   2014 Ford Mustang GT & 2014 Ford Mustang GT Convertible. Click image to enlarge |
Review by Justin Pritchard
Vehicle Type: Coupe/convertible
History/Description: There’s a new, sixth-generation Ford Mustang arriving very soon – meaning the second part of the Coyote-powered fifth-generation model, available from 2010 to 2014 inclusive, has now pretty much moved into used car territory.
Look for your used dream-Stang with a solid, fixed roof or a cloth ragtop, 2+2 seating, a navigation system, Bluetooth, premium Shaker stereo system, heated leather, automatic lights, power accessories, interior mood lighting and plenty more.
Engines / Trim: Look for this era of Mustang with six- or eight-cylinder power. For 2010, engines were carried over from before the refresh – and consisted of a 4.0L 210-hp V6 or a 4.6L 315-hp V8. For 2011, both of these units were ditched, and instead, a new ‘base’ V6 engine turned out 305 horsepower from 3.7 litres of displacement, roughly matching the output of the V8 engine that first powered this generation of Mustang. The V8, from 2010 and on, was a 5.0L piece with 412 hp at launch, and 420 from 2013 and on.
Manual or automatic transmissions were available with both engines.
Though most of the models in the used market will have one of the powerplants listed above, special high-performance units were available with additional options. The Mustang Boss 302 got a tuned-up version of the 5.0L V8 making 440 horsepower. The butt-clenching GT500 got a supercharged V8 making up to 662 hp, depending on the year. Badass! Shoppers interested in one of these rocket-powered beast-Stangs are advised to have a good traffic lawyer in their back pocket.
What Owners Like: Styling, power, reputation and sound effects largely attracted shoppers to the last-generation Mustang, just like models before it. Other favourite features included the colour-selectable gauges and mood lighting, as well as the potent up-level stereo system. Owners of models with the newer “Coyote” V8 engine typically report extreme satisfaction with the performance. Owners of the Boss 302 or Shelby GT500 Mustang models even more so.
What Owners Dislike: Complaints included ‘hard’ leather seats, some cheap interior trim, limited rearward visibility and the lack of a manual mode for the automatic transmission. Also, despite Mustang’s appearance from the outside, it’s smaller inside than it probably looks—so larger drivers are advised to be sure they fit comfortably ahead of their purchase.
Here are some owner reviews on autoTRADER.ca, not that most Mustang shoppers need them.
   2014 Ford Mustang GT & 2014 Ford Mustang GT Convertible. Click image to enlarge |
The Test Drive: Used performance-car shopper hats on, folks! There’s a good chance the Mustang you’re considering has been driven hard by its former owner(s). In itself, this isn’t a huge problem so long as the seller isn’t trying to pass off a machine in need of a new clutch, tires or brakes. Finding a model with all service records is an excellent idea, as is a mechanical checkup at a Ford dealership. A dealer-trained mechanic can quickly and effectively check the condition of the tires, brakes, suspension, clutch and more. If you’re mechanically inclined, check these consumable parts out yourself. Assume the seller is trying to make replacement costs someone else’s problem, until you confirm otherwise.
Further, many used Mustangs will have been modified in some form. Typically, intake and exhaust modifications are safe and pose no cause for worry. Shoppers are advised to use caution when considering models with altered engine management electronics, upgraded engine internals, nitrous, forced induction or other serious add-ons. Aftermarket wheels and suspension can be a headache too, if the quality of the parts or installation is sub-par.
