[olddog]

Why build a Cobra, until you know exactly what you want? Nothing will teach you more than looking at already built Cobras that are for sale. So even if you do not pull the trigger and buy a used Cobra, you should definitely give them a serious look.

As for buying a used verses building a new one, how many free hours do you have to actually build one? What skills do you have that makes you believe you can build one? They do not come as a box of parts already perfectly made and thought out. It is not a bunch of parts that just needs bolted together, with a superbly written assembly manual. Most people couldn't build one in a year if they have a job, and a life. It's more like 2, 3, 4 years. There are unfinished kits for sale from time to time that are 10, 15, 20 years old. Also depending on the manufacturer, you may be waiting a year to get the kit to start your build. After putting down a hefty deposit, you get to wait and pray the company doesn't go bankrupt before you get your kit. This has happened way too many times.

Buy a used one and you can drive it that day, having spent much less money (not to mention time) than had you built it yourself.

Look at it another way. Do you buy you daily driver car by looking on a lot until you find the right deal, or do you special (custom) order exactly what you want and wait for it to be built and shipped to you?