Looking to buy 1998 Cobra Convertible - opinions

Someone local has a 1998 26k mile convertible Cobra for sale. One owner, maintained, garage kept. I am going to go look at this weekend.

Anything to look at in particular? I have been looking for a Fox body convertible but I might give this one a shot.

Second to last question...fun factor? I have never driven this vintage Mustang. Lastly - price?

Thanks
Eric

Make sure the odometer works if you test drive it. They are notorious for breaking odometer gears.
Make sure motor sounds healthy, convertible tops opens and closes properly, gears shift properly, etc.

Price depends on condition but if it’s nice shape I would say 10-12k.

Driving a convertible is definitely different than a hard top. Great for cruising and enjoying a nice day/night out.

As far as differences between Fox and SN, it's pretty substantial. I would personally recommend the SN over the Fox, because Fox body convertibles were never produced from the factory, Ford literally had to take a notchback coupe and cut the roof off to make it into a convertible and i've always personally considered them to be a little hacked together with things never fitting right and leaks and so on.

SN-95's are a love/hate kinda thing for me at least. Compared to brand new S550's, it's night and day. I love the swoopy cockpit, hate the cheap plastic creaking sometimes. Love the sound of the 4.6. Hate how slow it is from the factory and how much of a journey it is to make very fast.

However, with it being a 98, if you plan on loudening up the exhaust (which I highly recommend), trying to find exhaust that will fit a 98 is becoming harder and harder to find. Never knew why 98's were so difficult, but the majority of exhaust systems i've seen for sale out there always went either 94-97 or 96-97 and 98's were always their own special needs case. I know Ford was switching everything over for the 99+ models at the time, but I've always heard that 98's can be a pain to modify, especially when it comes to convertibles. Again, just what i've heard, whether or not there's any validity to that claim, I dunno? But as far as exhaust systems go, you will be fighting an uphill battle all the way. Plus with it being a convertible, it is I believe 400 lbs heavier than a coupe. 26k is great for mileage, and should be in pretty good shape from the sounds of it. Also have to watch out for the clear coat to fail. Fox bodies all the way up to some S197's were all painted with a very stupid paint method from Ford (mix-matching base coat and clear coat manufacturers, which is why the paint may fail sometimes depending on how long it sees the sun everyday).

Good luck, and keep us posted.

Only difference with the exhaust is where the hangers are.



OP check the frame rails and strut towers.

As far as fun factor goes, throw in some 4.30s and start burning rubber

I don't know where you live, but $10-12k would be steal for that if it's unmolested and in great shape. I just paid almost $14k for a 97 vert with 54k miles. I live in CT and had to have it shipped from OH because a nice lower mileage vert is hard to find, at least around here. What color combo? I definitely agree with the odometer suggestion, make sure it works. If you have an OBD code scanner, bring it and check for codes. I had a misfire but no CEL. Pay the $20 for a Carfax just to get (maybe) some extra insight. Obviously make sure the guy has the title. Ask about any accidents or body work. Bring a flash light and look for signs of oil leaks, rust, etc. under the car. Otherwise, drive it and if it feels good, no crazy/weird noises or vibrations, it's probably good! If it's a nice car, take it if the price is right, they're fun and harder to find!

How much does he want for it? Sounds pretty clean.

Add a set of 4.10 gears, weld-in subframe connectors (night and day difference on a vert), and whatever mufflers you like the sound of, you'll have a fun car to cruise in. And if you ever decide to build/supercharge the motor you can make it as fast as you want!

Captain Fluffy Nuggies said:

Plus with it being a convertible, it is I believe 400 lbs heavier than a coupe.

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No way! Maybe 100-150lbs at the most.

The only way I could see 400lb difference would be if you went from a 1998 Cobra Coupe to a 2003 Cobra Convertible

But the weight difference would be be in the options like leather seats, mach stereo, T56, iron block, blower, IRS. Not the convertible parts. The motor isn't very heavy, there's the cross brace, the 'subframe connectors' from the factory don't weigh anything...I realize there's extra metal around the trunk area and stuff but it can't be a huge difference.

robvas said:

No way! Maybe 100-150lbs at the most.

