Questions: What to look 4 in a used BDR?

JB in Alabama · #1 (**permalink**) 03-29-2009, 09:48 PM

After a long wait, I'm looking around at used backdrafts.
I've wanted a cobra (like many here i'm sure) for many years.

It looks like timing is on my side since prices seem to be coming down a little.

Any tips on what to keep an eye out for when looking?
Title date issues may be important?
If you have any other advice, I would sure appreciate it!
JB

madmaxx · #2 (**permalink**) 03-30-2009, 07:34 AM

1) try to avoid slip fit headers into side pipes, you can work around with tail pipe expander but really no excuse not to have welded flanges.
2) Earlier models (pre-150??) had some issues with panel rubs etc, paint,etc.
3) BMW rear end leaks out speed o pickup

Overall a great car, but with some of the deals on club cobra, cobra country and ebay on new ones, i saw one for $43500 brand spanking new, with all the design improvemetns over 700 plus cars, you would really have to find a smoking deal to go used, ie less than $33500.

Cashburn · #3 (**permalink**) 03-30-2009, 07:49 AM

What is your budget range? I have several customers looking to trade in and up on new cars and can help you locate something.

newBDR · #4 (**permalink**) 03-30-2009, 08:29 AM

I have #31 ...

mine are slip fit - but I can honestly say I've not had the issues a lot complain about - soot etc in the engine compartment.

I've not experienced panels rubbing. no issue with the rear leaking on mine.

Early plastic gas tanks leaked - I replaced it with a later steel tank.

I feel differently - there are a ton of cars for sale - I see no reason to buy new right now.

JB in Alabama · #5 (**permalink**) 03-30-2009, 02:39 PM

thanks for the quick responses.

Budget wise, I think I'll stay at the low end and Im figuring 40k or below.
I guess we dont know what tomorrow will bring and cash seems to still be king today.....not sure about tomorrow though with the gvt caos.

What does a new one really cost now?

madmaxx · #6 (**permalink**) 03-30-2009, 03:13 PM

This has to be on the low end for a brand spanking new one with 17" wheels. excellent color combination.

Backdraft 1965 Roadster #766. Sterling Gray/silver stripes. The BIG Picture: Click Here! Under the hood: Performance Engineering 351W/ 400 horsepower, very nicely constructed to give you all the visceral thrills of our roadster’s handling capabilities. Mated to a brand-new (and rugged) T-5 gearbox. BIG Photo of powerplant: Click Here! Roadster comes standard with a superb-handling BMW 3-Series suspension. You also get these options: 17" wheels, ceramic-coated sidepipes & headers, 3M rear protection, and our new-style fully-functional mirrors which gives you an almost panoramic view of the motorcars you’re passing. If you're looking for the perfect adrenaline-pumping roadster and smooth cruiser, look no further. This serpent is a brand new—zero miles on it. At the price of $43,900, it won't last long. Contact Bill at (859) 630-9099 EDT, or email: Bill@GCPerf.com
Hebron, Kentucky
Bill Littleton
Backdraft's Midwest Dealer
27 March/May

RodKnock · #7 (**permalink**) 03-30-2009, 05:38 PM

A new one: $52,450

$52,450 Spring Special BACKDRAFT / ROUSH 427

Cashburn · #8 (**permalink**) 03-30-2009, 07:57 PM

You can get in a brand new Modular Roadster with the 4.6 3V Fuel Injection... they rip in these cars. And when you get bored you slap a Roushcharger on and holy sheet!

$40k all new with warranty!

But plenty of used cars to choose from as well. Just don't expect to get a lot of car for much under $40k.

madmaxx · #9 (**permalink**) 03-31-2009, 07:24 AM

Looks like you have your answer, that would be an incredible streetable engine and the supercharge option is there. I have no idea how anyone can make money at these prices but so be it.

It wasn't long ago I sold a used bdr with a run of the mill 302 for 38,200. No fuel injection, no 17" wheels, no stroker, based on these offers it should have sold for $29K

You can get in a brand new Modular Roadster with the 4.6 3V Fuel Injection... they rip in these cars. And when you get bored you slap a Roushcharger on and holy sheet!

$40k all new with warranty!

