintenance and repair records. If not provided by the Dealer or private seller, it's usually best to move on.
Pre-Purchase Inspection: Have the vehicle independently inspected before making a final decision. This usually will cost in the $150-$200 range but is well worth it given the potentially thousands in savings over the long term.
And My #1 Price Tip: Please, always get online price quotes at auto sites such as CarsDirect.com and Edmunds.com (both, actually), whether looking for a new or used car. Competition among dealers for your business does amazing things to prices, and it's so easy. It really does make a difference.
And quickly, while we're at it, my #2 Tip is to always know the up-to-date trade-in value of your current car. You can get a quick and surprisingly accurate one at Edmund's Trade-In Quotes.
It's free and just takes a couple of minutes. I think what helps its accuracy is the inputs will include either your plate# or VIN# followed by many simple, but specific, yes/no questions. It really focuses in on the detail of the specific vehicle.
2011 Ford Mustang Overview:
Wow ... the "pony" part of the 2011 Ford Mustang was totally revitalized with new and more powerful V6 and V8 engines. Combined with last year's cabin upgrade, the 2011 Mustang wa much improved indeed. Toss in it's performance value for the dollar, excellent crash test scores, and the available Ford Sync system, and this Mustang was simply the best muscle car on the road.
There seemed to have been a new philosophy at Ford, evidenced in impressive new models like the Fusion and Flex, that targeted both improved driving performance as well as quality. After the previous year's interior upgrade, the 2011 objective was to take on the Mustang's powertrain weakness. And it certainly has succeeded.
The 2011 Mustang is the recipient of all-new engines, including a 305-horsepower V6 and a 412-horsepower V8, as well as new 6-speed manual and automatic transmissions. Other new changes include a revised suspension tuning, bigger brakes, electric power steering (was hydraulic), blind-spot mirrors, added body bracing for the GT convertible, additional noise insulation and Ford's MyKey system (allows driving restrictions to be set up for young drivers).
Having had the same V6 since the '90s, the new 3.7-liter V6 now has all-aluminum construction, variable valve timing and dual overhead camshafts ... enough to deliver just 10 ponies less than last year's V8. The torque is also up to 280-pound-feet, an increase of 40-lb-ft. Still a rear-wheel drive, the new 6-speed transmissions provide better fuel economy, enabling the new Mustang V6 to get an impressive EPA gas mileage rating of 31 mpg on the highway.
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Not to be outdone, the V8's displacement was boosted to 5.0-liters. It also has dual overhead cams and four valves per cylinder. Top production is an extremely robust 412-horsepower and 390-lb-ft of torque.
Mustang shoppers may also want to consider alternatives such as the Chevy Camaro with its great styling or the Dodge Challenger. But for overall muscle, looks, features and performance, in our opinion, the 2011 Mustang is a step above.
Trims, Standard Features And Options:
The 2011 Ford Mustang is offered in coupe and convertible body styles in a choice of four trims: V6, V6 Premium, GT and GT Premium.
Standard features on the base V6 include full power accessories, air conditioning, keyless entry, cruise control, blind-spot mirrors, 17-inch alloy wheels, a limited-slip rear differential and a CD stereo system with an auxiliary audio jack.
The V6 Premium then adds a leather interior, a power driver seat, upgraded 17-inch wheels, Ford's Sync system, a Shaker 500 audio system, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, color-adjustable gauges and upgraded interior trim accents.
The V8-powered GT comes with all of the base V6's features plus a rear spoiler, 18-inch alloy wheels and foglights, while the GT Premium is basically the same as the GT but adds the V6 Premium's equipment plus a different set of 18-inch wheels.
Available optional features for the base Mustang V6 include an alarm system and an exterior appearance package. Options for the V6 Premium are much more plentiful in addition to those available on the base model.
The Pony package and Mustang Club of America Special Edition both offer exterior styling enhancements, the Comfort package offers heated front seats, a power passenger seat and an auto-dimming rearview mirror, while the Electronics package adds a voice-activated navigation system and automatic climate control.
Coming later in the model year for the V6 versions is a Performance package that adds 19-inch wheels with summer tires, the suspension and brakes from the GT and a recalibrated stability control system.
V6 stand-alone options include a performance 3.31:1 rear-axle ratio, remote start, a glass roof, xenon headlamps, a back-up camera (requires the Electronics package) and a tonneau cover for convertible models.
Options for the V8 Mustang GT include the Brembo Brake package which adds more powerful brakes, the recalibrated stability control system and 19-inch wheels with summer tires. There's also two available performance axles: 3.55:1 and 3.73:1.
The GT Premium has all of the V6 Premium's and GT's options plus a large choice of various 18-inch and 19-inch wheels, a more powerful Shaker 1000 audio system (not available with the Electronics package) and a California Special package which consists of additional exterior styling choices.
Engines, Powertrain And Gas Mileage:
Powering the Mustang V6 is the new 3.7-liter engine that's good for 305-horsepower and 280-lb-ft of torque. Under the hood of the Mustang GT is the new 5.0-liter V8 that delivers 412-horsepower and 390-lb-ft of torque.
The standard transmission for both engines is a 6-speed manual, while a 6-speed automatic is optional. In performance tests, the GT was timed from a standstill to 60 mph in a very quick 4.8 seconds.
The EPA-estimated gas mileage for the new Mustang is surprisingly decent as well, with the automatic Mustang V6 coupe coming in at 19 mpg city and 31 mpg highway. The manual transmission V6 is rated just slightly lower at 19 and 29, respectively. The automatic V8 GT is rated at a respectable 18 mpg city and 25 highway, while the manual comes in at 17 city and 26 highway.