The only way I could see 400lb difference would be if you went from a 1998 Cobra Coupe to a 2003 Cobra Convertible

But the weight difference would be be in the options like leather seats, mach stereo, T56, iron block, blower, IRS. Not the convertible parts. The motor isn't very heavy, there's the cross brace, the 'subframe connectors' from the factory don't weigh anything...I realize there's extra metal around the trunk area and stuff but it can't be a huge difference.

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Just going off of what I've heard over the years ‍

Good morning,
I appreciate all of the replies to my questions. Sorry for the delayed response...

I ended up buying the car - yellow, convertible Cobra with 25,400 miles on it. The car is like a time machine - everything is factory with the exception of the tires. The car was originally purchased in Madison, WI and all service was done at three different Ford dealers around Madison. The previous owner took it to the dealer for annual oil changes even if it only had 200 miles on it. The car never sat in a parking lot - you can tell. The body is perfect as are the wheels, apparently the car left the garage for drives and fuel ups, never to the store for a loaf of bread.

Everything works on it but the AC isn't cold, it is cool but not cold. I have an appointment at my dealer (no comments on me taking it to the dealer) to get all of the fluids replaced and get the AC charged (if that is the issue). Aside from that, any other things - plugs?

The car drives like a dream. We have owned a 2011 and a 2017 Mustang GT (the 17 had the performance group option) both with manuals. I honestly like the 98 better - it is much easier drive in town. The 98 is certainly slower but I just like the way it drives. The big....the transmission in the 1998 is sublime compared to the new 6 speeds. The one thing I can say is this car is long-legged, third gear is fun as hell.

I will leave the question of what I paid unanswered. I am happy with what I paid for it but it is in the realm of what dealers are asking for modified (CAI) cars. I wanted a 100% stock car and will keep it that way. Call me old school.

New Goodyear Exhilarates go on in two weeks plus a full detailing with paint correction (swirls) will happen in a four weeks. By mid August, it will be fully sorted and ready to go. I will post some pictures later this afternoon.

Thanks again!
Eric

Heesman said:

Good morning,
I appreciate all of the replies to my questions. Sorry for the delayed response...

I ended up buying the car - yellow, convertible Cobra with 25,400 miles on it. The car is like a time machine - everything is factory with the exception of the tires. The car was originally purchased in Madison, WI and all service was done at three different Ford dealers around Madison. The previous owner took it to the dealer for annual oil changes even if it only had 200 miles on it. The car never sat in a parking lot - you can tell. The body is perfect as are the wheels, apparently the car left the garage for drives and fuel ups, never to the store for a loaf of bread.

Everything works on it but the AC isn't cold, it is cool but not cold. I have an appointment at my dealer (no comments on me taking it to the dealer) to get all of the fluids replaced and get the AC charged (if that is the issue). Aside from that, any other things - plugs?

The car drives like a dream. We have owned a 2011 and a 2017 Mustang GT (the 17 had the performance group option) both with manuals. I honestly like the 98 better - it is much easier drive in town. The 98 is certainly slower but I just like the way it drives. The big....the transmission in the 1998 is sublime compared to the new 6 speeds. The one thing I can say is this car is long-legged, third gear is fun as hell.

I will leave the question of what I paid unanswered. I am happy with what I paid for it but it is in the realm of what dealers are asking for modified (CAI) cars. I wanted a 100% stock car and will keep it that way. Call me old school.

New Goodyear Exhilarates go on in two weeks plus a full detailing with paint correction (swirls) will happen in a four weeks. By mid August, it will be fully sorted and ready to go. I will post some pictures later this afternoon.

Thanks again!
Eric

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Congrats, enjoy it!

Boosted08 said:

Make sure the odometer works if you test drive it. They are notorious for breaking odometer gears.

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This is probably the #1 best piece of advice when buying any 96-98 car.

Congrats, op!