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Is a Ford Mustang a good first car?

I made a deal with my son that whatever money he earned for his first car, I would match it. Now that he’s saved up, he wants to buy a Mustang when he turns 16. I want to keep my word to him, but I’m a little hesitant about it. Do Mustangs make good first cars?

avatar
Macy Fouse · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Wishing for a Mustang is basically a teenage rite of passage. They’re the ultimate American pony car: they’re cool, they’re powerful, they’re legendary—but a Ford Mustang is not necessarily a good first car. Here’s why:
  • High maintenance costs. The average cost to maintain a ‘Stang is $709 a year—much higher than other midsize cars.
  • Expensive car insurance. As sports cars,
    Mustang car insurance
    is already pricey—so adding that to the costs of
    car insurance for young drivers
    can add up to big numbers.
  • Poor fuel economy. Mustangs certainly aren’t the most fuel-efficient vehicles around, getting a combined 24 mpg for the 2022 model. The older you go, the lower the efficiency.
That being said, if you’ve got your heart set on a ‘Stang, though, not all models are bad first cars. Older models won’t be fuel efficient, but they may be cheaper to buy and maintain than newer Mustang models. Mustangs are also surprisingly safe for a sports car, earning a five-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
If you want to save some money on your maintenance and
car insurance
costs, vehicles like the
Honda Civic
or the
Toyota Camry
are some great alternatives.
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