[Jim Colman]

lane,
You can purchase a good used Cobra for under $30k but you're going to have to give up a few things.
I bought a used Midstates back in 98' for around $28k. The car came with a soft top and heater. The paint was top notch, the engine was a rebuilt 351C. Ford 9" rear, Mustang II front. Reliable and strong as hell.

The lack of an A/C didn't bother me at all and I live in NC. The heater was a big plus as well as the soft top.
I think that once you get a Cobra, you'll end up driving it mainly on the weekends as opposed to a daily driver.
There are a few guys who really put some miles on their cars, but not as many as you'd suspect.

Good luck and keep looking. Your car is out there.

Cheers
Jim