Need your opinion please

[ac97gt]

how much of that full coverage insurance do you pay... thats the killer. insurance for that thing here in RI would cost me an easy couple hundred a month.

[GTConv03]

Well my dad is listed as the main driver hes 41 and has never been in a serious accident, and have a pretty much perfect record, and they only have me listed as a driver, so it's a lot less then you think.

Also, I went to take a look at the cobra today its sick, I like it alot better then our GT but its a stick and i don't know how to drive stick so know i'm not sure if im going to get it or not .... We are looking for an automatic black on black convertible cobra, year 2001, or maybe 99 if the miles are under 40,000.

[ac97gt]

my dad is 52, my mom is the same, neither one ever had a ticket or accident of any sort. just having you as a 16 year old driver on the policy with a high performance sports car raises your rates ALOT. if you were a girl it would be different but you arent. my guess is its alot higher than you think. also... tires are pretty expensive for these cars, at least as compared to other cars. they are cheap if your parents buy them for you, but to dish out $800-$1000 for some good new tires all around hurts alot.

[91LX2Bfast]

Ford doesn't make Cobra's with an automatic.
So if you want one, you have to learn how to drive a manual trans. And honestly, driving a manual is for all the better. You have better control of the car, and you are forced to pay more attention to the road. In fact, some insurance rates are slightly lower for a car w/ a manual trans compared with the same car with an auto trans.
I am 22, and I bought my first Mustang a month or two after I graduated high school with money that I had been saving from working at Pizza Hut for three years. Even at 18 going on 19 years old, I wasn't mature enough for the car. Within my second month of ownership, I got caught street racing, and before the end of the first year of ownership, I wrecked by driving recklessly. And honestly speaking, I was one of the more mature people my age.
So what I am trying to say is, even though you can't recognize it now, you might want to think about a different car. Once you've been around cars long enough, you see this time and time again, and 95% of these cars end up totalled. Its not something against your age, just your experience. Just like everything else, to become a good driver, you need a LOT of practice. And 6 months with a permit is not a lot of practice (hey, I thought it was when I was your age.) It takes years and years of driving to learn a respect for the road and the other people sharing it.
Why don't you talk you parents into getting you something like a Jetta 1.8T? Still has nice power, and a large aftermarket. If you need something to modify, throw a suspension on it, good brakes, and maybe an intake and exhuast system. It will be plenty quick, and should last you nicely right through college.
Again, if you are mature enough for the Cobra, then you should be mature enough to somewhat understand what we are trying to say. We just don't want to hear about another car being wrecked, or worse off, possibly another bright youth being hurt or killed.

[SVTcobra01]

if i was you, i would keep your gt convertible and be happy. that is an incredible first car to have. i'm greatful that i got a 96 4runner with 100000 miles passed down from my mom (granted i made it a 14 seccond car). i'm 18 and got a full scholarship to college and am praying my parents will help me get an 01 cobra if i make the 4.0 they want me to make.

....... now for my personal opinion ..........

just because you have the ability to get a cobra doesn't mean you should own a cobra. cobras have a heritage; one that you obviously have no knowledge of. not to sound mean or anything, but you don't seem like the type to appreciate a cobra for the outstanding vehicle it is. don't take it the wrong way; i just don't want see a cobra with spinning rims and altezza lights on it.

just my .02

brandon

[xxxBlakexxx]

Anyone who allows a child to handle a car with 260 hp is perporting child abuse...390 hp and they should be put away. Kid, your parents need to have their heads examined...I don't blame you...you can't help it ...you are too young to understand and are only thinking with you glands. But trust me, you will wreck the car and maybe, you will walk away...hopefully, you won't kill me.

There are 4 teenagers who live in houses that ajoin me: one has yet to have a wreck...one has totalled two cars already...one has had six reported accidents (most minor). The parents of one girl can not get insurance anymore if she is on the policy.

Do all of us a favor please and trade the car for an Escort.

[GTvert]

You shouldn't stereotype the guy because of his age.I have had high HP mustangs since I was fifteen ,and even then drove better than most people.Actually, I am more scared of old people in fast cars or big trucks.As long as he is responsible with the car, I say go for it. Just make sure you like the way the IRS in the Cobra comes off the line.If not, you will be disappointed when you take it to the track.I was with my 01 Cobra for a while.Definitely take the car to a certified SVT dealer to be inspected.You don't want to take the "word" of some guy working at the dealership where you are buying it.Whatever decision you make, I hope it works out.

Brandon

by the way, the whole "I'm going to drive it slow" thing....
I don't buy that for a second.

[xxxBlakexxx]

Well now...I see your point...maybe I was a bit harsh on the kid. You know there are always exceptions to the rules, but I prefer to play the odds. The wealthiest person I know never finished high school, yet he insists that his kids go to college.

But you know, I never answered his question: 2003 GT Conv or 2000 Cobra? I would keep the 2003 GT simply out of being a gracious recipient of a gift. But then, that's just me.

Best Regards!