The Ford Mustang sits at the peak of American muscle cars, boasting a reputation for powerful engines and sleek exteriors. While they can be pricey to buy, leasing Mustangs is typically more affordable—with prices ranging from $16,000 to $33,000 for a 36-month lease.

When it comes to comfort, the Ford Mustang has it all. Soft leather or cloth seats, spacious cabins, and sizable cargo spaces are only a few of the reasons drivers love their Mustangs.

Of course, Mustangs can be pricey. But that’s where leasing comes in to provide a more affordable option for getting behind the wheel of an American classic.

Before you sign a lease agreement, you should learn more about what to expect. The

car insurance

comparison app

Jerry

has compiled everything you need to know. In this article, we’ll cover how much a Ford Mustang lease costs, what kind of car insurance you’ll need, and how to return the vehicle at the end of your lease term. (We'll even drop some hints for saving big on your

Ford Mustang insurance cost

How to lease a Ford Mustang

Leasing a Ford Mustang comes down to a single word: preparation. As you read this article, you’ll learn more about the individual steps involved, but it’s extremely important that you start by figuring out your finances.

Here are a few steps to get you started:

Check your credit: Finding a good lease deal depends largely on your credit score. If you maintain a relatively good credit score of above 650, you can usually find a good deal. But credit scores under 520 may be out of luck.

Calculate your down payment

: Making a large down payment will typically help you secure better monthly payments. If you can’t afford to make a big down payment right now, consider saving up before applying for the lease.

Decide on a budget: Before you sign the paperwork, make sure you have an idea of how much you want to pay. A good rule of thumb is that your monthly lease payment should be 15% of your monthly income at most.

Know your mileage: Many leases have mileage caps. If you surpass that mileage, it costs extra. Of course, you could arrange a higher mileage cap at the start of your lease, but it will be more expensive. To make sure you’re buying the right number of miles per year, track your mileage prior to leasing to figure out what you need.

After you’ve evaluated your financial situation, it’s time to

compare leases

from a few dealers. Remember that the first offer you get will rarely be your best, so comparing offers from at least three places can help you learn more about what your options are.

Find insurance for your lease

Before you hit the road, you’ll also need a good car insurance policy. Every state has its own

minimum car insurance requirements

, which you’ll need to meet before you can legally register your car.

From there, your dealer will probably require you to get

comprehenesive

and

collision

coverage.

How much does a Ford Mustang lease cost?

The exact cost of leasing a Ford Mustang varies among trim levels, but you can spend anywhere from $768 to $921 a month for a 36-month lease.

Of course, the exact amount you pay also depends on your credit score, down payment, and dealership. So waiting until you’re in a good financial position to apply for your lease can save you tons of money in the long run. But if you’re in a rush to find a car, be aware that factors like location and season can also impact your rate—just like they impact the cost of buying a car.

Keep in mind that

trim level

is a central factor in determining how much you’ll pay each month. Since higher trims are essentially nicer models, you’ll end up paying more.

Here are a few of the Ford Mustang’s trim levels and how much you can expect to pay to lease each one:

Trim level	Monthly payment	Amount due at signing
GT Fastback	$768	$1,000
GT Premium Fastback	$799	$1,000
GT Premium Convertible	$921	$1,000

It’s worth asking your dealer if you qualify for any rebates. Whether or not you’re eligible, it’s better to ask than miss a savings opportunity.

Services included in a Ford Mustang lease

While leasing a Ford Mustang doesn’t come with any specific services, it does come with a comprehensive

wear and tear policy

. Ford realizes that cars are challenging to maintain, and damage is a natural part of car ownership. As a result, Ford forgives a certain amount of damage they consider to be wear and tear.

While the list of forgiven damages is long, here are a few highlights:

Up to three scratches per panel under four inches

Up to two interior burns per panel

One stain under half an inch long per panel

While Ford forgives many minor damages, they’re fairly strict about their mileage policy. If you go over the mileage agreed upon in your lease agreement, you’ll be required to pay for the overage. That said, it shouldn’t be a problem so long as you buy the right amount of miles when you sign.

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What to do when your Ford Mustang lease is up

At the end of any lease, you’re left with a big choice to make: Do you want to return the car or keep it?

If you choose to return the car, you’ll need to go through

Ford’s return checklist,

which we’ll describe below. But if you choose to purchase the car, you can exercise the language included in your lease.

How to return a leased Ford Mustang

If you decide to return your Ford Mustang, the process is fairly straightforward—but it is time-consuming. Here are the steps you’ll need to take when returning your Ford Mustang:

Assess the damage: While Ford forgives a variety of wear and tear, you should make sure your car doesn’t have any excessive damage. If you return it with any major problems, you’ll be charged the repair fee along with an additional fine.

Contact the dealer: Let your dealer know you’re planning to return the car and ask about any last-minute instructions. Your dealer may know something you don’t.

Make the repairs: Use Ford’s network of mechanics to repair your car. Hold onto the receipts so you can prove that you put in the time and money—just in case there’s a problem after you return it.

Prep your car: Take all your personal belongings out of the car. Don’t forget to check all the little nooks and crannies like the glove compartment and cup holders. Lost items may not be returned!

Return the vehicle: Bring your car back to the dealer and make any last payments. If you went over your mileage package, this is where you’ll pay for the overage.

The final fee you’ll need to pay is a disposition fee, which lessees must pay at the end of their lease term. For a Ford Mustang, you’ll be expected to pay $395 total. Of course, the disposition fee will be waived if you decide to buy the car or lease another Ford.

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How to prepare a car for inspection when returning a lease

How to purchase a leased Ford Mustang

When you sign a lease agreement for a Ford Mustang, the paperwork will include a purchase price for the vehicle. So the first step to buying your Mustang is checking your lease agreement for how much you’ll need to pay.

Once you’ve done that, call your dealer and hammer out the details. If you need to work out a payment plan or finance the vehicle, your local Ford dealer can likely help you out.

Keep in mind that the lease agreement typically states you can buy the car on the lease-end date. Depending on your contract, you may not be able to buy it before then.

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How to find the best car insurance for your Ford Mustang lease

Gathering car insurance quotes for your new lease can be tricky, but you can make finding and comparing competitive quotes easier than ever with

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