Is a Terminator a good choice for what I'm looking for?

xxForgedxx

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I am trying to volunteer for Iraq, and with hopes of getting there soon and all being well when I get back I will have enough cash in hand to buy whatever I have been looking at for a car. I appreciate all kinds of different cars, hence why I have considered the following ones. EVO, E46 M3, C5 FRC/zO6, Terminator. I will be paying for the car in cash, and I am looking to spend a total of $25,000 after all tax, registration bla bla bla after I get home 12-15 months from now. Some things to factor in are, MPG and insurance costs. But unless they are outrageously different I doubt it will stop me from buying one car or the other.

I like the EVO because it does everything very well, I also hate the EVO for the sex appeal and "Oh damnnn" factor it is lacking. It blows in the "wow this is really nice" area but hell it's nice having ONE car you can play with in any weather right? It is a car you make excuses for in regards to practicality.

Then there is the M3, now I know it's only a 13 second car but wow. I love these damn things. They are nice when you don't feel the need to tear ass, and they are nice when you want to tear ass. Kind of like a woman you'd marry. A lady on the street but a freak in the sheets. This car is on the TOP of my list for sure. I only fear that I will wish I had more freak in the sheets when I get my ass whopped on a highway pull and there isn't anything I can do about it unless I want to dump $10-12,000 into it for forced induction :fm:

The C5 FRC is a nice car but really dated in different ways. There are SO many different years, options and bla bla bla it's kind of annoying. I also don't think my budget will allow me to get a Z unless it's a higher mileage 01 or a ragged out one, orrr both. It's be nice but pop up lights, iffy mileage and well... I dunno. Top of the list for sure, but it always WON'T be a Z and it will probably be almost ten years old. Two seats might piss me off too.

Terminator... when I think of this car I think of the serious HP and a lot of FU I dare you to try kind of factor. It isn't the "ohhh theres the 700th Mustang I've seen today" type of deal which I like. They seem rock solid reliable even though I would have plush nothing I think 500+ whp and 11's would make up for it. The car appeals because it has 4 seats, it's strong and reliable (I think?) and can be comfortable when you need it to be, mean when you want it to be. I just worry at how thirsty this car REALLY is, and if it really is THAT strong.

I live in the North East, so it'd be nice to have ONE car but if I can swing one that will be much better and a beater I'd do so.
 

HEMIHUNTER

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First thanks for your service [ you already in?]
You've done your homework as far as what you may or may not want.
Try this, make a list of what can/cannot beat each car.[ heh heh ]
You'll be left with;
Terminator
C5/zo6 [ what the hell is FRC ]
I've said this before[ and so have others here] unless you know what your'e lookin' at most don't know what a terminator is/ can do.[ all they see is a mustang] I see c5/c6 z06's everyday Terminators not that often.
If you look around you should be able to find a decent term or c5z for 25K
I like both but would take the term 'cause you can get to 500rwhp easy and relativly cheap, and spank the dogshit out of 90% of other cars [ even with "only" 500rwhp]
 

xxForgedxx

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First thanks for your service [ you already in?]
You've done your homework as far as what you may or may not want.
Try this, make a list of what can/cannot beat each car.[ heh heh ]
You'll be left with;
Terminator
C5/zo6 [ what the hell is FRC ]
I've said this before[ and so have others here] unless you know what your'e lookin' at most don't know what a terminator is/ can do.[ all they see is a mustang] I see c5/c6 z06's everyday Terminators not that often.
If you look around you should be able to find a decent term or c5z for 25K
I like both but would take the term 'cause you can get to 500rwhp easy and relativly cheap, and spank the dogshit out of 90% of other cars [ even with "only" 500rwhp]

Already in, the Terminator appeals to me because it has space if I happen to need it, even if I only use the back seat to throw crap in. And I don't see them that much. I see MANY vettes around and to be honest, some cars look GREAT with only mild cosmetics, the Terminator does that... the Vette, eh subjective. The thing is however, the Terminator is appealing because it seems to be a strong not much of a hassle kind of car to own and I also like, lots of HP for not a lot of $$$. Even the Vette, though fast still needs quite a bit of cash to be in the 500 club.
 

xenodragon

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M3 - The m3 if you are going to get a 2002 - 2006 is going to be alot closer to $30,000. My friend has been searching for 2 years for a used 2002 - 2006 and he just finally picked one up with 54,000 miles on it for a little under $30,000. He says he likes it, but it just doesnt feel like he throught it would.

