1999 Mustang Cobra a good deal?

[GTIRS]

I may buy a 1999 Mustang Cobra they are asking $9000 plus tax and fees so about 10k. the car has 73k miles, leather in good shape, about $1-1500 under book value, it has a flowmaster catback, very clean engine bay, no dings, no scratches except for the rear bumper which has light scuff marks probably needs to respray but ok for now, paint is in great shape otherwise. This car would be mostly a toy and driven less than 6k miles a year. I would add a tuner, H-pipe, pulleys, intake, Mach 1 chin spoiler, smoked headlights, modify the suspension; way too much wheel gap, and rear wheel spacers would be added. One of the motor mounts or tranny mounts felt loose when I drove it but the dealer would fix that, put in a new battery, and perform basic fluid changes. the motor felt very strong, going to take it to my mechanic for inspection. I have a $10k price point no more so can't afford the "Terminator" the 03-04 models. may need tires in a few months but good for now. Is this worth it? I think so because its in good shape, low miles for the year, and unmolested barely any modifications. What do you mustang owners think and of course anyone else who wants to chime in.

[slikaznricer]

these cobras have IRS iirc

[DrFrisker]

these cobras have IRS iirc

http://www.apiem.com/cobra/IRS.html

[Art Vandelay]

Goodness, I didn't realize those were so expensive. The IRS is novel, but for some reason I can't really explain, I'd rather have a Bullitt.

[motoo344]

I got this from a random google link because I remember there was issues with the 1999 Cobras. I think the main point here is to get the vin and see if you can find out if this stuff was performed. The 1999 cars didn't come close to the 320 advertised hp.


***He needs to call 1-800-FORD-SVT. Think that's the number. He needs to fax proof that he is the owner if they don't recognize him as the owner.

The "program" was to upgrade the power output to what was stated in their adverisments. It was a Cobra specific recall for 1999.

It included a new intake manifold, cat back, belt tensioner, and PCM reflash.

Best thing he can do is call SVT and give them his VIN. They will be able to tell if it was done.

There was also a knuckle recall. This definitely should be checked out. The dealer should be able to find that out, or again, ask SVT. This recall is the most serious.

Finally there was a sway bar modification. They install a clamp to limit the side to side movement of the rear sway bar when going over an uneven surface while turning. A loud "clack" was heard.***

[slikaznricer]

*double posted*

[GTIRS]

I am aware of the IRS thats a good thing since I would like to make the car handle better

[slikaznricer]

blah blah, blee blee blah blee
(paraphrased)

nice sig

you still have that MR2?

/threadjack

to OP, I say go for it. i know absolutely nothing about Mustangs though, so my opinion shouldnt be considered.

Any Mustang with IRS should be fun to drive. I also dont think that they will depreciate any further, so its not like you will "lose" too much money.

[MKV Aaron]

2001 is a better year for a bit more money. Lots of small changes that make it a much better car overall. I don't remember the details, but I did some research a few years ago and that was all that stuck with me.

[GTIRS]

I got this from a random google link because I remember there was issues with the 1999 Cobras. I think the main point here is to get the vin and see if you can find out if this stuff was performed. The 1999 cars didn't come close to the 320 advertised hp.


***He needs to call 1-800-FORD-SVT. Think that's the number. He needs to fax proof that he is the owner if they don't recognize him as the owner.

The "program" was to upgrade the power output to what was stated in their adverisments. It was a Cobra specific recall for 1999.

It included a new intake manifold, cat back, belt tensioner, and PCM reflash.

Best thing he can do is call SVT and give them his VIN. They will be able to tell if it was done.

There was also a knuckle recall. This definitely should be checked out. The dealer should be able to find that out, or again, ask SVT. This recall is the most serious.

Finally there was a sway bar modification. They install a clamp to limit the side to side movement of the rear sway bar when going over an uneven surface while turning. A loud "clack" was heard.***

Yup I am aware of the recall thats the why the 2000 Cobra was never made only the Cobra R. I will be contacting SVT to see if it was done and if not it should be completed even though its been 10 years I would think. The 99's have the teksid block which is supposedly designed by the same company in Europe that made the blocks for Ferrari race cars, supposed to be stronger i guess. Car pulled strong on the backroads and highway and shifted smooth. leather has normal wear for age. Car just needs TLC.

