Should You Buy a High-Mileage Mustang?

A High-Mileage Mustang Could Be a Good Choice

Mustang driving on the highway

Sports cars, in general, are a bit on the pricer side of things. The Mustang, especially depending on the generation and model year, can be an expensive machine. 

One way to get around paying the high prices that some Mustangs demand is to buy one with high mileage. However, you need to be careful about buying a high mileage car. Some high mileage cars are not a good buy. They’ve simply been driven and often abused for too many miles and you could end up purchasing a vehicle that’s problematic. 

On the other hand, there are plenty of Mustangs out there with a lot of miles on the odometer that has been well taken care of. If this is the case, it can be a good choice. It all depends on the car. 

It’s Not About the Miles

Ford Mustang front end

So, what is high mileage really? When you hear high mileage, you just think about the total number, but that’s not the whole story. There are more factors that determine high mileage. The number on the odometer is important but, you need to look at the bigger picture. 

A 2013 Mustang with 140,000 miles is far different than a 2010 Mustang with 140,00 miles on it. The 2010 Mustang may actually be the better buy because it’s had fewer miles put on it each year. Still, that again isn’t the whole story. You need to know a variety of information about the car. 

What’s The History of the Car?

The miles on the car don’t matter too much. What’s more important is how the car was treated while it was racking up those miles. The first place to start is with a vehicle history report. Carfax does these reports and is well respected in the automotive industry. 

You can also talk to the seller of the car. Dealerships may know more than you expect about a specific car, especially if it was a trade-in. If you’re looking at purchasing from a private seller, they should be able to tell you about what the car has been through. How much it was driven annually, how it was driven, and where it was parked when not in use. 

What Service has Been Done to the Mustang?

As a part of the history of the Mustang, you need to also inquire about service records and maintenance. 

Recent maintenance records are good, but what’s even better is a long documented history of the maintenance of the car. A contentious owner is going to keep records pertaining to the car’s service history. 

If you find a high-mileage car with a well-documented service history, typically, you’ve found a good Mustang to purchase. 

What Condition Is It In?

Finally, what condition is the Mustang in right now? Is it clean inside and out? Does it look well taken care of? Has it been sitting for a long time or is it regularly driven? These are all questions you need to answer. 

Make sure to look under a high-mileage Mustang to see if the underbody is corroded or rusted. In many parts of the country, the climate can rust out a car in a matter of a decade or so. You’ll need to (or have a professional) do a full inspection of the car before making a purchase.

Sometimes It Is About the Miles

Mustang Parked outside

With all of that said, sometimes, it is about the miles. Cars don’t last forever and you come across a Mustang that has over 200,000 miles on it, you likely need to be wary. These machines simply can’t last forever. 

If you’ve found a Mustang in fantastic condition that has over 200,000 miles on it, and you can’t let it out of your sight, you can still buy it. You’ll just need to be wary that various parts and systems of the car may not last much longer. If you’re willing to repair the car once something breaks, then, by all means, purchase the car.