[Mando]

Justcobra, I agree with some points made by both you and OZCOBRA. I have taken 5 people to small claims court and won 5 times and more importantly received my money. The claims were for no amount greater than $2000 but I received my money not because I won the cases but because the people were rule abiding. "Morally Obliged" is just a catch phrase. If any of my clients decided not to pay, there wasn't a great deal more I could really do without spending more money and time.
OZCOBRA is correct in that due diligence should be observed but I know from my own experience that is the last thing on my mind when pursuing something I really want. I just hand over the money assuming the person I'm dealing with is as excited about the transaction as I am. The best example I can give you is when I bought my Classic Revival kit, I rang the manufacturer several times and had a brochure sent over. I never visited the office/factory in Sydney and never spoke to another kit owner. Even though the business owner was difficult to deal with I simply placed my order sent $5000 over and hoped for the best. Other than a few misgivings such as the paint quality on the chassis and the terrible alignment of one of the doors I think I was one of the lucky ones.
I think the answer really is research every aspect thoroughly including,
i. visit the manufacturer
ii. ask for phone numbers of previous clients
iii. contact cobra clubs
iv. read associated books/magazines
v. find forums such as Club Cobra
vi. visit Cobras for sale

Regards.