With this year marking the 60th anniversary of the Ford Mustang, we take a look at its evolution on the SA market and how it fares as a used buy. We then list two rival options for comparison.
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The sixth-generation Ford Mustang, initially unveiled in 2013, made its highly anticipated South African debut in December 2015. Previously, Mustangs seen on South African roads were either direct imports or conversions from left-hand drive, but the sixth-generation model was to be the first to be offered in a right-hand-drive configuration. With its strong heritage built on a combination of powerful engines and old-school RWD charm, the Mustang swiftly cemented its status as the top-selling sports car in the country, becoming a solid choice for driving enthusiasts.
Related: V8 Mustang Models Confirmed by Ford SA
Throughout its local lifecycle, the Mustang was offered with a choice of two petrol engines: a turbocharged 2.3-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder and a naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V8. Initially, both engines were mated to either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission sending power to the rear wheels. However, with the 2019 facelift, Ford introduced a 10-speed automatic transmission as the standard option.
Eventually, the EcoBoost engine was phased out in South Africa, leaving the 5.0-litre V8 as the exclusive choice. In its standard guise, the current unit develops 330 kW and 529 N.m. In special-edition models this engine often underwent slight modifications to free up additional power. These include the Mustang Bullitt (338 kW/529 N.m) with a six-speed manual transmission, the Mustang Mach 1 (338 kW), and the 330 kW Mustang California Special (CS), all available exclusively in Fastback form.
- 0-100 km/h: 4.81 seconds
- Top speed: 250 km/h
- Power: 330 kW
- Torque: 529 N.m
- Fuel: 14.8 L/100 km
In the January 2023-issue road test of the Mustang CS, we achieved 0-100 km/h in 4.81 seconds and recorded an average fuel consumption of 14.8 L/100 km. The facelifted models ushered in recalibrated shock absorbers, stiffened suspension and uprated anti-roll bars to improve cornering stability and mitigate some of its forebear’s “white-knuckle” driving characteristics. As a 2+2 sports car, the Mustang features limited rear seating, but offers practical amenities like seven airbags, heated and ventilated front seats, and a 382-litre boot.
Related: Used Case Study: Toyota Fortuner
Mustang owners should be aware of potential gearbox issues such as hard shifting or slipping. These are often resolved with a transmission software update, a fluid flush, or replacing the transmission control module (TCM). Given their sporty nature, Mustangs tend to be driven hard, so the suspension system can experience wear. Excessive body roll or pitch under braking should see prospective buyers inspecting and potentially replacing such components as worn bushings, struts, or sway bar links. If the engine runs hot, check the thermostat, coolant hoses, and radiator, along with ensuring adequate coolant levels. Periodic system flushes are advisable.
Related: Ford Mustang GT3 Scores Podium on Debut Drive During Le Mans
Although it’s a relatively common site on our roads, demand for the Mustang remains strong, keeping resale values relatively high. For instance, on the CAR classifieds, a 2016 2.3T Fastback Manual with 103 282 km was listed for R429 900. Within a budget of R800,000, a 2020 Mustang 5.0 GT Fastback Auto with 21 300 km was available for R799 900. Given the demands placed on these often hard-driven cars, some original owners opted for extended maintenance plans and warranties. Consequently, prospective buyers of used Mustangs should also consider securing out-of-warranty maintenance coverage for their vehicles.
BMW Z4
The G29 BMW Z4, introduced locally in 2019, is available exclusively as a roadster and is offered with a choice of two turbocharged petrol engines: a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder unit producing 145 kW and 320 Nm, and a 3.0-litre straight-six delivering a robust 285 kW and 500 Nm.
The G29 Z4 is larger than its predecessor and despite being a two-seater, it offers a 281-litre luggage compartment. The interior is contemporary and well-appointed, featuring a suite of driver assistance systems, including Collision Warning, Pedestrian Warning with City Braking function, and Lane Departure Warning.
Common problems include engine misfiring or rough idling, which can be resolved by inspecting and maintaining the spark plugs, ignition coils, fuel system, turbocharger, or by updating the vehicle’s software. As an open-top sports car, the Z4’s convertible roof mechanism is subject to wear. To ensure its durability, it is essential to regularly check the hydraulic fluid levels and inspect the associated electrical components and sensors.
On CAR’s used-car listing pages, a 2019 Z4 M40i with 55 000 km is listed for R748 500, while a 2020 Z4 sDrive20i with 30 000 km is priced at R699 000. Newer models often retain portions of the manufacturer’s mechanical warranty and maintenance plan, offering additional peace of mind to potential buyers.
- 0 – 100 km/h: 6.6 seconds
- Top speed: 240 km/h
- Power: 145 kW
- Torque: 320 N.m
- Fuel: 7.8 L/100 km
Jaguar F-Type
Jaguar’s long-awaited successor to the iconic E-Type, the F-Type, debuted in 2014. While the initial models were known for their challenging driving dynamics, demanding a skilled hand at the wheel, the F-Type captured the essence of a true British sports car. Over its production run, a variety of petrol engines were offered: a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder, a supercharged 3.0-litre V6, and a formidable supercharged 5.0-litre V8, which could be paired with either rear-wheel or all-wheel drive configurations.
The V8 variant, in particular, stands out for its impressive performance, propelling the car from 0 to 100 km/h in under five seconds, depending on the specific model year. A significant update in 2020 introduced several enhancements, including a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration and 20-inch wheels. The updated V8 engine delivered 423 kW and 700 Nm of torque between 3 500 and 5 000 r/min, allowing it to reach a top speed of 300 km/h and accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.7 seconds.
Despite its many strengths, the F-Type has faced some reliability issues, particularly with its electronics. Common problems include the need for hard resets of the vehicle’s computer system, updates to the transmission software, infotainment system, and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). Additionally, some owners have reported faults in the suspension and steering systems, which, in severe cases, may necessitate component replacements.
- 0 – 100 km/h: 3.7 seconds
- Top speed: 300 km/h
- Power: 423 kW
- Torque: 700 N.m
- Fuel: 12.4 L/100 km
