What you should know when buying 03-04 Cobra Terminator! FAQ

In this video Andrew goes over everything you should know when purchasing a 2003-2004 Mustang Cobra. Including common problems, my upgrades, and purchasing advice.
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Andrew: @MrAjsTech / mrajstech
Ashley: @Ash_Carlton / ash_carlton
Scott: @BlackBoostedStang / blackboostedstang
TurdZilla: @theturdzilla / theturdzilla

[@steverichardson7417]

"It's very hard to get a loan on these" "Laughs in 800+ credit score"

[@jonasvalero]

Usually 10+ used cars have high interest rates if you are gonna do the loan route regardless of your excellent credit score.

[@ToxicatedValentine]

Lightstream is the way to go if need to get a loan on older vehicles.

[@jonasvalero]

Yeah, I know that. I also heard you can do the personal loan route but I am not knowledgeable about that.

[@TSpencer30]

Jason Olvera credit unions are the way to go

[@Casey__Jones]

Anyone else sad that a 2004 car is already considered old... times flys lol

[@MickeyR6]

Old with a huge price tag even at 150k miles.

[@tez_foe4382]

@@MickeyR6 , Depends On The Seller, Mileage, And Condition

[@MickeyR6]

@@tez_foe4382 I've seen plenty pop up on ebay with miles ranging from 2k to 10k bone stock. I wouldn't mind paying low $30k for one. Only problem is they are all convertibles.

[@tez_foe4382]

@@MickeyR6 , Have You Tried Looking On Cargurus ? I've Seen Some Coupes For As Low As $10,000.

[@Carlos-hr9kg]

Miguel Navarrete car gurus is a good place. I saw one for like 24k and I’m actually thinking of getting it mid next year.

[@elitedriver236]

I also have a 03' terminator, and the cars actually put out more hp from the factory than Ford advertised back then. They actually make around 430hp from the factory. The 390hp was advertised for insurance purposes.

[@redfire03gt]

Dave - whp is not the same as bhp. Granted, these cars were a bit underrated and regardless, he isn't making double its original horsepower but, it's still a substantial amount over stock. His car might have made around 370-380whp stock. Jumping to 600 is quite a difference.

[@richarcm]

390 at the crank is roughly 330 hp at the wheels.

[@brianmoney410]

Mine was 367 stock.

[@charlesgreenwood8229]

EliteDriver 23 just about to say the same thing. Averaged about 365-375 rwhp stock.

[@Adrian-ne1qn]

No the actual reason was for getting sued for not advertising the actual amount of horsepower on the '99, lil history lesson there

[@mr.boostang2064]

Cash is king and keeps these cars off the hands of people that might disrespect them.

[@SuperCamaro5]

I've been researching Terminators and this video popped up in my Recommendations yesterday. This told me exactly everything I wanted to know and more. Thanks for making this!

[@acrazylittleman2]

Thanks for the heads up, I'm in the market just seeing what's out there right now but will be getting one very soon.

[@linmase2028]

Owned 1. Long time ago! This Gentlemen's info spot on! For anyone who's looking to buy 1. And doesn't know a lot about car's. You can't get much better advice.

[@powerviking]

I put an Autozone alternator in mine like 5 years ago, haven't had a problem with it.

[@mathesar]

I can relate with the throw out bearing advice, I had a Centerforce dual friction clutch installed in my 00 GT several years ago and the only problem i've had is minor noise with the throwout bearing, I was told in the future to only use ford throwout bearings and not the ones that come with the aftermarket clutch kits.

[@spinall446]

Always been a fan of the Terminators, and yours is definitely sick!

[@MustangLifestyleTV]

+Jason Perez thanks Jason

[@Rynodoesitall]

Very good video I'm a 03 cobra owner and I couldn't agree more with everything you said well put!

[@jeffreygoss5698]

Andrew thanks so much for this video! it was very informative and also all the problems you have had! one day i'm gonna get one hopefully a 10th anniversary! i love these cobra's and keep up the great work!

[@Wretched2JZ]

Seen some of your newer vids and didn’t care for some. But this was really thorough and well done!

[@markhenne2435]

Dont forget about the head cooling modon the drivers side head ... very important to get done

[@MegaCbrrider]

I cured fuel pressure issues with a return fuel system. it is the best way to go for the money I'd definitely keep away from the BAP.

[@mikejacob3984]

that was very informative man. I'm also looking for a cobra myself so this was good to know.

[@iliketrucks2178]

I have to own one of these before I die.

