What to know before buying a used manual Ford Mustang — S197 versus S550, the MT-82 gearbox, V8 versus EcoBoost, and the inspection that matters.
It is durable but notchy, especially the 2–3 shift at temperature extremes. Later revisions improved it. Test the car warm, and treat a grind or refusal to engage as a walk-away.
The GT delivers the V8 experience and the stronger resale. The EcoBoost is cheaper to buy, insure, and fuel, and with the Performance Pack it handles well. Both were sold with a good manual.
Look for tire residue in the wheel wells, replaced axles or driveshaft loops, wheel hop damage at the rear suspension mounts, and a rear end that whines on and off throttle.
Increasingly, yes, particularly for GT and Performance Pack cars. The gap widened as Ford reduced manual availability on newer models.
Plan for tires and brakes first — both wear fast on a V8 car. Then fluids, including gearbox and rear differential, which are commonly skipped by previous owners.