help---thinking of buying a 97
12-26-2006, 12:18 AM
#1
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: IL
Posts: 22
help---thinking of buying a 97
I am not new to mustangs(88,89 5.0s) but I am new to the cobra. I could use some help
I'm looking at a 97 with 92k asking price is $8900.. good overall body and interior.. I was thinking it was a little high. any thoughts?
I'm not sure how to tell if the car has been abused The car has some suspension work, a different rear-end, and exhaust system. That's all I can identify (I'm definitely not a mechanic ) all Im used to are stock auto 5.0s
Can anyone give me some things to look for, I don't want my first cobra experience to be a bad one.
Thanks in advance
I'm looking at a 97 with 92k asking price is $8900.. good overall body and interior.. I was thinking it was a little high. any thoughts?
I'm not sure how to tell if the car has been abused The car has some suspension work, a different rear-end, and exhaust system. That's all I can identify (I'm definitely not a mechanic ) all Im used to are stock auto 5.0s
Can anyone give me some things to look for, I don't want my first cobra experience to be a bad one.
Thanks in advance
12-27-2006, 04:45 PM
#4
3rd Gear Member
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location:
Posts: 560
RE: help---thinking of buying a 97
What im going to warn you about ahead oftime is this. Any parts for a cobra are EXPENSIVE.
I bought my 97 on ebay for 5k because the guy who owned it, heard a noise but didnt want to check it out. Later on I cracked her open and found spun bearrings, almost snapped connecting rods, scarring in the piston chambers, and all that wonderful kind of stuff. Another 5k later I had a rebuilt engine. That was doing all the work myself.
97's are a great year, the best in my opinion (of 94-98 cobras). The 4.6 engine is very hard to work on though, but if your familliar with the 5.0 there shouldnt really be much trouble.
As far as sounds, listen for knocks, slaps, squeaks, squeals, and the sort. Not just when the car is idle, rev the car and have him rev it so you can hear it from the outside. Also if there are any spun bearrings you wont hear them until the car is warmed up and is revved. So wait til the car is all warmed up before you check for noises. Remember to rev the car for noises too (moderately 3500-4500rpm), as this is also important.
Also check what color the exhaust fumes are. Ifits white like steam, that means youll need some new headgaskets, ifits are blue then hes burning oil, if its gray, dont even bother with the car.
Lastly you probably know this, but check the dipstick. And look for any indicator of sludge or burning oil.
$8900 is a little much.. but its a decent price considering the model. If you want to take a risk of maybe spending more than you'd like on the car (for repairs) then I'd say buy her. They run strong and are powerful as hell. You dont really realize it, I think, until you take it down the street and whip out the back end hahaha.
Also if anyone knows any other checks I forgot plese include them!
I bought my 97 on ebay for 5k because the guy who owned it, heard a noise but didnt want to check it out. Later on I cracked her open and found spun bearrings, almost snapped connecting rods, scarring in the piston chambers, and all that wonderful kind of stuff. Another 5k later I had a rebuilt engine. That was doing all the work myself.
97's are a great year, the best in my opinion (of 94-98 cobras). The 4.6 engine is very hard to work on though, but if your familliar with the 5.0 there shouldnt really be much trouble.
As far as sounds, listen for knocks, slaps, squeaks, squeals, and the sort. Not just when the car is idle, rev the car and have him rev it so you can hear it from the outside. Also if there are any spun bearrings you wont hear them until the car is warmed up and is revved. So wait til the car is all warmed up before you check for noises. Remember to rev the car for noises too (moderately 3500-4500rpm), as this is also important.
Also check what color the exhaust fumes are. Ifits white like steam, that means youll need some new headgaskets, ifits are blue then hes burning oil, if its gray, dont even bother with the car.
Lastly you probably know this, but check the dipstick. And look for any indicator of sludge or burning oil.
$8900 is a little much.. but its a decent price considering the model. If you want to take a risk of maybe spending more than you'd like on the car (for repairs) then I'd say buy her. They run strong and are powerful as hell. You dont really realize it, I think, until you take it down the street and whip out the back end hahaha.
Also if anyone knows any other checks I forgot plese include them!
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
MustangForums Editor
Mustang News, Concepts, Rumors & Discussion
0
09-25-2015 06:30 PM