Thinking about buying a Saleen, good deal?

**pinski** · **Thinking about buying a Saleen, good deal? -** 12-08-03, 11:55 AM

I found a white 1996 Saleen S281 coupe with only 41k miles on the odo for $14995. Looks to be in pretty decent shape, normal wear for a car that age and mileage. Basically I'm just wondering if I ought to trade my 1997 GT vert for this thing...I'd really like to own a Saleen someday, and am totally a fan of this bodystyle. Only problem is the GT still isn't totally paid off, but the difference between the two would only be $5-6k or so...so not that much more debt...and it's a Saleen. I could also swap off all the nice mods I have, like the Cobra lenses, CAI, billet interior stuff, etc. Hmmmmm.

It's pretty far away from me, so looking at it would be quite an ordeal, it's down in Texas It almost seems to be something worth jumping on IMHO. What do you guys think?

Here are some pictures.

Front bumper looks a tad deformed (maybe from TX heat?) but otherwise it looks pretty nice from the pictures. What do you guys think?

**2001s281** · 12-08-03, 01:01 PM

get it.

ponyguy · 12-09-03, 08:34 AM

looks like a great deal, i bought mine back in May for $13,000 without the original wheels and it has had some paint work. add in $2,000 for the wheels and tires and it seems about right.

**Saleen Mike** · 12-09-03, 12:10 PM

BEFORE you buy, PLEASE get the VIN and call Liz @Saleen.

1.800.888.8945

I would hate to read a thread started by you next week that starts out "I bought a fake Saleen".

**pinski** · 12-09-03, 12:28 PM

Thanks for the replies, and that's definitely a call I would make, Mike, but I've decided not to go with it.

It's really too far away to look at and it sounds like the history of the car might not be the best, so I'm gonna keep looking around for a better gem. There's a gorgeous rainbow one on eBay, but I'm not looking to shell out $30k right now.

I might just have to wait and see what they do with the new ones - if they look as good as the ones they've made thus far, I might already be sold

Rich Motta · **I bought this car -** 02-05-04, 09:31 AM

by me ...i used the buy it now option on e-bay. The car is in perfect condition...I have ony driven it a few times because of all the bad weather we have here in MA ......
Rich motta

**pinski** · 02-05-04, 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rich Motta

by me ...i used the buy it now option on e-bay. The car is in perfect condition...I have ony driven it a few times because of all the bad weather we have here in MA ......
Rich motta

Congrats on getting it, looked pretty nice from what I saw of it, too bad it was so far away! You might want to fix that front bumper though, the inside of the air dam looked a tad saggy from the pics! Enjoy it when the weather gets nicer!

Rich Motta · 02-05-04, 10:01 AM

Thanks ...i have already fixed the bumper

and other then that the car is flawless....i had it shiped up to Boston by enclosed freight ....I am very happy with it...this is the 18 mustang i have owned but the first Saleen.
Rich Motta

**RiceEating5.0** · 02-17-04, 11:40 AM

I really want to get into a Saleen, and am crazy for a S351. They cost sooo damn much though.

For the price of a 95 S351, i could slip into a slightly used 03 Cobra. Hard choice.

Salty Dog · 02-17-04, 04:07 PM

When you're ready for a '02 S281-E let me know

00s281sc368 · 02-17-04, 10:12 PM

The 96 unfortunately doesn't make that much power... you may want to look for a 99+ saleen, get it N/A and add a KB blower. You'll make 50HP more than a S281-E for much...much less money :-)

tateae · 02-18-04, 03:15 PM

Im actually selling my 99 Saleen, and it is NA, so if somebody wanted to do what was just suggested and put a KB blower on it, mine is perfect for that. Its in great shape, email me for info or pics.

-Tateae@aol.com