Should I buy used or new?

[TerrysSPF]

madmaxx: You may be right.............IF you don't care about many of the things that come standard on an SPF, or they simply aren't that important to you, then I would say that the BDR is the way to go.
Back when I was looking, SPF didn't have the 2000.00 "Shelby mark-up", and their rollers were right around 8-10K more than the BDR. However, many of the items that were "standard" on SPF were important to me (but that's just ME), and after I added them to the sticker of a BDR, the cars were pretty close in price.
If things like: A Top; side curtains; Toneau cover; true Pin Drive / Knock-off wheels; Heater / defroster; Glove box; oil cooler w/ braided lines; Leather seats; SS side vents; SS roll bar; Smith guages; and a true Show Quality paint job, aren't that important to you, then by all means go with a BDR and save a few grand.

-To me............they were worth the extra $$$. -But that's just ME.

[TerrysSPF]

madmaxx: BTW, I totally agree with you about going to Cobracountry and bidding low on some of the cars..........especially come winter time. The guys out there asking high 50's-low 60's are hoping for someone to come along that doesn't know any better.........or doesn't want to wait the few months it takes to order one and put it together.
You can get a really nice used car (SPF or anyone else), it just takes some patience and spending a lot of time behind the PC, and on the phone.

[madmaxx]

I agree 100000%
You can get a really nice used car (SPF or anyone else), it just takes some patience and spending a lot of time behind the PC, and on the phone.

I always find two or three deals a year that are smoking, new superformance roller last november for 35K, loaded!!!!, New superformance 46 miles roush 402 r for 51K last month, Looking at a BDR but jury out if it is a good deal, I need more information.

If you are willing to wait and look at cobra country and club cubra once a week you will get the deals.

sometimes anticipation is as good as reality!!!

I would never consider anything but a factory assembled car. I have driven some factory fives that were not safe on a farm!!



.

[Velox]

Originally Posted by madmaxx

I have driven some factory fives that were not safe on a farm!!

uh oh

[bnewell]

my thoughts exactly.........I better go mix another drink, this should get interesting real fast

[STL Mark]

There went the neighborhood!

[Silverback51]

Well I have decided to go with a used SPF, but in my case it's the exact car I wanted so I lucked out.

Calling the salesman in the morning and giving him a deposit over the phone. After 39 years a dream comes true.

I want to thank everyone that provided input on the other thread I started. May not of done this without you guys.

Now back to the FFR fight.

[RedBarchetta]

Originally Posted by Silverback51

Well I have decided to go with a used SPF, but in my case it's the exact car I wanted so I lucked out.

Did the same thing over 3.5 years ago. Even bought a round trip airfare to Dallas just to verify it was "the one." Meticulously cared for then, and this continues today. Have added about $4K in enhancements since then and I'm still WAY ahead of the game versus what I would have paid new. Buying used also meant that I didn't cry when that first rock chip appeared.
Has all of the Series 3 updates...pays to do LOTS of research before you buy used, especially what is perceived to be an 'earlier' car (circa 2000). The far majority of people that approach me just drool over the deep red skin and ask me "Is it a real one?"

-Dean #747

[madmaxx]

Please do not get the impression I am discriminating against factory fives, I feel the same about lone star, classic, unique, hurricane. LOL!!!!! I just have more faith in a factory that has produced hundreds if not thousands. Each one has to be evaluated and I am not an expert so I rely on the factory assembled. Same as when I buy a diamond, I am not a geologist so I only buy GIA certified diamonds and none others. The only problem with buying used is you are still spending a boat load of money so why not spend a little more and get new. As you may have deduced I am vacillating on buying a used on right now and the intial pictures were spectacular but when I saw recent ones I am concerned. After a while it becomes a job.

[Excaliber]

madmaxx does make a valid point, concerning any number of 'home built' project cars that you could stumble across looking for a used replica.

So what is one to do? Well, shop carefully! There are some really well built replicas out there that EXCEED the quality of BDR or SPF 'assembly line' cars! Factory built cars are great for the 'masses', little risk, good price, known quality, heck it's almost a 'no brainer', and that bothers me...

I want a Cobra thats, well, 'different'. As in, more accurate to original specs. With each passing day there are few of us left with such a passion. The 'assembly line' cars virtually dominate the market these days. The constant drum beat of how good this or that small block Roush whatever blah blah blah, yeah, thats terrific, OK then, go get one! The standards of what it means to build an accurate to detail replica Cobra are rapidly loosing steam...

I went looking for a used ERA for one simple reason:
The probabilty of actually finding a 427/428 with top loader and English inspired IRS accompanied by a really well done accurate to detail body was signifcantly greater than most other brands! I also looked for a used Hi Tech, an OLDER one. I considered Contemporary as well. I did breifly consider FFR as the price can be VERY attractive indeed and there are some NICE ones out there! I just couldn't get around that 'perky butt' thing myself. I see some FFR owners have actually modified the body to address that issue (lowering the rear end) and man it looks great! Older replicas are MUCH more likely to be 'accurate' than most modern replicas.