EVO - This was actually my #1 choice back in 2002, then 2003 rolled around, and the EVO was history. If the car is going to be you year round car, the EVO might be a good choice. If not, screw the evo, although it probably has the most room in the back. On a plus side you will get every ricer in the world trying to race you.

Vette - I have always liked them, until some dude in a yellow z06 came up next to me (I was 100% stock) and gave me the jerkoff motion with his hand, then he beat me =( . I no longer like vettes. If you were to get a vette. I'd hold off until you could afford the c6 z06

Cobra - What can I say, lots and lots of mod potential. Pretty basic interior, but honestly who cares...do you really need a navi and a bluetooth conection? I have had my cobra for 4 years now, and there arnt many cars I would give it up for. The only ones I would are at least $50,000 more than the cost of it.

I say go with the Cobra!
 

xxForgedxx

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My BIGGEST concern of all... is this

Will I end up hating the Cobra because I can't drive it all the time? Will I end up just getting frustrated because I live in the NE and oh damn it's raining, oh damn it's winter... then I am stuck with a craptastic car to roll in while I tell people what is in the Garage and get the "yeh yeh I bet" look.

I like simple, fast, strong, comfortable with some competent handling. I hope this thing wouldn't be a slush box of death. Like the rest of the Mustangs I've driven. I only have seat time behind a 2004 SVT Vert... and not for very long.
 

Wishing4Cobra

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I didnt read your post (a bit too long lol) but if you want a fast car you can rip the streets there is no doubt you should go with a Cobra.

But if its your DD and you want something more luxury with nice speed then get the M3.

I drove a couple of Evos and honestly it wouldnt really be a good DD because of how stiff the suspension is. Although it is a fun car.
 

hoofbeat

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My BIGGEST concern of all... is this

Will I end up hating the Cobra because I can't drive it all the time? Will I end up just getting frustrated because I live in the NE and oh damn it's raining, oh damn it's winter... then I am stuck with a craptastic car to roll in while I tell people what is in the Garage and get the "yeh yeh I bet" look.

I like simple, fast, strong, comfortable with some competent handling. I hope this thing wouldn't be a slush box of death. Like the rest of the Mustangs I've driven. I only have seat time behind a 2004 SVT Vert... and not for very long.
:beer:I picked up my Cobra in June of 02 . I live in Nothern In. with some bad winters. Bought a 06 AWD Ford 500 to take care of that problem.Would not have it any other way .Drive the Cobra Spring, Summer and fall on every nice day and enjpy the hell out of it.
 

Juruense

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M3 - old man car
Vette - old man car
Evo - I would never consider owning one due to overall gheyness
Cobra - shitty gas mileage gives you a boner every time you look at it, eventually you will come to prefer looking at it over driving it because you will never be able to get it perfect but you will never truly regret buying it

I would say the Ford is BY FAR the easiest to DIY of any of those cars also and the cheapest to mod.
 

XJRGUY

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First thanks for your service [ you already in?]
You've done your homework as far as what you may or may not want.
Try this, make a list of what can/cannot beat each car.[ heh heh ]
You'll be left with;
Terminator
C5/zo6 [ what the hell is FRC ]
I've said this before[ and so have others here] unless you know what your'e lookin' at most don't know what a terminator is/ can do.[ all they see is a mustang] I see c5/c6 z06's everyday Terminators not that often.
If you look around you should be able to find a decent term or c5z for 25K
I like both but would take the term 'cause you can get to 500rwhp easy and relativly cheap, and spank the dogshit out of 90% of other cars [ even with "only" 500rwhp]



FRC= Fixed Roof Coupe
 

Iamchris

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I have an 03 Cobra... honestly from a practicality point, you are better off with the Evo. My Cobra sees the road maybe 35% of the year... it is either raining, snowing or salty.

