Quality concerns between a $25k and $50K Cobra? - Page 2

CSX 4027 · #21 (**permalink**) 10-29-2003, 04:29 PM

The guy said up to $50K. If he goes $60k done, he will have a lot more re-sale value than a $50K other brand especially with what is going on..

Excaliber · #22 (**permalink**) 10-29-2003, 04:36 PM

Point well taken Steve! Don't go "over board" on a 427 S.O. and break the bank. Would a "crate motor" 351W be acceptable for the new CAV car? I would also choose a 5 speed. I suspect "re-sale" down the road would still be excellent with such a combo,,,,,,or would it?

Say, $40K to get in, $5K for the motor, $5K for the tranny AND labor to finish?

Ernie

CSX 4027 · #23 (**permalink**) 10-29-2003, 04:41 PM

If I were doing it, I would take the Shelby for the cheapie price, not ad a dime more than I absolutely had to, change nothing, just ad a 427 from the guy in Ark. that recently did a post on some big power for around $15K, a toploader and there you have it. It will always be a real Shelby Cobra for around $60k. It doesn't get better than that. When Shelby is gone, just watch the prices. Not that that should be a reason but the other kits will only go the other direction.

Excaliber · #24 (**permalink**) 10-29-2003, 04:50 PM

Again, valid point on what would be a GREAT "no excuses needed" build! However, I'm not sure about doing for $60K. I figure the $15K motor will need a few little things. Carb(s) and other accessories? Add $2K, and don't forget shipping costs! Whats a top loader run? $2-3k maybe, I don't know?

Putting it in yourself? Don't count your labor, I work cheap when I work for "me", ha ha. BUT if your HAVING it put in, add $5K?

No matter which car you decide on, figure the cost and ADD 10% (at least)!

Man, I've thought I should have sold BOTH my Cobras and went with a Shelby, I blew that move, in to deep now to back out now!

Ernie

CSX 4027 · #25 (**permalink**) 10-29-2003, 04:55 PM

60K Is a little aggressive of an estimate, it will probably be closer to $65, but for those who have $50K to spend they should take the other $15K in an equity loan. When they want to sell the car years from now it will all be moot or?????

You can all wait until SAI comes out with the 289 slab at $35K or less......I can only guess that's next.

bobl · #26 (**permalink**) 10-29-2003, 07:35 PM

Matt, please call me on my private cell at 913-432-2220. I'm in Kansas City. Consider yourself invited to drive up and spend the day with us.

If you do this within the next 30 days, you will see over 15 cars, completed and in work, ranging from a 7 figure original 60s car undergoing a full restoration to a low 5 figure "kit" car with a fuel delivery problem we're going to fix. Between those two are aluminum cars, fiberglass cars, Kevlar cars, round tube frames, rectangular box ladder frames, live axles, Independent rear suspension cars, FE Big Blocks, 427 S/O, 351W, 289, 4.6L, and I'm sure something got left out...

Frankly, you may currently see as wide a range of cars under our roof as anywhere in the world. Perhaps we may begin to assist you in sorting out where the money goes and where your priorites may reside. At least you'll have one hell of a fun day.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Dirty Harry · #27 (**permalink**) 10-29-2003, 08:10 PM

Don't get me wrong. I love the more sophisticated cars. I was just employed (read: financially limited) in such a way that I had to find a way to do it for less, or do without the car altogether.

When I go to the Flings and other shows, it's the really good cars I go to look at. I think Dan Semko's SPF is about the prettiest car I've seen. If my ship comes in or I strike the lottery, I'll probably go with something similar. Meantime, I'll just keep on having a ball in my budget snake. Drive 'em carefully, friends!

Back in Black · #28 (**permalink**) 10-29-2003, 08:15 PM

There's no comparison between my car and $ 50K cars. The human reaction in person is the telling factor. No one has guessed her to have cost less than 60 K, and that one person who guessed 60K was way wrong. most guess 75 to 125 K.. the truth is in the low side of that... about $80 k total, not counting what I am spending to modify her.

Mark Husar · #29 (**permalink**) 10-29-2003, 10:40 PM

I am so happy with my cobra.
I got a Bill Connelly built roller that has seen extensive race work on the west coast tracks and was not driven on the streets until I drove it home.
built 351, bored stroked and a t10 toploader,posi live rear end with discs all round...under 30k.
never a problem, starts all the time and( it is a little stiff on the joints) has crazy fast acceleration up to 125.
I just am a happy guy!!!

love it, love it, love it, love it, love it. Did I mention that I love it!!

foothills gary · #30 (**permalink**) 10-29-2003, 10:57 PM

Matt,I think the most important thing,and the most cost effective is to make a list of exactly what you want,put a dollar figure on it,and figure how you are going to get it.I think you probably already pretty much know what you want,but are looking for value.The best value is to always get exactly what you want to start with,especially if you have to finance any of it.You won't constantly be trying to turn your car into what you really wanted,and the monthly payment checks will be a joy to write.As mentioned above,to upgrade after the fact cost alot more in dollars,time and frustration,all of which you could be spending enjoying the car!Take this from someone who has bought many new cars,with the ones I enjoyed the most being the custom orders.(The astounding part is that many times these cost less out of the gate than similarly equipped cars on the lot!)Even with Cobras the more highly optioned cars give the dealer more wiggle room to negotiate.As you may notice in my bio,my car will not be finished until sometime in '05.This allowed me to add on those extras,with another year to save for them while locking in a price.Like yourself,I have a sweet ride to drive in the meantime,so I can relax and savor the wait.Just my experience,hope its helpful.

