Cold Hard Cash $$$ Burning my pocket

[seanthenerd]

Hey Guys

I just got a nice new job, and now I have the disposable income to buy a Cobra. Only problem is I have never owned one before and I thought I might get some tips/advice from some veteran owners.

I was thinking about going with a modestly priced 96-98 SVT Cobra. I am looking to spend between $9,500-15,000.

Is there any major differences between these years, are their any things I should pay particular attention to? Basically any buying advice from you lucky SVT owners would be greatly appreciated.

Oh, on a side note, anyone living in Michigan (where we pay 6 times the national average in car insurance) where do you get your insurance through?

Thanks in advance
-Sean

 

[Iwvustang]

I live in michigan and my insurance is through All-State and the price isn't bad at all, though that could just be because we also have home insurance through them.

 

[chrisbudl1]

a friend of mine has spent ALOT of money on a 96, getting it to run in the ten's. atleast plan on 15+ lbs of boost. VS. 03 cobra, with some bolt ons, and walla. I love my 97, and plan on keeping it until it falls apart, but I haven't done any engine mods. It ran on the factory plugs flawlessly for 107000 miles for example. well built car. just look it over real good, before you buy it. race the heck out of it, and listen for any weird noises. Good luck, and if you have any other questions, feel free to pm me. click on my link, and let me know what you think. chris

 

[01TrueBlueCobra]

Don't get the 96 due to the overheating problems. There was a recall to have it fixed, but every 96 was able to get the cooling change.

 

[99SVTAddict]

If you are willing to spend up to $15K you could afford a 99 Cobra. 99 up has the IRS so if you plan to drag race, this will be a negative. If it's a daily driver and mainly a street car you will like it.

Otherwise the 98 Cobra would do you well for a little less money.
I'm in Clinton Twp. I currently have Allstate but I may switch to Progressive.

The 96's did have overheating problems. Thing is, at this point almost any year Cobra you find will have some kind of modifications to them.

Good luck

 

[sinisterblack98]

There are minor cosmetic differences between the 98s and the 96-97s, no clock pod, metal SVT engine tag, etc. I personally think they're more collectible and hold value a little better.

Check State Farm for insurance, I had AAA and State Farm was 20% lower for my Mustangs.

My Cobra is for sale, it's a little higher than your budget but it's only got 16,000 miles and numerous bolt-ons.

Link to Cobra ad:

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=182256108&dealer_id=56296414&car_year=1998&search_type=both&make=FORD&transmission=&sponsorModel=&model=MUST&distance=25&address=48051&make2=&advanced=y&certified=&max_mileage=30000&max_price=&min_price=&end_year=1998&color=&start_year=1998&drive=&isp=y&engine=&body_style=CONVERT&doors=&fuel=&lang=en&cardist=0

 

[germeezy1]

I got a one owner 99 Cobra Vert with 40k on it for $15,000....you may have to negotiate quite a bit...but you can sometimes find them. And this car is clean enough to eat off of.

 

[svtpower]

options

Yeah you can find a nice 99 for with that cash.
I paid $16,000 for my 1 owner with 35,000 miles on it. VERY CLEAN.
I must say the IRS was a bit of a switch from the 2 solid axle stangs I have had in the past. Now that I am used to it, I love it, it stays glued to the pavement in corners. If you are gonna be taking it to the strip regularly though...hop city Get a nice 96-98 snake and call it good.
Depends on what body style you like more than anything I guess, personally I just like the new edge 99+ so thats what I got!
With the 2005 makin people crazy, theres lots of good deals out there, just dont be in a rush and keep your eyes open.

 

[germeezy1]

Its alot of car for the money...I don't drag race mine so I much prefer the IRS...it actually surprised me because I like solid axle stangs because of how you can slide them sideways...and the IRS is pretty progressive at the limit.

 

[germeezy1]

If you get a Vert you should definitely do the subframe connectors as your first mod.

 

[BadMoFo]

go to autotrader.com, they have alot of choices there, that what got me the most replies when I sold my 99 cobra before I got my 03. me personally if you are stuck on those years I would go 98 just cause its just a little newer, still a 7 year old car but I am sure there are some good ones left out there.