Help for a 1st time buyer

[Paul No Hair]

I guess you've been asked this many a time before, BUT...

Now seems a very good time to dip my toe into Cobra ownership, but I'm not too sure of what to go for.. Have seen a few adverts for vehicles (Hallmark Cars etc) is there a view regarding Pilgrim v/v Dax v/v Ram, or is it purely about the quality of the actual build?

Would describe myself as "useful" when it comes to driving swiftly but would rather have reliability than megga BHP.

As far as budget goes, (and taking a direct comparison from Hallmark Cars advert in this weeks Top Marques mag) is £16 - £20k reasonable?

Regret that my DIY skills aren't great (understatement)which brings me back to reliability...

It will be the usual "Sunday car" and used (i hope) to join a band of like minded petrol heads and putting a broad smile on my face.

:tu

[Neil O]

H Paul, welcome to the madhouse!
I went through the same issues as you, just over a year ago. I couldn't find anything suitable so ended up ordering a new build from Dave Brookes. I can safely say that I have no regrets at all, and would recomend you to do the same, however Dave is booked up till about November this year. This maybe too long to wait. Oh and I nearly forgot, he charges a bit over your budget of 16-20k.
Assuming you go down the dealer route, I hear Hallmark are expensive but good to their word. Check with Dave Brookes if you are looking at cars from Hallmark, it could be one of his.
A big tip for buying a pre-built car is to take a CRC Member who can help you look over the car. These guys really know their stuff and are always willing to help.
As for your engineering/mechanical skills, they will improve rapidly, as there is always something that needs doing (even on a new car).
Good luck with your search, and don't be afraid to ask questions here.
Cheers,
Neil.

[Neil O]

Paul, sorry forgot to mention, stick to the well known makes such as Dax,AK,GD etc. If you choose to sell later it will make a difference.
Cheers,
Neil

[simon]

Paul,

Welcome to the forum, you really should get along to your local meet and talk to as many people as you can, just remember, opinions are like ars**les....everybody has one. Distill down the opinions and form your own, talk to some owners, but don't forget there are some beautifully built and finished Fieros and Pilgrims (by their own admission the budget end of the market, but none the worse for that) and some awfully finished, GD's Dax's, Ram's and AK's.
Every car is individual.
good luck.

Simon:tu

[Rodders]

>, A big tip for buying a pre-built car is to take a CRC Member
>who can help you look over the car. >Cheers,
>
Neil.

But don't take Neil O you could end up buying a horse{-}

[Paul No Hair]

Rodders (and Simon + Neil)

Thanks for your thoughts, I guess an element of common sense must prevail - the term "fool and their money soon parted" comes to mind, I guess there is some poorly built kit out there - better not rush in and buy the 1st thing that look pretty !

Hope to be joining you in the not too distant future
Paul

[robert]

Dont forget the old one, all that glitters isn't gold!!!

Lots of brightwork doesn't make a nice car.

[Rodders]

>>Lots of brightwork doesn't make a nice car.
>
>
Does in my case Robert}(

[stevee8]

Welcome Paul,

As with buying any "normal" car you will get to know more about the market by looking at as many examples as possible. If you can wait till the kit car shows start in a few weeks there's usually loads in attendance, all sorts of makes in all sorts of specs and the chance to talk to owners.
Another option would be to look in at Sovereign Cars who are in Hampshire so relatively near you.
Obviously, in going to any specialist dealer you will pay a price premium but the better ones will present the cars in good state of repair and this may put your mind at ease.
One factor which I had to consider was legroom - not all Cobras will take a tall driver. If you are much above about 5ft 10in this may limit your choice.
A trawl on this CRC site will also reveal info. useful in your prospective purchase.
For the budget you have indicated, you should be able to get a good one.