good investment or not

cobra321 · #1 (**permalink**) 10-31-2003, 02:13 PM

I have a question/concers. I am seriously considering buying a Backdraft Cobra in the near future cost approx $40,000. My only concern is if I decide to sell the Cobra in 5 years or so am I going to lose my shirt and have to give it away. I have had Porsches in the past and have always had good luck on reselling the cars. My attraction to the Cobra is unmatched and I am probably going to buy one. Am I going to be sorry if I ever want to sell it?

HIQ · #2 (**permalink**) 10-31-2003, 02:19 PM

No car is a good investment. If you want a car with a great following and superior resell value I would look at a used Superformance. If you look hard you will find a great car for $40K and if the day comes you need to sell it should be no issue to sell it close to that.

mrmustang · #3 (**permalink**) 10-31-2003, 02:27 PM

If your looking for an investment, a replica Cobra is not it....Now, a real CSX2000 or CSX3000 series car built in the 60's, that is a whole other story............

Bill S.

Edley Rondinone · #4 (**permalink**) 11-03-2003, 08:17 PM

Without a crystal ball, I believe you should get at least $32,000 , maybe more, for your $40,000 Cobra in five years.....just an estimate, no one knows for sure.

Excaliber · #5 (**permalink**) 11-03-2003, 08:22 PM

BDR is to new and the market is to volatile to make a determination about the future.

But based on the recent past performance of the market I agree with Edley. A low of $27 maybe, $32 sounds about right.

BUT in five years? Who knows! Is it possible it will slip into the low 20's? Maybe,,,,,,,

So much depends on the replica in question. I recently made a nice profit on the sale of mine. I FULLY expected to get every penny back, did NOT expect to "make money".

On my NEXT replica I expect to take a "loss", and I accept that!

Ernie

G.R. · #6 (**permalink**) 11-03-2003, 08:32 PM

Spent a little over 52k for my SPF in '01,sold it for 47.5K Sat.--I lost $$$ but I more than made up for it in the fun, stress release, and fulfilment of a dream--if $$$count buy an original and even there you may lose your investment--autos unless they are rare rarely make a good investment--
Unless your investment factor counts more fun than you've ever had with a car

BlackBDR · #7 (**permalink**) 11-03-2003, 08:47 PM

Cobra 321,

I would agree with what has been posted so far. There is an advantage to a turn key minus type car, it's a known quantity other than the drivetrain. FFR cars can span from very bad to quite nice. I think the junkers hurt the resale of the really nicely detailed cars.

I would recommend the car because it's a great value and tremendously fun to drive. It's extremely comfortable too.

I really can't envision ever selling it. It's a 20 year dream that's been fullfilled and I can see holding onto for a long time. One of the local guys has been enjoying his Contemporary for 17 years now.

Good luck,
John and Leeann

foothills gary · #8 (**permalink**) 11-03-2003, 10:13 PM

A new 3 series BMW@$40k will probably be worth about 50-55% of it's value newin 5 years.The chassis of the BDR uses proven BMW components,and if it only depreciates 20% in 5 years,I would say that you made an excellent investment indeed(a net preservation of income of 30%)Buy it and have fun!

decooney · #9 (**permalink**) 11-03-2003, 10:30 PM

Cost: $40K

Value: $Priceless.

Advice: You only live once. Do it, and stop wasting time thinking about it.

You'll never look back except when you are walking away from the car just after a drive. And Yes, the feeling is unmatched. Good Luck.

Excaliber · #10 (**permalink**) 11-03-2003, 10:38 PM

Well put Duane!

Ernie

Snak Iyz · #11 (**permalink**) 11-04-2003, 11:18 AM

Guys,

Cobra321 is my neighbor. He got 'bit' a short-time ago and is on the fast path to ordering a BDR along with me.

Any other advice or tips (good, bad and ugly) you can provide to tip over the fence are appreciated.

The sheer value of having another enthusiast 4 houses down is priceless.... Not too mention seeing how peeved the neighbors will be to hear 2 Cobras start up for an early Saturday morning cruise......

TACO - I agree with DECOONEY whole heartedly.... (do you feel your check book slipping from your hand...)

- Snak Iyz

sgianino · #12 (**permalink**) 11-04-2003, 11:18 AM

Can we take the Cobra with us when we leave this earth?? Rather than creamation im gonna request Cobramation

With the roof option of course

CowtownCobra · #13 (**permalink**) 11-04-2003, 11:42 AM

Doesn't matter what its worth. I built mine just the way I wanted it. Its one of a kind, no other like it (lots fall into this catagory). And despite it being an inanimate object, its a part of me. Could never sell it. Don't understand these people who buy and sell, buy and sell.

