Dealer visit checklist
2018 Ford Mustang checklist
Print it or keep it on your phone. Tick each item as you go so nothing gets missed.
Inspect the car
- Check every panel gap and look for mismatched paint (signs of past accident repair)
- Look at the tires: even wear, matching brands, at least 4/32" tread
- Check under the car and engine bay for oil, coolant or other leaks
- Start the engine cold; listen for knocks, ticks or squeals and watch for smoke
- Test every window, lock, seat, light, the A/C, heat and infotainment
- Test drive on city streets and highway: straight braking, smooth shifts, no pulling
- Ask for the service records and a vehicle history report
- Have an independent mechanic do a pre-purchase inspection (about $100–$200)
Known 2018 Ford Mustang problems to check
- Independent rear suspension (IRS) rubber bushings can wear prematurely, leading to clunking sounds around 60,000–80,000 miles
- EcoBoost 2.3L models are prone to carbon buildup on intake valves due to direct injection — walnut blasting every 40,000–50,000 miles is recommended
- Transmission cooler lines on 6-speed automatics have a known leak issue that Ford extended the warranty on — verify repair history before buying
- Clutch wear on manual GT models can be accelerated by enthusiast driving; budget for a clutch replacement around 60,000–80,000 miles ($800–$1,200)
- Rear differential noise and limited-slip differential chatter have been reported on V8 GT models, particularly in cold weather — check for TSB repairs
Ask: have these recalls been fixed?
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER: Roush Performance Products, Inc.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE: Ford Motor Company is recalling certain 2018 Ford Mustang vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission and a 12.4" digital instrument cluster.
- POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Ford F-150 and 2018 Ford Expedition and Mustang and Lincoln Navigator vehicles equipped with 10-speed automatic transmissions.
- BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Lincoln MKC, Mustang, F-350 SD, F-250 SD, F-450 SD, 2015-2017 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, 2015-2018 Edge, Transit Connect, 2016-2019 F-550 SD, Transit, 2017-2019 Econoline, and 2019 Ranger vehicles.
Negotiate the price
- Know the typical price: about $20,500 for this model year
- Negotiate the out-the-door price, not the monthly payment
- Get the full price with every fee listed in writing before you sign
- Bring your own loan pre-approval so the dealer has a rate to beat
- Say no to add-ons you didn't ask for (paint protection, VIN etching, nitrogen tires)
- Negotiate your trade-in separately, after the car's price is agreed
- Be ready to walk away; another listing is usually a click away