By Josh RosenbergWith both sky high new and used car prices, many carbuyers are looking for "older" vehicles as a way to save some significant dollars.
And it turns out, the 2013 Mustang has proven to be a generally reliable vehicle, and one which can be expected to reach 250,000 - 300,000 miles when regularly maintained.
Still, all older used cars require maintenance and repairs, usually more than more recent ones, so this has to be factored into a buying decision as well.
Here, we'll cover this older Mustang's pros and cons, its general reliability reputation along with specific mechanical issues to have checked out before purchase.
But first, and very importantly ...
Things To Do When Considering An "Older" Mustang
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 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.
2013 Ford Mustang Overview
New upgrades for 2013 included standard xenon headlights with LED accents, painted rocker panels, revised front and rear fascias including a new Shelby-inspired grille, updated taillights and functioning hood vents.
Inside, the 2013 Mustang got a new performance information display and optional Recaro seats which had previously only been available on the Boss 302 and GT500 models.
Mechanically, the automatic transmission was upgraded to also include manual shift control, while the GT's V8 engine was given a boost of 8-horsepower, manual transmission models gained hill-start assist and the GT's optional Track package was updated with more performance hardware.
2013 Ford Mustang Pros
Powerful engines: Whether opting for the V6 or a V8, all the engine choices offer plenty of wallop. Even the base V6 packs enough power to more than satisfy the typical driver as well as most driving enthusiasts.
The 3.7-liter V-6 pumps out 305-horsepower and 280-pound-feet of torque, enough to propel it from a standstill to 60 mph in about a quick 6.5 seconds. A V6 outfitted with the Performance package and 3.31 gear ratio can do the same sprint in just 5.6 seconds.
Stepping up to the GT's 5.0-liter V8 boosts output to 420-horsepower/390-lb-ft of torque and with the 3.73 ratio can go from 0 - 60 in a blazing 4.7 seconds. The Boss 302's 5.0-liter V8 is good for 444-horsepower, 380-lb-ft of torque and a 0 - 60 time of 4.8 seconds.
Still not fast enough? Under the hood of the Shelby GT500 is a 5.8-liter supercharged V8 that pumps out a massive 662 horses, 631-lb-ft of torque and a top speed in excess of 200 mph.
Capable handling: The Mustang isn't just powerful, it's light on its feet and can turn and stop quicker than most of its rivals. On those back curvy roads, the Mustang's steering responsiveness and overall level of driver engagement is readily apparent and lots of fun.
If possible, choosing a manual transmission is recommended because it gets the most out of every engine and is also easy to drive.
Useful Ford Sync system: The high-tech Sync "infotainment" system connects to a cell phone and allows the driver to use voice commands for things like making calls and playing MP3 files or using the radio, navigation system and climate controls.
Not only is this voice-activation quick and convenient, it enhances safety because the driver's eyes are always on the road.
Strong performance customization options: Some used models can be found with the V6 Performance package which includes a 3.31 rear axle ratio, suspension and brake upgrades, a revised stability control system and 19-inch wheels with summer tires.
And some GTs can be found with upgraded Brembo brakes and either 3.55:1 or 3.73:1 performance axles for faster acceleration. Also available for GT coupes with manual transmissions was the Track package that adds the radiator and engine oil cooler from the Boss 302, Brembo brakes and a Torsen limited-slip differential with the 3.73:1 rear axle.
Surprising gas mileage: Even though the base Mustang Coupe V6 engine delivers brisk acceleration thanks to its robust 305-horsepower output, it still gets an EPA-estimated 31 mpg on the highway with the automatic transmission (19 mpg city). The manual comes in at 19 mpg city and 29 highway.
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The GT gets a respectable (given the power) 18 city and 25 highway with the automatic and 15 and 26, respectively, with the manual. Of course, bear in mind that choosing a more aggressive rear differential gear ratio will lower these numbers.
And even the super-performing Shelby GT500 has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of a fairly reasonable 15 mpg city and 24 on the highway.
Comfortable interior: The Mustang offers a comfortable and well-designed interior with supportive front seats, making it suitable for long drives.
