Used Superformance or New Backdraft from Vintage

[madmaxx]

If you can get a coyote powered bdr for the same price as the used SPF I would swing to the BDR if u drive more than 5k miles per year. You will save $1k in fuel alone in the first year over the stroker and I imagine the drivability around town is tamer. If u drive 2k miles or less per year go stroked small block and enjoy the experience of a beast.

If it were me I would drive both and pick the nicer one regardless of manufacturer as they are both great cars. If u can't drive the bdr because it not built yet then if the SPF drives perfect go with it. With the used you see the paint, glass quality, characteritics and that is worth something before you commit.

As far as roi the SPF is fully depreciated, the bdr will drop 5k -10k and with all the deals bdr is mailing you will have a lot of competition when you sale. If you end up liking Cobras this won't be your last at your age. I went from bdr to SPF, I doubt you would go SPF to bdr. Probably SPF to SPF or kirkham.

[WardL]

Anytime you buy a vehicle new you lose a lot of money initially. I bought a SPF for $55k when the previous owner spent $85k to build it 3 years earlier. I haven't checked the numbers closely, but Cobra Country seems to have more higher priced SPFs than BDRs. I would love to see the actual data if someone has the history of prices. We are all so biased we see what we want to see....

[madmaxx]

Congrats, your car is a solid 60-65k car. Bet your glad you didn't buy new either SPF or BDR.

Originally Posted by WardL

Anytime you buy a vehicle new you lose a lot of money initially. I bought a SPF for $55k when the previous owner spent $85k to build it 3 years earlier. I haven't checked the numbers closely, but Cobra Country seems to have more higher priced SPFs than BDRs. I would love to see the actual data if someone has the history of prices. We are all so biased we see what we want to see....

[Cashburn]

Originally Posted by madmaxx

Congrats, your car is a solid 60-65k car. Bet your glad you didn't buy new either SPF or BDR.

I'll just call you the General from now on you have no idea what his car is or the condition. Just like no one person knows what anyone paid for their car or actually sold it for on Cobracountry (that site is simply a huge smoke screen).

Ace is in a win win situation here. Really don't know details of the SPF though, so I'm Generalizing too...

[WardL]

Hey, just like Madmaxx said, my Cobra is worth $60-65k! It is pretty much cherry except for the 11,000 miles and a little road rash...... I'm not selling even for $75k now anyway!

[madmaxx]

I may be generalizing but it is apparent from many Cobra owners and potential cobra i speak with you can get a NEW BDR all day long for 55K with a non-roush or KC stroker motor. Sure you may have to call back a couple times but that is what they go for in the end. Once again generalizing but I don't know of any engine combination you can order with a new SPF for under $70K and you go roush go to 80k plu with top, tonnea, side windows, heater, defroster. Another generalization when fully depreciated a SPF within 10 years old and stroker engine (majority being Roush or KC) is $55-65K and BDR is 40-50K, generalizing again due to a new BDR going for $55k and in the end the SPF is a more robust car (not generalizing). In the end both great cars at that price point, either used SPF or new BDR.

I love all the suggestions about picking up a used SPF for 45K with a Rouish, it occurs, but the really smoking deals you better be able to make a decision site unseen and have cash as it will be gone the second I see it. In other words you can get the buy in of all your friends and family, but within in 3 hours of listing on ebay it will be gone and probably need some clean-up. Ceramic coat headers and side pipes, polish wheels... Paint don't go bad. I would be surprised if you even have to wax it.

to wrap it up I have titled a couple new ones and it is a pain in the ass Educating the idiots at the courthouse and inspection station, it is worth an easy $1500 to have one titled, inspected and ready to go over titling a new one and hoping and kissing everyone assss that your 30 sheets of paperwork is correct.

[Slick61]

If you're tall, the Backdraft is a better "fit" due to the larger cockpit- more seat adjustability. As for the heater... the engine alone does a great job at keeping things toasty... just sayin...

[Grey 65]

Originally Posted by madmaxx

I may be generalizing but it is apparent from many Cobra owners and potential cobra i speak with you can get a NEW BDR all day long for 55K with a non-roush or KC stroker motor. Sure you may have to call back a couple times but that is what they go for in the end. Once again generalizing but I don't know of any engine combination you can order with a new SPF for under $70K and you go roush go to 80k plu with top, tonnea, side windows, heater, defroster. Another generalization when fully depreciated a SPF within 10 years old and stroker engine (majority being Roush or KC) is $55-65K and BDR is 40-50K, generalizing again due to a new BDR going for $55k and in the end the SPF is a more robust car (not generalizing). In the end both great cars at that price point, either used SPF or new BDR.

New SPF 70k
Used SPF 55k
Difference is loss of 15k

New BDR 55k
Used BDR 40k
Difference is loss of 15k

Using your numbers they both lose 15k.

So buy a new SPF for 70k, a new BDR or a used SPF for 55k, or a used BDR for 40k. Numbers say buy a BDR, new or used. But if you can afford a SPF and that is what you want buy a SPF. I'd take a new 2015 Z06 over a new 2015 911, but that is me. I am sure some others would pick the 911. But hey if you want to beat chest that SPF is better because it costs more then why not buy an alum Kirham? The bottom line is buy what makes you happy.

