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1996 Ford Mustang
Invoice: $13,925 - $25,001
Miles Per Gallon
City: 17 MPG - 20 MPG
Highway: 24 MPG - 30 MPG
Body Style: Coupe, Convertible
Engines: 3.8L V-6 150 HP, 4.6L V-8 215 HP, 4.6L V-8 305 HP
Ford's Mustang was the first of a new breed of factory hot rodthe "pony car"when it was launched back in 1964, and during the decades that followed it's stuck largely to the same genetic coding: High performance, low tech and low cost. With a simple reardrive chassis borrowed from a sedan and lots of components borrowed from other Ford vehicle lines, the Mustang has always been relatively cheap to produce, delivering lots of performance at bargain prices. However, in terms of maximum performance, the Mustang's formula has, in recent years, fallen behind the pace set by GM's CamaroFirebird twins. Ford's durable old 5.0liter V8 simply didn't match the muscle of GM's 5.7liter V8, which bristles with torque and horsepower. So for 1996, Ford answers the challenge with a new engine. The overhead valve 5.0liter has been replaced with Ford's much more sophisticated 4.6liter V8, an engine with better volumetric efficiency as well as better emissions performance. The Mustang GT receives the single overhead cam version, similar to the engine used in the Ford Crown Victoria and Lincoln Town Car. With 215 hp and 285 lb.ft. of torque, it delivers roughly the same performance as the old 5.0liter. But if sizzling gopower is the objective, Ford now has an answer for the Camaro Z28 and Firebird Trans Am. The new Mustang Cobra has the dual overhead cam, 32valve version of the 4.6liter V8, and in Cobra tune it throbs with 305 hp and 300 lb.ft. or torque. With lots of V8 power driving the rear wheels and a number of suspension revisions, the Mustang Cobra can gallop stride for stride with its GM rivals, whether the road ahead is straight or twisty. Since the Cobra represents the best of what's new about the Mustang, it was our choice for this test.
Purchasing an older vehicle, such as the 1996 Ford Mustang, makes good financial sense. You're able to avoid the steep depreciation rates that occur with brand new vehicles. This essentially gives you the advantage of getting a 1996 Ford Mustang for less money than when it was new. If the 1996 Ford Mustang was properly maintained, you also have a good chance of steering clear of problems that would have developed when the car was new.
The amount you pay for an older car depends on various factors. One important element is where you buy the vehicle. You're likely to get a better deal if you buy it from a private party, as opposed to a dealer. On the other hand, a reputable dealer will normally have some kind of limited warranty, so you can drive away knowing that if the car breaks down right away, you'll be covered. Another factor that may affect price on a 1996 Ford Mustang is whether it's "certified" by the manufacturer. A certified vehicle will cost more because warranty service is provided that normally doesn't come with a used car.
Another dynamic that will play into the purchase price is the resale value. A used vehicle with a high resale value will obviously cost you more. It is expected that the 1996 Ford Mustang will have a good resale value. This assumes that the 1996 Ford Mustang is in good condition and has a reasonable number of miles.
Find a used 1996 Ford Mustang for sale at CarsDirect.
