[Igofastr]

OK, since nobody's asked, here's my take....

If you plan on actually driving your car (ie no trailer queen), buy used and let somebody else take the hit. Depending on how much you're going to drive...a lot...then I'd consider a car with a few more miles because when you eventually sell, nobody is going to care if you added 10K miles to a car that already had 10K miles.

If you're not likely to drive much before you sell, then I'd look for a car with lower miles.

But either way, you'll be money ahead if find a good used car (of whatever make).

I've seen some outrageous numbers thrown out there for maintanance...unless you buy a car with serious engine problems, $5-10K is more than you should ever have to spend over the entire life of your car. I drove a Kirkham for years (7K miles?), and didn't have any reason to spend a quarter of that (excepting a top-end rebuild, my fault). Parts are generally cheap, and these are simple cars.

Your main expense will be tires. Trust me on that.

Finally, just buy the danged car. A Cobra will be the most fun car you'll ever own...if you don't scare easily or are a ninny. I've driven faster cars. I've driven cars that attract more attention. But I haven't driven a car that was any more fun than a Cobra.