[wilf]

Chris - welcome to the band of snake-bit boys (and girls very occasionally).
I am afraid you will have to trek down to Stoneleigh - if you can manage both days, so much the better.
There are always Cobra's for sale there, and also you can get a good "feel" for the differing makes, and what to look for when examining a potential purchase.

Hallmark will always have good cars in stock, but I have to admit I am a little startled at their asking prices, still warranties do cost I suppose.

You have a sensible budget which should get you a very tidy Pilgrim, maybe a MKIII, Dax, or maybe an AK. There are some kits I personally would steer clear of, but I am not going to make a public statement of which I think they are. You are welcome to my biased opinions off forum - email me if you want.
I could also recommend you join the club, as there is always a selection of cars for sale in the mag.
Golden rule - never buy the first one you see, there's always another, and it might be better. If it isn't then you can go back to the first one again!!

You are a sensible man for realising that building yourself may be not your best choice - it is not for everyone, and few of us ever recoup our total parts costs, let alone any labour figured in, if/when we sell our self-built cars.
Unless your name is pro-builder Dave that is!!!

Wilf