Another pathetic newbee asking for assistance

[CobraMeister]

Car buying help...Another pathetic newbee

Hi folks. Well, as the title says, another newbee here. I have an opportunity to pick up a pretty nice 96 Cobra for $6000. Seems like a pretty good price. Car is in decent shape, needs a little cleaning up, has just under 90K miles. White w/black leather, chrome Cobra R wheels and fairly new tires. Was wondering if anyone would be willing to offer opinions on the price and also if there is anything in particular that I should be checking for or worried about on one of these fine cars. Last Mustang I owned was a 68 notchback with Boss 302 shortblock back in the early to mid 70s. I really loved that car and still miss it. Finally got permission from the wife to start looking for a Mustang hobby car. Thanks for any and all input. I know that newbees can be really annoying!!

 

[rays1999cobra]

Price seems fair. You'll hear that the '96 snakes had cooling issues so pay close attention to that. Take a nice, long, hard test drive. I'd also run a carfax report just for piece of mind. Good luck. Ray

 

[98 Yeller' SVT]

A 96 Cobra for $6000? I'd go over it with a fine tooth comb (of course you should do that with any used car)

That price seems $2000-3000 low to me... even if it is a little ragged out.

 

[CobraMeister]

Thanks Ray!!

Thanks for the feedback Ray! Much appreciated.
I have heard about the cooling issues and I've been trying to learn all that I can on the net. I hope to be able to get a test drive in the car this week. With any luck I'll decide if I'm gonna buy before someone else scoops it up!
Thanks again!

 

[CobraMeister]

I agree with you Yeller!!

I agree with your response Yeller. I never thought that I would have the opportunity to get a Cobra that was in my budget. This came as quite a surprise! I know very little about these newer aluminum engine beasts and that's why I'm trying to learn all that I can about what to check and what to look for. These forums are sure a great tool for that. So far I haven't been able to find anything wrong with the car other than that it needs a little cleaning up and that the driver's seat cover shows a little more wear that I would expect for this age of car. No tears or holes but it would need to be replaced I think to match the rest of the interior which looks pretty darned good. I haven't had the opportunity to drive it yet but hope to take care of that in the next couple of days. In the meantime research, research, research.
Thanks for your input. Any advice that you can offer on what to check is GREATLY appreciated.

 

[SmithCobra95]

wow i sold my 96 v6 for that much money...that is way under priced. Either the guy is a dumba** or there is something really wrong.

 

[CobraMeister]

Thanks SmithCobra95!

Thanks for the response. The car is actually at a car lot near my house. It's a small privately run lot that usually has decent high mileage cars that are great bargains as fixer uppers for hobbyists. Fun lot to visit. I'm ashamed to admit that I've been checking it a couple of times a month for the past couple of years looking for a 86-87 Vette to fix up. About a week ago I spotted this Cobra and that's all I've been able to think about since. It's not nearly as high miled as most of the cars on the lot with only 87K miles and it looks really nice for the price. I'm hoping to have an opportunity to drive it before the end of the week if it doesn't sell before I get the chance. Hoping to get good advice here on what to check and what to be worried about.
Thanks again!!
Oh....and I'll be looking for one of those 20hp type R stickers if I buy the car!!!

 

[tygr1]

That sounds like a hell of a deal friend! I just bought my '98 back in June and gave $10,500 for it with 105k showing.

These are VERY simple, sturdy cars. They need new parts from time to time of course, at that mileage. The engine, if cared for, should be in fine condition. Check to see that the oil is clean...AFTER your test drive. If not, well I think you know.

Make sure you make a run up to 7000 RPM at least once! It should be able to do so, pulling all the way, with NO strange noises, vibrations, or other complaint. If so, I should think it'll last a good, long time. The bottom end is very strong and the valvetrain is made to rev.

Other than that major point, if you had to replace tires, shocks, springs, etc...I personally think the Cobra is a car worth keeping alive and fresh.

I'm envious.

I've learned quite a bit, if you need to ask someone who's easy to talk to. I'm a geezer though...LOL.

Good Luck to you!

 

[Price1]

Suggest running a carfax on it as, like others, it sounds a tad under-priced. Some of those local dealers get their cars from auctions and that can always be risky.

 

[tygr1]

Suggest running a carfax on it as, like others, it sounds a tad under-priced. Some of those local dealers get their cars from auctions and that can always be risky.

Great idea.

Those 'local dealers' are called 'wholesale' lots...they get cars at auction that are too old or have too many miles for a retail lot to keep after taking it in trade...among 'other' cars. As long as it's not one of these 'other' cars (verified by a Carfax report) you stand a real good chance at getting a GOOD car from them.

If they've been there awhile, they care. They can't stay open by buying and selling just 'junk'. They can't afford the headaches and repercussions.

 

[Jamin McKenzie]

Just a heads up.....I sold my 95 GT last summer with 135K on the ticker for $5500. Call me a hell of a salesman, but that price would raise some question marks with me.

 

[CobraMeister]

Thanks Mr. McKenzie, tygr1 & Price1

Thanks for your input guys....much appreciated. Looks like I won't be getting this one. Ran a Carfax and found out that the car has a 'rebuilt' title. That will probably hurt me down the road when it's time to sell the car. Guess I won't be joining your ranks yet. Have to keep looking.
Thanks again to all for the help.