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The Ford Mustang. Since 1964, the pony car has roamed American roads and highways with little challenge from competition like the Chevrolet Camaro. However, not every used Ford Mustang is created equal, and some ‘Stangs might help protect your wallet when it comes to expensive maintenance and repair costs. 

You can look for one of these three Ford Mustang model years from three different generations to save on repair and maintenance

It’s the Ford Mustang Mach-E! Just kidding. In all seriousness, we’re talking about the original recipe: two doors, front-engine, rear-wheel drive (RWD). However, depending on the model year, engine, and transmission, you could be getting into a sweetheart used car or a nightmare. Here are three of the best used Ford Mustang model years to aim for with the fewest irritating complaints from owners and the NHTSA. 

2020 Ford Mustang

The 2024 model may have kicked off the latest, seventh-generation lineup, but the 2020 Ford Mustang is one of the least problematic models from the sixth-gen (S550) nameplate. Of course, the S550 suffers from transmission problems, and the 2020 model is no different. 

According to CarComplaints, a used 2020 Ford Mustang may exhibit issues like hard shifting at low mileage. What’s more, the S550 Mustang’s manual transmission option is the Getrag MT-82 six-speed manual transmission. Unfortunately, the Getrag unit sometimes suffers from premature wear and even failures.

However, the 2020 Mustang has far fewer NHTSA-reported and owner complaints than other S550 models like the post-facelift 2018 model and its 30 NHTSA complaints for engine issues. Buyers with the 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder engine in the 2018 model may experience misfires and tapping at around 60,000 miles. 

2009 Ford Mustang

The 2009 Ford Mustang is the final model year before the nameplate received its first design update for 2010. It’s also one of the final years with the SOHC 4.6L three-valve “3V” V8 in the GT and Bullitt trims. And while the 2009 model’s engine options have around 26 NHTSA complaints, it’s far fewer than the 2010 and 2011 models from the same S197 generation. 

In fact, CarComplaints rates the 2010 model as the worst of the used Ford Mustangs from the last four generations. The 2009 model, on the other hand, has the fewest owner-reported complaints and documented disasters of the fifth-generation lineup (2005-2014).

2003 Ford Mustang

The 2003 Mustang is one of the final years of the fourth-generation (SN95) model. Fortunately, it’s also one of the least complained-about models in the SN95 generation. Interestingly enough, the 2003 model lives in the middle of the “New Edge” models (1999-2004). However, owners lament a greater number of issues in the 1999, 2002, and 2004 models.

As for the 2003 model’s issues, the NHTSA cites infrequent stalling issues with the 4.6L V8 and the 3.8L V6. However, owners may be able to get between 250,000 and 300,000 miles out of their 2003 New Edge model. Still, you might need some diligent maintenance.

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Staff Writer

Erik Sherman

Erik Sherman joined the MotorBiscuit team as an Autos Writer in 2022. An admitted petrolhead and an avid motorcyclist, Erik has owned everything from classic cars to motorcycles to modern driver’s cars. Erik also has extensive experience with military and emergency vehicles, ranging from ambulances and fire engines to MRAPs and M-ATVs. Erik is an eager car and motorcycle reviewer with experience covering everything from sports cars to pontoon boats and jet skis.

Erik holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations (IRG) from the University of Texas at Austin and has studied Chinese, Energy, and European Politics at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Erik’s background is unorthodox; he is a United States Marine Corps (USMC) combat veteran, water survival practitioner, and a former firefighter/EMT. Additionally, Erik is a regular volunteer and former instructor with the American Red Cross (ARC).