How I almost bought a 2k4 Mystic Cobra (and a few questions)

TK Doom · 10-24-2004

I have driven a GT Mustang since Nov 98 (a 99, then a 2004).

I had a $500 deposit on a 2k5, but didn't like the interior, so I got the money back.

They had a Mystic Cobra in the showroom for $43,833 + all fees. Part of that price was a $5k mark up.

Today I drove it, and offered my car plus $23k out the door for the 2k4 Cobra and the paint/fabric protection.

Was I unfair in my offer? They said I was $6k away, but I think if I would have offered $1500 more, they would have taken it. They did say that the $6k away included a $3k rebate.

I drove the car (never drove a new Cobra before), the ride was VERY harsh (compared to my 2 GTs), is this normal?

On the freeway, I could never get a solid image in my rear view mirror, it was always distorted from vibration. Is this just the fact that there is so much rubber on the pavement? This was at speeds of 70-100, lower speeds didn't have it as bad.

Also, is the clutch supposed to be that hard to push?

Granted, I'm not complaining, it is a very nice car, but I will be putting 18-20k a year on it, and am worried about the longevity of the car. Will it last 120k miles? I don't plan on abusing it, I just want it for the look and of for the fact that I've always wanted a SVT Mustang. I've owned 5 Mustangs.

Should I go offer them a grand more? eBay has no market for these cars, at least not a the price they want, and with gas prices the way they are, I don't see many people wanting this car (my gas is paid for by work, as this will be a work car, so it doesn't bother me).

Thanks in advance.

EDIT: Also, what is the deal with the up arrow shift light...is there a way to disable that?

AirborneVet · 10-24-2004

Very useful reply #1-

One single solitary penny above MSRP is TOO DAMN MUCH!!!

There are way too many of these still on the dealer lots (including the Mystichrome ones) to pay an additional dealer markup.

If you can get them to drop the price below MSRP, then it's time to talk about the other issues...

kulak · 10-25-2004

Quote:

I don't plan on abusing it, I just want it for the look and of for the fact that I've always wanted a SVT Mustang.

Nobody plans to, it just sorta happens =)

Your driving a 2004 GT? how many miles?

If they say your 6K off still, then it sounds like your getting 14K for your trade. How does that compare for trade in values for your car? I'd check kbb and see how much your car is worth as a trade-in. Then go from there. I have seen Mystic go for as high as 45K, and they sell, so if they are willing to wait it out, there is not much else you can do.

That vibration your getting is likely due to a stiffer suspension. Cobras give a rougher ride because they give better feedback. Roads can be very rough, most never notice because they dont drive sports tuned vehicles.

TorchRedGT02 · 10-25-2004

Yes, that's a normal feeling for the Cobra's clutch. After some seat time you won't even notice it. I've never experienced any vibration and not being able to get a solid image from the rear views...maybe it was just the crappy road you were driving on? Get atleast payoff on your trade-in, I've never had a problem doing that...the dealer plays with the numbers anyways to their benefit. You should be able to get it at or well below MSRP. I wouldn't pay the $43XXX their asking though.

TK Doom · 10-25-2004

My GT is paid off, it has 18327 miles (I drive it for work)...I told them I wanted $15k for the trade-in......I was only going to buy it if it was a good deal. As I had never planned on driving a $40k car into the ground with the miles that work would put on it...I have a SLK320 for the weekends...

TK Doom · 10-26-2004

Dealer called me today, asking if i would buy it w/o the markup.

I called the insurance company, it would only go up $24 a year.

So, if after the equity-line increase comes through, which will be a week or two, if it is still there, then I'd say it was destiny and I'll buy it, if it isn't there...$23k saved.

AirborneVet · 10-26-2004

Sounds like a plan to me

TorchRedGT02 · 10-27-2004

Good Luck too ya.

TK Doom · 10-27-2004

Update:
Dealer Sales Manager called me today, wanted to know what it would take to get my business. Idiot...I signed the form that said $23k + my car out the door...he said come in on Friday...we'll see...

The thing that pisses me off is that my registration was due on the 8th of November, so when they said NO WAY to my offer, I figured it really was no way, and went to pay my registration...so that is another $211 that I don't have...

kulak · 10-28-2004

from my experience, in my state, you get a prorated refund of your registration if you buy a new car.

AirborneVet · 10-29-2004

Quote:

Originally Posted by TK Doom

Update:
Dealer Sales Manager called me today, wanted to know what it would take to get my business. Idiot...I signed the form that said $23k + my car out the door...he said come in on Friday...we'll see...

The thing that pisses me off is that my registration was due on the 8th of November, so when they said NO WAY to my offer, I figured it really was no way, and went to pay my registration...so that is another $211 that I don't have...

Don't take this the wrong way...but if it hurt to spend $211, then you might not want to have that Cobra payment

TK Doom · 10-30-2004

Quote:

Originally Posted by AirborneVet

Don't take this the wrong way...but if it hurt to spend $211, then you might not want to have that Cobra payment

No, it didn't hurt at all. The problem was that it is just annoying.

Anyway, I bought the car today. My car +$23259 OUT THE DOOR and they throw in fabric and exterior protection. I pick it up tomorrow (need to remove custome stereo).

I didn't really buy it, just filled out some paperwork and gave them a $500 deposit.

I'm going to look into getting the $211 back from the state though.

Money is money...

TorchRedGT02 · 10-30-2004

Congrats :thumbup Post those pictures as soon as you can.

AirborneVet · 10-30-2004

Quote:

Originally Posted by TK Doom

No, it didn't hurt at all. The problem was that it is just annoying.

Anyway, I bought the car today. My car +$23259 OUT THE DOOR and they throw in fabric and exterior protection. I pick it up tomorrow (need to remove custome stereo).

I didn't really buy it, just filled out some paperwork and gave them a $500 deposit.

I'm going to look into getting the $211 back from the state though.

Money is money...

Sweet man, you will love the car

Good to hear you got the deal that you wanted. Sometimes all it takes is the patience to wait the dealer out

TK Doom · 10-31-2004

Got it!

http://home.san.rr.com/tkdoom/linked/m1.jpg

http://home.san.rr.com/tkdoom/linked/m2.jpg

http://home.san.rr.com/tkdoom/linked/m3.jpg

http://home.san.rr.com/tkdoom/linked/m4.jpg

Drove it about 100 miles today, those are definitely the most comfortable Mustang seats since my two 89 GTs.