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I feel like my responses are being too harsh on the Terminator, especially on a Mustang forum, so I hope you get the chance to drive one. There was good to go with the bad as well, it just wasn't as satisfying as the combination of my GT and my S2000.
It would be awesome if you had the chance to drive all 3 back to back - your GT, a test Cobra and a test S2000 - and see if your experience is similar.
I'd still own a Terminator, but I wouldn't trade the S for it. And I'd probably not get a convertible.
Last edited by berzerk_1980; Sep 9, 2015 at 08:57 AM.
Gabe... thanks for the link. It doesn't work though.
Also, I think the 05-09 would be far too similar to what I already have, in both looks and feel. Plus with that setup and my current, they would really be too similar.
Originally Posted by berzerk_1980
I feel like my responses are being too harsh on the Terminator, especially on a Mustang forum, so I hope you get the chance to drive one. There was good to go with the bad as well, it just wasn't as satisfying as the combination of my GT and my S2000.
It would be awesome if you had the chance to drive all 3 back to back - your GT, a test Cobra and a test S2000 - and see if your experience is similar.
I'd still own a Terminator, but I wouldn't trade the S for it. And I'd probably not get a convertible.
Ah that makes sense. That's very interesting to note that based on your response, you would rather keep the S2k than get rid of it for the Termi...meaning you prefer the S2k over the Termi. Yeah the convertible plus quality issues/rattles would scare me off too. hmmmmm you guys bring up very good points. I was hoping to just be "ok" with the minimalist interior, as long as it does its job, is quiet, etc. But if every inch of it is loose or falling off or rattling, that would be quite embarassing, esp if I give my wife/friends a ride, or at shows
Maybe a current Termi owner can chime in here? I've had S2k owners chime in... I'd like to hear the perspective of a Termi owner.
Also, I think the 05-09 would be far too similar to what I already have, in both looks and feel. Plus with that setup and my current, they would really be too similar.Ah that makes sense. That's very interesting to note that based on your response, you would rather keep the S2k than get rid of it for the Termi...meaning you prefer the S2k over the Termi. Yeah the convertible plus quality issues/rattles would scare me off too.
I don't want to dominate your thread but I must've screwed up my explanation.
The squeaks and rattles were normal convertible squeaks and rattles. I've observed them in every convertible I've been in, including my S2000. The fit and finish issues were primarily us being critical of the choices of materials and bland interior design.
I chose the "combination" of an S2000 and 14 GT over the "combination" of a Terminator and 14 GT. I'm not sure I'd necessarily choose the S2000 over the Terminator if I didn't have my GT. But since you have a GT that you're keeping I thought it was apropos. Plus I think you have a similar train of thought based on your comments about the 05-09.
I think it's important that if you're going to commit money to have a "collection" (ie, more cars than you need) that driving one would not dissuade you from driving another. I was afraid I'd always choose the GT over the Terminator.
If the cars have different enough character, this is less likely to happen.
BTW, I'm surprised the WRX didn't make your list. I've toyed with the idea of that replacing the S2000 but I haven't explored much. It seems like it would be just as fun as the S2000 with much added functional utility.
Like mentioned the stock clutch was a bear on the 03 Termi, but I don't think you will find many with the stock clutch still there. The after market clutch was much easier on the leg.
The fit and finish wasn't that bad, I enjoyed mine for 10 years and it put a grin on my face every time I drove it. Mine was lightly modded with pulley, CAI and tune.
The one thing I worried about was the half shafts, if your making over stock HP you are taking the risk of breaking one. All it took was a little wheel hop and it was over, I had a spare one sitting around waiting for the day I snapped it.
One other weak point is the Diff cover, I broke mine and it cost me around 700.00 to replace parts it took out when it went. So if you look at a modded Termi see if it has a IRS brace and hardened half shafts, if it was done right it will have them.
Surprised a BMW roadster is not on your list, very cool cars. never owned one but always liked the look of them. Sure they are pricey to maintain. Or what about a C5-C6 Vette?
I don't want to dominate your thread but I must've screwed up my explanation.
The squeaks and rattles were normal convertible squeaks and rattles. I've observed them in every convertible I've been in, including my S2000. The fit and finish issues were primarily us being critical of the choices of materials and bland interior design.
I chose the "combination" of an S2000 and 14 GT over the "combination" of a Terminator and 14 GT. I'm not sure I'd necessarily choose the S2000 over the Terminator if I didn't have my GT. But since you have a GT that you're keeping I thought it was apropos. Plus I think you have a similar train of thought based on your comments about the 05-09.
I think it's important that if you're going to commit money to have a "collection" (ie, more cars than you need) that driving one would not dissuade you from driving another. I was afraid I'd always choose the GT over the Terminator.
If the cars have different enough character, this is less likely to happen.
BTW, I'm surprised the WRX didn't make your list. I've toyed with the idea of that replacing the S2000 but I haven't explored much. It seems like it would be just as fun as the S2000 with much added functional utility.
Thanks for the clarification. I totally understand. I've never had a vert before, so that's probably why I'm ignorant to "squeaks and rattles". LOL. Surprisingly, the quality of my 12 pony is really good. No rattles whatsoever, granted it only has 12k miles on her. Wife's Toyota though? 2 years old, rattle box. Ugh, I'm so perturbed about it. You could say it's got me "rattled".
Oh and yes, I do have the STI on my list too...but was hoping to avoid another 4 door. I have a buddy selling me his 2015, modded, for 40k. Eh... not sure yet. It'd probably be my daily if I do it.
