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Upgrade my Cobra, or buy Lotus Elise?

Discussion in 'The Garage' started by Danimal, Jul 23, 2007.

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  1. Jul 23, 2007 #1
    Danimal

    Danimal New Member

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    I currently have a mint 1996 Cobra with a bunch of suspension/driveline/engine mods. The car looks nearly stock on the exterior, but runs 12.80's. Car has 87,000 miles and is in great condition.

    It looks like I'll be getting around a $12,000 bonus early next year and hopefully a pretty decent raise. Financially, I'm doing fine so the money is likely going somewhere really immature.

    My choices are:

    • Upgrade Cobra: wheels/tires, 03/04 seats, supercharger, etc and sink the rest into my house
    • Buy Lotus Elise: sell Cobra (hoping for at least $8,000), sell motorcycle (hoping for around $2,800) and take on a small loan

    Personally, I'm not excited about the thought of even a small monthly payment on the car. Then again, I've got a large savings, a home and by that time, all of my college debt will be payed off (just graduated in May).

    What would you guys do? I could likely find an Elise for around $30,000 if I look hard. Then again, the Mustang is great and would make a great show/strip car.

    [​IMG]

    -Dan
     
  2. Jul 23, 2007 #2
    quickstang_1994

    quickstang_1994 Well-Known Member

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    Just make your car alot faster but a lotus is nice
     
  3. Jul 23, 2007 #3
    281cammer

    281cammer Member

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    My Opinion

    Keep the Cobra!!!!!!!!!! Getting rid of Cobra for a Lotus deserves a :slap:
     
  4. Jul 23, 2007 #4
    68mustang5.0

    68mustang5.0 Active Member

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    Re: My Opinion

    Even if you mod the suspension of the cobra to the limit, itll never touch the handling of the Lotus...STOCK.
     
  5. Jul 23, 2007 #5
    19mustang95

    19mustang95 Legend

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    if it was me, i would keep the cobra...
     
  6. Jul 23, 2007 #6
    Paul

    Paul Legend

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    Not even a choice. The Lotus is waaaaay more car than an old Cobra will ever be. Super light weight, stops on a dime, unreal lateral grip, plus it's a lotus.

    Mustangs are nice. I love them. (I have four)

    However, they will never be an Elise.
     
  7. Jul 23, 2007 #7
    Quick96Mystic

    Quick96Mystic Active Member

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    If i were to choose... i would get an Exige

    [​IMG]
     
  8. Jul 23, 2007 #8
    95-stang

    95-stang Well-Known Member

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    The Lotus is a great car, depends what sort of driving you do, or want to do. ;)
     
  9. Jul 23, 2007 #9
    Grnstang

    Grnstang Member

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    I would keep the Mustang since it's paid for, and put all the bonus money into making it a supreme show car. I love Mustangs and even if I had the money, I'd still be a die hard Mustang guy. I'd just buy a little more expensive Mustangs, ie: Saleen S281E!
     
  10. Jul 24, 2007 #10
    94Vert

    94Vert Active Member

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    the cobra is a more comfortable car, the lotus is tiny inside. you put a blower on the cobra and the lotus couldn't touch it going straight.
     
  11. Jul 24, 2007 #11
    9psi 98

    9psi 98 Active Member

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    That Lotus is like riding on a rollerskate down the road, but it's resale value will be a lot higher than the Cobra. If the Cobra is paid for, I'd just throw the money into it instead, you'll save more money in the end and still have a back seat and a trunk.
     
  12. Jul 24, 2007 #12
    jfor441

    jfor441 Legend

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    The Lotus is a chick car.
     
  13. Jul 24, 2007 #13
    scarface

    scarface Guest

    I like the lotus...but the cobra is paid for.
     
  14. Jul 24, 2007 #14
    Eric_94cobra

    Eric_94cobra New Member

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    I would go with the lotus if you are looking for some splittail. Otherwise, the cobra would be a badazz street-strip machine!
     
  15. Jul 24, 2007 #15
    DropTopPony

    DropTopPony Administrator Staff Member Admin SN95 Supporter

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    I was just looking at an Elise yesterday in a parking lot while shopping. They are tiny and i don't think i could even climb into it :)
    An old couple drove away in it...I have heard they are great if you like to Auto X it on weekends.
     
  16. Jul 24, 2007 #16
    scarface

    scarface Guest

    the average man isnt 8 foot tall like you...lol!

    They are really tiny though.
     
  17. Jul 24, 2007 #17
    mean green

    mean green Well-Known Member

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    keep the cobra bro or you ill get :slap:



    j/k but keep the COBRA
     
  18. Jul 24, 2007 #18
    94Vert

    94Vert Active Member

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    i've never seen a chick drive one. there not very comfortable so i don't see them as popular with the females
     
  19. Jul 24, 2007 #19
    Lightning Struck

    Lightning Struck Legend

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    not much to argue with from this point :boink:
     
  20. Jul 24, 2007 #20
    SMOKE

    SMOKE Active Member

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    Everyone's hit my point, if you're going to race. Get it!
    Otherwise, the Cobra is paid off.

    Actually, went down this road myself and the car would only get appreciated during the weekends on the track and an occasional car show.
     
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