In 2024, Kelly and I decided it was finally time to experience Mustang ownership. We ordered our dream car through Brighton Ford in Michigan—a 2024 Mustang GT Performance with the Night Pony Package.
The buying process was smooth thanks to our salesperson, Aly. Driving the car home from Michigan to Tennessee, the Mustang impressed us with its road manners. Onlookers waved as we passed, a reminder of just how iconic this pony car really is.
After less than a year of ownership, driving it through all four seasons, we realized something: the Mustang is an incredible weekend or “garage” car, but not the most practical daily driver.
Mustang Depreciation: The Harsh Truth
When the Mustang debuted in 1964, it was a game-changer. By 1966, Ford sold 607,568 units in a single year. Fast forward to today, and sales tell a different story.
• 2004: 160,975 units sold
• 2024: fewer than 44,000 units sold
This sharp decline poses a major problem for Ford.
And then there’s depreciation. Our $57,000 Mustang GT was sold wholesale to Carvana for around $47,000 in less than a year—a nearly $10,000 hit. For enthusiasts, the “smart money” is often buying a Mustang 3–5 years old, once depreciation slows. For us, it was a reminder of how quickly the Mustang loses value off the lot.
The Mustang’s Sales Problem
Fewer sales + fast depreciation = trouble for the Mustang brand. If younger buyers see the car as both impractical and a poor investment, Ford may struggle to justify keeping the classic two-door alive.
Can Ford Save the Mustang?
Ford’s decision to release the all-electric Mustang Mach-E was controversial. Purists hated it, but the four-door crossover brought practicality, comfort, and modern tech—qualities missing in the coupe.
Rumors now suggest Ford may launch a four-door gasoline-powered Mustang. Imagine a sedan or fastback-style Mustang with a V8 under the hood. Could that attract new buyers while keeping enthusiasts on board? Or would it dilute the very thing that makes the Mustang special?
The Future of the Pony Car
The 2026 Ford Mustang sits at a crossroads. With declining sales, rapid depreciation, and shifting buyer preferences, the pony car faces an uncertain future.
• Will Ford evolve the Mustang into a four-door performance car or SUV?
• Can a new version recapture buyers without losing the soul of the original?
• Or are we witnessing the beginning of the end for America’s most iconic sports car?
Final Thoughts
As someone who owned a Mustang and lived the experience firsthand, I see both sides. It’s a thrill to drive and undeniably iconic—but the depreciation and practicality issues are real.
What do you think?
Would you switch from a two-door Mustang to a four-door V8 performance car? Or should Ford keep the Mustang true to its roots, even if that means fewer buyers?
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