Questions on a 99 Cobra

Run the VIN# by the folks at SVT (1-800-ford-svt) and they will be able to confirm whether or not that particular 1999 has had "the fix" performed or not. The vast majority of 99's have had "the fix" done at the dealership (it corrected the lack of horsepower via the intake, catback, chip reflash).

Other than that, test drive it, check the usual stuff you would look at while purchasing a used vehicle, and you should be good. G'luck.

I told him on another site how to find out that info

These cars seem to have an issue with the clearcoat being very sensitive to harsh abrasives or things being rested on them. A friend of mine just bought a 01 Cobra with less than 8000 miles on it and it had four spots on the paint that were all hazy with scratches. They came right out with rubbing compound and an orbital buffer.

The bit about the brake light is interesting. Does it happen when the car is standing still, or only when you shift gears while driving? It it happens while moving, check the fluid level in the brake master cylinder. If the fluid is low, it could be that it sloshes around and makes the brake light come on. Another possibility is a loose brake light switch in the console that moves around under the same conditions. OR, it could be that somebody butchered a harness with the radio wiring. My money's on the brake fluid level.

As far as the tire noise goes, what kind of tires does it have on it? Crappy tires can make a lot of noise. I put Goodyear Eagle F1 GSD3's on our 96 and they're really quiet. No decent tire should make the amount of noise you're describing. Are you sure that it is tire noise and not bearing noise?

Lastly, where are you in WA? If you buy the car, you ought to join SVToA/Seattle. The next meeting is a week from Tuesday. PM me if you're interested.