Are Terminators worth it?

Hi, Long time lurker/first time poster in this section

I'm in the market for a new car as I'm getting ready to sell my 3 valve. I have adored terminators for years now and I'm in a position in my life to finally buy a sub 65k mile one based on what I'm seeing them list for.

That being said I'm having a tough time justifying spending 17-22k for a 15 year old ford that's based off of an ancient design. Car Technology has come a LONG way and 20k can get you some pretty decent toys now. Right now I'm stuck between getting a terminator or a C5 z06. Both are old cars however both can still play in 2019. I'm also considering an 11-14 GT although after owning an S197 car, I'm not really a fan of them. Now maybe mine wasn't a great example as I bought it with 114k and it kept having annoying issues. I keep reading that the s197 is such a better car than an sn95 based mustang but I can tell you from firsthand experience that these cars do NOT age that well. Mine leaked water in the cabin TWICE from different locations (thanks Ford). If i get a terminator it will obviously be older but it will have significantly less miles.

3 main things are keeping me from 100% pulling the trigger on a termi(it's still the one I'm leaning the most towards)

1) spending 20ish k on a 15 year old car
2) a C5 z06 costs exactly the same however it can also stop and turn unlike the termi (I'm aware that the c5's aren't as reliable/stout cars and that's why I'm leaning towards a termi)
3) Is the SN95 truly a bad platform to live with?

None of the options would be a daily driver for me. Also If I get a termi I wouldn't want past 450 whp. I'm also done with paying for modifications on cars. Most termis for sale are pullied with bolt ons so I will probably find one with the power already.

Anyway I'm curious to hear from longtime termi owners. If you didn't have a termi right now and were in the market for a new toy with a budget of up to 22k, would you guys consider getting another Terminator in 2019?

**** yeah it's worth it. The sound. The torque. The body style. If you like mustangs, the Terminator is a must have. I sold mine, but it was a vert. Get a coupe you will be happier.

07s197gt said:

...If you didn't have a termi right now and were in the market for a new toy with a budget of up to 22k, would you guys consider getting another Terminator in 2019?

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YES.

Well , if you not planning on modifications it should be a very solid car. I would suggest checking and inspecting it before buying. The terminator is well built vehicle but not perfect. Depending on what upgrades it has hopefully it also comes with the supports too. Best of luck


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Much cheaper than a 67-68 fastback, which is what I really wanted, and a hell of a lot faster.

...With creature comforts.

Just buy one, so you can put it in your Mustang resume. Only a select few have enjoyed the experience.

lOOKnGO said:

Just buy one, so you can put it in your Mustang resume. Only a select few have enjoyed the experience.

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A Terminator will change yer life forever.

What kind of answers did you think you were going to get on this forum?


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Goindeafonmtx said:

What kind of answers did you think you were going to get on this forum?


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Click to expand...

This section specific too.
Really thinking hard about getting rid of mine. I don't drive it.

You're definitely coming to a biased place, but I would buy one in every color if I could. If you really don't like it, which I don't think there's any chance you hate it, you can resell it for the same amount, if not more, if you bought it for a good deal.

Test drive all the cars on your list and take it from there.

To answer the title of you thread, in a word, yes!

The Terminator is a special car.

That is a question for yourself. Spend 22K on a Cobra and in 5 years, if history is any indication it will still be worth 22K. The z06 is also a good choice, they are at their rock bottom and good value is out there. If you want a better rounded carm the Z06, but the Cobra will make power easier and is a bit more iconic in the right circles.
Buy a newer car? Your choice, but you 22K wont be worth 22K in 5 years, that I can almost say for certain.

so the terminator is a special car. It has a little cult following it. Yes, its an old car. Old technology, not as refined as the newer cars. You can make great power with the terminator, but, the future is the coyote motor. I really don't drive mine anymore. But, I still keep it because of the attachment I have with the car. I bought it when it first came out. so the history I have with this car is big.

If you are a die hard cobra fan and always wanted one, yea get one. They are rare and you never see them on the road. If you plan on getting more cars and adding on, I would get a terminator. If not? I would shop for a newer mustang. I know the 15 and up gt's have a stronger motor.

I rode in my buddies 19 mustang gt with every single option and 10 speed automatic and I fell in love. It made me really really really think of getting rid of my cobra.

I bought my Terminator in 2017 after test driving a new 2017 Mustang GT.

The reason I bought a Terminator...

Raw Foxbody driving experience.

...with Boost.

Test drive all you listed and decide what you like. I love their terminator and I’m glad I went with it instead of an 11 GT at the time. The coyote is a good platform though. So is the Z. Just don’t call the car a termi or lean a rim against it.


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I like having cars I don’t see all over. Terminators were and still are an iconic car. They really paved the way for the modern boosted muscle car. Like mentioned above, they have a cult-like following. Neat cars with neat history and Mystichrome is freak’n amazing! I am a fan! Go get one!

OETKB said:

I bought my Terminator in 2017 after test driving a new 2017 Mustang GT.

The reason I bought a Terminator...

Raw Foxbody driving experience.

...with Boost.

Click to expand...

I think that’s the best explanation.

Terminators are all kinds of generations of mustangs wrapped into one. If you’re gunna buy a mustang. Make It a terminator. You get the driving experience of a Fox/sn95/new edge and the power of a coyote.

Thanks for all the replies. It seems like even after all these years, you guys still love your cars and that's what I wanted to hear. I was a kid when the new edge came out and it was the car that made me a car guy. The terminator, being the baddest new edge is my favorite all time looking and sounding mustang ever. I'm gonna try my best to get one, preferably a coupe. That being said I am having a tough time finding coupes for sale near me that aren't super over priced. There are a TON of verts for sale that I believe are great deals that are very tempting for me to settle on. Also the fact that they are essentially done depreciating is also very appealing. Anyway I hope my 3 valve sells fast so I can jump on the first clean coupe within a 200 mile radius I find!

The terminator is iconic but so is the c5z, if not for other reasons.

I will have one of each some day.


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