Looking for tips on a purchase of a used Cobra
 

Hello, my name is Derek, and I live in western PA.
After much negotiating with the wife, she's allowed me to look for a used cobra.
Any tips? Any usual problems I should check for before purchase? Any help is greatly appreciated!

Budget? Use (street/track)? Expectations?

See some of Bill's (Mr.Mustang) posts on buying used. Good info.

The usual questions- how do you plan on using the car? Weekend cruiser? Track days and cruising? Drag racing?
What is the budget you're looking to stay under?

Also, you may want to search the forum for "buying a cobra". This has been discussed many times by guys just like you and there is a ton of information that may be valuable to you in those threads.

Bob

First, welcome to the madness.

The first question you need to ask yourself is "what is my budget"
After that you need to decide what your intended use will be, then post it here. At that time we can assist you in whittling down your enormous possibilities based on those wants and needs.

As far as useful tips on "how to buy a used Cobra", just click the link in my sig line below. :D



Bill S.

Appreciate the feedback. Sorry for not being more clear.
I already have set up a meet at a dealership to see one. I was wondering if there was anything I should look at in particular. Anything known to wear that would make the car not worth purchasing?

Also, it's just going to be a "weekend cruiser", with a possible yearly drag visit.
I did a search earlier, and didn't see the thread suggested by Mr. Mustang. I'll read it over now.
Thank you!

The same questions MrMustang poses still apply. After that, the the answer is "condition, condition, condition."

If you are in the mid range of budget I have a nice SPF with FE available.....

Don't know what your projected timeframe looks like, but if you are not in a big hurry, you could make plans to attend the London Cobra Show in June. About every brand of car is present there, in some form or another. A few might have For Sale signs on them. Further, the major manufacturers will be there, all looking to sell a few cars at the show. They might adjust the price to get the conversation started. Not far from where you live. Just a thought...

Not speaking about anyone here, but beware of slick sales people showing you a car with shiny paint and some chrome. Not all Cobra replicas are the same, nor are all cobra replica kits the same. if you are unsure what you are looking at, take someone along who know what they are looking at.

Who's make of kit are you going to see?


Bill S.

First of all, you are doing the right thing...

if I had known what I know now.. I would have bought a used one....

I would never by a kit car that was built by a individual with " parts " borrowed from used cars...they might be fine, but I wouldn't know if they are safe or dependabel....

I would by a quality factory built car with a MSO, with a clear and clean title and have it inspected to insure that the important bits (engine, transmission, chassis, electrical ect ) are perfect... in excellent shape....

The most important thing is to be honest about how you intend to use the car....

If you are interested in a small block Superformance that is in perfect shape and adult owned and driven...you might take a look at mine (SPF 2811) listed in here and at Full Throttle... Stephen and Luci did the install in Reno and know all about the car...

In any case, don't buy a problem...if it is cheap it is probably a problem.

Good luck...bart

The single biggest question I had before buying was "do I really, really want this thing?" It is not a car for the masses and until you actually spend some time behind the wheel, it's difficult to know for sure if it's money well spent.

Try to hook up with a local (or regional) Cobra club and get to know what these cars are all about. Under the skin, they are as different as night and day from one another, as different as a Yugo is from a Cadillac. I would also be hesitant with a dealer, as his interests are usually only "cash". Get with some Cobra guys and spend some time to learn about what you want.

One issue that reared its ugly head when I was shopping for my Cobra was documentation! I looked at a car in Youngstown (Ohio for you out-of-towners) that had passed through at least two owners after it was built and had lost any information on who the builder was, exactly what parts were used, even what fluids were occupying the various systems. The guy who had it barely knew it was a "Classic" kit. It was the proverbial "pig in a poke".

Fast forward to the car I did buy. I bought from the original owner. I got the kit manufacturer's build manual, a binder full of installation instructions and information sheets that had come with various parts, drawings of parts the builder had personally designed and fabricated, and a book of receipts that covered about 95% of the parts on the car. I have a list of the fluids in the car when I got it, as well as recommended alternatives. I also have names and phone numbers of real people at the companies that built the engine, modified the carburetor, etc.

Knock on wood, I've only had minor issues with the car in the four years I've owned it, but it's comforting to know that the information is right there if I need it.

On a vaguely related note, if your location in Western PA is reasonably close, you might consider dropping by the Monday night Riverfront Cruise in Cuyahoga Falls. (That's also Ohio, in fact it's probably the only one...) :D I'm generally there along with two or three other Cobras on a good night. If you check their website, (for Import/Two Seat Sports Car Night), my car is orange and white...and black......and silver. You can't miss it!

Make sure the doors shut with a click...indicates a tight and straight frame and body. Do a compression test on the engine. Make sure it fits into your budget. That's all I did. Ended up with a car that I've had more fun in than you can imagine.
RP

Find one with a warranty!

Warranty are all but useless with cobras unless the builder is within 30 miles.

Check for any detail PA requirements regarding inspection, registration and emissions that apply specifically to kit cars that are in addition to the standard requirements. Such items as any differences for in state and out of state purchases, individual Bill of Sales for major components, emissions based upon proof of engine year or ( ? ), DOT regulations on lights, glass etc., temp plates are issued or vehicle must be trailered to DMV/Emissions, side pipe restrictions regarding db level and heat shields, etc., etc

There will be advertisements that legitimately mention year registered and title are period correct, but for a kit car in PA is there other criteria for a new owner
, such as year registered becomes the model year.

Besides Florida, PA is the easiest state to retitle a kit cobra in. Unless of course it was not legally titled before that. Short of a less than 7 digit VIN, PA should take the title at face value. Just do not try to register it with collector or historic tags and you'll be fine...........



Bill S.

Many new folks fall in love with the car and want one NOW and make regretful decisions. As others have stated, take your time and learn about these cars first. Attend Cobra car shows and get to know local Cobra owners through their local clubs. Don't be afraid to ask questions and just take it all in. I have yet to meet anyone with one of these cars that won't help, in person or on this site. Something of a "Brotherhood". These cars are different from anything else. You can line up 100 of them and every one will be different. Take a breath and do your homework. You will be glad you did.;)

Forget It...
 

The OP posted three times on one day in January and hasn't been back since. He obviously came to his senses and shelved the idea.:cool: