2004 SVT Cobra - Should we buy?

[kinzli]

Hi, my wife was interested in a new car, so we drove a new 04 SVT cobra at our local dealer. It's silver, MSRP 36180. They're willing to go 2000 off MSRP. She liked the car, and so did I.

Is there anything we should watch out for? I'm not up to date on the new Cobras. It sounds like to me that there won't be another SVT until 2006. But what about inherant problems with the supercharger, etc.? Is there anything we should know, or just go for it?

Is the 34180 price decent?

Thanks!

 

[Dr. Wu 2000]

That price sounds about right. I shoped around a bit before I bought mine, and most were around the $36000 price tag. As far as the cobra and problems go, I know there was a stalling problem with the 03', which was taken care of. No problems so far with the 04's. The only problem you may have is your soon to be addiction to making it faster. I don't know how
familiar you are with these cars, but they respond so well to the most basic
mods. CAI and exhaust and you are pushing 400rwhp. Go for it !!!

 

[Beau]

work them down a bit more. try to get it for 32.5-33k before TTL.

 

[Miklowcic]

....

I have an early first run car and I have had

1. ALignment problems Car pulled right (camber plates had to be drilled out)

2. Leaking foglights (now the second set is starting to leak)

3. Bad vibration in steering wheel around 80-90mph (two defective good years! according to high speed balancer)

4. Typical sqealing driver side window (havent bothered getting that fixed yet)

I love the car.....and have been only racing it...every weekend since June 02 and only recently had something break. Turns out Ford's idler pulleys (made in Canada!) wear out....the bearings go bad... I didnt know about it and one of them actually broke into pieces...luckily I managed to fix it and the damage it caused by myself.

Other problems people have had are (these are people I have heard from online and people in the car club i am in had the same issues...so they are confirmed) These have all been fixed under warrenty by the people who have had them..

1. Bad vibration...noticed in side and rear view mirrors and or felt... (Caused by drive shaft problems. Dealers indexed the shaft and some had to have it replaced.

2. Tapping sound from engine. (sounds like a hammer hitting your engine) I think its something with the valves and there is a TSB out from Ford about it. I have only met two people who have this problem...one got it fixed and it just came back again. Car still runs fine though...

3. Sqeaking passenger seat...too close to door...i think there is a TSB out on that too.. Sit in it before you test drive and you will notice if its too close or not.

AND HERES THE LIST OF NORMAL NOISES THAT SEEM TO GET EVERY ONE ALL UPSET

1. POpping sound from rear. When you first start to move in forward or reverse. There is a TSB out to retorque something in the rear or suspension. The sound isnt a sign of any impending failure or malfunction.

2. AND THE ever famous CLUNK when you shift gears. This is normal. All 01 cobras do it as well as the 03-04s. Even vettes do it...Putting in synth fluid makes it get less noticable or go away entirely..

IS the car worth it? For me it definetely has been. I bought it to race and its been great. Two seasons and it still runs 11.7 in the cool weather. For $35,000 plus another 1k for 2.80 pulley, chip and dyno tune you get a car thats as fast as a Z06, which will cost you much more.....

The 03-04 cobra can easily be turned into a 10 second machine! and actually handle all that power.....well maybe with the exception of the rear if you arent careful

 

[travis0712]

I haven't had any real problems from mine and I am at 32k miles since I just got back from my trip... I drive a lot... I love sight seeing and the Cobra is just so fun to take

My bushings were replaced on the right front wheel section, not sure which ones. They were making grinding sounds going into turns heavy... ( I live on a nice winding road to and from getting my kids from school - So I enjoy the STV

Most problems that you may find will 99.9% happen during the first 10k miles... the warenty will cover you and if you it isn't too late... get the extended warenty!!! Very much so worth the additional cost.... BIG TIME INVESTMENT!!!

But yes, I love my car and would do it all over again... I will have this one in the stable even if I get an 06 Cobra I can't get rid of her