Originally Posted by tbone004
Like mentioned the stock clutch was a bear on the 03 Termi, but I don't think you will find many with the stock clutch still there. The after market clutch was much easier on the leg.
The fit and finish wasn't that bad, I enjoyed mine for 10 years and it put a grin on my face every time I drove it. Mine was lightly modded with pulley, CAI and tune.
The one thing I worried about was the half shafts, if your making over stock HP you are taking the risk of breaking one. All it took was a little wheel hop and it was over, I had a spare one sitting around waiting for the day I snapped it.
One other weak point is the Diff cover, I broke mine and it cost me around 700.00 to replace parts it took out when it went. So if you look at a modded Termi see if it has a IRS brace and hardened half shafts, if it was done right it will have them.
Surprised a BMW roadster is not on your list, very cool cars. never owned one but always liked the look of them. Sure they are pricey to maintain. Or what about a C5-C6 Vette?
This is interesting to note. So many "facts" I didn't know about the Termi. Here I thought it was this brilliant, bullet-proof, vehicle. kidding.
Yeah, I hope if I get one, it will be from an owner who is almost as meticulous as I am. I know that will be close to impossible, but I'll be patient.
As far as the BMW, I think I mentioned in my first post, too risky to own a "used" German vehicle. I have friends and coworkers who own them and always complain to me how much it sucks their wallet. As for the Vette, well... that's also an option. But I think it'd be a used Z06, or none at all. The regular vettes are just way too common and vanilla flavored. The C6 Z06's are still too pricey.
Last edited by FromZto5; Sep 11, 2015 at 07:33 AM.
For what it's worth . . . my Mach was decent (if memory serves) on squeaks, creaks, and rattles when stock (many, many moons ago). However, with all of my chassis and suspension modifications there is a soundtrack coming from all corners of the interior (and via aftermarket shifter) especially when there are bumps in the road. Though the exhaust note can drown out said sounds with a blip of the throttle . . . (Boss 302 below is fellow TMS member 'DFV.')
Gabe... what's with the post above? No linky for worky... lol
And thanks for all the Termi pics you posted above. God... I love those 03/04's
Originally Posted by Evil_Capri
For what it's worth . . . my Mach was decent (if memory serves) on squeaks, creaks, and rattles when stock (many, many moons ago). However, with all of my chassis and suspension modifications there is a soundtrack coming from all corners of the interior (and via aftermarket shifter) especially when there are bumps in the road. Though the exhaust note can drown out said sounds with a blip of the throttle . . . (Boss 302 below is fellow TMS member 'DFV.')
Beautiful car! Were you happy with the Mach 1 stock? Do you just have suspension mods now? No power adders? I have a line in to a place with a very low mileage Mach. Price is decent too... so we'll see.
Beautiful car! Were you happy with the Mach 1 stock? Do you just have suspension mods now? No power adders? I have a line in to a place with a very low mileage Mach. Price is decent too... so we'll see.
Thank you. I am happy with it. I've had it since new. (Have ~35K miles on it now.) No power adders, and have gone a best of 12.9@107mph (drag radials) with stock 3.55 gears (before some of my modifications).
Modifications include . .
Borla Stingers
Aluminium Driveshaft
Vogtland Springs
PAE Full Length Welded Subframe Connectors
Maximum Motorsport CC Plates
MM 4 pt k-member brace
MM Adjustable Lower Control Arms
Bilstein Shocks/Struts
Steeda 2 pt Strut Tower Brace
Steeda Welded Rear Shock Tower Brace
Rear Seat Delete
Steeda Shifter, Hurst Stick
And the BBS RK wheels
It wasn't supposed to.
Simply saying that the Competition Orange Cobra ends the thread. Nothing else needs to be considered, especially after you see one in person, and especially so after you drive one!
Thank you. I am happy with it. I've had it since new. (Have ~35K miles on it now.) No power adders, and have gone a best of 12.9@107mph (drag radials) with stock 3.55 gears (before some of my modifications).
Modifications include . .
Borla Stingers
Aluminium Driveshaft
Vogtland Springs
PAE Full Length Welded Subframe Connectors
Maximum Motorsport CC Plates
MM 4 pt k-member brace
MM Adjustable Lower Control Arms
Bilstein Shocks/Struts
Steeda 2 pt Strut Tower Brace
Steeda Welded Rear Shock Tower Brace
Rear Seat Delete
Steeda Shifter, Hurst Stick
And the BBS RK wheels
That's a nice list of mods. I don't think I could ever do a rear seat delete since my 2 boys usually ride with me as they believe it's a roller coaster
Originally Posted by Gabe
It wasn't supposed to.
Simply saying that the Competition Orange Cobra ends the thread. Nothing else needs to be considered, especially after you see one in person, and especially so after you drive one!
Ahhh ok I get it now, duh. lol. Yes, that comp orange cobra looks meticulously cared for. In your opinion, if I found someone who was selling theirs like that, how much would that be? 25k? 30k?
Ahhh ok I get it now, duh. lol. Yes, that comp orange cobra looks meticulously cared for. In your opinion, if I found someone who was selling theirs like that, how much would that be? 25k? 30k?
I think a coupe would be about $20-$25k in great shape with low mileage.
The guy that owns the middle one in the 3-car pic I posted above has 2 of them, both Competition Orange.
The one in the pic above is completely stock, the one at home is modded somewhat, and 100% flawless:
But have you given any thought to a classic?
'69 Mustang/Camaro? '69 seems to have been an awesome year for just about any of the muscle cars being sold around that time.
I'd love me one of them ...