Dealer visit checklist

2023 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 2023 Ford Mustang problems to check

  • EcoBoost 2.3L turbo intercooler condensation can cause rough cold starts and misfires, especially in humid climates
  • Independent rear suspension half-shaft and differential seal leaks reported on higher-mileage examples
  • Electrical gremlins including SYNC 3 infotainment freezes and blind-spot monitoring false alerts
  • Clutch wear on manual-transmission models accelerates quickly with spirited driving or track use — budget for a replacement around 50,000-70,000 miles
  • Rear paint and trunk lid are prone to rock chips and minor corrosion bubbling around the lower quarter panels

Ask: have these recalls been fixed?

  • 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.
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BODY CONTROL MODULE/BCM: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Mustang vehicles repaired incorrectly under recall number 23V727.

Negotiate the price

  • Know the typical price: about $28,000 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