Ford Mustang VII

Mustang in brief

The Mustang is a rear-wheel-drive four-seater available as a coupé (fastback) and convertible. For a long time, it was intended solely for the North American market, so older models found in Europe are often imported from the USA. From the sixth generation (S550), the Mustang became a global model and started being officially sold in Europe as well.

Buyers choose the Mustang for its looks, the sound of the V8 engine, and its substantial power for a relatively affordable price. However, it's not the most practical daily driver: the rear seats are cramped, and the V8 engine consumes a lot of fuel.

The Mustang Mach-E is an entirely different, electric SUV that shares only its name with the classic Mustang. We won't cover it in this article.

Which generation to choose

The S197 (2005–2014) stands out with its retro design reminiscent of the 1970s Mustang and a simple rear suspension with a solid axle. The car was refreshed in 2010, and from 2011, it received new engines — the 3.7 V6 and 5.0 V8. This is the most affordable way to get a Mustang with a V8, but almost all such cars are imported from the USA, so their history is more important than their specification.

S550 (2015–2023) — the first Mustang with an independent rear suspension, a more modern interior and official sales in Europe. It's the most popular generation on the used market. 2018 models received a new front end, a more powerful V8, a 10-speed automatic transmission and the option to choose a digital instrument cluster.

S650 (from 2023) is technically similar to the S550 but features a completely new interior with large screens. In Europe, it is mostly sold with a V8 engine and is still rare and expensive on the used market.

Engines and transmissions

The S197 generation up to 2010 had 4.0 V6 and 4.6 V8 engines, later — 3.7 V6 (around 305 hp) and 5.0 V8 (around 412–420 hp). The most powerful was the Shelby GT500 with a supercharged V8.

The S550 generation in Europe offered two engines: a four-cylinder 2.3 EcoBoost turbo (317 hp, 290 hp after the update) and a 5.0 V8 (421 hp, 450 hp after the update). Special Bullitt and Mach 1 versions had around 460 hp. In the US market, up to 2017, there was also a 3.7 V6, and the power of US versions slightly differs from European ones.

In all generations, you can choose a 6-speed manual transmission. The S550 had a 6-speed automatic until 2017, and from 2018 — a 10-speed automatic transmission, which is also used in the S650 generation.

What to check when buying a used Mustang

If the car was imported from the USA, check its history via the VIN: auction photos, accidents, and potential flood damage. Inspect the gaps in the bodywork, painted parts, and the condition of the sunroofs, as rust or dampness under the carpets might indicate the car was submerged.

US-spec models differ from their European counterparts with headlights, infotainment settings, and other minor details, so they are often modified — ask what and how has been changed. Registering in Lithuania incurs an emissions tax, which is higher for large CO2-emitting V8 cars.

This is a powerful car, so assess the condition of the tyres, brakes, clutch, and suspension, as well as wheel alignment. Heavily worn rear tyres or overheated brakes can indicate spirited driving. The automatic gearbox should shift smoothly, without any jolts.

Trims and versions

Mustang trims are usually designated by the engine and special editions, with equipment varying by market and year; we list the most commonly encountered versions.

Comparison of the sixth-generation (S550) models

For most buyers, the logical choice is the refreshed (2018–2023) GT with the V8 engine. EcoBoost is ideal if looks and lower running costs are key, while Bullitt and Mach 1 are rarer versions for enthusiasts.

Frequently asked questions