Build, buy or rebuild

[tavas]

Hi all

Been on and off lurking for a bit.

Like everyone, I have a dream to own a Cobra but with life getting in the way the dream hasn't come to fruition just yet.

To be honest I am not currently in a position to get one just yet but I have been keeping an eye on ebay and Carsales in case something comes up. Which has led me to ask, is it better to build fresh, buy second hand or pick up a half started project?

Mechanically I am confident I can assemble and fit up myself, engine internals and welding would have to be outsourced. One problem I have is knowing which manufacturer is good, although I suspect most are pretty similar.

My thoughts are as follows:
Build pros: you know the history
you can "personalise"
you can attempt to keep costs down.
The build itself

Cons: price could creep
build time could blow out
Chasing parts (could be a pro)
Interest level/ability to finish
Engineering/registration

Buy Pros: one time payment
You see what you get
Costs could be cheaper if you shop around.
You can drive away immediately (or near enough)

Cons: may not quite get what you want (eg colour, engine type, manufacturer)
Don't know history
May need to travel
Didn't build it yourself

Partial project pros: may get a bargain

Cons: may get a dog

At this stage as much as I would love to build my own car, I am thinking buying one and perhaps going for a mid life rebuild. I think all up costs would be similar, but I get a toy from the start without hassles trying to get it rego'd. Of course, there may be some dodgy examples out there.

What are other people's thoughts? Guess I should join a club first to talk to people there.

Cheers
Tavas