Cargo space: Compared to some other sports cars, the Mustang has a reasonably spacious trunk, which is practical for daily use.
Affordable base price: The Mustang has historically been competitively priced among its peers, making it accessible to a broad range of buyers.
2013 Ford Mustang Cons
Some lower-quality interior materials: The Mustang's interior still lags the market in terms of materials quality. A significant portion of the door panels and center console, for example, consists of cheaper hard plastic.
Cramped rear seats: While technically the Mustang can seat four adults, the rear quarters is definitely on the tight side, even for people who aren't particularly tall. You may want to think twice if you anticipate carrying more than two adults on a regular basis, particularly on long trips.
The steering wheel doesn't telescope: While the front seat generally provides adequate accommodations for most occupants and the lack of a telescoping steering wheel will not impact most drivers, it can be an issue for some ... larger/taller prospective buyers should check this out carefully on a test drive.
No paddle shifter: The new auto-manual toggle control for the automatic transmission is a nice addition, but its mounted on the shifter. Instead, a sport coupe would really be better served with paddle shifters on the steering wheel.
Complicated Sync system: The Sync infotainment system, while impressively useful and convenient, takes some practice and getting used to. There is a learning curve on its user-friendliness and the control and gauge layout is a bit complicated.
Harsh ride: Some drivers may find the Mustang's ride quality to be on the firm side, especially if it has performance-oriented suspension and tires.
Rear visibility: The Mustang's sloping roofline and small rear window can limit visibility, which may be a drawback for some drivers, particularly during lane changes and parking.
Interior quality: While the 2013 Mustang's interior is comfortable, it may not meet the same level of quality and refinement found in more expensive sports cars.
Lack of modern tech: Depending on the trim level, the 2013 Mustang may lack some of the latest technology features that have become common in more recent vehicles.
Safety: The 2013 Mustang received average safety ratings, and it may lack some advanced safety features available in more modern cars.
Overall:
Having been updated and refreshed, the 2013 Ford Mustang is as brash as ever but also sports sophisticated handling abilities and is again the top muscle car available. It's also especially appealing for its bang-for-the-performance-buck. Other contenders worthy of consideration would include the Chevy Camaro, Dodge Challenger and Hyundai Genesis Coupe.
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2013 Ford Mustang Reliabilty
Overall, the 2013 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.
The 2013 Mustang has several positive reliability points, which contribute to its overall reputation for being a dependable sports car:
Proven platform: The Mustang has a long history and a well-established platform. Ford has had decades of experience refining and improving the design, which can contribute to overall reliability.
Durable engines: The Mustang's engine options, including the V6 and V8, are known for their durability. Properly maintained, these engines can provide many trouble-free miles.
Simple mechanicals: The Mustang's design is relatively straightforward, which can make repairs and maintenance more accessible and cost-effective.
Availability of parts: Given the Mustang's popularity and longevity, finding replacement parts and aftermarket upgrades is generally easy, which can help keep maintenance costs in check.
Enthusiast community: The Mustang has a passionate and dedicated enthusiast community. This can be beneficial in terms of sharing knowledge, tips, and advice on maintaining and modifying the vehicle.
2013 Ford Mustang Mechanical Problem Watchlist:
While the 2013 Ford Mustang has positive reliability aspects, there also are some on the negative side to consider. These are areas to be professionally checked before purchase:
Drivetrain and transmission issues: Some owners have reported problems with the manual and automatic transmissions, including issues with shifting, clutch, and transmission components.
Electrical problems: Like many vehicles, electrical issues can arise over time. Some Mustang owners have experienced problems with items such as power windows, electrical sensors, and interior electronics.
Suspension and bushings: Over time, suspension components, particularly bushings, may wear out, leading to a less comfortable ride and potentially affecting handling.
Exhaust system: The Mustang's exhaust system can sometimes experience rust and corrosion, particularly in regions with harsh weather conditions.
Rear differential issues: A small number of owners have reported problems with the rear differential, including noises and failures.
The key to mitigating these issues is proper maintenance, including routine inspections and addressing any potential problems early. Purchasing a used Mustang with a complete service history can provide extra peace of mind.