Safety:
Standard safety features on all 2011 Mustangs include antilock four-wheel disc brakes, stability control, front-seat side airbags, blind-spot mirrors and Ford's MyKey system.
In government crash testing, both the 2011 Ford Mustang coupe and convertible were awarded perfect five-star ratings across the board for occupant protection in all frontal and side-impact collision categories.
Interior:
The Mustang's interior still possesses its retro design, but thanks to the previous year's upgrades, it's material quality has been significantly improved. The overall look is attractive and modern while the instruments and gauge displays are easy to see and user-friendly.
Of course, it's certainly not a luxury vehicle, but the improvements were much needed and will likely be noticed and appreciated by just about everyone.
The seating is comfortable and supportive, however, average-size adults will likely be cramped in the rear seats, especially for longer trips. And even though the steering wheel doesn't telescope, most drivers will still find the seating room adequate.
Fairly typical of a two-door, trunk capacity is not a highlight, although it comes in at a useful 12.3-cubic feet in the coupe and 9.7-cubes in the convertible.
The optional Sync system is a highly regarded addition for those who can swing it in their budget thanks to its very useful voice-integration technology for music and Bluetooth functions.
Drive:
This is where this Mustang shines brightest. Both new engines have virtually revitalized the 2011 Mustang's driving performance. The V6 no longer disappoints and is now quite quick in its own right, especially when outfitted with the smooth-shifting 6-speed manual.
And even the 6-speed automatic is able to keep things lively while improving fuel economy.
But it's the 5.0-liter V8 that's truly capable of providing the thrills right up to its 7,000-rpm limit. And what a sound doing it as well.
With its retuned suspension, the 2011 Mustang is nimble yet controlled, particularly in GT form. And the new electric-assist power steering is another performance booster, feeling responsive and precise.
2011 Ford Mustang Pros:
Strong Performance: The 2011 Mustang offers a range of powerful engines, including V6 and V8 options, delivering impressive acceleration and performance. The GT trim, in particular, comes with a potent 5.0-liter V8 engine.
Classic Design: The Mustang's iconic, retro-inspired design has a timeless appeal. It maintains the muscular, aggressive look that many car enthusiasts appreciate.
Handling: The Mustang's suspension and handling have improved over the years. The 2011 model benefits from revised suspension components that provide a good balance between ride comfort and sporty handling.
Variety of Trims: The 2011 Mustang is available in several trims, allowing buyers to choose between a more budget-friendly V6 model and the high-performance GT and Shelby GT500 trims.
Comfortable Interior: While it's a sports car, the Mustang's interior offers good comfort and space for front-seat passengers. The materials and build quality are generally satisfactory.
Reasonable Pricing: Compared to some of its competitors, the Mustang typically offers good value for the level of performance and features it provides.
2011 Ford Mustang Cons:
Rear Seat Space: The rear seat is not very practical for adults. They are best suited for children or additional storage space.
Fuel Economy: The Mustang, especially in V8 configurations, tends to have below-average fuel economy. If you're concerned about gas mileage, this may not be the best choice.
Ride Comfort: While the 2011 Mustang has improved its ride quality compared to older models, it may still feel a bit rough on uneven road surfaces. Some drivers may find it less comfortable for daily commuting.
Visibility: The Mustang's design can hinder rear visibility, making parking and lane changes more challenging.
Interior Quality: While the interior is generally comfortable, the quality of materials may not be as high as in some competing models, which could be a downside for those who value premium materials and finishes.
Limited Trunk Space: The Mustang's trunk is relatively small for a sports car, which can be a limitation when it comes to luggage or cargo capacity.
Lack of Advanced Technology: While the 2011 Mustang is not devoid of tech features, it may not offer as many advanced technology options as more modern vehicles. This can be a drawback for those who prioritize the latest infotainment and safety tech.
2011 Ford Mustang Mechanical Problem Watchlist:
As with any used vehicle, the 2011 Ford Mustang may have potential mechanical problems that you should be aware of when considering a purchase. Keep in mind that the maintenance and the vehicle's history can greatly impact its reliability.
Here are some common mechanical issues to check for in a 2011 Ford Mustang:
Transmission Issues: Some owners have reported problems with the manual and automatic transmissions, such as rough shifting, slipping, or clutch-related issues. Regular maintenance of the transmission is essential to prevent these problems.
Engine Problems: Depending on the engine type, there may be specific issues. In V8 models, for example, there have been reports of problems with the variable valve timing system and oil consumption. Be sure to check the engine's maintenance history.
Cooling System: Overheating issues have been reported in some Mustangs, often due to problems with the cooling system. Regular coolant system maintenance is crucial to avoid overheating problems.
Suspension and Steering: Some owners have experienced problems with the suspension components and steering system, including issues with bushings, tie rods, and struts. Regular inspections and maintenance can help prevent these issues.
Exhaust System: The exhaust system may develop leaks or rust, particularly in regions with harsh weather conditions. A thorough inspection of the exhaust system is important.
Axle and Differential Issues: Some Mustangs have reported problems with the rear axle and differential. This can lead to noise, vibration, or uneven tire wear.
HVAC System: Issues with the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, such as faulty blower motors or temperature control problems, have been reported in some cases.
Again, to minimize the risk of encountering these issues, it's advisable to:
- Obtain a vehicle history report to check for any accidents, maintenance records, or previous issues.
- Have a qualified mechanic perform a thorough pre-purchase inspection to identify potential mechanical problems.
- Ensure the Mustang has been maintained according to the manufacturer's recommendations, including regular oil changes and fluid checks.