Need opinions on buying a newer stang!
 

I will be graduating college in May and I'm thinking about upgrading to a newer stang (like one with air conditioning! http://www.mustangworks.com/interact...oard/smile.gif ).
What would you guys pick?
1. 96-98 cobra
or
2. 99-00 gt
The car would be a daily driver but will see some mods (at the most, a small blower later on). Just enough to beat up on some TA's.
thanx for the opinions

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Steve

Yellow 89'LX 5.0
3.55, electric fan, hurst shifter,pullies,70mmMAF,cold air,full exaust,no a/c,
MSD,all the cheap mods
14.32 @ 97
2.03 60 ft time

I think a 96-98 Cobra would be a great graduation present! Why void a warranty on a 99-00? When you can modify a Cobra!

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'94 Cobra
308ci, ported GT-40 heads, Crane 2031 cam .513"/.529" lift 276°/282° duration, 70mm TB, Custom 80mm MAF, JMS chip, Vortech S-trim 8#, MSD, TREX fuel pump, Accel coil, 3.55's, FMS 1 5/8 headers, BBK Offroad H-pipe, and 2-chamber flows.
1994 Mustang Cobra
Check out the pics of my Motor Buildup!

I was in the same situation 3 months ago. I spent 6 weeks looking at Cobras and couldn't find a decent one. Either the owners didn't take care of them or they wanted way more than they were worth. I ended up at a dealership looking at a 97 that ended up being damaged and when I went to leave a load of '00 GT's came in and bought mine that day. I only plan on doing basic bolt on's to get into the mid 13's nothing that will void my warrenty. I also drive 75 miles round trip to work every day.

If you can find a good shape Cobra for a reasonable price get it but if you can't the 99-00's are nice also. Regardless with which one you go with they handle and drive so much different than the 79-93's.

Just my .02


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mustang92
or anyone else:
what bolt ons do not void the warranty?

That really depends on the dealership you go to. I'm sure that some might void your warrenty on anything you do to it. My 92 had flowmasters, H-pipe, pullies, gears, k&n, shifter. I removed the H-pipe if I had to bring it in but otherwise had the transmission rebuilt twice and a few other problems fixed and no one every gave me a problem or mentioned it.

I bought my newest car from the same dealership and plan on doing the same bolt-ons.

But still watch out cause there are dealerships around that may void your warrently for things as simple as mufflers.

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[This message has been edited by Mustang92 (edited 12-06-1999).]

If I was in the market for a new Mustang now I would only consider a '99 or 2000 model. I'm not an expert on these cars but I believe that they are better quality than the 96-98's and most of the 'bugs' are out of them by now. With a few tweaks a new GT can see 13's on radials which impresses me a whole lot.
I also like the looks better, for what that's worth.

As for the warranty questions, I believe that a ring and pinion swap (mandatory for better performance) is almost undetectable and even exhaust mods (also necessary) are not a big problem but as stated in earlier posts, it really depends on the dealership attitude so that's a judgement call.

If you wanted to do extensive mods (such as a blower) then an older ('96-98) model would be more financially practical; otherwise a new Mustang is a good choice and who wouldn't prefer a brand new, never-driven-by anyone-else car? At least you can break it in the right way and maintain it properly.

Good luck with your decision.

I own a 99 4.6 GT and they do run like hell. Iwas also told by the dealer (Canadian) anything Ford Motorsport sells to fit your Mustang will not void the vehicle warranty. Check it out.
lewillie

After market parts do not void the warentee unless the dealer can show that the aftermarket part is responsible for whatever broke. Dealers will sometimes try to tell you different. If you think they are trying to screw you call the chamber of commerse or similiar and complain.

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'97 Cobra, K&N, Flowmaster, subframes, 4.10 gears, Steeda Tri-Ax shifter, Steeda G-Trac 3, Cobra R wheels w/ Goodyear F1s

My Ride

I think the '96 to 98 Cobra is one of the best looking 'stangs made. (not a surprise..eh). But, the '99-'00 GT are pretty solid runners. I'm not impressed with the 99'Cobra. I think Ford missed its' mark.
I'd buy the '97-'98 Cobra and do the unual bolt on's(that will get you 30-40HP=>~340HP)
and do the suspension.
Just MHO
Dan

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'96 Cobra, Steeda G-Trac
Stage III Suspension, K&N
Filter,77mmPro-M,FMS Ceramic
Coated Headers,Bassini-X Pipe,
FMS Al D/S, FMS 3.73's, Cobra R's ,
Firestone SZ-50 275-40x17's,
Powerslot Rotors, Preformance Friction Z rated pads,
(Track PF90 Compound pads),Steeda Tri-Ax,
Schroth Restraints,Kuhmo Victoracers(for the track)
Steeda Functional Wing.
1:32min @ Summit Point

I would suggest getting a 2000 GT, opposed to a 98 Cobra, for only one reason. INSURANCE. I was looking at used Cobras too when I bought my GT. My insurance company wanted to charge me significantly more for a Cobra than a GT. check it out before you buy..

Warranty- I was told that basicly the only thing that would void my warranty is a Supercharger, because it puts unnecessary strain on the motor. We differ in opinion on what is necessary.. ;-) . but other mods like lowering springs, pullys, K&N, mufflers are Okay and will not void your warranty, but check with your dealer first...... HTH...

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2000 Mustang GT, Eibach Lowering Springs, K&N Air filter, Dual Chamber Flowmasters

I have a 99GT and im very happy with it,and i think the best part is knowing that the car is broken in right and starting off with the 260 HP dosnt hurt either