Dealer visit checklist
2022 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 2022 Ford Mustang problems to check
- IRS (independent rear suspension) bushings can wear prematurely, especially with spirited driving, leading to handling drift around 40,000–60,000 miles
- EcoBoost 2.3L turbocharged models are prone to carbon buildup on intake valves due to direct injection, requiring walnut blasting around 60,000–80,000 miles
- Infotainment SYNC 3 system occasionally freezes or requires software updates; some owners report Bluetooth connectivity drops
- Rear differential fluid in GT models should be changed every 30,000–45,000 miles but is often skipped, leading to whine and wear
- Pony Package or performance-driven units may show accelerated rear tire wear, with rear tires needing replacement as early as 15,000–20,000 miles under aggressive driving
Ask: have these recalls been fixed?
- AIR BAGS:KNEE BOLSTER: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Mustang vehicles.
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022 Mustang vehicles equipped with an Image Processing Module A (IPMA) or forward-facing camera.
- POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2023 F-150, Mustang, Explorer, Bronco, and 2023 Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BODY CONTROL MODULE/BCM: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Mustang vehicles.
- STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Ford Mustang vehicles.
- STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Ford Mustang vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 24V-493.
- BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles.
- FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Bronco, Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, 2021-2022 Lincoln Navigator, Mustang, F-150, and 2022 Expedition vehicles.
Negotiate the price
- Know the typical price: about $26,500 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