[spiney]

I was all set to buy a 96 SVT Cobra. Garage queen, showroom new, 39K miles, some mods to bring it up to about 340hp. Last night I come across 2002 Saleen S281. The Saleen has 29K miles. Been garage kept, has great paint but not perfect. The only thing that concerns me is the undercarriage Axle and exhaust appear pretty rusty from pics. The 96 SVT never even driven in rain so it's clean underneath. I have the SVT owner down to about $10.5K I know the history and I don't think I'd find a better treated well preserved car. The Cobra is only 3 miles from me. I totally trust the owner and I'm set to have my mechanic who I trust with all 4 of our vehicles look at it. My Mechanic is a true enthusiast who races, works on Ferrari's to Formula V's to Volvo's The Saleen is at $12.5K and in another state. Unless I'm willing to take a days drive it would be bought sight unseen. The Saleen is rated at 285HP. In the long run will the Saleen be a more collectible car? or are they not in the same league as say a Shelby? I need to make a decision soon. I'd like to know your thoughts on this. Thanks, Spiney-Dave

 

[SWAT_Zombies]

I was all set to buy a 96 SVT Cobra. Garage queen, showroom new, 39K miles, some mods to bring it up to about 340hp. Last night I come across 2002 Saleen S281. The Saleen has 29K miles. Been garage kept, has great paint but not perfect. The only thing that concerns me is the undercarriage Axle and exhaust appear pretty rusty from pics. The 96 SVT never even driven in rain so it's clean underneath. I have the SVT owner down to about $10.5K I know the history and I don't think I'd find a better treated well preserved car. The Cobra is only 3 miles from me. I totally trust the owner and I'm set to have my mechanic who I trust with all 4 of our vehicles look at it. My Mechanic is a true enthusiast who races, works on Ferrari's to Formula V's to Volvo's The Saleen is at $12.5K and in another state. Unless I'm willing to take a days drive it would be bought sight unseen. The Saleen is rated at 285HP. In the long run will the Saleen be a more collectible car? or are they not in the same league as say a Shelby? I need to make a decision soon. I'd like to know your thoughts on this. Thanks, Spiney-Dave

TBH I never really liked the saleen my self they just never appealed to me and plus 10.5K aint bad for a cobra especially one that has been kept in mint condition IMO I would go with the cobra its less money closer to you and you will get more attention driving a cobra they just look really slick and plus Idk if the cobra your wanting comes with a super charger but if it does that whine never gets old! Please go with the cobra!!!! :gringreen:gringreen

 

[rocha5.0]

im leaning more towards the saleen, but you should go out there and check the engine or lift it to check under the car. but its your call they are both great cars:bigthumbsup

 

[Snake Pliskin]

Never buy a car sight unseen. The Cobra is the devil you know. Use the 2k you saved to upgrade the cooling system and don't look back.

 

[fordman777]

The 96 cobra is not supercharged stock (2003-2004 is) and I would assume it is not as of now considering they are rated at like a little over 300 hp stock. I would go with the cobra and like it was stated never ever buy a vehicle unseen and a carfax report is not a bad ideal either.

Also things to consider DOHC vs. SOHC.....cobra being the dual and saleen being the single.

 

[burninrock24]

Saleens are way cooler, and much more rare. I think the new edge saleens are the best looking mustang in my opinion. But that being said, the cobra will be quicker, and I wouldn't go buy it unless you had a strong purchase agreement, and many many pictures.

 

[jaa1456]

I have always like the Cobras, But on the other hand you would be getting a Rarer Saleen that is also 6 years newer thant the 96 Cobra. Even with 39K on it things still dry rot and age without any miles coing onto the car. Just a few things to consider also, Buy a 15 year old car or a 9 year old car.

 

[fordman777]

I agree I would rather my car be drove than sit for 6+ months while I am here on my deployment that is why I drove it back home in Tn from southern Ga near the Fl line so that my dad could drive it on the weekends. He tells me he don't care much for how stiff the clutch is though lol!

 

[[email protected]]

Hard decision, just buy both!

:smilie

 

[grn 00 gt]

I would go with the Cobra if you plan on modifiying the car much.
The Saleen S281's were just a Mustang GT with a few small suspension, appearance and other upgrades you could do to a stock GT and drive it daily. The Saleen's drivetrain is a stock GT basically. If you plan on building high hp levels, you'll ruin any value the Saleen has when you change out the parts. The Cobra as stated starts off at around 305 flywheel hp and with a few tweaks and some boost you could make some serious power.

Which car to buy really falls down to which one you like the looks of more, enjoy driving and what your future plans are. :bigthumbsup

 

[Corvette_C5]

Saleen:bigthumbsup:bigthumbsup

 

[kawik99]

Cobra. Like said above. the S281 is a gt with visual mods( areo)... they handle better, but a mint cobra is hard to find!!!

ppl that by the saleen, use it as a show car to begin with.

The saleen is an awesome car but id even put it behind the jack roush... sorry steve.

saleen and ford work good with one another, the s7 is a modified Ford gt (GT40 tribute)

all and all Carrol, Jack, and Steve are GODS!:bigthumbsup