Thinking of buying another car

[Suppa Hobbit Mage]

and I'm really leaning towards a replica 1965 shelby cobra. I don't know diddly about kit car/replica's though, and was wondering what the down side is?

I know insurance typically runs higher (well I was told). Anything else?

http://www.themiamigarage.com/detail.aspx?iid=994800&anchor=/1965/Shelby/Cobra/Backdraft-Racing/

That's the car I'm talking to the dealer about.

[Jack]

If you just want something that looks cool in your garage, that car's the way to go. If you want something you're going to drive around, look somewhere else. The motor is a damned good one, if you're racing, but it's not really a daily driver type. More of a show car, with the occasional weekend drive.

[AestheticDeath]

I would like a real shelby cobra, but that thing? hell i have never even seen a hard top on a cobra... looked fucked up.

beyond that i think i could personally be more happy spending 60 grand on a new car, vette, or spend some more and get a viper!

Go used, buy two! hell when I was day dreamin about cars a few months ago.. I thought about selling mine, and getting one of the old Vipers, there was one a 1992, with like 5-10k miles on it. Was used totally as a show car.. think it was 35-40k

Obviously there is a huge difference in brands and styling and personal taste. As well as price.

You already mentioned insurance... and you should keep that in the forefront, dont sign a thing until you know ALL the costs associated with the car. I am not sure if you have owned a sports car before, or if you do now. But some of them can get damned expensive with the upkeep. Vipers are one of the costliest things to insure atm. I doubt a cobra would be too far behind. I own a older vette(bout a $100 per month for insurance @ 25 yrs old), and the parts for these things can get outrageous compared to some of the other vehicles Ive owned, like a GMC truck. Gas mileage on a vette is pretty good, especially for a sports car. I get anywhere from 25-35 miles per gallon, when I drive responsibly... Normally get 20. :P

Try a 'real' sports car, with even a halfway suped up engine, and your looking at 8-12 mpg. premium gas extra 20 cents per gallon adds up. Check the tire size.. look up how much they cost. Just on my vette, its $1200 for a set. My trucks tires only cost me like $800, and they were the big beefy type - around 35 inch(the truck was lifted etc..), a normal car you could get tires for 300-500 a set. If you wind up driving it like a sports car... which its hard not to(for me at least), you will wind up going through tires 2x as fast. Speeding tickets, if you get caught..(I've only gotten one, somehow...) And seals or weatherstripping, if you leave it out in the sun rather than garage. That stuff gets expensive. Couple grand to buy it, grand or so to have it installed.. hopefully it doesnt leak. Big difference between coupes and convertibles.

Yeah so uh... tell us more about your car buying habits. What do you currently own, and why? What have you owned in the past? You looking to spend a certain amount? Going into debt over the thing? Or saved up the cash? Why are you looking at a replica cobra rather than another sports car? Also, you said 'another", that mean your keeping your current one?

[Warriorbird]

I'd go for the new Challenger or the new Nissan GT-R when they come out.

[Daniel]

Way to ruin the environment and fuck over the rest of the world, Asshole.

[Buckwheet]

I was thinking unless you really like that body style, if you are going to buy something get the real thing.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1969-Mustang-Mach-1-Pro-street_W0QQitemZ330006421368QQihZ014QQcategoryZ623 6QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Me personally, I would pickup a 911 for the cash you are spending, and take the left over cash and get a not as nice 500+HP Mustang like a mostly refinished 68-69 to light the tires. However I am waiting for the Aston Martin DB9s to start coming down a bit in a year or 3 and pick one of those up.

[Warriorbird]

Way to ruin the environment and fuck over the rest of the world, Asshole.

If you don't love muscle cars you clearly hate America.

[Tsa`ah]

I actually looked into kits/replicas some years back when I first got into automotive "projects".

The donor aspect most of the offerings soured me to most of the industry. There are reputable companies out there that make damned good replicas. It's something you'll want to research.

Reputable companies build their own frames, bodies, etc. They'll use quality vendors for the parts that aren't feasable to build themselves (engines, braking systems ... etc).

Kit cars, and companies that offer turn key kits use donor vehicles for parts. Generally it's the frames and suspensions of vehicles you wouldn't consider buying today. Such as the mustang II, Fieros, and VW Beetles.

A kit car is the way to go if:

~You don't plan on selling it.
~You don't care about performance.
~You don't mind getting laughed at by enthusiasts who can tell.
~You don't mind the complete lack of safety in the case of a cobra kit (mustang 2 with a shiny plastic body) where someone has decided to use a beefy V8 as the plant.

My advice would be to find a reputable replica maker, look into a company that rebuilds abused and neglected classics, or shop Shelby. Don't bother with a kit car.

[Gan]

My take is somewhat different that Tsa'ah's.

