Can't Decide Between a 2003-04 Mach 1 or 2005 + GT
03-11-2016, 05:09 AM
#11
The '05-'09 GT is a much better car so if you're thinking about a Cobra, the only one I feel is worth getting is the '03-'04 Terminator and even then, one that hasn't been heavily modded.
03-11-2016, 06:37 AM
#12
Have you driven an older Cobra? The 2001's had the independent rear suspension which should ride better than a solid axle. It is an older car though...also just curious what happened to the wheels it came with and I'm guessing they swapped the headlights for the 99/00 chrome style (01-04 new edges are smoked).
Its a 4V and its output is similar to the Mach 1.
Its a 4V and its output is similar to the Mach 1.
Last edited by 99GTvert; 03-11-2016 at 06:39 AM.
03-12-2016, 10:48 AM
#13
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: PA
Posts: 19
Have you driven an older Cobra? The 2001's had the independent rear suspension which should ride better than a solid axle. It is an older car though...also just curious what happened to the wheels it came with and I'm guessing they swapped the headlights for the 99/00 chrome style (01-04 new edges are smoked).
Its a 4V and its output is similar to the Mach 1.
Its a 4V and its output is similar to the Mach 1.
I didn't notice the headlights, thanks for pointing that out.
03-12-2016, 01:16 PM
#14
03-12-2016, 04:08 PM
#16
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: PA
Posts: 19
03-13-2016, 10:26 AM
#17
6th Gear Member
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: state of confusion
Posts: 7,635
Hello all,
I'm sure this question has been asked but here goes.
I've been looking and looking at 03-04 Mach 1's and 2005 and newer GT coupes. (Originally I thought I wanted a convertible....) I just cannot decide what the heck I want.
Basically the car that I plan on getting will be only used for good weather pleasure cruising and the occasional trip to work - for both the wife and I.
Maybe doing some small performance modifications to the car. Nothing too crazy.
I plan on spending around $12k or less for a well taken care of car.
I really like the Machs and I like the style of the 2005+ cars. I want another V-8 so a newer V-6 is out.
What would you do?
I'm sure this question has been asked but here goes.
I've been looking and looking at 03-04 Mach 1's and 2005 and newer GT coupes. (Originally I thought I wanted a convertible....) I just cannot decide what the heck I want.
Basically the car that I plan on getting will be only used for good weather pleasure cruising and the occasional trip to work - for both the wife and I.
Maybe doing some small performance modifications to the car. Nothing too crazy.
I plan on spending around $12k or less for a well taken care of car.
I really like the Machs and I like the style of the 2005+ cars. I want another V-8 so a newer V-6 is out.
What would you do?
I got into my '08 GT (at age 60) after driving a car whose rear suspension was very similar to what's under the back of the stick-axle Fox and SN95 Mustangs, and with the 3-link the S197's handling is just so much nicer. A neighbor had had a 2007-ish sixxer, and I'd seen a GT in action at autocross in the months preceding my purchase. I certainly wasn't disappointed, still have the car and use it for a wide variety of purposes. Around town, once in a while for longer trips, hour plus rides to some of the more distant restaurants we go to . . . and I'm about to register for a couple of road course HPDE track days at the end of this month (at New Jersey Motorsports Park). Same car does it all quite well, though I'm taking a "wait and see" attitude toward that once I make the next round of suspension tweaks for even better track performance.
Norm
03-13-2016, 11:58 PM
#18
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: PA
Posts: 19
Thanks again for the replies. I may be going to look at an '06 GT 5 speed at a Ford dealer this week. It has around 80k on it and it is the right price.
Anything on 06's to be concerned about (besides the normal stuff)? I've read on the internet about some problems the 2006 model year had. But any vehicle made has a horror story on the web.
Thanks again!
Anything on 06's to be concerned about (besides the normal stuff)? I've read on the internet about some problems the 2006 model year had. But any vehicle made has a horror story on the web.
Thanks again!
03-18-2016, 09:42 AM
#19
3rd Gear Member
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: WV
Posts: 750
Well...an '06 will have the bad 2 piece plugs, but I changed mine at 80K last winter and they weren't that bad. Only one broke and it didn't even break like most do, the hex spun off the body and came off the plug. Due to that I actually had to break the plug off so I could get it out with the Lisle tool.
I've also heard of alternator issues on the '05/06's but never had one myself (knock on wood), bought the car with 53K and coming up on 90K now. And there's also the cowl vent issue, in the almost 5 years I've had my car I only had to clean out the cowl vent once (last year), it helps if you don't park too close to any trees.
Maybe it depends on the car, I've had very few issues with mine. I had a bad ball joint at ~70K, and I think that's the only thing I've had to replace maintenance-wise (outside of regular stuff like filters, etc).
I've also heard of alternator issues on the '05/06's but never had one myself (knock on wood), bought the car with 53K and coming up on 90K now. And there's also the cowl vent issue, in the almost 5 years I've had my car I only had to clean out the cowl vent once (last year), it helps if you don't park too close to any trees.
Maybe it depends on the car, I've had very few issues with mine. I had a bad ball joint at ~70K, and I think that's the only thing I've had to replace maintenance-wise (outside of regular stuff like filters, etc).
