teddydog

I'm thinking about buying a sporty car as an "extra" vehicle and to play with ($10k max). I was kinda thinking Corvette, but located a 1996 Mustang Cobra SVT locally for what seems to be a pretty fair price--listed at $9999. 97,500 miles. I drove it today and didn't note any serious deficiencies. It sounded good and pulled hard. No real body squeeks or rattles. Of course, I didn't drive it too hard as it is not mine. There are a few scattered small rock chips in the paint and the left-front rim is chewed a little from someone getting intimate with a curb (at low speed/parking, I'd guess). Inside, the tan leather is starting to crack, particularly the driver's seat, but nothing through the leather completely yet.

Questions:

1) the driver's seat doesn't really go back very far. I'm 5'11" but have short legs for my height and I was a bit too close to the wheel and pedals. Is there a fix for this? It has the power-adjustable seat. A 97 GT I drove had manual seats and did not seem to be so bad.

2) the Cobra badges have been popped from the fenders and the SVT from the trunk lid. The dealer (small used car lot) says they've purchased replacements but wont' put them on (just to be stolen again). How involved is this? Are they epoxied on or what?

3) with $10k being around "high retail" for book value, how much over valued does this car seem? Assuming a pre-purchase mechanical checkup shows no problems, what would be a good starting point for negociation? I'm thinking down 10% as a matter of form, plus another $500 for the leather and badges. That would be $8500.

Any and all comments are welcome. Thanks.

Rob

redass02gt

8500 sounds ok. it's high mileage, but a good car. if you could get comfy in the 97, you can in the 96 - I think they're the same seats. You can probably get a 00 gt or so for a similar price, if you wanna consider that (less mileage, same price). I don't see how the LEFT front can be damaged from parking, unless you are not in america or live near a lot of one way streets. accident maybe? make sure you get the seller to show you a carfax before you buy it (or don't buy it if they won't get you one).

eZ

i dont know much about the 96 but for 9,000 i have bought a 2000 gt with 48,000 miles in absolutley mint condition and then spent another 2,000 in mods and love it now...i just like the body style a lot better than a 96

eclipsegt

I think ur better off buying a 99+ GT and modding it

ZW99GT

I dont agree. I would rather have a cobra than my car.