I've always been a fan of the Shelby Cobra. I can think of only a few things cooler than cruising around on sunny Saturday in a open top Cobra. And the fact that I would drive it around, in a populated area, on public streets would certainly dictate that it NOT be an original Cobra. Anyone who would do that with an original Cobra either does not understand the concept of a classic car investment or has way too much money compared to common sense.

For the average joe car enthusiast, a kit car is the most sensible way to go. An internet search for cobra kit car builders pulls up lots of builders who have standard packages that average from the high 30's to 50's depending on what you want in it.

There are even some that will let you dictate what kind of frame, frontend, drivetrain, etc. that is to be installed. Some use donor cars (I've attached a link where one guy has a running log of expenses and used a 91 mustang donor for frame/front end (http://home.comcast.net/~289fia_cobra/cost-to-date.htm)) while others will either use a square tube (ladder) style frame construction and or other types to your preference.

For me, I would want a custom frame with a mustang front end and drive train. Specifically I'd go with a small block V8 for power to weight and so not to make the front of the car unwieldy for street driving.

I dont expect the Cobra to outperform someone on a road course, but I would expect it to get me from point A to point B quite fast, boil the tires down when standing on the throttle, and have a decent pucker factor when you launch from a standing stop or rolling start.

All in all, you'll have more folks look in admiration at a well done kit than you will have people laugh at you for not having the real thing. In fact, I'm the guy who would laugh at you for having the real thing out on the street considering the value of an original factory Cobra.

Just make sure you're educated as to all the options that are available, look up different builders and have one built rather than buying one already done, so you dont buy someone elses problem. You'll be out pretty much the same expense initally, and even better off in the long run. Also look the cobra replicar blogs that are out there. Read what others have gone through so you dont reinvent the wheel when purchasing your product.

Also make sure you design/build your kit car to your expectations. And make sure your expectations are realistic. You're buying/building a cruiser, not a rally road course performer, not a pro-comp strip racer, not an economy gas saving car, just a crusing muscle car with some meat under the hood and on the pavement.

All in all, I will eventually enjoy a kit car Cobra on sunny days, but thats after I accomplish a few other goals first. If you do decide to get a kit car, good luck and enjoy!

Another interesting link site:
http://www.ffcobra.com/links.html

[Czeska]

I think you should just buy the Dodge Ram we're selling and get it the hell out of my driveway :)

[Axhinde]

I think you should just buy the Dodge Ram we're selling and get it the hell out of my driveway :)

Only if it has the 500hp Viper V10 in it.

[Suppa Hobbit Mage]

Thanks for the advice everyone :) As usual, the PC come through ;)

[Gan]

So what did you decide to do?

[Suppa Hobbit Mage]

I'm going to wait... I've got the "buy a new car" bug bad right now and I just need to find the right car for me. I test drove a 350z roadster (like 4 times ;x), audi tt, mustang gt convertible and the boxster, and I loved the 350z roadster. They just can't find the options/colors I want in the entire US. So, probably will wait a few months for the 2007's to come out.

[Stanley Burrell]

Mustangs haven't been worth purchasing since the 60s.

Don't be that guy (unless it's a 60's Stang, yo.)

[Warriorbird]

If you liked the 350 Z...look at what the GT-R (New Skyline) is going to be like. Seriously.

http://www.autoblog.com/2005/10/19/nissan-unveils-gt-r-proto/

[Suppa Hobbit Mage]

Skyline is the same engine and I think the same frame as the Solstice -- I really want something more than a 4 cylinder (which is why I really like the engine sound of the Mustang GT). The 350z is only a 6 cylinder, but it sounds a little better than the solstice.

I have to admit though, I do like the solstice looks. I don't know, I just know that I want a convertible!

[AestheticDeath]

Honestly a mustang, with an aftermarket exhaust is one of the best sounding cars I have ever heard. I just don't care too much for the newer mustang designs. I would have to do a whole body kit thing, and make it look menacing before i would be happy with a mustang.

And... if you are going for a sports car, you cant settle for less than a 8 cylinder, unless you got some extra umph.. turbos or super charger. As far as a mass production car I mean. There are some really decent 4 and 6 cylinder cars, I have seen people make.

Try shopping on ebay, and look at all the custom cars people have built, you wind up being able to buy a car someone put 60-100 grand into, for like 30-50k, sometimes less.

[Jack]

If you're looking at new cars, there's two you really should drive before before deciding on the 350z. The Lexus IS350, and the Lexus GS450h.

