How Long Can a Mustang Last? [Tips to Extend the Mustang Lifespan]

Last Updated on February 14, 2023 by Leepu Da Maxim

When properly maintained, a Ford Mustang may travel 200,000 miles. Because the typical annual mileage is around 12,000 miles, the average Mustang should survive roughly 16 years if given proper care. As the car is well-built, it is up to the owner to nature it last even longer.

Key Takeaways

  • The actual lifespan of a Ford Mustang can vary and it mostly depends on driving conditions, regular maintenance, etc.
  • If you have a Ford Mustang then you should regularly change the oil, and rotate the tires to increase its lifespan and performance
  • You should always use high-quality engine oils to keep the engine running smoothly and prevent excessive wear and tear
  • You should also keep a close eye on the cooling system and fuel system and keep them in good working order to increase the lifespan of the Ford Mustang

How Long Do Mustangs Last?

How Long Do They Last

Ford has gone a long way since the days when it was building the Model T. The Ford Mustang GT is now one of the most popular sports cars in the world.

Persons of different ages and from all walks of life like the sensations and sounds of driving or simply riding shotgun in one of these bad boys. Many people worry about how affordable they are to own and how long they would survive if they did. The answer is tricky, but given proper care, all mustang generations can last 200,000 miles or 16 years.

If you take care of your Ford Mustang, it will reward you with years of service. On the other hand, if you write it off quickly and then put it up wet, it won’t last nearly as long.

What Is the Life Expectancy of Mustang Parts?

Tires

The Mustang tires can last anywhere from 15,000 to 25,000 miles, but they can last even longer if you rotate them frequently. When changing the oil, a decent rule of thumb is to rotate them.

Tire rotation ensures that the tread on your tires wears evenly, making them safer to drive on and lasting longer. Purchasing higher-quality tires will also extend the lifespan.

Battery

A Ford Mustang’s battery can last four to seven years if properly maintained. Starting your car at least once daily is an excellent way to keep your car battery in good shape. As a rule, don’t leave your Mustang’s lights on at night.

Transmission

The transmission on a Ford Mustang is designed to last roughly 120,000 miles. However, several factors determine the cost of replacing it.

How Reliable is a Ford Mustang? 

How Reliable is a Ford Mustang

Paying much money for a car doesn’t imply it’s dependable. When determining the reliability of a vehicle, there are numerous elements to consider, and the Mustang is no different.

When evaluating a car’s reliability, most people consider variables like fuel economy and insurance prices. These are, of course, the last things on your mind if you’re a Mustang fanatic.

You still want to know how much it will cost to maintain the vehicle. To estimate the maintenance cost, you should investigate your Mustang’s exact make and model.

In comparison to most vehicles, Mustangs are relatively reliable. The car performs slightly better than average in reliability tests than most automobiles.

Multiple factors determine how much it costs to keep your Mustang running yearly. If you own a Mustang, simple vehicle maintenance could cost you an average of $700 annually.

In this regard, the vehicle is less expensive than other automobiles. Even so, the cost of Mustang maintenance will vary. It will, once again, be determined by the brand and type of your vehicle. The maintenance cost will also vary depending on your driving habits and environment.

How to Extend the Life of Your Mustang

You can do numerous things to extend your vehicle’s lifespan. The sensible thing one can do is make parking in the garage a habit. This prevents corrosion and other normal wear and tear caused by the elements.

Because your tires will not be exposed to the sun’s heat during summer, parking in a garage will help them last longer. The sun also has the potential to harm your car’s paintwork.

Waxing your Mustang is another habit that will assist extend the life of your vehicle. It will help protect the body of your car and make it look new. You should also check the fluids in your vehicle regularly.

Taking your automobile to the mechanic will also allow for proper maintenance, resulting in a longer life for your Mustang.

The Most Important Ford Mustang Maintenance Items

To give your Ford Mustang GT the longest possible life, you must stick to the recommended maintenance regimen that comes with your vehicle’s manual.

Each model year differs slightly regarding when specific services should be performed, but the following advice will help you be protective and identify typical problems, if any.

  • Oil: One can extend the Mustang’s lifespan by using high-quality oil. Check your owner’s manual for the viscosity and other parameters required by your unique make and model. Most Mustangs will run better with synthetic oil, so we recommend upgrading if it’s within your budget.
  • Suspension: Choose aftermarket shocks and struts to improve the performance of your suspension system. It is feasible to replace the shocks and lower the car if you enjoy the look of a low-riding vehicle and improved handling.
  • Components of Mechanical Design: There are various mechanical components in every engine. The Ford Mustang’s engine is powerful and subjected to tremendous forces. If you buy a used Ford Mustang and the previous owner didn’t properly maintain it, there could be hidden flaws in the engine block.

Get a licensed mechanic to evaluate the car before you buy it to guarantee its excellent form.

  • Cooling System: Because the Ford Mustang’s powerful engines push cooling systems to their limits, it’s critical to ensure they’re in good operating order before you get behind the wheel. Best conditions apply to all aspects of the system, including fluid levels. A coolant flush is required for most automobiles at least once every 100,000 miles.

Which Mustang Year Should You Avoid?

Which Mustang Year Should You Avoid

Many individuals advise you to stay away from specific vintage Ford Mustang models. Most models from 1969 to 1980 are included in the list that you should avoid.

Some 1970s vehicles are fine, but many flaws led Mustang owners to advise against purchasing them. That is also true for cars from the 1980s. Some are good, while others are advised against purchasing; however, it depends on who you ask and what you want in your Ford Mustang.

Conclusion

One good thing about the Ford Mustang is its powerful engine. Automobile fanatics across the US like the Mustang for its speed, reliability, and durability. Did you know that a Mustang can last up to 200,000 miles or 16 years without any major problem?

Given proper care and maintenance, a Mustang can still serve you past the 16 years lifespan. Ensure you rotate the wheels, use the right oil, and contact a mechanic whenever your car develops a problem that you cant handle. Being a little cautious will extend your Mustang’s longevity.

Reference 1: How Long Do Ford Mustangs Last? (8 Important Facts) (motorandwheels.com)

Reference 2: How Many Miles Will a Ford Mustang Last? (motorbiscuit.com)