By EWAN KENNEDY, Marque Motoring
Ford Mustang has been a big success on the Australian market and I see them pretty well
every time I’m on the road.
We will cover the Mustang from December 2015 when a new model was introduced in this
Used Car Checkout.
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 20th century gas guzzling muscle
machines, the latter Ford’s 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 306 kW and 530 Nm 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 being optimised to provide higher output – 233 kW and 432 Nm 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 so provides excellent balance.
The front seats are laterally supportive but 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; Track allows the engine to respond directly to
the driver’s input, while reinforcing the sporty engine note; and 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 450 horsepower (339 kW). 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 556 Nm.
At the same time the mildly revised 2.3-litre EcoBoost unit developed 300 horsepower
(224 kW). It had nine Nm 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 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.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
A professional inspection really is a must of 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.
HOW MUCH?
Expect to pay from $22,000 to $31,000 for a 2016 Ford Mustang 2.3 coupe; $25,000 to
$34,000 for a 2015 convertible; $32,000 to $43,000 for a 2016 GT coupe or a 2018 coupe;
$35,000 to $47,000 for a $38,000 to $51,000 for 2018 GT coupe; $41,000 to $55,000 for a
2019 GT coupe; $48,00 to $65,000 for a 2019 GT convertible; $52,000 to $70,000 for a
2020 GT convertible; and $59,000 to $78,000 for a 2021 Mach 1 coupe.
CAR BUYING TIP
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.
RECALLS: To browse recalls on all vehicles go to the ACCC at:
www.productsafety.gov.au/products/transport/cars/
