Dealer visit checklist
2025 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 2025 Ford Mustang problems to check
- EcoBoost engine carbon buildup on intake valves around 40,000-60,000 miles requiring walnut blasting ($200-$400)
- Independent rear suspension (IRS) bushings and toe links can wear prematurely on cars driven spiritedly, with replacements running $300-$600
- Sync 4 infotainment connectivity glitches and occasional screen freezes reported in early MY2024-2025 builds — usually resolved via OTA updates
- Clutch wear accelerated by aggressive launches on manual-transmission cars; expect replacement around 50,000-70,000 miles ($900-$1,400)
- Paint quality complaints consistent with Ford's history — stone chips and clear-coat thinness reported, especially on darker colors
Ask: have these recalls been fixed?
- POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:FLUID/LUBRICANT:VALVES/VALVE BODY: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 F-150, Bronco, 2024 Ranger, 2025 Mustang, Explorer, and Aviator vehicles.
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING:LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Lincoln Nautilus, Mustang Mach E, and Mustang vehicles.
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Mustang, and Mustang GTD vehicles.
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE): Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Ranger, Lincoln Nautilus, Mustang, Maverick, Explorer, Escape, Lincoln Corsair, Bronco Sport, and Bronco vehicles.
- VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Mustang and 2025-2026 Mustang GTD vehicles.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Mustang vehicles.
Negotiate the price
- Know the typical price: about $32,000 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