[@gaddy8964]

Thanks for sharing this video...very very informative! Nice wheels btw..🤘

[@gusb.2594]

Love your Channel Bro! You ROCK!!! 👊🏽😎🏁

[@KyleSVT]

Nice vid Andrew

[@MustangLifestyleTV]

+KyleSVT thanks man

[@Oliver0200]

This was a GREAT video very informative.

[@mojojojo8482]

That Cast Iron Block is Serious!

[@ashleighbreshears9457]

Thanks andrew this video was very informative

[@asar1]

Great video as usual guys!

[@MustangLifestyleTV]

+Asar Ahmad thanks! :)

[@brianMcGranahan0311]

Also, every mechanic swear they can work on then and routinely jam in a gt part and swear it was like that. And they will "test drive" the shit out of your car.

[@bsmith1676]

love the video man and the channel.. your car is like a dream car for me bro nice

[@realtalk4689]

Damn, this was an informative video and I appreciate it.

[@SC457A]

Love mine. Got it with 20 miles on it brand new (sitting at 105k now), was an early 03 so had the tick on the stupid head. Fixed it myself, and went ahead and added some fun stuff, whipple, lot of fuel stuff, 26 spline, etc. (was working then at a Ford dealer, got some extra parts. Alt, PS pump, 2 halfhafts, rear end housing and rear cover). Still know a few of the tricks fixing noises on the cars (steering rack bushings really only needed a good lube), upper strut squeaks, pass seat rubbing on door.

[@josephcostellorockss]

SC457A put a couple washers under the seat bolts on the outer side. My seats did the same but this fixed it.

[@SC457A]

Thats basically what Ford did.

[@MorbidThrasher666]

Great informative video Andrew,i love your car,one of my dream cars. Painting my 96 Cobra redfire next year,done with laser pink,lol. Redfire is too hot!

[@mikestang679]

03' & 04' Terminators are a blue-chip collectibles, Grieg Jackson, of Barrett-Jackson Auctions, said of them "Keep your eyes on the Cobra Terminators, they will quadruple in price sooner than later, they are the BOSS 9's of today"

[@hpproductions5352]

I don't even own a new edge Cobra or am looking to buy one, But enjoyed this video and would def. be good for people that are! Keep up the good work guys!

[@MustangLifestyleTV]

+James Youdas thanks for the positive feedback! :)

[@MotionPotion3]

I plan on buying one, time to enjoy the video.

[@MustangLifestyleTV]

+Jose T. Enjoy :)

[@mikew7644]

Thanks for the details on the lights. I just had a fog light go out on my 04, and I really didn't want to replace it with an incandescent. Also I didn't know about the tail lights, kinda cool. I love that VMP blower... I'm really torn between keeping it stock or swapping the blower....

[@MustangLifestyleTV]

I love the extra power but honestly I'm already ready for more. The never ending need for more power

[@mikew7644]

What's your take on the stance that the car is best left stock for resale and collectability down the road?

[@justinsmith3246]

Awesome video, one of the best

[@MustangLifestyleTV]

+Justin Smith thanks justin

[@Robert8455]

Good info & nice Cobra.

[@martinmelendez5450]

Good video bro! I'm looking to get a mustang svt cobra in the near future or maybe a 2013-2014 5.0 will see.

[@jlbrache]

Got 04 Terminator and I have change Alternator (twice), fuel pumps, FRPS, Differential, couple supercharger belts.. all in the first year. Its not a perfect car, but once you step on the throttle you forget all the headaches she made you go thru.

[@stevepasquarella823]

Well changing alternators and fuel pumps aren't so bad

[@BMW_DAILY]

@@stevepasquarella823 neither are belts lol

[@BMW_DAILY]

Differntial could be how you drove it or lacking fluid changes

[@richardhare3869]

Love u bruh nice video keep it up

[@sfcjerryharris]

just purchased my 1st terminator 03 mustang cobra, I already have an 01 mustang cobra vortech supercharged. But I've fell in love with the 03, I'm getting a ported Eaton blower on her now, so I'm hoping for at least 550 to 575hp

[@ThatLoud3v]

i have a 04 gt i'm planning to buying one of these now i can afford one im a truck driver i bought the gt when i was in high school and working in Lowe's lol

[@dickhousepros]

Marcos N Neyla That’s inspiring bro buy me 1 too?

[@James-es1fg]

I really dig this story I bought my 2000 gt when the first car I bought got totalled. And instantly became a prospect in a club lol

[@JorgeMartinez-he6mz]

thanks for the tips brother

[@MustangLifestyleTV]

No problem!

[@kevinwilliams85]

good video. i was wondering what all you have done to your car. thanks for sharing and by the way you do have a badass cobra. looking into buying my first mustang sometime this year after i put back enough money to do so. i also heard you say that your in florida in another video i watched a few days ago. Im from vero beach florida but anyhow keep the videos coming bro and thanks for the little bit of info you gave about these cars. got yourself another sub.

