close to a purchase

[GOT SVT]

i am probably buying an 03 this week(with the dealer selling at invoice and minus another $2500 rebate it is hard to pass up)
i am trading in my 98 cobra
is there any issues i should be aware of before buying an 03?
anyone know of any issues between job 1 and job 2 besides price
at this point i only have a choice of a few colors(mainly yellow, white , grey or a black 10th)
let me know, thanks

[HAGREEN]

you will see a lot of issues in this forum. i have had none of those problems as many else have not either. of those color options, go with the gray. it doesn't show dirt near as bad as others.

[Waltman]

PJ, check for the following:

1- Behind the rear wheels (both sides) lower panels do not align- mine point outwards.
2- Water condensation on fog lamps (specially the driver side)
3- Check the chin spoiler for scratches (below front bumper)
4- Play with the windows up and down several times to detect squeals (specially the driver side)
5- By all means DO a test drive and do not be scared to wham the gas and the brakes. If thebrakes squeal right away then stay away from it, however, that problem may show up as you put more miles in it.
6- With stereo off, while test driving, pay attention to weird sounds or vibrations.
7- Get the chrome wheels deal
8- I would've loved to get the Mach 1000?? to play MP3s.

Hope this helps.

Walt

[5.0 guy]

Great points Walt, also check your guages, some people had 0' ilumination at night, check for vibration at low and high speeds, tires and sometimes driveshafts have to be replaced. My factory alignment was way off, many foglight condinsation problems, but don't be steered away from the purchase, as most of us will tell you this car is worth every dime! this forum will definately be able to help you with any future problems as for most of us have already experienced most of them already. Plus keep in mind that most ordinary drivers wouldn't strive to make their car as perfect as the SVT owner so there will always be a better way to have something, thats what makes it fun for most of us! Good luck with the purchase. Wish I could experience the exciement of pulling out of the dealer and launching it on the freeway on ramp for the first time again!

[BlkCobra03]

Don't forget about the engine tick, some have it, some don't.
Black looks best IMO.

[5.0 guy]

I don't think the production cars after 09/02 have the head problem. i agree, black is really a cool color, also it seems that Mineral grey is a very rare color. I've had 6 black verts, so you know my choice in colors!

[White 03 Cobra]

OKay..First, Oxford White also does not show the dirt as easy either. You can check for problems if you want. But like HAGREEN said. I have had no problems either. The black 10th will look dirty driving home from car wash, but that is the one I would go for. Just buy what you want. Do not be looking for problems or you will find something. Buy it, drive it and have fun like the rest of us. Let things fall where they may.

[rhorton]

Go with Black!

[Waltman]

GO with red, feels like a Ferrari :)

[DP03Cobra]

From what I have read and personally experienced (bought my Cobra 3 weeks ago), seems that the later in the build year the less problems. I haven't had any of the unusual noises, problems with brake lines or some of the other issues mentioned... I'm not sure where you are in PA in relation to Philly but I used the $2500 from Ford and my dealer also knocked $1,000 off of the sticker....only one of two that I contacted that would go below MSRP. Let me know if you want the dealer info.

[norcal_cobra]

Originally posted by Waltman
GO with red, feels like a Ferrari :)

Yeah! Red is the fastest color! :)

-norcal_cobra

[Mongoose]

Any color 03' is better than no 03' at all :bash:

[sobra]

Finally met another '03 Cobra owner who lives out on Cape Cod where I work. First '03 that I've seen out here besides mine! He's got a Sonic Blue...very nice color. Lot's of GTs out here near the Cape, but VERY few Cobras. Anyways, I agree with Mongoose....ANY '03 is gonna make the hair on the back of your neck stand up every time you drive it....it's a feeling that never seems to go away!

:)

[LFacemire Jr]

Hey PJ.......I have a great dealer and I see your just over in PA....let me know if you need an X-plan..email me at lfacemire@woh.rr.com....the x-plan cost is around 31500, minus 2500.00 current rebate =29000.00+plus tax and title, not to shabby......considering 8 months ago they were morte like 37000.00

[GOT SVT]

i got my car last nite, one word - AWESOME

i ended up with a black one with the chrome rims(everything i wanted in a cobra)

thanks for all your insights

[Waltman]

Congrats!! Enjoy and welcome to the Cobra family. :)

[SNKBYTT]

Hey PJ, congrats on the new ride. Can't wait to see you run it at the track. Just remember to take it easy on me. :D

[BlkCobra03]

Good choice, good luck and have fun, I wish I could experience the excitment of driving mine off the lot again! (Hopefully in 2006)

[DP03Cobra]

Congrats PJ....it is an awesome car.

[rhorton]

good for you!:D

[sobra]

Welcome aboard!:spinem:

[David]

Congratulations!!
Live in northern West Virgina Maybe I will see you cruising around some where.