5 Best Modern Used Ford Mustang Bargains
All Mustangs are cool, and the latest ones are better than ever, but what if you don't have the money for a 2017? Here's some used Ford pony car models that range from great bang for the buck, to downright affordable.
1. Ford Shelby GT500 (2007-2009)
Once the 2013 Shelby GT500 debuted as the most powerful Mustang ever produced, folks simply didn't care as much about the cars that came before it; which means that you can pick up a forgotten, pre-2013 car at a big discount. If you want a real bargain, opt for the 07-09 models, which can still be found in great shape for around the price of a new economy car. These cars are still fast by today's standards, with a supercharged 5.4 liter V8 producing a stout 500 hp, and since a lot of people bought them with the intentions of collecting them, there are lots of low mileage examples out there.
2. Ford Mustang Cobra (1994-2001)
There once was a time, not too long ago, when the name Cobra signified the ultimate in Mustang performance. Today, collectors covet the '93 Cobra and Cobra R, 2000 Cobra R, and the Terminators of 2003-2004; the rest, well, not so much. Which means you can score a hopped up version of the Mustang with either a pushrod or modular V8 (depending on year), and independent rear suspension, on the cheap. In some cases, much less than ten grand is all it takes to get behind the wheel of a clean example.
3. Ford Mustang Fox Body (1979-1993)
They might technically be classics today, but the Fox platform Mustang is still dirt cheap in most cases; unless you're looking for an 87-93 notchback coupe, which are super popular among the drag racing crowd. Most folks prefer the later styling of this generation, which also means you can save big bucks if you're willing to go old school (and carbureted) with an earlier model. No matter what, you're getting a very capable, lightweight platform with a legendary engine supported by an incredibly robust aftermarket. Rough project cars can start at less than $1,000, and you can probably find a nice one for less than $5,000.
4. Ford Mustang GT SN-95 (1994-2004)
In 1994, the Mustang got its first major redesign in 15 years. And though they proved to be quite popular at the time, age and dated 90's styling has made them available at a huge discount. Find yourself a 94-95 model, and you'll still get the timeless pushrod 5.0 liter under the hood, while later models use a modular 4.6 for power. These cars had just over 200 hp from the factory, but obviously there's unlimited potential with a little work. And you'll have plenty of cash to throw under the hood, because these things are incredibly cheap today, often less then a comparable Fox body.
5. Ford Mustang GT S-197 (2005-2010)
The early S-197 Mustangs still look relatively fresh today, thanks to the already retro look, and Ford's reluctance to make major styling changes over the years. Plus, the GT comes with a capable 4.6 liter pumping out a respectable 300 hp (315 in 2010). But 2011 brought huge powertrain upgrades that saw these older V8 cars embarrassingly outpowered by the new 3.7 liter V6, and the new Coyote 5.0 GT simply pummeled them with 412 hp. All of that, of course, means that these cars are super cheap today, for how new they are. After all, 300hp is still a lot, and backed with a manual transmission, you'll be surprised at how capable and quick it is. You can take that money you saved and put it into motor or suspension mods that will make it as fast as you want.
For help with service and mods on your Mustang, visit the how to section of our sister site MustangForums.com