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three Mustang GT350s. A red one and dark blue with a candy blue 2017 Ford Mustang in the foreground

You Can Score a Deal On a 3-Year-Old Ford Mustang

The Ford Mustang is an iconic car we celebrate for its powerful engines and flashy exterior. This sports car is also handsome on the inside, plus it’s pretty affordable too. The Ford Mustang is an enticing option to buy new or used, but to score the best deal on one, you’ll want to consider a three-year-old model.  What makes …

The Ford Mustang is an iconic car we celebrate for its powerful engines and flashy exterior. This sports car is also handsome on the inside, plus it’s pretty affordable too. The Ford Mustang is an enticing option to buy new or used, but to score the best deal on one, you’ll want to consider a three-year-old model. 

What makes a three-year-old Mustang a bargain?

three Mustang GT350s. A red one and dark blue with a candy blue 2017 Ford Mustang in the foreground
2017 Ford Mustang GT350 Shelby | Ford

Generally speaking, Mustangs give you a lot of power for the money. But what makes the Mustang a remarkable option to buy used is its above-average depreciation rate, according to iSeeCars.com. A three-year-old Mustang has a depreciation rate of 47.2 percent, while the average rate for a sports car is 32.1 percent. The Mustang depreciates faster because of its steep starting price. By picking a 2017 Mustang over the 2020 version, you can save over $19K.

Shopping for a used 2017 Mustang

The 2017 Mustang has proved to be a dependable vehicle choice. This model year provides you with many modern features and even perks that the 2020 version doesn’t offer. The 2017 Mustang was the last model year before Ford eliminated the standard 3.7-liter V6 engine option. 

The Mustang’s V6 makes 300-horsepower. There are also three other engines to choose from on the 2017 model. The Mustang Ecoboost has a turbocharged inline-4 that creates 310-hp. Next up is the GT trim that features a 435-hp 5.0-liter V8 engine. And for the most power available on the 2017 Mustang, you will want to shop for the GT350 variant. The GT350 adds a 535-hp 5.2-liter V8, Brembo brakes, and an active suspension. 

On the inside

Whether you opt for the coupe or convertible body style, the Mustang seats up to four passengers. Although the rear seat is tight, so not many people will enjoy riding back there for an extended period. The 2017 Mustang came standard with cloth upholstery, but the higher trim levels will have leather seating.

As far as technology goes, the 2017 Mustang came with a few notable features, including Bluetooth connection, a CD player, and a rearview camera. For more tech, it’s worth checking out the EcoBoost and GT trims, which support Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Other options include navigation and advanced safety features such as forward-collision warning. 

More things to consider 

2018 Ford Mustang GT Performance Pack Level 2 on the track.
2018 Ford Mustang GT Performance Pack Level 2 | Ford

The 2017 Mustang’s well-rounded nature earned it a #1 ranking on U.S. News’ list of 2017 Most Affordable Sports Cars. It also ranked in the top half of other categories, including best-used convertibles for $15K-$25K. U.S. News also gave the 2017 Mustang an above-average reliability score, but you should know that the NHTSA recalled this model three times. The recalls had to do with potential problems with the Mustang’s engine, latches, and airbags.

Before you buy, make sure that the recall actions have been addressed. Additionally, you might also want to shop deals for the 2018 Mustang as 2021 approaches. Ford refreshed the Mustang’s exterior style for 2018 and added more power to the available V8 engines.

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