[@MustangLifestyleTV]

Thanks man. Good luck with your cobra search

[@5564EVR]

I just picked up a 2004 Screaming Yellow with 36K miles for under bluebook at a dealership. I was lucky that Wells Fargo Dealer services approved 100% of the loan with a very good interest rate. Good to excellent credit helps. Has 2.76 pulley, full Bassani Exhaust with hi-flow cats, MGW shifter, SCT Mass Air, SCT Tune, CAI, 17X10s with 315s out back, all the extra pod gauges you could ask for.

[@MustangLifestyleTV]

+556 4Ever that is awesome. I was. It as lucky trying to get a loan for private party but it ended up working out better in the long run

[@FloridasStormchasingAdventures]

scott and ashley should make a video about thier cars. Like you did. Andrew.keep up the great work Loved your videos. ;)

[@gustavodiaz2476]

Very helpful tips since I am in the market looking to buy an 03-04 termi thanks

[@MustangLifestyleTV]

I am glad I could help!

[@juniorcates3343]

Not gonna lie this is one of the best vids on this channel so far imo

[@juniorcates3343]

You should hook up with do it with dale. A bunch of connections for your benefit

[@seheadhunter50]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/iKvJdJ6Mo7p0fas red and silver 03

[@JerZeyFiveOh]

If really want to know more about terminator history and making read the book "IRON FIST LEAD FOOT." John Coletti lead svt engineer of the 94-04 Class mustang pushed Ford to build this car. Its ironic that you sold your 01 Cobra for a terminator because thats how the book starts out. A 99-01 Cobra gets performance matched by svt focus...hopefully that interest you lol.

[@Adrian-ne1qn]

JerZeyFiveOh reading that book at the moment, love it!

[@rickylawless6368]

JerZeyFiveOh the terminator and lightning was what put a end to the z28 for a while and 454 ss truck. Chevy couldn’t hang.

[@roteryman5150]

PA Performance alternators are what I've found work the best in Cobras.

[@johnandrus3901]

I am the original owner of a '99 and an '03 Cobra. Both convertibles. Garage kept. The '99 is totally stock with just a Pro 5.0 shifter. Mild mods on the '03. 3.73 rear gears, MGW shifter, Centerforce clutch with an MM adjustable cable and an MM IRS main bushing kit. I added an aftermarket pulley kit, with no change in the blower pulley size. Aluminum with better bearings. One failed and came off its bearing while on vacation and the belt ended up riding on the bearing, so it didn't fall off. The manufacturer wouldn't replace it under warranty for some reason. I went to AutoZone and replaced it with a stock one the next day. I won't mention the manufacturer, but never again. The problem with the IRS is that the bushings dry out after so many years. They have all sorts of rods and brackets that make up the IRS and each one has bushings and other rubber pieces. They dry out and need to be replaced. You really can't have a proper alignment done if they are worn out and sometimes the nuts and bolts are seized up, so they are a bitch to remove. It is a pretty stout set-up. If you only do a hard launch on rare occasions, it should last for many years. You can watch the coolant flow through the inter-cooler reservoir to see if it is working. I've never had a problem with it, but there are some higher-flow pumps on the market that are pretty reasonable. You have a beautiful Cobra. Keep it in top shape and it will provide many years of good driving.

[@nicholassimonson8353]

Don’t forgot to point out the difference in side scoops from 03-04 Cobra for other mustangs. Beautiful car by the way. Hoping to get another in 2018 🤘🏼

[@JrSVT]

invest the time and money into the FTBR bushing kit and the FRPP diff cover. It's night and day difference from the stock IRS bushings.

[@fangcheck9141]

I wish I still had my 69 cobras , torino & shelby

[@SpyderRios]

as an owner of a 2004 GT who upgraded to a 2011 5.0. I still hope to be able to own a 2003/04 Cobra. lowered aggressively specially on the front and a bit of a one finger and a half in the rear. A massive 335 tire pushed out as wide as possible, borla stingers, x pipe and a smaller pulley. nothing to crazy. I prefer Sonic Blue, but any color is fine except gray, gray is really dull for me.

[@azizshavershian2065]

Hey man - amazing video. How much did you originally pay for your Cobra?

[@negativesplits06]

Dude, you have by far the coolest cobra I have yet to see!!

[@MustangLifestyleTV]

thanks man

[@bobbysvt]

Mustang Lifestyle I’m looking at getting a 03 black 10th anniversary for 15k with 115k miles. Is that a good deal?

[@wikidking8904]

I got the Mach 460 sound system in my car, its a pain in the ass when you have a friend who doesn't know what they are doing when putting in a different headunit.

[@nickmacias00]

That parking lot looks amazing for pictures

[@richarcm]

I bought my 03 back in November (I believe), with 24,000 miles. So far (knock on wood) my problems have been limited to highway speed vibrations I believe due to it being a convertible. I've chased that vibration for months ultimately blaming it on a fox body chassis with a convertible top. I'll be hopefully fixing that soon enough with a Maximum Motorsports Strut Tower Brace and Full Length Subframe Connectors. I also had to replace the convertible hydraulic cylinders that leaked not allowing the top to go up or down. Other than that...nothing worth mentioning. Everything has been convertible related.

[@zakrankl5885]

it was easy for me to get my terminator on a loan and my interest rate was only 2.3%, all you have to do is have a good credit history

[@GenerationAsian]

Great info

[@MustangLifestyleTV]

Thanks!

[@hayderali8486]

love that video 😍❤️......fun stuff was from 13:22-13:38.......my father's friend had a fox body mustang guy he was from there i loved mustangs i was nearly 8 can't forget that nasty mean thing

[@superchargedmustanggt9689]

I really love the stang man.

[@MustangLifestyleTV]

+Supercharged Mustang GT thanks!

[@SuperJoooe]

love the vids!!! Im curious what you do for a living?? I know my foxbody mustang isnt cheap and I can only imagine the cash you dump in that car!!! thanks!

[@critterdude]

man I love your cobra!!

[@MustangLifestyleTV]

+critterdude1988 thanks I love it too lol

[@mron1141]

What’s you wheels spec? Love the fitment.. thank you

[@680fisher8]

Nice ride

[@LORDMETAL1]

that's one of the best looking crowd Surfers ever

[@MustangLifestyleTV]

+LORDMETAL1 for sure

[@Hanibul_Lecktor]

Cobras are clear coated throughout, engine bay, trunk and interior. Fakes will be just catalyzed base coat. Goid video man.

[@MegaCbrrider]

also go with a killer chiller for way lower IAT's

[@loscar5oh]

I have mad respect for the terminator cobra and I was between that or a S550 gt. I did tons of research and I was aware about the cobra holding its value more but i had to go with the S550 more becuase of reliability and ofcourse the stout coyote motor. if there is any other mustang I would like to own one day, it would be a termi. This was a great Informational video. Thats a beautiful cobra by the way.

[@stunna_CODM]

Loscar5oh lol you made a terrible chose my friend. S550’s are like the new Honda civics you see them everywhere plus the value goes down every year lol. Terminator is only going up plus you don’t see them everyday

[@eric4572]

@@stunna_CODM looks like it aint matter cuz homie ended up getting a termi after all 😂

[@eric4572]

@Loscar5oh clean termi bro 👌

[@loscar5oh]

@eric I appreciate it bro! I had forgotten all about this comment I made lol. It's crazy how things happen. I love my terminator 🙌🏻

[@drealraj]

good buyer's guide

[@MustangLifestyleTV]

+Keion Rajcoomar thanks!

[@monkeluv707]

Good video thank you for the information I just recently picked up and 03 Myself and have been hearing about the infamous ticking the heads will make And the rear passages of the heads not receiving enough coolant? If you have any information on this that would be great thanks

[@ExtremelystrongforJesus]

nice video thx

[@slayerfan545]

yes!

[@MustangLifestyleTV]

+slayerfan545 yessss

[@Don_Samuel81]

Hey, love your Channel. I'm actually looking at buying an 04 Cobra this weekend and my credit is excellent so why is hard to finance one of these cars? Also this Cobra I'm gonna see is 100% stock with 32k miles. Looks solid with orginal paint etc. I never owned one. They're asking $29k at dealership. Do you think it's a good deal? Should I worry about any mechanical problems driving it around completely stock for the 1st year? What's your advice?

[@1987jaac]

Motorcraft alternators are made by Remy....who makes the same product for the few aftermarket retailers you mentioned, most of the time for half the price. The key is, buying a new alternator from aftermarket (which are almost available, at least at AutoZone) as opposed to a remanufactured. Can’t misinform the public man. Nice car!

[@uziyah7039]

I have the 40th anniversary GT what helps on gas , I use premium. But I want it to go faster.

[@sebastienboudreau2297]

i have a 2003 cobra with a 4.10 diff with 440 hp and supercharge at 13 psi trans rebuilt with brass forks and a racng clutch the guy before me took it to the drag and i was naware i had it checkes out this summer and the diff is welded and bented so i got to change the diff and the seals of the engine which leak i have got 285-35-18 in front and 295-35-18 in the back unfortunately it is going to take me a while before i bring to where i want

[@glebb215]

Hey Fella, Luv the channel. I actually have a couple of Mustangs, not on your level. 98 GT & her's 04 V6. Looking to pic up a 99-01 Cobra; besides the supercharger are there many differences with the Terminators?

[@jasemtalk]

I trust packages that gets installed at once, with the aim average of 600 RWHP like yours.. do you have a comprehensive package suggestion?

[@BlackReapersClan]

Nice car and great video!#FORD👍🏽

[@newchannelsamename5905]

gotta hit that like button before i even watch the vid

[@MustangLifestyleTV]

+New ChannelSameName you are the real MVP!

[@alonzokincaid1362]

Mustang Lifestyle how many isos are you running in your springs

[@Nickseguin97]

What would you say is the best exhaust combination? I was thinking about going long tube headers X-pipe and borla atak.

[@kylieswingler5039]

I got a 02 cobra export to Australia and love it like to know the company that has the flat gear change tune

[@gopherchucksgamingnstuff2263]

My 08 cobra pop's flames as well lol . I have a gen 1 TVS 2.3 and no cats out of outlaws.

[@daltex81]

You mean GT500

[@ReignofStorms]

how much was it at 40k miles? I know they can easily go for 15 to 20k with 100k + miles...

[@yzfr6ws6]

Nice video man one thing I think you left out was the torque boxes it's a good idea to weld them because they all separate and as far as miles if I get a good deal on one I don't care about miles because I'm gonna pull the motor out and build it anyways lol

[@first_last-]

Torque boxes?

[@Diamondsintherubble]

I do have a question about the aerodynamics. Can these cars do 200 mph and hold it with just power and gear mods? Or is it gonna need aero mods?

[@ThatsRight1776]

Andrew, does the 03-04 Cobra have any common problems to watch out for when shopping for one?

[@bg8b455]

Very cool cobra

[@79chevy901]

Andrew I really enjoyed that car on KZbin when you owned it.

[@lavergadezambada]

You're right cobras are reliable just depends how you drive it. However dailying a cobra is uncomfortable lol. IRS and 5500 rpm clutch dumps!!!

[@travio25]

good vid

[@victoroliveira3256]

Great video sir thanks

[@MustangLifestyleTV]

+Victor Oliveira thanks!

[@victoroliveira3256]

Mustang Lifestyle can these termi's be turned into closed circuit track racing or are they only good for straight line quarter mile racing

[@MustangLifestyleTV]

+Victor Oliveira they absolutely can. Suspension mods would include - coil overs adjustable shocks and struts, tubular k-member, IRS bushings, and more. Cooling mods would also be a very good idea which would include a bigger heat exchanger.

[@victoroliveira3256]

Mustang Lifestyle it's good to know I've been wanting a project car and I've narrowed it down to this and a lighting 03-04, and I love ford so why not.

[@Anthony-wz4ze]

DEFINITELY BUYING A COBRA NOW GODDAMN I LOVE YOUR BUILD BRO I WANT TO BE YOUR FRIEND LOL

[@TheTerminator1919]

Buying a used car you really want to interview the owner. Low mileage is beyond perfect if you know they "cared" for the car. Most guys beat on their Cobras. Even though I have 12K miles on mine I make sure to start it and get it going throughout the year. Zero issues.

[@atx-cvpi_99]

Always check the VIN to find out if it's a real Terminator Cobra or not.

[@BigRockyD]

DVJFan 1FAFP48

[@871263]

DVJFan enter the VIN into carfax lol

[@fabiodacosta9573]

my 03 marauder makes some front end noise. I was told that one of the ball joints were starting to wear out. one more than the other. only happens after i drive for a while.. could that be the culprit?

[@TwizzTasty]

You actually steered me away from buying one after I saw all the issues you went through.. Lol decided to go cheap and buy another GTO to daily while I save for something else 👌

[@MustangLifestyleTV]

It would never be my intention to steer someone away. But the video was honest. The Cobra has always been my dream car and it still is. I accept that it is a old car making double the horsepower from factory and with aftermarket parts. Stuff is going to break.

[@TwizzTasty]

Mustang Lifestyle I'm probably still going to get one at some point but I just decided to try out the Ls scene.. Nothing can be the sound of a cammed ls imo. Still will probably get a cobra tho but I need a house first lol

[@racequad9]

This is a very informative video! What did you pay for the ford alternator? I'm thinking of getting that one or having mine rebuilt to a 170a

[@MustangLifestyleTV]

+racequad9 the alternator from ford was $150.