[GTIRS]

2001 is a better year for a bit more money. Lots of small changes that make it a much better car overall. I don't remember the details, but I did some research a few years ago and that was all that stuck with me.

Yea difficult to find 2001's in my area but looks like the difference was alcantara inserts on seats instead of regular GT leather seats on 99, 01 has Cobra spelled on rear bumper, 6 disc in dash changer, different tranny, and 31 spline rear end compared to 28 i think. 2001's command $3-4k more so a bit out of my price range.

[DrFrisker]

i do. id like to keep it unless a good trade offer is on the table

[Jrod511]

If it's a clean, no accident car with good rubber that's a pretty solid deal right there. My 1996 was a joy to own; extremely reliable car.

[MKV Aaron]

Yea difficult to find 2001's in my area but looks like the difference was alcantara inserts on seats instead of regular GT leather seats on 99, 01 has Cobra spelled on rear bumper, 6 disc in dash changer, different tranny, and 31 spline rear end compared to 28 i think. 2001's command $3-4k more so a bit out of my price range.

Looks like you have done your research. If you like the car, just buy it, give it an amazing detail, change all the fluids, belts, blah blah and enjoy.

[Art Vandelay]

I am aware of the IRS thats a good thing since I would like to make the car handle better

It's kind of a wash. The basic design is compromised to make it a bolt-in affair on an old chassis. Aftermarket support isn't very impressive. Reputable companies have been working on solid axle Mustangs for decades and can get them sorted out very well to do whatever you want them to do. As I said before, the IRS is novel, but if handling is your ultimate goal, I'm honestly not sure if it's what I'd pick.

[GTIRS]

research was done my only worry is buying a car that gives me problems. I guess you'll never really know. Just like the fact that its a good performance bargain and it looks good. Car needs full detail and deep cleaning, clay bar, wax, etc.

[VierSpeed]

That car at that price wouldn't last 2 minutes up here in Cananananadaland.

[GTIRS]

Yea i think its a good price.

[deadernie]

The car looks nice. I'd go for it.

The 99's have the teksid block which is supposedly designed by the same company in Europe that made the blocks for Ferrari race cars, supposed to be stronger i guess.

1998 was the last year for the Teksid blocks. 1999 & up NA Cobras and the Mach 1s used a block made at the Windsor Aluminum Plant. They're OK, just not as good as the Teksid. WAP blocks are heavier and not as strong.

Everything to get the most from the IRS can be found here. http://www.fulltiltboogieracing.com/irs.htm

I'd like to do a IRS and six speed swap on my 98.

[GTIRS]

I have read in various places the 99 also got the Teksid block as well, even some early production 2001's got them according to SVT. Car should be a solid platform, 2 owners all in my state, no accidents, no issues reported, passed emissions, and no rental car duty. sounds solid according to CarFax and autocheck. 13 year old muscle car with 73k miles not bad you cold tell car was'nt daily driven probably second car or something.

[jwfisher]

I had the first or second '99 Cobra in Texas... put a lot of miles on it, tracked it, modified the suspension, etc. My prior car was a '96 Cobra, which was also good but frankly suffered from the lousy solid axle suspension.

There was a recall, I worked with Ford at the time to get an early kit out and installed on my car.
http://www.drivingenthusiast.net/sec...ix/default.htm The engine picked up a lot afterwards and was much less constricted.

While the IRS works great (I'd never go back to a solid axle or an S197), it very much needed better wheels and tires. I used a set of 17x9s and 275s for this. Note that the offset for the IRS cars is different from the earlier SN95s. The wheels are moved a bit further out, and the 99 and up body allows 17x9s and 275s without resorting to camber changes to tuck them under the fenders.

You'll note the leather cracking in your car... not a thing that can be done about that. It's simply Ford's cheap leather. There is replacement leather.. but what you really need are better seats. I used a pair of Recaro SRDs in mine.

It's a nice car, and a rare bit of Ford history. Go for it.

-jeff

[A.Wilder]

I like the Cobras but it's one of my least favorite body style mustangs. Just one notch above Mustang II. But the performance is pretty sweet and they sound good.

[Tokyosmash]

2001 is a better year for a bit more money. Lots of small changes that make it a much better car overall. I don't remember the details, but I did some research a few years ago and that was all that stuck with me.

Wrong, the 01' has the weaker block.