Roush Noobie (Looking at some Saleens)

[jp4LSU]

Hey guys. Noob here to the forums but a long time Ford and Mustang fan. I'm sure I'm like many of you who regrets the day they sold there classic Mustang. I swore I would never do that, but the money crunch hits and you do things you regret.

Anyway, I've been contemplating buying a Saleen. Probably something around a 2000 or 2001. I may think about a '03 or '04 Cobra.

Anyway, is there a way I can check the VIN's to see if it is a legit Saleen and if it was originally supercharged?

Also, what are some things to look for and ask about? Issues with these New Edge Saleens? I know there were head issues with the 03 Cobras.

Thanks alot for the help and information.
Later, JP

 

[sema88]

Saleens

Many of us have the Brad Bowling Saleen book. In the bakc is a registry that has all of the car numbers, last 3 of the VIN and any special features that car may have. Feel free to PM me if you need anything looked up.

 

[Jim D.]

Like Dennis said, pick up a copy of the Brad Bowling book -- you can get one from saleen.com, or from the Saleen Store in Irvine (they'll ship it to you) by calling 949-SALEEN1 for the new low price of $50. They're open Sun-Thurs, 10-9; Fri-Sat, 10-10 (PST).

These were $99, but the price just dropped when they found out Brad was selling his again for $60 plus and $9 shipping) (thesaleenbook.com). At either price, you need to get one.

Saleen is out of sleeves, but Brad's will come with sleeves, and it might be nice to have for another 10 bucks or so.

Interesting side note: Brad got back into the book-selling business because some unscrupulous eBay seller was taking advantage of people for a book they could easily buy at Saleen for 50 bucks less. So be careful of what you buy on eBay, if you're getting into the Saleen hobby -- The Saleen Store has a lot of nice items and it's worth a call to place an order.

Anyway, when you get ready to buy and have the full VIN and car number, call Saleen at 949-495-4900 and have someone there verify its full Ford VIN. Most anyone can help you from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. It's best to call between about 8 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Mon-Fri if you want to talk to Pati at Team Saleen.

There are some fakes out there, and some pretty "good" fakes at that, so it's worth the price of the book as well as the phone call.

 

[jp4LSU]

Thanks guys for the info.
That would be a useful book.

What about finding out what Saleens are worth?

I've seen some $5K-$8k difference between the same model yr and similar mileage.

Does $16k for a 2000 S281 S/C with 60K sound about right? I've definitely seen some quite a bit higher.

 

[Jim D.]

Thanks guys for the info.
That would be a useful book.

What about finding out what Saleens are worth?

I've seen some $5K-$8k difference between the same model yr and similar mileage.

Does $16k for a 2000 S281 S/C with 60K sound about right? I've definitely seen some quite a bit higher.

I won't pretend to try to guess a fair price -- on Saleens, a lot is emotional, condition, location, the potential that it was driven hard and put up wet, and any special history it might have.

Others will have more input, as I don't really follow prices.

One source for a frame of reference is NADAguides.com -- click on their Used Car Prices and you'll find them in there.

Looking at what cars are advertised for (and if they move or not) is another frame of reference.

Once SaleenLS.com gets online (should be any day now), you'll have another source of information.

For Vehicle Spec Sheets and other literature, there's a wealth of historical archives at the Saleen Owners and Enthusiasts Club website, soec.org, under Literature.

 

[jp4LSU]

Gracias Jim D.

What are some issues I should keep my eyes open for on the New Edge Saleens?

I know there were some S/C changes, what year would be better from that standpoint?

It seems odd to me that a 2002 S281 S/C is many times going for less money than a 2003 Cobra. I know the Cobra has 32 valves, S/C, and more HP, but it doesn't have all the suspension work.

 

[Jim D.]

Hopefully some of the other guys will chime in. But you're talking about some attributes -- pros and cons if you will -- that may or may not be important to you.

The Terminators have an IRS, but they have a simple look compared to the Saleens.

The Saleens attract attention standing still -- but don't have an IRS, which may or may not be important to you. A lot depends on what kind of driving you want to do.

If you want an IRS and 32 Valves, but like the stylings of a Saleen, seek an S281 Cobra -- though they'll probably be priced at a premium since there were so few made -- check out the Mustang Production Numbers at SOEC's website, or check out the Bowling book for more information on 2003 models (2004 and newer models aren't in the book).