should i sell/trade in the 98?

[95 yellow 5 0]

I was keeping the idea outta my head for a while but it's buggin me again.
I still havent installed the gears and driveshaft but all my other mods are done. the car's quick, sounds amazing and I like it a lot but an 03 is just that much better. I'm seeing them for near $24k and I'm thinking about trying to sell my cobra to get one in the spring maybe. It's really because I'm worried about the mileage gettin high on it, it's getting close to 55,000 which is not bad for a 98 but I'm sure trade in is low. Privately I should be able to get 15,000 around here and if I can't sell it for that I'd just keep it. I'll be done with college in 3 semesters (I HOPE) so maybe waiting would be better but i dont want an 03 with high miles then. Problem is when i took out the loan for parts and fixing the dents, i owe about $14k so it sucks I'm paying 384 a month. I mean i could afford 400-440 a month on a newer cobra so shouldnt i? it'll hold value better. i'm just pissed i did all the mods finally and now im thinking of getting rid of it... opinions? i mean if i can get my credit card payment down I'd be happy with an o/r X and bassani on an 03. but the pulley, chip, intake won't be far away....

 

[Dragstr05]

I suppose it would be a hard decision. Having ridden in one, the 03 cobra in even stock trim is nothing short of amazing for a reliable street car that can hold its own and still run around with a factory warranty.

If I were in your position, I wouldnt take the value of the car into consideration, nor the mileage. Taken care of, mileage really isnt an issue. If the engine has good compression and runs strong, I wouldnt worry about it. In terms of value, if your going to keep the car, does it really matter?

I think what you should do is gather as much info as you can, try and test drive an 03/04 if possible, and then make your decision. If you love your 98, dont rush it because you MAY regret it later, although going from a 98 to an 03 would hardly be a decision most would regret.

Also, you said you were in college, so I'm going to assume you are still fairly young (like myself, buy you are probably a little older), so get some insurance quotes as well to see if the difference would be out of your range. Think of it on every angle and make an educated decision. I dont think anyone here can give you a straight answer, but hopefully we can help you without a bunch of biased opinions. Good luck!

 

[95 yellow 5 0]

yeah, i've been in a couple. didnt drive it myself. i need to hear that supercharger everyday. i'm 21 and i'm pretty sure the insurance difference was only $150 tops, because both are listed as cobra. i checked a while ago but i'll have to look into it. even if i get 14k from a dealership helping me out, that's no taxes i'll have to pay so it would work out. i think im gonna begin the search but not get crazy about it. if it happens, it happens.

 

[87gn2]

You know the 03s are 200lbs heavier than our cars...iron block, six speed and supercharger...just something to think about.

 

[Tommy98016]

I think what you should do is gather as much info as you can, try and test drive an 03/04 if possible, and then make your decision.

after that test drive your mind will be made up

You know the 03s are 200lbs heavier than our cars...iron block, six speed and supercharger...just something to think about.

heavier, faster and better


If you can get out from under your 98 with out loosing money and not kill yourself on the new payment then I would say go for it. You will not regret your discision.

 

[95 yellow 5 0]

after that test drive your mind will be made up




heavier, faster and better


If you can get out from under your 98 with out loosing money and not kill yourself on the new payment then I would say go for it. You will not regret your discision.

just sucks i did all those mods then i won't really have cash to do exhaust, intake, pulley and chip. i'd very content with just that stuff. would you recommend getting one with those mods already on it? prob not right?

 

[wythors]

Unfortunately, the reality is that you'd be lucky to get $10,000 for it on trade with a dealer unless they're really laying you away on the price of what you're buying. Also, your modifications actually lower the value as far as they're concerned. Sell it privately or keep it.

 

[Engage47]

Chit ill give you 12 if you were in FLA!!!!!!!!!! or really close to it i know its not 14 but if wythors is right about the 10 then another 2 grand could only help

 

[Tommy98016]

would you recommend getting one with those mods already on it? prob not right?

I would want as close to stock as possible but that is just me.

 

[chrisbudl1]

do the gears and driveshaft, that will make you smile. Won't be an 03, but definately a very noticeable mod. I would be surprised if you get 15 for it. list is closer to 11 or 12 isn't it. and most people might worry about the mods, unless they are looking for a head start. I'd keep it. I have 114000 on my 97 still runs strong as ever. take care of it and it will last a long time. down the road a rebuild will probably be in order, but I don't need one yet. good luck

 

[95 yellow 5 0]

do the gears and driveshaft, that will make you smile. Won't be an 03, but definately a very noticeable mod. I would be surprised if you get 15 for it. list is closer to 11 or 12 isn't it. and most people might worry about the mods, unless they are looking for a head start. I'd keep it. I have 114000 on my 97 still runs strong as ever. take care of it and it will last a long time. down the road a rebuild will probably be in order, but I don't need one yet. good luck

yeah well one dealership just offered me $8000 for it. I rather total it. I mean I understand the book value is only $10500 or so but in CT at least 98's in good shape are still goin for $14-15k. it would take a long time to sell it i'm sure. someone who is only looking for a 98 cobra would buy it, like i did. plus i'd have to say I think for the decent amount of mods i have, they are all the best parts i could have chosen.
After seeing that i could only get $8k on a trade in, i might as well keep payin the loan and get it down another year then see what i can do. car runs great. i do love it, just would love an 03 that much more. i'm only 21, but i am still rushing to try and get one. I think the 4.10's will just have to come in for the spring and i'll have fun for another year with it. i'm gonna have OCD for this 03 for the next couple weeks i'm sure.

 

[BensBACobra]

You know the 03s are 200lbs heavier than our cars...iron block, six speed and supercharger...just something to think about.

not to mention they are known for running hot and you have to deal w/ the IRS. i have a few buddies that have 03's and they are HEAVILY modded, all they do is sit in their garage until race day and just cause they are very strong cars, they still break. mine has 91k miles and counting and it runs and sounds VERY good. btw, you are looking at about a $500 car payment + insurance, is that a good idea right out of college? (speaking from experience)

 

[95 yellow 5 0]

not to mention they are known for running hot and you have to deal w/ the IRS. i have a few buddies that have 03's and they are HEAVILY modded, all they do is sit in their garage until race day and just cause they are very strong cars, they still break. mine has 91k miles and counting and it runs and sounds VERY good. btw, you are looking at about a $500 car payment + insurance, is that a good idea right out of college? (speaking from experience)

yeah i agree. i'd just be an @sshole to go an get something i can't afford. i F'd myself enough with the loan on this one as it is. i like my 98 a lot. but being faster is still important to me though for some reason. like, i like my car for its looks and sound, etc. but everyones gotta ask well is it fast? u know how it is. i wanna poop on 06 GTOs and C6 vettes though. the 4.10s arent gonna be enough. an 04 cobra would be though

 

[shadowland2000]

Buy a house, then the fancy car if you can still afford it. You'll retire 10 years earlier.