Kevin.....

[buddyg]

For sure you have to pull the trigger quick if you find the SPF car that has everything you want. They don't last long!

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by buddyg

For sure you have to pull the trigger quick if you find the SPF car that has everything you want. They don't last long!

Well, of the 31 SPF's listed on CobraCountry, 14 have sold or 45%. So, they're are 17 available in various configurations just on CobraCountry.

There are 11 BDR's listed on CobraCountry, 7 have sold or 64%.

There are nearly 3 times as many SPF's than BDR's, so time is on your side.

[madmaxx]

In my opinion the reason the BDR appear to sell quicker is they are less expensive. Looks like its a $15K difference. The original question was new BDR vs used SPF. Not new vs new. The SPF has already taken the hit on depreciation at $55k and is titled and "should" be sorted and can be touched, driven, seen.

I had one where after 1 year the figerblass bubbled on a panel, got it repaired, two years later the same sheet came back. I assume there was an issue with the resin who knows. Sure dealer covered but it was up to me to find the painter, and at that point I owned any future issues with color match etc. If you look at one that is 5 years old and has no blistering or other issues chances are it never will since it would have already happened.

When you buy new you are dealing with multiple entities on warranty repair. Not one like a Ford or GM. You have the manufacturer, the dealer, the installer, the engine builder. The delaer has some sway with the manufacturer but in the end the manufacturer has ultimate say. The best warranty / customer service is the one you never ever need because you never had a problem.

[Ace23]

Great comments and opinions everyone so keep them coming. A thread like this could go for days but its nice to get all the different viewpoints. Car purchases conflict me more than anything! I would say my biggest factory is the purchase of a car and being able to get my money out of it in 6 months. I hate to think negative but I think it is foolish not consider this. I am a gear head but at the end of the day and believe I will love the cobra but I've never owned anything with a carb, no power steering, no AC, just the reality of a cobra. I know the price increase would slightly buffer you if you are able to get in $4000K ahead of the game on a new BDR but I know the BDR will cost a bit more than the used SPF because you get caught up in the options and just keep adding and adding or at least you want to. Hands down if I was able to get into a used BDR with comparable drivetrain at a 15K lower price point than the SPF I would probably swing that way due to the lower initial investment and the belief that I could also sell at the same price again and climb into a SPF or the BDR of my dreams. At this moment I hate to spend at the top of my budget but its a hell of a car and I have seen, and ridden in it and I would call it "sorted". BDR why did you have to have a price increase in the next 17 days!!! I would really like to visit Vintage and just see different cars and go for a ride to compare SBF / mod motor. Its not the end of the month and planes fly everyday so who knows it may be worth the peace of mind to do just that.
Recap of used SPF below

*SPF 18xx
-Keith Craft 427
-TKO600
-17 Polished PSE wheels
-Firefly stainless side pipes
-I believe it has some updated suspension / sway bars
-Most important I like the color and just a very well taken care of car that is really classy....no stripe which I'm a fan of on this car.
-10K miles but all the modifications were done at 4K+

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by Ace23

I would say my biggest factory is the purchase of a car and being able to get my money out of it in 6 months. I hate to think negative but I think it is foolish not consider this. I am a gear head but at the end of the day and believe I will love the cobra but I've never owned anything with a carb, no power steering, no AC, just the reality of a cobra.

If you REALLY want a Cobra, then buy a depreciated used SPF.

BUT, I think at the end of the day, you're not fanatic, by interpreting your words above, so I'd buy sports car with cupholders, sound system, HVAC, PS, FI, etc. And a car where you won't stink like fuel after using it.

Buy a Vette, Viper, Porsche or whatever floats your boat.

[Ace23]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

If you REALLY want a Cobra, then buy a depreciated used SPF.

BUT, I think at the end of the day, you're not fanatic, by interpreting your words above, so I'd buy sports car with cupholders, sound system, HVAC, PS, FI, etc. And a car where you won't stink like fuel after using it.

Buy a Vette, Viper, Porsche or whatever floats your boat.

Come on friend like everyone before me I won't know how die hard cobra I am until I get in the seat!! I will be keeping my Joe Dirt mustang cobra as a back up but if I fall in love with the 65 cobra it will be gone. I hate mustangs but love the 2003 terminator.....lots of fun to drive with 600rwhp and torque all over the place.

Vette- everytime they come out with a new one the one you have looks like something a stripper from the 80's is driving....DEPRECIATION, C6 Z06 is the only vette I would ever own
Porsche- $$$ maintenance and even though I like them just not my style
Viper- Sound like a tractor but never really cared for them.

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by Ace23

Come on friend like everyone before me I won't know how die hard cobra I am until I get in the seat!! I will be keeping my Joe Dirt mustang cobra as a back up but if I fall in love with the 65 cobra it will be gone. I hate mustangs but love the 2003 terminator.....lots of fun to drive with 600rwhp and torque all over the place.

