Newbie has some questions

plumbcrazy

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Hey guys, I'm new to the forum.
A good friend of mine is the reason I now have "the fever " and am in the market for a Terminator convertible.
He has an '03 Saleen Cobra vert and some other enviable treasures including an '05 Ford GT.
Anyway, I'm asking for opinions on whether '03 or '04 is a better year.
I know they made fewer in '04, but I like DSG and it's an '03 color.
I am considering a DSG with just under 7k miles. They want 35k which is too much from what I see.
I've negotiated to a more reasonable number but haven't pulled the trigger..
I'm looking for stock or almost stock, am not looking to modify , and the car is going to be treated well ( garaged , no rain, etc- just a weekend cruiser).
So I mention these things because , given those statements, what's the opinion about the early vs later engines.
Is there genuine concern about '03 heads? (this particular car has a build date of 1/03)- I have a lot of other questions, so all opinions are truly appreciated. '03 or '04?
I wish I could buy two. One to drive and one to keep.....
Thanks for your help guys.
It's a big purchase as a toy for me and I want to make the right choice.
 

TK1299

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i always wanted one of these cars, and when i purchased mine with 8k miles on it, the fact it was an 03 instead of 04 meant nothing.
as far as i know the only difference in the 03-04’s are colors and a revised head to aid in cooling. but i think some 03’s got that treatment too.
35k may be a tad too high, but thats the direction these cars are going.
 

plumbcrazy

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I appreciate everyone's input. Thanks.
Seems the '04 might be a better car in a way. I think color has a lot to do with value in the end. That's all a personal opinion.
Anyway, I'll keep hunting here and elsewhere. May end up with the DSG I mentioned earlier if I can get them to knock it down a little further. There's a Redfire on here that looks really well kept too. i just inquired about that one today.
This is a friendly and informative community from what I can see and I'm glad you're all out here. Thanks for the insight. Cheers for now.
 

plumbcrazy

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DSG with under 7K miles sounds real nice. If that's what you want, I'd go for that versus year.
Thanks. It is a nice car. It's def a 9 out of 10
Drilled the front bumper for a plate recently (according to sales staff) - bummer.Also, has a funny thing going on with the rear bumper I'm noticing on some.
Like a wave just right of the rear plate. Anyway, thanks. I look forward to being a member of the "club".
 

plumbcrazy

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If you're not planning on big power I don't see any issues getting the 03. Especially if it's the color you want. Even if you want to run big boost eventually plenty of people have run it with the earlier heads.
I intend to keep what ever I buy stock. The car that lands in my garage will have an easy life.
I took out my anger on sports cars I owned in my youth, lol. Thanks to all who responded so far.
I'll let the world know the status of my quest ( whether you want to or not). Thanks guys!
 

HPLouis

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Thanks. It is a nice car. It's def a 9 out of 10
Drilled the front bumper for a plate recently (according to sales staff) - bummer.Also, has a funny thing going on with the rear bumper I'm noticing on some.
Like a wave just right of the rear plate. Anyway, thanks. I look forward to being a member of the "club".

I've seen so many Cobras with that wave on the bumper. It's a Terminator thing.
 

CobraBob

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Don't dismiss the '03 if you want a DSG Cobra. As @Bdubbs said, a lot of '03 Cobra engines have been modded to the moon and back. Solid motor. I had an '03 DSG Cobra myself. I loved it. I actually loved the paint color so much that I chose a similar gray metallic on my '19 Genesis G-70. I've always loved metallic grays. So if that the color you prefer, go for it. If you can get the seller to give you a decent price, that car only has 7K miles on it. While ultra low mileage Terminator pop up now and then, they're becoming harder and harder to find.
 

94 Cobra R

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I've seen so many Cobras with that wave on the bumper. It's a Terminator thing.

Actually, it's a Mustang thing and in reality, it's something that has been going on since very early in the Fox Body days.

To the OP: Get the DSG if that's what you like. The year differentiations aren't going to matter, especially in your case. IMHO, DSG is one of the best ;)
 

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