How Long Does a Ford Mustang Last?

When you’re carving corners or cruising the open road in a Ford Mustang, the thrill feels eternal – but how long does a Ford Mustang last? 

With proper maintenance and quality Mustang parts, your car can easily surpass 150,000 miles, with reports of some clocking over 300,000 miles. Of course, even the best maintenance in the world won’t save your Mustang from the junkyard if you’re determined to push your Pony past its limits or end up wrecking the vehicle at top speed.

Driving habits factor heavily when it comes to how long this iconic muscle car will last. So, unless you’re in your track car, take it easy – and you’ll be enjoying your Mustang for 10 years or more.

In this blog, we’ll explore what you can do to keep your Mustang on the road for as long as possible. Here’s a quick roadmap:

• How many miles do Mustangs last?
  Modern Mustangs, particularly those from the fifth generation onward, are built to last 150,000 to 200,000 miles with proper upkeep. Generally, Ford Mustangs equipped with the Coyote 5.0 engine are reliable.
  
• Are Mustangs a lot of maintenance?
  Compared to other vehicles in its class, a Mustang generally won’t require a lot of maintenance. However, driving style and the climate you’re in do influence durability. Aggressive driving and racing naturally cause more wear and tear, especially on the engine and transmission.

Even the best-engineered vehicles require diligent and ongoing maintenance to last. That includes not only routine maintenance like oil changes but also choosing Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts when it comes time to replace components. In most cases, you’ll find OEM parts are relatively easy to source – whether you’re swapping your Mustang seats or replacing your power steering pump.

Generally the question of how long a Ford Mustang lasts refers to how many miles you’ll get from the original engine and transmission. No doubt, the powertrain’s lifetime is essentially the vehicle’s lifetime at least for most owners. In this blog, however, we’ll give you a few pointers on essential maintenance – not just for the Mustang’s powerplant but also for other components, including suspension and cooling systems as well as Ford-recommend fluid intervals. 

And if the original engine is beyond restoration, major projects like a Coyote engine swap can give your Pony another 100,000 miles! 

How to Make Your Mustang Last Longer: 7 Maintenance Steps

A Mustang’s stock V8 engine primarily will hold up over time, offering up to 300,000 miles of use – away from the track, that is. The Coyote 5.0L engine, introduced in 2011, has a solid reputation for being reliable.

As with any vehicle, however, following factory-recommended maintenance intervals is the best way to ensure longevity. Here’s a look at the top seven most important maintenance steps with a Ford Mustang.

1. Oil Changes

Clean engine oil is the lifeblood of any high-performance vehicle. Changing oil every 5,000 to 7,500 miles prevents sludge buildup and excessive wear. Shorten your interval if you’re in regular stop-and-go traffic or tend to drive your Mustang hard. 

2. Fluid Maintenance 

Ensure your Mustang’s vital systems stay in peak condition with drain-and-fill maintenance or fluid flushes, including:

• Coolant: Flush and refill every 100,000 miles or every 5 years
• Brake fluid: Replace every 2 to 3 years.
• Transmission fluid: For manual Mustangs, change the fluid at least every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. An automatic transmission may need a fluid exchange every 60,000 to 100,000 miles.

3. Tire Care

Uneven wear negatively affects handling and suspension. Keeping the right air pressure and performing a tire rotation every 5,000 to 10,000 miles (plus alignment every year or so) reduces strain on suspension components.

4. Scheduled Maintenance Intervals

Check your owner's manual for exact intervals and inspection/replacement checklists. Look for key items like:

• 30,000 miles: Replace cabin air filters and inspect the brake system.
• 60,000 miles: Change spark plugs and inspect the drive belt for wear.
• 100,000 miles: Replace timing components and inspect the cooling system thoroughly.

5. Battery & Electrical System

There’s usually no need to proactively replace your battery if you’re otherwise prepared to deal with a surprise but regular testing will help you know when it’s losing juice. On the other hand, a failing alternator can lead to power disruptions, so periodic checks are vital for high-tech modern Mustangs.

6. Suspension & Brakes

Shocks should be inspected regularly – especially after 50,000 miles – and should be repaired if cracked or leaking hydraulic fluid. Brake pads should be replaced every 30,000 to 70,000 miles, depending on driving habits. 

7. Cooling System

Regularly inspect your radiator, cooling system hoses, and your thermostat to prevent overheating. Your high-performance cooling system is especially important if you’ve added horsepower or are using after-market parts.

Beyond Maintenance: Pro Tips for Mustang Longevity

Your Pony can age gracefully (and you’ll save on replacement part costs that could have been avoided) with proper maintenance. Here are five things to keep in mind to give your Mustang a bit more care and help your car last longer:

• Don’t redline: Redlining the engine – as well as sudden acceleration, hard braking, burn-outs, etc. – prematurely breaks down your car’s components. It may make driving more fun but you’ll ultimately get fewer miles out of your Mustang.
• Warm up the engine: In modern Mustangs, you should only need a few minutes in the driveway to let your engine warm up – but only in extreme cold. Otherwise, simply accelerate softly in the first mile or so and your engine will reach optimal temperature, reducing the strain on internal parts, especially during winter months.
• Smart storage: Garaging your Mustang shields it from extreme weather, rust, and UV damage. For seasonal storage, disconnect the battery and keep the tires properly inflated.
• Cosmetic care: Cleaning and waxing the exterior regularly helps prevent corrosion. For interior parts, including glass, leather, hard plastic, or fabric, use cleaners and conditioners made specifically for the surface material. 
• Don’t delay repairs: By promptly addressing minor issues like strange noises or dashboard warning lights, you can avoid more extensive and expensive repairs.

Find OEM Parts for Your Mustang

From regular oil changes to avoiding highly aggressive driving, Mustang owners have the tools to keep their vehicle on the road for decades — but by investing the time and effort to care for it. 

By choosing OEM parts from trusted sources like Wade’s Motorsports, you ensure compatibility, longevity, and the authentic performance that makes the Mustang a legend. So, whether you’re chasing mileage milestones or looking to pass your Pony down to the next generation, commitment to quality and care will keep it galloping strong.

How many miles do Mustangs last? The answer lies in your hands – and we’re here to help! 

At Wade’s Motorsports, we specialize in OEM parts for Mustangs, F-150 trucks, and Camaros. We can help you find the exact right part – whether you’re working on a Mustang restomod interior or need to save money on your next engine swap. All of our parts are thoroughly tested and verified to be in good working order. Plus, we can ship internationally in most cases. Call or email us today and we’ll be glad to hear from you!