Vette- everytime they come out with a new one the one you have looks like something a stripper from the 80's is driving....DEPRECIATION, C6 Z06 is the only vette I would ever own
Porsche- $$$ maintenance and even though I like them just not my style
Viper- Sound like a tractor but never really cared for them.

You won't know if you're a diehard cobra fan until you get in the seat? I beg to differ. IMO, you know you're a Cobra fanatic when you're born. Cobra owners have a unique genetic marker that is passed along by parents. I'd get a C6 Z06. Great car for money. You'll save time and money.

On a serious note, since time is of the essence with the BDR purchase, I'd really wait to pull the trigger. Take your time, find one that you really love. I prefer new over used, less nonsense to be undone and then there's the less-cooties factor with a new BDR. Also 10,000 miles is WAY too much for me. But SPF's are closer to an authentic 1960's original than a BDR, so that's important to me. Then there's the customer service for pre and post sale. Jay from Vintage will give you excellent customer service. Used SPF? None, but the kind and knowledgable folks here on CC.

So, my point is that we're (humans) all built differently. What's important to me, madmaxx, buddy or others is different than what's important to you.

As for other possible brands, as I said, whatever floats YOUR boat. To me, they haven't made a good looking Vette since 1967. And Porsche's are AWESOME. I just saw a brand new $125,000+ 2014 SRT Viper T/A and it's spectacular. There's a Ferrari 348/355/360. How about a Miata? Like them too.

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by madmaxx

In my opinion the reason the BDR appear to sell quicker is they are less expensive.

Possibly, or it might be the fact that there are just about 3x as many SPF's available. More than likely, it's a combination of both. Bigger supply plus higher prices = slower sales.

[itstock]

10,000 miles is a decent amount on cars that ride like tractors (or ride like race cars). Is that street or track miles?

I know that you plan on driving the car a lot so mileage probably isn't the most important factor, but make sure you budget at least $5k to have the car gone over. All maintenance items from suspension parts, to brakes, to tires, to clutch, etc. etc. It might be all taken care of, but who knows. Also another $1500 for paint correction would be a good idea to have on hand. After that, do to the higher (relatively speaking with these cars) mileage, you might want to consider upping your annual maintenance budget for larger wear and tear items on the suspension and drive train.

[Ace23]

Originally Posted by itstock

10,000 miles is a decent amount on cars that ride like tractors (or ride like race cars). Is that street or track miles?

I know that you plan on driving the car a lot so mileage probably isn't the most important factor, but make sure you budget at least $5k to have the car gone over. All maintenance items from suspension parts, to brakes, to tires, to clutch, etc. etc. It might be all taken care of, but who knows. Also another $1500 for paint correction would be a good idea to have on hand. After that, do to the higher (relatively speaking with these cars) mileage, you might want to consider upping your annual maintenance budget for larger wear and tear items on the suspension and drive train.

100% street miles. 2nd owner car with 6000 miles put on it since 2009. Oltoff racing did the TKO600 and 3:31 rear end in 2009 and went through the car. The exhaust and suspension were upgraded last year. Haven't really considered the cost of maintenance to be that high but good point. So far paint looks pretty flawless

[madmaxx]

Ace, How dare you!!!!!!!!!! How dare you considering a Cobra purchase looking at the "return on investment", how rude and inconsiderate that this is not your only dream in life to own a plastic replica, how dare you that you do not splurge wildly and excuse it as a dream. You my friend are an asssssshole!!!! just like me than again neither of us had to wait until we were well past 50 to buy one, maybe because we look at the economics. I bought my first Cobra to make money, which i did $10K in 8 months and got to drive it just for grins. My streak continues.

Anyone that pays $5k to maintain one of these painfully simple cars should not be driving or owning one. I have not spent $3K over 7 years on 4 different Cobra's including three sets of tires, ceramic coating headers and side pipes, a multitude of gaskets, an oil pump, brake shoes, one wooden steering wheel, one steering wheel emblem, but i have spent well over $3k in fuel.

[itstock]

Originally Posted by madmaxx

Ace, How dare you!!!!!!!!!! How dare you considering a Cobra purchase looking at the "return on investment", how rude and inconsiderate that this is not your only dream in life to own a plastic replica, how dare you that you do not splurge wildly and excuse it as a dream. You my friend are an asssssshole!!!! just like me than again neither of us had to wait until we were well past 50 to buy one, maybe because we look at the economics. I bought my first Cobra to make money, which i did $10K in 8 months and got to drive it just for grins. My streak continues.

Anyone that pays $5k to maintain one of these painfully simple cars should not be driving or owning one. I have not spent $3K over 7 years on 4 different Cobra's including three sets of tires, ceramic coating headers and side pipes, a multitude of gaskets, an oil pump, brake shoes, one wooden steering wheel, one steering wheel emblem, but i have spent well over $3k in fuel.

$5k to cover maintenance AND parts that might have been abused and/or neglected in 10k miles at time of purchase, not simple annual maintenance budget. It's part of the gamble when buying a used car, especially one that likes spirited driving.

Do you have ADD?

And what tires are you buying? 3 sets of any decent tire should hit or be right at your $3k mark.