I wouldn't trade the Cobra in on any performance car in its class... but if I could not drive my Jeep also, I would ditch the Cobra for an Evo, much like your case. Evo's are a sweet ride. They may not be "wow", but that gets old when you have been there long enough anyway.

You won't go wrong either way, you have to decide if you are willing to drive a beater 50% of the time. I would be between the Cobra and Evo though, the Beamer is boring and the Vette is second to the Cobra IMO.
 

vipergts281

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C5/zo6 [ what the hell is FRC ]
Fixed Roof Coupe. It's a body style. The C5 Z06 has the FRC body style.


xxForgedxx- I live in PA, outside of Philly. So I know the weather you are referring to. I drive my car EVERY DAY, rain or shine....even snow. Check my sig for mileage.
 

Iamchris

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Also FYI... remember an all season Evo will take some hard miles and never be as nice as a car that you keep under wraps in bad weather.

Just think of stepping into the Evo from the nice slushy streets for 3-4 months out of the year. Controlable with regular washes and care though.
 

rexisme

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the only cars you could touch w/ your budget would probably be the terminator or the evo. The other ones,at that price, would have to be in fair shape or have high miles. However, you may just get lucky. I know its not an evo but, i came from mustangs to an sti, needless to say i am back in a 04 cobra. However, i would love to have another sti/evo. I just cant make up my mind.
 

rexisme

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My BIGGEST concern of all... is this

Will I end up hating the Cobra because I can't drive it all the time? Will I end up just getting frustrated because I live in the NE and oh damn it's raining, oh damn it's winter... then I am stuck with a craptastic car to roll in while I tell people what is in the Garage and get the "yeh yeh I bet" look.

I like simple, fast, strong, comfortable with some competent handling. I hope this thing wouldn't be a slush box of death. Like the rest of the Mustangs I've driven. I only have seat time behind a 2004 SVT Vert... and not for very long.


How old are you? who cares if you drive a piece of crap or what people think. I roll around in a 95 blazer as a beater, I am sure alot of people think bad things about me when i pull up in that heap. I dont really care because in actuality i probably have a alot higher salary than them and i just dont care if people judge me. Plus, you should care, you are serving our country, if someone judges you on what you drive, they are a moron.
 

mikeshimek

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i have an 03 and a beater daily driver. i live in washington and my cobra sees rain occasionally. i personally would not drive my cobra daily due to the shear loss of appreciation. every time i get out of my pos escort and hop in the cobra the thrill and excitement of driving it comes back like the first day i bought it. so i may be biased, but i say cobra FTW! :rockon:
 

Qwk GT

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I've heard of plenty of people daily drive their cars, even in the snow. I also live in WA, and the winters here suck. I just got mine about a month ago, so I haven't had to deal w/bad weather, but I'm sure it would do fine given a good pair of all season tires. Although, I personally don't like the idea of driving it in the snow, and plan to usually drive my 98 grand prix for a dd.
 

Dismember

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Here in Canada we know what winters means (lol) Bought my terminator last year and i will never look back. Of course i use an old Z22 95' for beater, and putting the Terminator aside for 6 months is a PITA..... but when april come back...... Wouhouuuu!:)
 

2FST4USonicBlue

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+1 on who cares about the beater. I drive 35 miles (1 way) to work everyday, and I use to do it in the Cobra, but I hated putting all those miles on the car and I didn't feel like tearing it up on the weekend. So I went and bought a 97 hyundai from a buddy of mine that is my everyday driver and on the weekends I get to have some fun with the cobra. If you get the chance to own one, do it, you wont regret it, even if it gives you some headaches sometimes.
 

Mr_Thug

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I live here in Southern California, so unfortunately I cannot relate to the snow factor. However I do have a commuter sportbike and 4 door sedan to keep miles off the Cobra. As for the EVO, that particular car carries its own respect but only for a certain group of gear heads. And even then the import tuner group have far less comraderie for each other and respect for each other like the american muscle group. The other vehicles may have speed factors and handling attributes but there is nothing like the sound and feeling of a Muscle car. Pure heaven to all senses.

EVO= Shitsubishi
M3= Preppy Momma's Boy
C5= Big Motor, Small everything else
Cobra= One bad ass Mutha ***a
 

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