Are Terminators worth it?

P49Y-CY

fomocomofo
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I’ve owned and DAILY driven mine since Dec 2002 - includes 4x cross country moves/drives.

With a $1000 in mods since new (pulley, exhaust, tune), I have had a 460hp/tq car that has been above board for 90% of the factory cars out there over the last 17 years, including today.

I have spent approximately $2000 in repairs over the last 17 years that all related to gaskets, leaks, normal wear/tear.

wow, i want to know your secret!! because i've daily driven mine too since new (upper pulley cars), but for just maintenance and good parts alone i think i spend at least $2k ANNUALLY. (i average 1k miles per month)

and you're so right about street dominance. prior to only the last couple of years, since these factory hellcats and others that trap 130+ bone stock have appeared, i was always confident of being able to beat pretty much anything that came along. but now our cars need a blower upgrade to be able to handle them
 

Palacios289

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I’ll add my piece. While the newer mustangs have electronics and ergonomics we can only dream of, the terminator is the pinnacle of Fox chassis tech that can be greatly improved. For example. Proper springs and shocks are a must. I have H&R race springs all around with proper bumpsteer adjustment. Rear tie rods have also been swapped. Subframe connectors are a must for a stiff chassis. Many of my buddies with S550s have been shocked when they drive my terminator. Handling is greatly improved along in my opinion better ride. Tires also have a huge impact. add in that the terminator is usually around 400 lbs lighter as well.

I’m only at 460 Wheel horsepower but the torque is what everyone loves. The coyote engine is a modern marvel without a doubt. But for street driving, I’ll take the Low and mid range torque. Sure at the same PSI the coyote will make more power. It should with VVT, higher compressing and more displacement.

I believe the terminator is a great blank canvas. Get the right one that hasn’t been best to death and your starting off well.
 

HPLouis

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I had a Mysticchrome vert that I bought with 2700 miles. In 2 years, I sold it with 4900 miles. I wanted out of the Terminator game. I never really drove the car, was scared to put on miles and beat it up on NYC streets. I sold it and added more money to my retirement plan. Just so I didn't get tempted, I got out of SVTP and all the FB groups. The crazy thing is I got a promotion a few weeks after selling it. I wanted to buy it back but it was now for sale for $10,000 more than what I sold it for

I was roaming around SVTP one day, about 3 months later when someone put a WTB ad for a Mystichrome and a member linked up an ebay and Craigslist ad for a Mystichrome coupe right out in Jersey. I really didn't want another one because, it's not a good financial decision, but I found myself drawn to it. I ended up driving out there and buying the car right on the spot. This time, I drive it around and I have the simple pulley, exhaust and tune on it and I love it. I try to drive it as much as I can and it's fun.
 
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BoostedSVT03

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I think the rarity of the cars is really what keeps me in mine. I continuously debate selling it for a 70’ Chevelle or a C6Z but hop on eBay and other websites and see a TON of those cars for sale and only a handful of the 03-04 Cobras.

Like others have said these could very well be the last true Muscle/Pony car due to the lack traction control and all the other bells and whistles. When you get into one of these cars you get raw flat torque that is ungoverned.

I maybe an outlier but I’m really not a fan of the new edge body, and most people only see a Mustang. Only a small amount of people know what a Cobra is and even less know about the 03-04. What got me into my car years ago was the amazing power train. These cars can be fast for cheap. Now, it takes a lot more to make them turn and brake.

Ive always told my wife if someone came by and offered me a good fair price it would be gone and I would regret it in 10-15 years or more. I highly doubt the modified ones will ever roll across Barrett Jackson though.
 

blownstang4.6

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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.

Nicely put. I test drove a 2014 when they came out and was not impressed. The acceleration sucked compared to my Vortech 03 GT. Bought a 04 Mach 1 a year later and tossed the blower over. 508rwhp on tap through an auto.

OP - it's really up to you. If you're questioning getting a Cobra then it's probably not for you.
 

3xBlackCobra

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nobody will notice or care much about a c5 zo6. The Terminator, however, commands attention.

went to a muscle car meet this weekend and had to give rides to 3 separate people. Nobody seemed to notice the other nice cars in that parking lot... lol
 

CableGuy85

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Sold my first terminator back I’m 07 with only 5k miles. Missed it so much I purchased an 03 Cobra last November. Before that I purchased a new 17 GT, although nice, it’s not as fun as the cobra. wife now drives the GT.
 

01yellercobra

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It all depends on what you want.

This. Drive the cars on your list and then make the decision. For those of us in this particular forum, it's worth it. Go ask the same question on a Corvette forum and they'll all say the Vette is worth it.

I can say this, I go to a lot of local meets. There's usually anything from a stanced Civic to a green Viper R/T that usually shows up. I usually have a crowd around my car after I park. Not so much for the other cars. Hell, I went to an all import meet one time because my son wanted me to go. I drove by a group of people standing in front of a row GT-R's and I heard more than one say "holy crap it's a Terminator".
 

MaxxdSVT

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Everywhere I take my cobra it breaks necks. It's an old car and platform but it's a legendary experience. Nothing like it. The conversations I have with people are at car shows are great. People love to talk about the car. It's also in my opinion the best looking mustang ever.

Sent from my SM-G960U using the svtperformance.com mobile app
 

Talleywacker

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I just bought my uncles 2003 redfire w/ 11k miles. He is the original owner. It's no where near stock but it's still minty inside and just needs some TLC outside. He bought it and trailer'd it to tracks across america as a dedicated track car.

He offered... I didn't hesitate and I picked her up. She's mine forever now. I'm 36 and plan on enjoying it for 30 years of more road racing.
 

BADBOYSVT

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Just get you a Honda . I feel insulting reading your comments bashing the terminator .
 

lx347cid

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I say yes go buy one. Look at our For sale section. So many WTB posts. You don't see that too often. Like others have said you can always sell it for what you bought it for if you don't like it.
If its not an everyday car then yes over S550 and C5Z. Its such a different driving experience than the those cars. More raw power muscle car like.
 

mustangvsix

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I drove a 00 v6 coupe as a daily for 3 years an 01 cobra vert as a daily for 8 years and had an 03 coupe as a weekend toy for 3 years. Great cars to own, mustang guy forever but after a decade in that cockpit I was done. I think the 03/04 cars are certainly worth owning to have the experience and yes you will drop $20k on one but you will likely get you purchase price back out of it if you sell it in 2-3 years. I bought and sold mine for the $$$.

Also I dont miss the car but do miss having that type of toy around. But again a decade plus of the sn95 platform...gets old. Still love them though.
 

mysticsvt

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A person owns a "Terminator" in this day and age because it is Iconic, has a cult following and you can make good power for little money. The interior isn't amazing to say the least and a blower on an S550 is more powerful providing the Terminator is stock. My S550 with a Procharger puts down the same as my 04 Cobra did with a 2.2 KB. It's all gonna boil down to personal taste and what you actually want the car for.
 

Talleywacker

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A person owns a "Terminator" in this day and age because it is Iconic, has a cult following and you can make good power for little money. The interior isn't amazing to say the least and a blower on an S550 is more powerful providing the Terminator is stock. My S550 with a Procharger puts down the same as my 04 Cobra did with a 2.2 KB. It's all gonna boil down to personal taste and what you actually want the car for.

How can you say that when the 2.9 gen 4 whipples are making 800+ on a stock motor.
 

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