Thinking of getting a 03 cobra?...

There really isn't any difference. Some of the early '03s had had a tick that the dealership would fix. It was not a recall, just a TSB, if I remember correctly. The '04 didn't have the gas guzzler tax, but it seemed to be added to the sticker price. 03 had the 10th Anniversary package option with different wheels, seat and trim inserts and some carbon fiber stuff. 04 had the Mystic paint option with the changing colors. I liked the Anniversary edition the better.

Really, I think your best bet is an '03. I just had my value checked on the NADA web site. 50,000 miles on the odo and valued at just over $24,000. That doesn't seem to take into account condition. Mine is pretty much like new, other than a few stone chips and incidental scratches.

Either way, you can't go wrong. Prices remain strong, especially for lower mileage ones in fine condition. Just check it out to make sure that it hasn't been fooled with too much.

Purely from a cost perspective, you should be able to get a modified one for less than the cost of a unmolested one that you then modify yourself. However, unless you know the previous owner very well, you run the risk of having to fix the problems someone else created. IMHO, buy a lightly moded car with just bolt on's or a stock one in good shape and build it the way you want.

I really wouldn't touch one that somebody has already modified, unless it is just exhaust or cold air or the like. You are better off getting one that is basically unmolested and going from there. That is just my thought on this matter.

CobraCruiser said:

I really wouldn't touch one that somebody has already modified, unless it is just exhaust or cold air or the like. You are better off getting one that is basically unmolested and going from there. That is just my thought on this matter.

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Hmmmm.... sounds just like an '03 I know of....

U.M.

take your time and get one that makes sense to you. You can buy one that is heavily modified for less than what it would cost you to do the same mods, or you can get one through Ford's Certified Pre Owned program with a 75,000 mile warranty with a low interest rate. Just shop and fit your needs. I bought one a 100% stock vert with 20k for 27k at 4.9% with a 75k warranty. I know of a 600 RWHP car coup with less than 10k that just sold for 30k. You can probably find either in your area.