Older cars, like older workers, not a bad choice!

You won't find many 'side oilers' in todays replicas in the 'low to medium cost' arena! You want to get closer to the 'real deal' you gotta kick it up a notch, build it yourself, have it built for you or shop carefully for a used one. There is ALWAYS compromises to be made, cost benefit analysis is a very personal decision as to what you finally settle for. Most are 'good', some are terrible! I'll pass on a VW or Honda powered replica Cobra. I could live with a small block, if you twisted my arm hard enough. Better something than nothing I guess...

A 'round tube' frame does not an accurate replica make, it takes far more than that!

[Silverback51]

The quality of any car built, or restored by a private party is soley dependant on the person who did the work.

I had a person that I worked with years ago that was building a Cobra. With everything he did, the attitude was, "It's good enough". He just didn't care about the quality, or how dependable/safe it was going to be. After 3+ years he sold it partially completed. I always prayed that the new owner went back and looked at what had been completed to that point.

And the manufacturer of the kit will have nothing to do with the craftmanship of the build. Some one could buy a lower quality kit and build a good car out of it. Another could buy the best kit out there and produce a piece of garbage.

Personally I work 60 to 70 hours a week on average and do not have the time to build a car myself. I would have liked to, but it's not going to happen. So faced with that issue, I did my research and bought what I felt to be the best car for me, which may not be the best for someone else. I do however respect all others for the choice they make.

Hopefully, as a new guy/owner I'm not stepping on anyones toes with my comments, but I tend to speak what I think.

[SP01715]

I was going to buy a new CSX before I bought my SPF but decided not to for a few reasons. At the time no CSX cars had been delivered to the dealer with some people waiting almost 2 years. The other reasons I decided to go with SPF was going for a ride in one with a Roush 427R. I was amazed with the performance of the car and desided it would be a better route for me than a CSX with an FE.

After I decided on the SPF I priced out a new car and was going to order it. While at the dealer a used car came in with 2400 miles on it. It was the color I wanted and had all the options as well. Being a Roush show vehicle that was built by the former head of engine development for them it also had a very nice motor and exhaust.

I liked the car so much that I decided to buy it. I have no regrets at all and I love the car. I would say if you can find the right car there is nothing wrong with used. If not build what you want.

[greg schroeder]

Originally Posted by SP01715

I was going to buy a new CSX before I bought my SPF but decided not to for a few reasons. At the time no CSX cars had been delivered to the dealer with some people waiting almost 2 years. The other reasons I decided to go with SPF was going for a ride in one with a Roush 427R. I was amazed with the performance of the car and desided it would be a better route for me than a CSX with an FE.

After I decided on the SPF I priced out a new car and was going to order it. While at the dealer a used car came in with 2400 miles on it. It was the color I wanted and had all the options as well. Being a Roush show vehicle that was built by the former head of engine development for them it also had a very nice motor and exhaust.

I liked the car so much that I decided to buy it. I have no regrets at all and I love the car. I would say if you can find the right car there is nothing wrong with used. If not build what you want.

I'd of bought your car too. Very nice!

It looks like you have headers other than Superformance stock? I see the further out holes in the AFR 205 heads being used. Do you know were one would get headers like yours? Any more pics of your headers? I bet your car hammers.

[Excaliber]

It's a LOT of work to buy used and the risk factor goes up but SPO1715's example is a really good one. Sometimes 'used' means getting some NICE upgrades at a fraction of what it would cost to buy those parts new!

[WarrenG]

If you're considering buying a used SPF, check with SPF (in addition to all the usual sources) and see what they have "in stock." They quite often have a few used SPF's for sale and who knows, with their GT40 on the market they may get some additional ones from people who want to "move up."

[WarrenG]

Just saw that Keith Craft has one for sale also. One year warranty on the engine. Didn't have the price listed on the page I was looking at though.

[SP01715]

Originally Posted by greg schroeder

I'd of bought your car too. Very nice!

It looks like you have headers other than Superformance stock? I see the further out holes in the AFR 205 heads being used. Do you know were one would get headers like yours? Any more pics of your headers? I bet your car hammers.

The motor / exhaust was set-up when the car was at Roush. I am not sure if they sell this set-up but I would give them a call. I will check for more pics...

[purple panther]

why would anyone buy a new one?. the market is so flooded with cobras for sale -->used would be the way to go superformance or whatever.

[Gene Gorman]

I was going to buy a new SPF but was looking at the cars for sale on Cobra Country yesterday to see what color I wanted and saw my neighbors sons car. I e-mail him went and looked at it and bought it. It is black with white stripes has a Shelby alum. 427 that has 484ci. I have seen this car since it was new it only had 1000 mikes on it. Picked up last nite only 6 miles from my house. If I would have built a new one like this it would have cost me close to $80,000. I saved $25,000.

[Excaliber]

I kind of chuckle when I find myself saying, "I saved...", when in fact I 'SPENT' X number of dollars in reality. The glass is half empty.

Good call buying used, you really can save a bundle.