Advice please, Cobra or ?

Iamchris · Jul 19, 2004

Well, I went out looking for a car this weekend, without telling myself, I knew I was looking for either a Mustang or a Dodge Ram... so, I shop around a bit, see many Mustangs a few out of my price range...
Anyway, I finally get near quitting time and see a nice looking car...
A 98 Cobra SVT Convertible, 50k miles, all availiable options for its year, engine looks pristine, no rust on the body, though underneath its getting a bit aged but doesn't look bad.
It seems to run excellent, it may have a slight pull to the right which could be front end alignment but the clutch is tight and the ride is smooth... well... for a mustang.
Now, the cons... its got a small bit of touch up on the passenger handle and just below the drivers door... my father said he may have seen a small repair on the covertible hood, but I didn't notice one... I'm going to check when I go back.
At any rate, the dealer is asking 16,900 for it, it blue books around 17,300.
Now, I can't exactly afford to go buy a new 30k+ car, but I can afford to get a different car of a more recent year, actually my bank is iffy about financing on this because its a 98... atm I think I can afford to be somewhere in the 26-28k area.
I like to the 305hp on the Cobra, I like the look and it seems to be in good shape.. I like getting some nice muscle for my money, however, I don't wan't to kick myself in a few years while I'm still paying for it.
Like I said, the car looks and runs great, but I am hung up on buying it... inner strugle on going with a different Mustang...
While I am open to other Mustangs, I am not fit to drive a standard coupe... only reason to buy a mustang is for its "balls"... so
What do you all think? Think I would find myself happy with the 98 Cobra or think I should look for another Mustang of a newer year... keep in mind I'm looking for something with muscle.

Traveler · Jul 19, 2004

I think if I were in your position, I'd consider either that 98 Cobra you've looked at (depending on its condition according to you) or maybe look for a 2001 Mustang Bullitt. They are rare, very muscular and not at all whimpish IMO. Since you've mentioned a Ram, have you also considered one of the earlier 2nd generation Lightnings?
As for the Ram, I'll say this. I also own a 03 Ram with the 5.7 Hemi and love the truck...and mine is even a Quad Cab. Find yourself a 03 standard cab Ram Hemi and you're not going to be paying much more for it and you'll at least have a fairly new vehicle with a lot left on the factory warranty which is 7 years/70,000 miles and it will be pretty quick. Gas mileage isn't so bad either as with a 3.92 rear and 20" wheels, I can manage anywhere from 18-21mpg on the highway. The Ram shocked me when I drove it. It had strong power, but it was the handling that surprised me. Its really smooth and the steering seems perfectly weighted and it really seems to stick to the road pretty well for a 5000+ lb truck. If you can find one in your price range, I'd at least look into it but remember a Ram with even the Hemi is still no match for a supercharged Lightning.

Just a few more thoughts and suggestions to consider.

Nicks98Cobra · Jul 19, 2004

You can find much better deals than that. A couple of months ago when I was looking at my current cobra I found 2 cobra verts. a 97 white convertible w/ the full load, exhaust, new clutch and 4.10's and he wanted 12,500 for it with 55k miles on it, only a couple of blemishes here and there. And I also found a black 98 vert all bone stock with 52k miles on it in perfect condition for 13,500. Look around you will find better deals.

Black96Snake · Jul 20, 2004

off topic, but how can IamChris have 0 posts when I'm clearly looking at one?

IMO the price on the Cobra is a little much. 96-98 cobras are not really that rare, if you are thinking about one I suggest that you actively go out and search for one, don't just settle on the vert because its close to you.

Iamchris · Jul 20, 2004

Well, I went to my bank and looked for better financing and they basically told me they would be hard pressed to finance a 98, but they could do so at 10% down and payments of about 600$ on a 3 year loan
So, the dealer can find me financing but I have decided to take my money and run... the bank is willing to finance me up to 30k on any car 2001+, so I think I am going to try to find a Mach1... after the bank told me to find a newer car and I looked around on the net, I find myself very attracted to the Mach1. So, heres hoping.
Anyone have any advice, anyone want to tell me how much a junk it is?

Nicks98Cobra · Jul 20, 2004

Man that sux. My bank financed me on my 98 cobra for 4 years at 5% interest with no money down.

COBRA90GT · Jul 20, 2004

Black96Snake said:
...off topic, but how can IamChris have 0 posts when I'm clearly looking at one?....

Post counts increase only in our "tech" forums, not "talk" forums. Why? To help cut down on the amount of post-whoring (aka: pw'ing) that was going on. It helps reduce some of the rather annoying posts over in our "talk" sections, while maintaining the integrity of our tech areas (for the most part ). Hope that answers your Q.

For the original poster, if you are considering a new Mach I, by all means, go for it! IMHO, they are great mustangs. I'd rather purchase "new." That way you will know the true history behind the car, being the original owner. And, hey, nothing beats that "new car smell."

Here is an excellent Mach I specific msg board:

http://www.mach1registry.org/forums/index.php

FAQ section (very informational):

http://www.mach1registry.com/FAQ.htm

G'luck!

Iamchris · Jul 21, 2004

For anyone interested, today I am the proud owner of a 2004 Black Mach1, demo vehicle.

Traveler · Jul 21, 2004

Good choice. Nice to know that you were able to get such a nice car. Did you get a good deal?

Iamchris · Jul 21, 2004

26k, financed through my own bank at 4.9, so I like to think so. Dealer was asking 30+.
My bank actually financed me up to 35K, I passed on a Cobra. I like something about the Mach 1, though I certianly respect and in no way devalue the Cobra.

missouri_guy197 · Jul 21, 2004

That Mach is better in many ways than the 96-01 Cobras in many ways, while not having the SVT title...They are almost a mix between the earlier 96-98's and the later 99-01's...Having the power of the latter with the solid rear of the former...It's a good powerful combo...Have fun with it...

tfritz · Jul 23, 2004

missouri_guy197 said:
That Mach is better in many ways than the 96-01 Cobras in many ways, while not having the SVT title...They are almost a mix between the earlier 96-98's and the later 99-01's...Having the power of the latter with the solid rear of the former...It's a good powerful combo...Have fun with it...

Personal preference there. I prefer the IRS over the solid because of my taste in handling rather then straight line speed...but that's my preference.

Black96Snake · Jul 23, 2004

COBRA90GT said:
Post counts increase only in our "tech" forums, not "talk" forums. Why? To help cut down on the amount of post-whoring (aka: pw'ing) that was going on. It helps reduce some of the rather annoying posts over in our "talk" sections, while maintaining the integrity of our tech areas (for the most part ). Hope that answers your Q.

Thanks!

BLK_ROUSH · Jul 24, 2004

Iamchris said:
26k, financed through my own bank at 4.9, so I like to think so. Dealer was asking 30+.
My bank actually financed me up to 35K, I passed on a Cobra. I like something about the Mach 1, though I certianly respect and in no way devalue the Cobra.

Congrats on the purchase. Good choice great car and enjoy.

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