Time to come clean...my new Ford Cobra sucks, and so does Ford. I have owned my Cobra for a little over 2 months now. In that time frame, it has over heated more than 12 times, seen a flat bed truck 3 times, and has now been at the dealer for more than two weeks in a row. And they are still unable to repair it or much less diagnose what is wrong. At one point a Ford engineer told them that the car was working according to manufacturers specs, I just needed to not rev the car over 4,000 rpms in traffic while it is hot outside. They were trying to force me to take the car back, then the car over heated on the Service Manager while he was trying to wash it and return it to me. All in all the dealership and the manufacturer has treated me like I am some sort of idiot. Yesterday they offer me a new Cobra to replace mine. Only problem is mine is still brand new, so I just don't want to go thru this anymore...BTW the dealer has put about 250 miles on my car while trying to solve the problem. Because of this, I think I am going to shy away from American car for now.

I am looking at replacing the Cobra with a couple different vehicles. They are a complete departure from the Cobra, I know, but the Cobra is my daily driver. I am possibly going to get the Infiniti M45 (yes it is a little funny looking, but it is leasing really well) or the Lexus GS430 (I really like this one).

I am still working with the dealer to work this out but I just really don't want the car back, nor do I want another one. Luckily at his point I have more than met the Colorado Lemon Law, so I at least have the law on my side.

 

this is what worries me about the Ford GT. Imagine having spent 140k on a car and having to deal with these jackasses. Sorry about your bad luck. Looks like a Porsche Turbo would fit nicely into your stable as a daily driver

 

God, I hear ya cardude. My dad's Mustang GT is, well, a pile of sh!t. It has done so many things wrong it's just crazy. It has almost 75K mi on it, and he's gonna give it to me!

It probably won't last much longer.

 

CarDude,

I'd look around a little before committing to the Infiniti M45. The Japanese version of a Crown Victoria looks aside, it doesn't seem to be selling all that well. Not according to some article I read the other day anyway. I'm not predicting what'll happen to the car, but it'd suck if you bought it and it was discontinued shortly after that 'cause they just couldn't move'em off the lot. Then that would present itself with another set of issues I'm sure.

But if the dealer's offering you a new Cobra, why not just take it?? If it has the same issues, then you can just write'em off as goat blowers. If it gives you just 1-2 fewer headaches, that's at least 1-2 fewer headaches on something that you're still paying for.

I'm not a big fan of American, but I haven't heard any recent stories about the Cobra acting up that much. Maybe you just got the ultimate dud Ford? Given, they all suck, but you know what I mean...

Anyway, good luck with whatever you decide...peace.

 

The Cobra had the initial alignment problem, butin general I have found Ford cars quality to be poor. My family had a Ford Taurus, T-Bird, and now the Mustang GT convertible, and all have given us problems in one way or another. Let's just say never again. Unfortunately no more Fords for us. I would go for the GS 430, very nice car, but be aware they are replacing it probably for the 2005 MY so get a good deal. The Infiniti is UGLY.

 

have you guys seen the M45 in real life? I used to not think so highly of it, but after seeing it in person, it's a real looker, and at a great price!

 

Buy a Honda or Toyota, they'd last forever.

 

I'd first try to get them to take this one back. Maybe they will give your money back, but it's only natural for them to charge you something for mileage. I think that's the way the lemon law works. But it may force you to take a replacement car instead. I mean they don't want you to take your money to Chevy. So I think in most likelihood you will get a replacement Cobra (hopefully one that doesn't overheat).

If it's possible to get out of taking a replacement Cobra (even if you lose some money) I would, because it sounds like you don't like the car that much even discounting the overheating problem.


I don't know if you looked at the Z06 instead, you can get great deals on them.


As for the Q45 I'd think that's a good car. Especially if you lease it won't matter if they discontinue them. If you buy instead, the resale value will not be up with the Lexus. I like the LS430 better than the GS or the Q. But it costs a bit more.

I'd be looking at the AMG E55. It's almost like a 4 door SVT cobra (as far as performance goes may be faster). It's probably lighter, and because it's a MB it is definitely better made. Better dealer service, better resale.

Let us know what you end up doing.

 

I have a few nightmare stories with my friends '03 Cobra. He's in litigation with Ford right now working on forcing them to buy it back. Really sad, because the car offers so much more than it delivers. I do NOT like Ford at all. The only cars that have really ever interested me was the Mustang Cobra and after seeing some experiences people are having with them, no thanks. Also, the Lightning, it's a neat truck, but I've heard people having problems with those too, just not as common as the Cobra.

Lemon law your Cobra and don't EVER buy a Ford again. Concerning your choices, I actually like the M45 in jet black and chrome rims, not a bad looking ride. Maybe lower it a tad and tint the windows really dark and it would look pretty sinister. I've actually driven one too, the powertrain is very, very nice! The car soaks up bumps nicely and drives very well. It feels big and it isn't going to run through a slalom very easily, but still a nice ride overall. If you lease or buy, you should get a killer deal.

I've also driven a GS430. This car is better than the M45 and it looks better overall too. But, it's styling has been out for a while and the car is due for replacement in a few years. You should be able to get a good deal on one of these too. I almost bought one with the full L-tuned package which consisted of a nice, low-key body kit, springs/shocks, chip to adjust the steering feel, grill, exhaust, and some very nice 18 inch wheels/tires. It looked very cool! But, we didn't come to terms on pricing, so I passed on it.

Good luck with your choice!!

 

This is the kind of thing that will keep me from buying the Ford GT. I may be able to afford $140k for a car in a few years, but a Ford? I don't know if they're worthy of playing with Porsche and Ferrari. I mean a brand new car should NOT overheat. And if it does the dealer should be able to fix the problem. It's not normal for a modern car to overheat, I don't care how hot it is outside.

I like to think of the SVT Cobra as a trial for the Ford GT. I keep hearing bad things about the dealer service and it doesn't make me comfortable buying any kind of ford much less a high bucks car.