Looking for my second Stang 2003-2004 Mustang Cobra
Hey guys,
Right now I have an 05 Sixxer, great car, I plan on keeping it-not trading it in, maybe give it to my kid some day, as it was my first stang. However, I am in the market for a second stang and want an 03-04 cobra. Did alot of research, great platform to build on, forged engine components just an overall nasty car. However such car can be 3-4 years old and since most have been modded, what do I need to look for to ensure the car hasn't been used more than a trojan condem? Are there specific area's I need to look at? I would greatly appreciate it, as I am not to engine savvy, but slowly learning.
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08 Black GT in the coming weeks..
Soon to be mods: Hurst Short Throw, CDC Ducktail spoiler, SLP Loudmouths.
2005 Windveil Blue Stang CAI/ 87 Performance Tune 18" Black ASA rims,Black-Out Grill Replacement, In-dash Pioneer touch screen Nav/DvD/Ipod/Sirius.
"Never drive faster than your guardian angel can fly"
Get the Cobra. It is a better platform to modify for power if that is what you will eventually do. You can find great used ones on svtperformance.com, they have a great market section and very knowledgeable people over there. This is actually a great time to buy a Terminator as the market is slow due to the winter season. By the way I have a 630RWHP 03 Cobra. It is very easy and cheap to get numbers out of these cars. You can find a great low mileage one for 24k or so these days. PM me with any question.
PS: I sold my 05 GT to get the Cobra. I do not regret it at all. Just two different animals.
Mike
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2003 Cobra, Oxford White
2.3 Whipple, 140ax
3.5" Upper/4# Lower Pulley ~ 18PSI
Too many goodies to list in the Sig...
Tuned by Lund
Appreciate it, im trying to save a good chunk of money before I hit the bank. Im hoping in 2-3 months to be able to attempt a purchase, only thing im worried about is getting a cobra that has lost its bite.
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08 Black GT in the coming weeks..
Soon to be mods: Hurst Short Throw, CDC Ducktail spoiler, SLP Loudmouths.
2005 Windveil Blue Stang CAI/ 87 Performance Tune 18" Black ASA rims,Black-Out Grill Replacement, In-dash Pioneer touch screen Nav/DvD/Ipod/Sirius.
"Never drive faster than your guardian angel can fly"
I am of the opinion that you won't have a huge problem finding a really nice example. Many of these cars have been heavily modded and some totaled but most owners recognize the rarity and value of their terminators. My car has 20xxx miles with basic bolt ons that most would do to their cars. It still smells new has never had the oil any color other than honey. It has rarely seen rain and has been garaged for life. I think mine is not alone. A well kept car will have all accompanying paperwork (birth certificate, SVT book,window sticker, owners manual). I would prefer to buy a one owner car from the original owner. Run a car fax and take it to a Ford dealership to have them look it over. Spending a little money upfront can save you heartache later.
I agree with the last fellow. Look for a single owner car. Try to buy from a person and not a dealership. Car fax it. Chances are the car has been driven pretty hard, but on 03 Cobra is a solid car and is made to be driven. If the milage is low and you get a good fealing from the owner you should be OK as long as everyhting looks good otherwise. People who buy Cobras new know what they are buying and typically respect them.
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97 Cobra-03 Cobra t56 and alum DS, SPEC111 clutch, FRPP 4:10,T&J Performance Forged 4v(8.9:1), Manley rods, Novi 2000 w/ Fast Track A/A I/C, Barry Grant Fuel syst., BBK longtubes and H-pipe, MSD ignition, Detroit True Track, Magnaflows, 315 NT01's on 17 x 11's, KB BAS, SCT tune and about a million other things. 575 RWHP. Going into the shop this winter, looking for 650 RWHP.
I agree with all the above. If you can find a one owner car then that is your best bet. I sent you a PM about some other things to look for. I also saw this same thread on the S197 section and I see that they all suggest you getting an 09 when they come out. Obviously they will lean towards that car and the Cobra owners will tell you to get a Cobra. It all comes down to what you want. Do you want a car that you can easily mod and have 500RWHP? Do you need a warranty? Is is daily driven? How much money do you have to spend, etc...? I still think the Cobra is the best bang for the buck, hands down. Like I said, I sold my bolt on S197 to get my Cobra and never looked back. I got my Cobra about 6 months ago and it only had 14.5k miles on it. It now has just over 18k miles. They are great cars, made to be driven like stated in the previous posts.
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2003 Cobra, Oxford White
2.3 Whipple, 140ax
3.5" Upper/4# Lower Pulley ~ 18PSI
Too many goodies to list in the Sig...
Tuned by Lund
I'm with all of the above. My 04 just turned 11K miles. I have mine to the point of carrying as far as you can unless I step up to a Whipple/KB or turbo. Its like brand new and if I sell it, the next guy will know that this one was played with, not abused. Some guys (like a buddy of mine) is running a 23 lb KB and a solid in his with no problems. Its all in what the indiv. wants. Good luck to you.
Looking for my second Stang 2003-2004 Mustang Cobra 
