Cobra Advice Please

71Hoss

Founding Member
Jun 27, 2001
973
0
16
Virginia, CSA
My wife and I have been looking at Cobra convertibles for the last month or so and have narrowed our search to two cars. One is 1998 with 56k miles for $13,400, the other is a 2001 with 70k miles for $14,500. Both have manual transmissions, are in great shape and are apparently stock.

So my question for the panel of experts is: all things being equal, what are the pros and cons of these Cobras as far as quality, value, mechanical design, reliability, performance and so forth? I seem to remember there was at least one year Cobra that wasn't well-loved. I like both these cars, my wife is leaning toward the 2001. Seems like the 1998 is a little better value, though I don't really know. Thanks for any help you can provide.
 
  • Sponsors (?)


When it comes between those two years they are about equal in reliability, performance, and value. It comes down to personal preference of what you like better styling wise. Me personally I would go with 98 because I like 96-98 cobras and I am not a fan of the IRS on 99-04 cobras.
 
My wife and I have been looking at Cobra convertibles for the last month or so and have narrowed our search to two cars. One is 1998 with 56k miles for $13,400, the other is a 2001 with 70k miles for $14,500.

buy the 03/04 cobra better for the money!

Try to get an 03/04 Cobra especially if you are planning to keep the car long term.

Jesus guys cut the dude some slack. Maybe he can't afford, or has a budget for an 03/04? Or, heaven forbid... maybe he doesn't WANT an 03/04! :eek:

He's asking about the differences between a '98 & an '01, he's asking about two specific year Cobra's in which NEITHER is an 03 or 04. :rolleyes:


U.M.
 
Thanks for the input, guys. Don't know much about the 03-04 Cobras but I'm trying to stay below $15k so....

I like the look of the 98 a lot, especially since its red. The 2001 is silver, and it seems like 70% of the cars on the road are silver these days.
 
Update

Ended up buying a white 99 Cobra vert for $11k in early Oct.

The car is all stock, perfect condition, 61k miles. This is really my first "modern" high performance car, not counting a 1984 Chrysler Laser Turbo I used to have.
Its nice being able to drive fast on mountain roads with confidence. Missed out on the red 98 because I didn't move fast enough.

Now I'm thinking the usual upgrades; Cobra R hood and spoiler, Bassani exhaust etc...
 
Ended up buying a white 99 Cobra vert for $11k in early Oct.

The car is all stock, perfect condition, 61k miles. This is really my first "modern" high performance car, not counting a 1984 Chrysler Laser Turbo I used to have.
Its nice being able to drive fast on mountain roads with confidence. Missed out on the red 98 because I didn't move fast enough.

Now I'm thinking the usual upgrades; Cobra R hood and spoiler, Bassani exhaust etc...

Sorry, but a 84 Chrysler Laser is not modern, or high performance..........................car is a stretch but I will let it slide:D

Congrats on the Cobra, they are wonderful. Get gears 3.73 or 4.10 an Exhaust, h-pipe and a tune and she will absolutley amaze you with the power and engine response. Get some subframes and springs too and with thoes simple upgrades you will be suprised how much better she will handle.

Now the most important part :worthlesb
 
Now the most important part :worthlesb

Okay, here ya go. Not my best photo effort but I had the cars out on the slab this morning so... Thanks for the advice on sub-frame connectors etc. The Cobra is actually my wife's car, hope she lets me drive it more often!:D

dsc03741bf2.jpg

dsc03740hl2.jpg

dsc03738fv4.jpg

dsc03736du0.jpg

dsc03743yi9.jpg
 

Attachments

  • dsc03741bf2.jpg
    dsc03741bf2.jpg
    7 KB · Views: 58
  • dsc03740hl2.jpg
    dsc03740hl2.jpg
    7 KB · Views: 63
  • dsc03738fv4.jpg
    dsc03738fv4.jpg
    7 KB · Views: 60
  • dsc03736du0.jpg
    dsc03736du0.jpg
    7 KB · Views: 55
  • dsc03743yi9.jpg
    dsc03743yi9.jpg
    7 KB · Views: 60
What's up with the rear bumper? I thought all of the cobras' after 1995 said "COBRA" on the rear. I could be wrong. I'm no expert on that model year, I just know mine. Just trying to keep you from getting ripped of by a copy cat snake.

99/01 Cobras didnt say Cobra on the bumpers, nice move Ford:nonono:
 
I have to say nice car. Good choice. LOL You are the proud owner of a 1 of 358(I believe). If memory serves, they only made that many white 99 Cobras with a tan top. Mine was 1 of 38 white 99 Cobras with a white top. But I changed to an 04 black top. Which is the only one they made less of in 99 for white Cobras. If you"re into carving road courses, and not so much drag racing you'll love the IRS. I know I do.

Oh, BTW, I live in Birmingham AL and I flew up to Alexandira VA to buy my white Cobra. Must be alot of them in VA.
 
Sorry for the thread jack.

yomadmike, where to you go for mechanical work here in B'ham? I'm looking into a 99 cobra but I need a shop for maintenance and things of that nature.


BTW, 71Hoss, nice cobra!

I actually live in Moody. Not sure what side of town you live on but I get all my work done at a place called SVP Unlimited in Odenville. They specialize in nothing but Mustangs. Anything from full resto to turbos and superchargers. The owner is a member on Magic City Mustangs, as am I. I'm pretty good friends with them so let them know Mike sent you and they will treat you well. Check out thier website.

http://svpu.com/