Talk me out of this 03 Cobra ...
#1
Talk me out of this 03 Cobra ...
One of my buddies who is into domestic muscle cars found me a 03 Cobra for a really good deal. I have been trying to sell my car for awhile but between working alot and leaving town most weekends it has not sold.
So lets talk pro's:
6sp manual
4.6 v8 supercharged
modded to 550 hp
only 15k out of my pocket
Con's:
Gas mileage worse than a SC400 (owch)
Crappy Mustang Interior
Insurance 4x more expensive than SC4
What do you guys think?
So lets talk pro's:
6sp manual
4.6 v8 supercharged
modded to 550 hp
only 15k out of my pocket
Con's:
Gas mileage worse than a SC400 (owch)
Crappy Mustang Interior
Insurance 4x more expensive than SC4
What do you guys think?
#2
Sounds sweet but going from a Lexus to a Ford, I think it will be hard for you to get used to not having the reliability. I don't know a lot about Mustangs, but we currently own 5 Ford trucks and SUVs. The motor I wouldn't worry about the engine because the 4.6 is a very stout motor, as long as the mods don't comprise the engine's life. But from my experience with our Ford trucks, most problems have been electrical bugs. Sounds like a fun car, I wouldn't mind buying one but I would not give up my Lexus for it. Good luck with your purchase!
#3
Are you seriously considering driving a modified Mustang as your daily driver? Not saying that it isn't feasible, but imo I think that it wouldn't be a good idea. I'm guessing you're young. (<25 years)
You can only guess what happens when someone sees a young guy in a fast car. They starting revving and next thing you know you're doing 110 in a 45. Basically the car is a magnetic for people who want to have a street race.
Besides that point, there's gas mileage, potential reliability issues with a modified car, and high insurance premiums to consider.
BUT if it's something that you really want then buy it. You can always sell it if you don't like it. Have you driven it?
You can only guess what happens when someone sees a young guy in a fast car. They starting revving and next thing you know you're doing 110 in a 45. Basically the car is a magnetic for people who want to have a street race.
Besides that point, there's gas mileage, potential reliability issues with a modified car, and high insurance premiums to consider.
BUT if it's something that you really want then buy it. You can always sell it if you don't like it. Have you driven it?
#5
modded to 550hp huh? I wouldn't buy a modded Cobra simply because there is a pretty good chance the owner abused it. I hope it won't be your DD because you will hate the MPG it gets. You'll probably get 13/14 MPG mixed at best at the power levels it's making. I had an 01' Cobra with a few mods and 4.10 gears and the best I could ever get was around 17 MPG. I tried to stay off the gas since it was my daily driver and wanted to save gas. Then I thought to myself, why the hell did I buy this car to drive like a grandma?? So I sold the Cobra, got the GS and I never looked back.
You can do some research here: www.svtperformance.com and read up on "Terminators" aka 03' and 04' Cobras.
You can do some research here: www.svtperformance.com and read up on "Terminators" aka 03' and 04' Cobras.
#6
Thanks for the replys. You guys are not doing a good job convince me not to buy it. I am 23 years old so yeah there is a possibility I will not keep it under the speed limit but I do have some self control. As for the electrical and other misc stuff going bad, I am thinking I will probably only own it for like 3 years. I have never kept a car longer than that so I doubt thats gonna change anytime soon. Mpg at 14 average.... it might be another 20 or 30 dollars per month more but I am thinking you cant make that kind of power and expect good gas mileage. You gotta pay to play so to speak ... sleeper408, I imagine you bought your cobra because it was fun to drive? how do you cope with the fact that your lexus might be quick but its not really fast. I not had a sports car for almost 4 years and its killing me ... btw, thanks for the link
#7
O man If I were you I'd ****** the car up in a heartbeat ... I just got raped by one of those last Friday at the track, that car is a beast !! As for daily driver, get a shnitty little Civic or something and keep the Cobra for the weekends ... Or if you don't mind daily driving the Cobra, GO FOR IT !!
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#9
My 430 is almost getting as bad gas mielage as the Cobra, I'm averaging 14 -15 mpg in the city and that's driving conservatively ... So to the OP, if you don't pick up a Cobra, get a GS430
Cobra=More HP, Tighter Suspension, No reliability
GS430=Enough HP to satisfy the need for speed, Soft cushy ride, Great Reliability
Cobra=More HP, Tighter Suspension, No reliability
GS430=Enough HP to satisfy the need for speed, Soft cushy ride, Great Reliability
#11
Ever drove one of those mustangs? The shifter is in an extremely awkward position. Those cars have to be some of the most uncomfortable cars I've ever driven; the seats are atrocious. The gauges are super tiny and hard to read and the interior looks like absolute crap and rattles like bolts and nuts you toss in a Folgers can.
Needless to say, I would never consider one as a daily driver, only a track car; and there's a LOT of cars I'd choose over it.
Needless to say, I would never consider one as a daily driver, only a track car; and there's a LOT of cars I'd choose over it.
#12
i say do it !! those cars are bad ****** !!! just imagine sriving doun the road at 50 or 60 and punching the throttle listen to that supercharger whine while the rear getting sideways !! man i love that car
#13
a buddy had an 03 Cobra...wasn't impressed...here's my take....
1.exterior styling is total blah compared to the new gen
2.as stated above....interior sucks
3.stripped base Mustangs can be bought for nothing...I'd rather get a used vette which is leaps and bounds ahead of any mustang + a LOT better MPG.
1.exterior styling is total blah compared to the new gen
2.as stated above....interior sucks
3.stripped base Mustangs can be bought for nothing...I'd rather get a used vette which is leaps and bounds ahead of any mustang + a LOT better MPG.
#15
Thanks for the replys. Mpg at 14 average.... it might be another 20 or 30 dollars per month more but I am thinking you cant make that kind of power and expect good gas mileage. You gotta pay to play so to speak ... sleeper408, I imagine you bought your cobra because it was fun to drive? how do you cope with the fact that your lexus might be quick but its not really fast.
Since I made the switch over to the GS, I've been very happy. I decided when I sold the Cobra that my speeding days were over. Here in the Bay Area, traffic gets worse and worse every year. There was no room to "play" in my Cobra anymore. Now I just cruise in my GS400. It's not as fast and I do miss the manual transmission sometimes, but when I hit bumper-to-bumper traffic, I am so glad I can sit back and just relax. The car is so comfortable even in 45 minutes of traffic it makes it bearable. I used to have a very stiff Stage 2 clutch in the Cobra (stock is kind of stiff too). I'm older now (25) and the GS is perfect for my everyday needs. It's stylish, luxurious, comfortable, decent MPG (24 mixed), and has ample power (300hp/300tq). I shuttle my nephews around a lot now and can't imagine doing that comfortably in the Cobra. Plus they love the rear vents for A/C. Especially if a Camaro SS pulls up next to me and revs at me. The unwanted attention (call outs) would just flat out annoy me now. So in my particular case, that is why I am very happy with the GS (Except the steering wheel vibration).
The ultimate decision is yours though.