Snake advice! Because I am confused.com

[TimmyP]

Hi all...

I am after current advice/thinking on buying a used cobra replica.

I have had a read of advice from a few forums, and while I think I am building up an idea of a few points (GD potentially better handling/technically, Dax a bit more bling, AK blend of both, pilgrim more budget). I am sure I will stir emotions with that summary - bit it is my perception from what I have read and researched so far. Views!?

From this I am focusing in on AK, maybe Dax due mainly to looks. Spec etc obviously is very wide and personal preference, but what I cannot get my head round is how to buy a car...

I am not tech minded. I am not a tinker. I want to enjoy the car and use it Vs just polish it (1500-3000 miles a year).

How do I choose? Even looking at sovereign cars, total headturner's, auto trader, PH etc it seems such a wide choice and (from face value), inconsistent pricing trying to account for reputable builders, mileage, registration etc.

Any credible - and I mean ANY - advice is warmly received from a total novice of this, but someone who passionately wants to burn some oil through a V8 before the world turns electric!!

Thanks in advance.

[Steve_D]

If you have no mech skills and do not intend to take this up then your best bet is to find a company/garage local to you who will maintain it for you. Then get them to inspect your proposed purchase.
A 'dog' of a car would make work for them but believe me they will be keen to find you something in good order as working on a 'pile of poo' is not what you want when you go to work on a Monday morning.

Unfortunately unless the garage are a kitcar specialist this will not help resolve the disparity on pricing.

Steve

[Equus]

TimmyP said:

Even looking at sovereign cars, total headturner's... it seems such a wide choice and (from face value), inconsistent pricing...

You will certainly find a large disparity in pricing between these two dealers and cars privately on sale, like-for-like on quality and specification. Their prices are, to put it politely, speculative.

Have you asked the same question on the Cobra forums? There will be much more relevant expertise, there, and people will know the marques and possibly even the specific cars on sale, much better. If you are focusing on AK and DAX, you might find individuals who know these marques who are willing to accompany you to view them, if you cover their expenses and bung them a few beer tokens.

I'm no expert either, but possibly one thing to bear in mind is that DAX literally isn't the company it used to be - the brand has been bought out by someone new, so make sure that they are stable, competent and committed to long-term production if you want to have continued access to factory spares and expertise.

[TimmyP]

Steve_D said:

If you have no mech skills and do not intend to take this up then your best bet is to find a company/garage local to you who will maintain it for you. Then get them to inspect your proposed purchase.
A 'dog' of a car would make work for them but believe me they will be keen to find you something in good order as working on a 'pile of poo' is not what you want when you go to work on a Monday morning.

Unfortunately unless the garage are a kitcar specialist this will not help resolve the disparity on pricing.

Steve

Thanks Steve. Yes I certainly intend to do this all through specialist garages, I know it will cost more, but make ownership more enjoyable!

[TimmyP]

Equus said:

You will certainly find a large disparity in pricing between these two dealers and cars privately on sale, like-for-like on quality and specification. Their prices are, to put it politely, speculative.

Have you asked the same question on the Cobra forums? There will be much more relevant expertise, there, and people will know the marques and possibly even the specific cars on sale, much better. If you are focusing on AK and DAX, you might find individuals who know these marques who are willing to accompany you to view them, if you cover their expenses and bung them a few beer tokens.

I'm no expert either, but possibly one thing to bear in mind is that DAX literally isn't the company it used to be - the brand has been bought out by someone new, so make sure that they are stable, competent and committed to long-term production if you want to have continued access to factory spares and expertise.

Thanks for this, I hadn't spotted that point on Dax - good shout! Also interesting to see you seem to have similar views on pricing.
I have posted on the cobra club and found responses slow, also tried going to my local meet and no one showed, but I am keeping on at that as I have the feeling the 'truth' will be somewhere in the views/experiences of a range of experienced owners!

[Happy Jim]

Whereabouts are you?

It’s worth speaking with the manufacturers directly, they often know of customers ready to sell (but not advertised), GD will always have a couple of cars for sale as well (used)...or just build you one if you are prepared to wait ;-)

Rgds

Jim

[gnc]

iive recently bought an AK, not the easist to get in , dont know how any one over 5 ft gets in with a roof on, remember its a kit car . i think my car wasnt built to badly but the electrics under the dash are something else.i think you really need to be able to tinker if buying a kit car. one way to learn though.
geof

[Happy Jim]

TimmyP,

I’ve just changed your status on Cobra Club to registered - ask away ;-)

Jim