Newbie Looking at a 98 Roush IS the Price Right?

[mnmgreg]

Hi All,
Two weeks ago I didn't know what a Roush was.....then I ran across a 1998 stage II quite by accident. Got a chance to drive it and I think I'm addicted. Reading through the posts here it is difficult to place a value on it. The sheer joy of driving it is priceless! The guy told me that he'd let it go for $8500. That seems like a pretty decent price, but it's hard to find out. It has 81k miles on it and will need new tires and the windhield is cracked. It has some tiny dings on the body kit and it could use new paint, but nothing really major is wrong with it (as far as I can tell). Never drove a new one, but man this one runs good! What do you think? Is $8500 a fair deal

[D ROUSH]

I will be the first to say it... Can you show us a pick ?? Sounds like a fairly good price... little less than the 40 g's I paid !!!

[what's that?]

In my opinion, a Roush is more valuable than a Cobra and might eventually be worth more than a Saleen. With that said, my 94 Cobra has a blue book of around $8,000, so I think that price is very fair.

I say buy it, fix the windsheild, drive it for a few years, then get paint. If you decide you want a different car, you have not lost much money. If you want to keep it, you can fix it up and know that it isn't depretiating any more.

[mnmgreg]

I just got the pics of the 98 described above. I really love this car.

[what's that?]

It's not the greatest, but it has held up pretty well for a '98.

I say offer $7,500 and buy it for $8,000.

[360ROUSHRUNNER]

I'd say have a mechanic check the car out first, Just for peace of mind!
Once you get the fever, theres no turning back!!!! Good Luck...

[musktang]

Do you know if its a factory roush or an aftermarket roush. Also... to most a roush is something that you buy if you are more into cars than the avg. joe. Therefore, as many on here....CAR NUTS. I feel that if the windshield is cracked and needing new paint... I would be cautious to the treatment of the engine.

All and all... If it comes with everything that a stg.2 would... thats a nice deal..

[what's that?]

It looks like it has the full body kit and wheels, so that's a $2,500+ upgrade from a regular GT, if it has the suspension and brakes, that's about $2,000 more.

I don't know if Roush can verify cars from '98, but if it has the sticker in the door and all of the pieces make sense, it should be good.

Bad paint and a cracked windsheild are not good indicators of engine abuse.

If it drives nicely and does not make any bad rattles or clunks, I think you have a winner.

[mnmgreg]

Thanks all for your help! I really appreciate it.

I don't know if it's factory. No papers, and no sticker there now. There was a sticker there at one time because the glue is still there but that could have been any kind of sticker. Sorry I wish I knew for sure.

Owner lived in a small town on a dirt road. I can understand the body paint and windshield. Both my vehicles have windshield cracks (both 2002 or newer). I've never owned a car that didn't...lot of rock trucks and stuff around here.

The engine has lots of power. The car has new brakes, clutch, and rear end according to the seller. He swears the performance shop said everthing was there, that it had all stage II upgrades, and couple of other things. He didn't know exactly what. The seller's not a car nut but he knows some stuff (not that I really know anything either). The ex-owner is a car nut but is locked up on some serious federal charges...so I can't ask him for another 40 years or so. I'll have a mechanic confirm the engine condition and mods myself before I buy.

I really think these cars will be very, very collectible in 15-20 years, but if not who cares. I don't see them all over the road, they have plenty of power, they're a great conversation piece at the gas pump and most importantly they drive like nothing I can explain

Thanks again all. I'll let you know the outcome.

[what's that?]

Look at:

http://www.fnsweet.com/about/brochure.shtml

That breaks down the options on the different stages available back then.

Some things might have changed from when that was printed, but probably not that much.

If you can track it to the dealership that sold it new, they might know if it's "real".

Try a Carfax and good luck.

Also, if the owner isn't a car guy, try to low ball him. Tell him you think it's a fake, but it's still a nice car as you offer $7,000.

[mnmgreg]

Thanks. I will check carfax and the dealer (if I can find it). $7k ...why not? Even if he won't go that low, he'll barter. That will buy me some time to check up on things thoroughly.

I'm sure glad I found this site. I've learned a lot already and look forward to learning more. Thanks for all the info and suggestions.

[SMOKE]

Well for the mileage and shape of the car ... I'd definately shoot lower than the asking price.

Looks right for the year and what's that is right, no confirmation (by and large) on the 98 and earlier cars.

However, it looks like a great find. Certainly a rare car.

[Mrs. Supersnake]

If you can send the VIN to Carol Barker she can check the Roush records to see if it is a real Roush or an aftermarket.

[mnmgreg]

Thanks a million! I just e-mailed Carol. I'm very excited about finding out. You put the "Super" in Mrs. Supersnake!

[White360R]

a 98 Cobra in great condition is a steal for $8500...
so this roush is an even better deal.. although I prefer the looks of a stock 98 Cobra.

-Ryan