The Mustang is one of the most iconic American muscle cars in the world, and it’s gained a cult following for good reason. It’s fast, fun, brash, brawny, and endlessly cool. But not everyone is on the hunt for a new 2022 Mustang. For those looking for pre-owned, we can share nine of the best used Ford Mustangs you can buy.
9: 2011 Ford Mustang
2011 Ford Mustang | Jamesthebard via Wikimedia Commons
Are Mustangs good used cars? The 2011 model sure is. It has a reputation for being an incredibly reliable Mustang, and one of the most reliable used sports cars. It came standard with a hefty V6 making 306 horsepower, but you could also track down a used 2011 Ford Mustang GT with a 412-horsepower V8. This Ford Mustang can be had with with an automatic or manual transmission. Looking for a pre-owned model that’s more than 10 years old, but not considered a classic, may be your best chance at finding a used Mustang for sale for under $10,000.
8: 2014 Ford Mustang
The 2014 Mustang was the last model in Ford’s fifth generation of this beloved pony car. This model year got high scores across the board in quality, safety, and reliability. It looked good, drove like a dream, and offered a lot of comfort features. What more could you want in a used muscle car?
7: 1967 Ford Mustang 390
We were surprised at the lack of classic Mustang muscle cars on this list, but the Ford Mustang GT Automatic made it. In the 60s, it arrived with a newer, bigger engine: 390 cubic inches that created 320 horsepower and 427 lb-ft of torque. As a used sports car, used muscle car, and used classic car, it’s hard not to love this design.
6: 2019 Ford Mustang EcoBoost
HotCars called the 2019 Mustang “the best Mustang model year yet” because of its high ratings in performance and safety. A 77/100 J.D. Power reliability rating means that the used Mustang EcoBoost is a great choice for pre-owned shoppers. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto made the 2019 Mustang a tech-savvy choice, and a 310-horsepower fuel-efficient EcoBoost engine makes it fun.
5: 2013 Ford Shelby GT500
Sold: 8k-Mile 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 Super Snake Coupe for $73,500. https://t.co/5N7zclmFTK pic.twitter.com/SP1Mn4tP6h
— Bring a Trailer (@Bringatrailer) January 27, 2022
This may be the king of used muscle cars. A top speed of 202 mph (though you’d only be able to enjoy that at a track day). 662 horsepower from a supercharged 5.8-liter V8 engine. The Ford Shelby GT500 has a 0-60 time of just 3.7 seconds. And to top it all off, this powerhouse has surprisingly solid reliability ratings. Can’t get better than that.
4: 2020 Ford Mustang
This Mustang powered through the competition for 2020, including longtime rivals like the Challenger and Camaro—two models that also pop up on the top of best used sports cars lists. The 2020 model offered choice of a four-cylinder turbo or a powerful V8 engine. The used 2020 Ford Mustang is available in two body styles, fastback coupe or convertible, and five trim level categories: Bullitt, EcoBoost, EcoBoost Premium, GT, and GT Premium.
3: 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca
#3 on the list is a highly specific call-out. It’s more like a love letter to the reintroduction of the “Boss 302” name from the ‘60s to the modern Mustang lineup of 2012. It came standard with a 444-horsepower 5.0-liter V8 engine and high-performance brakes and specialty tires. Inside, drivers are treated to Recaro sport seats.
2: 2016 Mustang Shelby GT350
What would a best-of Mustangs list be without a Shelby GT350? The 2016 model offered an improved suspension and updates to improve aerodynamics. It traveled from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.8 seconds and had a top speed of 190 mph. It’s racing genes and powerful engine meant it could compete with models like the Porsche 911 and the Chevy Corvette. Why used? If a new Shelby is too expensive, buy an older one instead.
1: 2021 Ford Mustang
2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 | Ford
This model is the #1 used Mustang to buy according to HotCars. It received high ratings by both Consumer Reports and U.S. News. It also saw impressive safety ratings thanks to a lot of safety and driver-assistance features that were included on this model. The 2021 MY offered a variety of trim levels and engine options and, since it’s one of the most recent, you can likely find one with low mileage.
MotorBiscuit’s honorable mention: the used 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E
While the used Mustang Mach-E didn’t get an official shoutout on HotCars’ list of the best used Mustangs worth buying, we think it’s at least worth considering. As we creep further into an all-and-only-electric future for sports cars, that also means we’ll be seeing more and more used electric cars for sale. It’s not hard to believe that the Ford Mustang Mach-E will be an incredibly popular used-car option in the coming years.
Are used Mustangs reliable?
U.S. News ranks the Ford Mustang #1 in sports car reliability, which is impressive for a high-powered and tech-filled muscle car. A reputation for reliability is also what makes the Mustang, in a variety of model years, one of the best rental cars.
Not everyone agrees, though. Consumer Reports rates the Mustang as the worst sports car you can buy. CR only gave the used Mustang a 1/5 rating for reliability. Buying a used car is always a bit of a toss-up, but the models on this list are a good place to start.
Keyword: The Only Used Ford Mustangs Worth Buying, According to HotCars