But plenty of used cars to choose from as well. Just don't expect to get a lot of car for much under $40k.

cbreez · #10 (**permalink**) 03-31-2009, 08:50 AM

I would buy a used one...plenty around, a glut in the market, many with low mileage and the usual backdraft bugs already corrected. A 2400lb car will be quick on the street even with a lower HP engine. Why pay the extra profit to a dealer?

I would think if you wave cash today at someone, you could buy one for around $30K.

madmaxx · #11 (**permalink**) 03-31-2009, 09:19 AM

the usual backdraft bugs already corrected,

What an understatement, except it should have read " the usual manufacturer bugs already corrected", regardless of who cobra you buy there will be tons of bugs to be worked out. It is definetly worth looking for a low mileage used cobra that has been sorted if you do not like chasing bugs for the first 8 months. I do not care if you buy a 100K Kirkham, SPF, BDR you will have bugs and problems until YOU sort them out regardless of the dealer or installer.

JB in Alabama · #12 (**permalink**) 03-31-2009, 05:22 PM

Interesting insights here!

Thanks for all the help

joe g · #13 (**permalink**) 04-01-2009, 02:54 PM

Does not matter what brand you buy, THEY all have bugs' that must be worked out, era spf kirkem ffr etc. these cars are hand made not on an assembly line so things need to be checked frequently.
joeg

madmaxx · #14 (**permalink**) 04-01-2009, 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joe g

Does not matter what brand you buy, THEY all have bugs' that must be worked out, era spf kirkem ffr etc. these cars are hand made not on an assembly line so things need to be checked frequently.
joeg

I agree but it kinds of irks me, I have two cars with over 60k miles on them and never added anything but oil and gas. No excuse for 99% of the bugs we have to work out, none at all, especially if you are purchasing a roller for $30 plus K.

Slick61 · #15 (**permalink**) 04-01-2009, 04:14 PM

When I got mine, I knew to expect lots of little mechanical things here & there- especially with solid motor mounts. It's just part of the ownership experience. It does require a re-adjustment in thinking... since none of my other cars require much (if any) maintenance beyond oil changes. Mechanically-speaking, I'm not the sharpest tool in the shed, but troubleshooting the occasional mechanical issue is actually pretty interesting... and it keeps you plugged into the Cobra replica community regarding solutions, procedures, etc. The routine monthly & pre-flight checks are a great way to become more familiar with your car as well

thunderball · #16 (**permalink**) 04-02-2009, 04:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slick61

When I got mine, I knew to expect lots of little mechanical things here & there- especially with solid motor mounts. It's just part of the ownership experience. It does require a re-adjustment in thinking... since none of my other cars require much (if any) maintenance beyond oil changes. Mechanically-speaking, I'm not the sharpest tool in the shed, but troubleshooting the occasional mechanical issue is actually pretty interesting... and it keeps you plugged into the Cobra replica community regarding solutions, procedures, etc. The routine monthly & pre-flight checks are a great way to become more familiar with your car as well

Well said. I think of it as a bonding experience and not something you get with a porsche or a major ass. line. That being said the issues are minor if any.

chris.

JB in Alabama · #17 (**permalink**) 04-02-2009, 05:57 PM

Ok, So what does dont expect to get too much of a car for under 40k mean.....specifically?

JB in Alabama · #18 (**permalink**) 04-02-2009, 06:00 PM

I bought a 67 SS chevelle from a junkyard when I was 18 and get it up and running......what a job!

Cashburn · #19 (**permalink**) 04-02-2009, 06:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JB in Alabama

Ok, So what does dont expect to get too much of a car for under 40k mean.....specifically?

Look at prices on used cars and you have your answer... Want a car that is less than 3 years old, with low miles, with a Roush engine, with a top, with 17" wheels, etc.

How about a new one with 17" knock off wheels and 385+HP for $40k??? Give me a call

newBDR · #20 (**permalink**) 04-02-2009, 07:15 PM

I think it means motor. Do you need a) a motor with a big name on it, or b) big horsepower, or both. either one or both and the prices climb substantially, especially those with a big name on them. Are you content with a re-furbed block or a donor motor making moderate hp, which by the way you can still use to inadvertantly spin in an intersection and look like an idiot AND still has potential to build up, and you can get into it for much less. Even with the latter I think there are a lot of young cars with low miles out there.