Just my $0.02 worth...

REDSC400 · #14 (**permalink**) 11-04-2003, 12:01 PM

I think that when all is said and done, a replica car, especially the Cobra genre, is an investment in smiles and good times.

Here is some advice, and I have taken this advice myself. There are some really nice Cobra replicas out there in the used market place. Some are true works of art, owned and lovingly cared for by the guys and gals that gave them birth (as it were). Just listen to the previous posters and you can tell the amount of care and LOVE these folks have lavished on their Cobras!

In my case, I found a real nice ERA in the same state in which I live. Fully documented, meticulously maintained, and perfect in every way. Showroom condition actually. 10 years young. 8,500 miles. Frankly, the same car I would have had ERA build for me.

This car was fully debugged and in perfect shape. The price asked was not the price paid. However, both the seller and I felt we arrived at a good deal. Also, I was gifted with about 600 pounds of spare parts and general "stuff" that came with the car that just never was used or was a future winter project that never came about. (carbs, tonneaus, wind wings, spinners, tools, car covers, turkey pans, MSD boxes, manifolds, fuel pumps, brake pads, various gauges, etc etc the list is too long) you get the picture...

So the moral of this story is... you can find some super nice replica Cobras out there if you are patient and know what to look for. Example... The latest issue of the SCCA Snakebite Bulletin #96 has one or two super ERA's for sale at what appear to be sweet asking prices (one is in CAL if memory serves).

(I mention ERA here only because I am personnally ERA oriented as I own one. I am not suggesting that ERA is the way you should go, but rather the way I went).

The well maintained, second hand Cobra, from a company that has legs (longevity) and good customer service will tend to keep its value if you maintain it well. This is what I have seen. You will not be hurt too much by taking the initial depreciation going this route.

The downside of this methodology is however the fact that you personnaly do not get to "give birth" to your own Cobra. However, you do get to refine it, and make all the mods you heart and pocket book desires.

I wonder what others think of this suggestion?

Chaplin · #15 (**permalink**) 11-04-2003, 01:10 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by REDSC400

I wonder what others think of this suggestion? [/b]

Excellent advice

coyled · #16 (**permalink**) 11-04-2003, 01:28 PM

In 5 years the cobra will hold better value than the porsche. A 5 year old everyday car has probably 80k miles or better. The cobra might have 20k. 5 years from now, new automobiles will be better, sleaker, etc... 5 years from now, the cobra will be the same , even the newer ones. If you pay 40k, it should still be worth 60% of that in 5 years. The fun you'll have will more than make up for the rest. Scott

casaleenie · #17 (**permalink**) 11-04-2003, 02:51 PM

All the postings have very valid points...

In five years I'm betting that there will be a lot more Cobras around and that may possibly affect prices...

At this current time the used Cobra market is a little depressed and it may stay that way...what with so many new cars hitting the market..

You can spend 60K on a car and lose 20% =12K
spend 35K on a car and lose 20% = 7K
etc........
Same smiles and giggles for 5K less.. work the math until it fits you.

RedCSX · #18 (**permalink**) 11-04-2003, 03:34 PM

THe 67 GT-500 I just sold was a very good investment. I don't think that the CSX Cobra will be the same. Although, by installing the motor and trans myself I will cut my loss or even make a little money.
40K sounds like a LOT of MONEY for a back draft. Feel you would be much better off shopping for a used Superformance.

casaleenie · #19 (**permalink**) 11-04-2003, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by RedCSX

40K sounds like a LOT of MONEY for a back draft. Feel you would be much better off shopping for a used Superformance. [/b]

______________
Red makes a lot of sense mentioning the used Cobras.
40 K goes a long way on a used car that usually has almost zero miles.. In my mind I'd buy used everytime.. These cars are usually someones baby and something in the owners life forces change (gets married, new baby,new house etc.)and the first things to go are the toys... They'd like it to go to a good home...HELP THEM OUT!!!!

casaleenie · #20 (**permalink**) 11-04-2003, 04:21 PM

[quote]Originally posted by RedCSX

[b]THe 67 GT-500 I just sold was a very good investment. I don't think that the CSX Cobra will be the same.

Red,

It's just a matter of time before Evan sees this posting... Just enough time to strap yourself in for a bumpy ride...