Thinking of getting a Cobra...what to look for

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hogdaddy77

New Member

Nov 30, 2005

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Dec 20, 2005

#1

• Dec 20, 2005

• #1

I am going to go look at a couple of 96/97 Cobras this week....both are in the 70k mile range. Are there any "common" problem or areas of concern I should look for? Any advice will be appreciated, as if I get one...it will be my daily driver.....

 

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loadchris

New Member

Nov 10, 2005

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Dec 20, 2005

#2

• Dec 20, 2005

• #2

Yea me too, Im looing for a 98 with about 50k miles.

 

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97rmcobra

Founding Member

Apr 21, 2002

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Milford,MA

Dec 20, 2005

#3

• Dec 20, 2005

• #3

I have had mine for 4 years and no major problems, only 36K. Just go over the car like you would any used car.

 

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punkgt

New Member

Nov 30, 2003

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Dec 21, 2005

#4

• Dec 21, 2005

• #4

Typical stuff, try listening for the 'tick', also check to see if it has the stock air tube, if it doesnt, consider this a red flag for modding (meaning car has been beat on). I'd recommend a trip to auto zone and check for any stored codes too, good luck

 

blkstangman88

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Apr 6, 2004

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Dec 21, 2005

#5

• Dec 21, 2005

• #5

rear sway bars tend to be weak, check and c if its already been replaced. also check for headers/ exhaust, the guy that had my 97 cobra b4 me installed mac LT's and im stuck buy new headers and x-pipe and replacing it.

and make sure to check for oil burning upon start up and heavy throttle, i test drove one that was fine upon starting but smoked like a mother above 5k rpms. and its only had 95k miles on it.

 

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97rmcobra

Founding Member

Apr 21, 2002

118

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Milford,MA

Dec 21, 2005

#6

• Dec 21, 2005

• #6

punkgt said:

Typical stuff, try listening for the 'tick', also check to see if it has the stock air tube, if it doesnt, consider this a red flag for modding (meaning car has been beat on). I'd recommend a trip to auto zone and check for any stored codes too, good luck

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I would not use the anology that if the car does not have stock air tube then it has been beat on. I have mods and I don't beat on the car.

 

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wolfbbb

New Member

May 27, 2001

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Sheboygan WI

Dec 22, 2005

#7

• Dec 22, 2005

• #7

OK everyone,I have owned mine since new and I would full of @@it if I said I didn't hammer it or drive it like I stole it.Just remeber 70,000 miles. is it clean,what does the oil look like,any dents, front tires unevenly worn,rotor condition,Engine bay,clean or filthy.rust, does the paint shine or is it dull.
Use common sense and remeber it's a car and there are more out there.Take your time and good luck. BTW I have had a lot of fun with my Cobra thats why I bought it.

 

87gn2

New Member

Apr 17, 2004

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Jan 1, 2006

#8

• Jan 1, 2006

• #8

Look out for a grinding 1-2 shift and trouble going in reverse, T-45s suck.

 

blkstangman88

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Apr 6, 2004

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Jan 1, 2006

#9

• Jan 1, 2006

• #9

the trannys are fine and strong enough to handle the cobras power just fine, its the weak ass shifting fork that doesnt like hard shifts. and its a $50 part from summit but costs a butt load to have a shop install it if u cant do it urself.

 

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chrisbudl1

New Member

Dec 21, 2003

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springfield MO

Jan 2, 2006

#10

• Jan 2, 2006

• #10

every 5 speed I have owned didn't like going into reverse. nothing major though. just get it checked over by a mechanic you trust. a friend with mustang knowledge, and tools is a definate plus.

 

87gn2

New Member

Apr 17, 2004

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Jan 2, 2006

#11

• Jan 2, 2006

• #11

My jeep goes in reverse just fine. My mini goes in reverse just fine. My cobra hates reverse. Every cobra I have driven with a T-45 hates 1-2 and reverse. Then again t-56s get beat up on with hard 1-2 shifts, especially in camaros, all I'm saying is that it's something to look out for.

 

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BADBOYSPACK

New Member

Jun 2, 2005

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Central, FL

Jan 3, 2006

#12

• Jan 3, 2006

• #12

JUST DRIVE THE CAR FOR ABOUT 30 MINUTES, MAKING SURE TO RUN IT HARD A LITTLE TO GET A FEEL FOR THE CAR

 

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Uncle Meat

Banned

Jun 13, 2002

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Prattville, Alabama

Jan 3, 2006

#13

• Jan 3, 2006

• #13

BADBOYSPACK said:

JUST DRIVE THE CAR FOR ABOUT 30 MINUTES, MAKING SURE TO RUN IT HARD A LITTLE TO GET A FEEL FOR THE CAR

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