STLN77,
I also bought my SPF used. I did a lot of research while looking around for a few years and felt that SPF quality and value were well established. The concern with "get it exactly the way you want" for a finished roller like the SPF is not as large a debate for me, as the roller comes pretty well complete and included the things I wanted. Most of the add-ons are standard on an SPF as you know. I looked for a specific color, no stripe, grill and bumper options, big block, low miles and meticulous first owner. If you look around abit, here, CobraCountry, specialty car forums, even eBay, you will likely find exactly what you want, at a huge savings. Also as others have mentioned, there is the significant factor of "sorting the car out" and this should be factored in your decision as well. Break-in, new engine cares, leaks and rattle concerns, alignment, chassis setup, fitment follow-ups with the dealer, engine install paint dings, the list goes on and one - all of that is mostly the domain of the first owner. As others have noted, often after purchase you will put in the bucks to "personalize" your Cobra, as I also did. Buying a quality Cobra from a meticulous first owner is an entirely different thing from looking at the Civic in the downtown used car lot
JMHO, your mileage may vary, but advise you not rule out thoroughly looking over the used SPF market.