Excaliber · #31 (**permalink**) 10-29-2003, 11:05 PM

Back in Black, Yup, lot's of people thought the Excalibur was easily 60 or 70K. And you know, someday they may be right! I suspect the Excal's will in fact CONTINUE as they are NOW to "appreciate" in value. I drove mine 3 years and "did all right" (an understatement) when I sold it.

Ernie

LURK · #32 (**permalink**) 10-30-2003, 06:21 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by CSX 4027

For $39,995 you get A Shelby CSX 4000 car with a Title and his signature.

I was under the impression that you did not get a title, but a Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin (or MSO)?

-JT

mrmustang · #33 (**permalink**) 10-30-2003, 06:43 AM

That is correct, as technically, they are not selling a finished automobile, but a "turn key minus" kit. If they were selling finished automobiles, then they would have to meet 2003 safety standards. By selling a turn key minus "kit" with a MSO only, they take advantage of the way the laws of the US are written. it is then up to the end user to title and register his/her own car in their own state/county/country...................

Bill S.

Quote:

Originally posted by LURK

I was under the impression that you did not get a title, but a Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin (or MSO)?

-JT

mattr762 · #34 (**permalink**) 10-30-2003, 07:10 AM

Just letting you guys know I'm still here and reading every word. I'm busy soaking everything in. You're definately giving me things to think about.

Bob Lockett, Your offer is very tempting. I'm talking to my wife about it coming up there to spend the day with you. Do you work on weekends or do I need to come on a weekday?

BLACKJACK · #35 (**permalink**) 10-30-2003, 07:24 AM

MATT,

FOR THE MOST PART - IF YOU'VE DONE YOUR HOMEWORK - YOU WILL GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR.

BEAUTY, ORIGINALITY, COLOR CHOICES ARE ALL VERY SUBJECTIVE. IN FACT EVERYTHING ABOUT A COBRA IS SUBJECTIVE.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A 25K COBRA AND A 60K COBRA TO A LARGE EXTENT REPRESENTS THE "SUBJECTIVITY" OF THE OWNER/BUILDER.

IT REALLY COMES DOWN TO "YOU" MAKING A LIST OF THE THINGS THAT ARE IMPORTANT TO "YOU". IF ENGINE PERFORMANCE AND SIZE IS IMPORTANT AND ORIGINALITY - TO THE EXTENT OF BEING ANAL IS IMPORTANT AND DRESS OUT ITEMS LIKE STAINLESS STEEL SIDE PIPES, WOOL CARPETING, LEATHER SEATS, REAL SMITHS INSTRUMENTS ARE IMPORTANT TO YOU AND JAG IRS AND PIN DRIVE WHEELS ARE IMPORTANT TO YOU THEN - -BY ALL MEANS - - EXPECT TO PAY 60K PLUS. EACH ONE OF THESE POINTS THAT YOU "SUBJECTIVELY" BELIEVE THAT YOU CAN LIVE WITHOUT WILL REDUCE THE PRICE. IF NONE OF THE ABOVE ARE IMPPORTANT TO YOU THEN YOU WILL BE WRITING A CHECK A LOT CLOSER TO 25K.

LIKE THE FARMER SAID WHEN HE KISSED THE COW, "TO EACH HIS OWN".

GOOD LUCK IN YOUR SEARCH AND I'M SURE WHATEVER COBRA YOU CHOOSE WILL PUT A BIG GRIN ON YOUR FACE FOR A LONG TIME.

Y'ALL HAVE A REALLY GREAT DAY,

BLACKJACK

mattr762 · #36 (**permalink**) 10-30-2003, 07:39 AM

Quote:

FOR THE MOST PART - IF YOU'VE DONE YOUR HOMEWORK - YOU WILL GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR.

That's the current phase I'm in! The homework phase. I'm allowing plently of time for research before I buy.

IT REALLY COMES DOWN TO "YOU" MAKING A LIST OF THE THINGS THAT ARE IMPORTANT TO "YOU".
That's what I'm asking for! How can I make a list if I don't know what the list consists of? For example, because of your post I now know some have wool carpet. What do the cheaper cars use? Cotton? Or no carpet at all?

I need a check list!!!! Anyone will to help?

Excaliber · #37 (**permalink**) 10-30-2003, 11:02 AM

CSX "title" I interpret to mean the VIN number, which starts with "CSX". That number "entitles" me to refer to my car as a Shelby Cobra.

....the state "title" is indeed going to get complicated based on WHAT state were talking about and how they view an MSO. IT IS a mis-perception that somehow Shelby is "authorized" to provide a vehicle title. In that regard his car is no different than any other "Cobra" manufacturer. In fact NO ONE can provide a "turn key" Cobra produced in the SAME shop for sale in the USA. The car has to go "across the street" or "down the road" to the "other" shop for the engine install.

You cannot get the Cobra emblems etc. installed on your car "legally" by a "dealer", ANY dealer. Ford owns the name and the trademark. Buy some from Finish Line and install them yourself.

Ernie

Mr.Fixit · #38 (**permalink**) 10-30-2003, 12:55 PM

Ernie, it doesn't matter what the first three letters of your VIN are, you do NOT have a Shelby, which is what people are referring to when you hear "CSX" thrown out there. Having a VIN number that starts with CSX...... does not turn a CR or an excaliber into a shelby.

Excaliber · #39 (**permalink**) 10-30-2003, 01:15 PM

OH I get it,,,,,then those guys driving a Saleen or a Roush really just have a "replica" Ford. Besides, I'm pretty sure Roush and those guys actually never "really" built the car, they just bought a new Mustang, hired a couple of mechanics and slapped their own WORTHLESS Vin number on them.

Yeah, the stinking crooks, who are they trying to fool anyway???

Ernie

Mr.Fixit · #40 (**permalink**) 10-30-2003, 01:58 PM

Ernie,
Did you leave a can of laquer thinner open in your office? You are making even less sense than usual.