The GS is a bit expensive, 55-60k, but the technology involved, and the performance you get from it is just amazing. It uses the same V-6 as the IS350, plus two electric motors and a continuously variable automatic transmission. The biggest advantage is the electric motors, there's no torque curve with them, the power is there no matter how fast they're spinning, so if you stomp on the gas it'll always push you back in your seat. Take a look here for more information: http://www.lexus.com/2007gsh_preview/index.html

The IS350 is smaller, and a bit lighter, and with 309 horsepower, it's a fun little car. It handles amazingly well, and uses a 3.5 liter V-6 with direct cylinder injection. If I could figure out a way to justify it, I'd trade my 04 IS300 in for one myself. To see what it looks like, look Here: http://www.lexus.com/models/is/gallery_exterior_photos.html

[Drew]

If you do get it be prepared for every car guy you come across to ask you if it's real.

I know a couple guys with corba replicas and they get asked that at least once every time they take it out.

[Stanley Burrell]

Please do not buy a Lexus that runs on electricity.

[Sean of the Thread]

New Challenger all the way. The rest of your choices were garbage.

[Jack]

Please do not buy a Lexus that runs on electricity.

Please don't run your mouth about things you don't understand.

[Warriorbird]

"Skyline is the same engine and I think the same frame as the Solstice -- I really want something more than a 4 cylinder (which is why I really like the engine sound of the Mustang GT). The 350z is only a 6 cylinder, but it sounds a little better than the solstice."

No. 450 HP V6 on the Nissan GT-R (once Skyline).

[Stanley Burrell]

Please don't run your mouth about things you don't understand.

???

I told him not to get a Lexus that runs on electricity, because doing such would bring great shame to the hydrocarbon compounds. Bill seems apt to use body kits to remake some red-blooded American classics, so I didn't think he needed your pussy, unpatriotic advice on suping up a Lex' with Duracells, fucker.

Also, I have to honestly say that the way in which Ford recalled unfathomable assloads of its first edition hybrids still creeps me out to this day when considering the puchasing of a 9-volt operated car, especially of a completely seperate manufacture.

Also-also, eat my cock? Much? STFU, Jack off :D

[Doughboy]

"Skyline is the same engine and I think the same frame as the Solstice -- I really want something more than a 4 cylinder (which is why I really like the engine sound of the Mustang GT). The 350z is only a 6 cylinder, but it sounds a little better than the solstice."

No. 450 HP V6 on the Nissan GT-R (once Skyline).


Dont forget to mention thats it's not a real Skyline engine anymore which makes me want to punch a kitten. So much for getting parts very easily in the US now. :(

[Celephais]

New Challenger all the way. The rest of your choices were garbage.

4dr muscle car FTL. The Challenger and the GTO messed up on the re-birth of the musclecar. The Camero comeback will hopefully add a little diversity to the currently dominated market.

[El Burro]

the Challenger (not currently released) and the GTO are not four doors.

The new Charger is a four door and I have one... a TorRed one... and it kicks ass... the kids love it for it's throaty growl and it's excellent throw you back in the seat acceleration...

[Celephais]

gah, I'm sorry, I was refering to the charger, read his post too quick and they just went on autopilot. I knew the GTO was not 4 door, it just sucked in the styling department, they were trying for a luxury car instead of a musclecar.

The 4dr charger is just not my cup of tea, glad you're liking it though.

[Sean of the Thread]

The new Challenger is the sexiest car ever but I may be slightly biased since I'm a mopar freak. It's been green lighted as well just not sure for what model year 07-09.

http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/01/07/detroit-2006-dodge-challenger-concept-unveiled/

http://images.leftlanenews.com/content/dodge_challenger_concept_2006_2007_2008_1.jpg

[Celephais]

Okay... that is pretty fucking sexy

[Gan]

that is pretty shexhy

interior is nice, instrument cluster looks hot, engine is rawr!,

<All glass is set flush with the body without moldings, another touch the original designers could only wish for. The car also has no B-pillar.>

That is way cool.

<The hood reprises the original Challenger "performance hood" and its twin diagonal scoops, now with functional butterfly-valve intakes.>j

Also cool.

And for the NERDZ!!!!
<These [guages] are flanked outboard by a larger circular "gauge" that is actually a computer, allowing the driver to determine top overall speed, quarter-mile time and speed, and top speed for each of the gears.>

The only thing I dont like is the raised center console. I need/like room for my long legs!

[Tsa`ah]

4dr muscle car FTL. The Challenger and the GTO messed up on the re-birth of the musclecar. The Camero comeback will hopefully add a little diversity to the currently dominated market.

Well no they didn't. The GTO was a huge success in foreign markets. Of course we're talking several years ago as a Lumina SS ... also available in a look similar to the popular Dodge Magnum. Small market, big demand. When GM first introduced the next generation of cars in the late 80s (the W body) It was a two door Lumina with a traverse 350 and AWD ... that never made it to production. Why drive up production costs when you can use existing drive train designs? So the W bodies got quad 4s, 2.8/3.1 ... and 3.5 DOHCs. Eventually the 3800s hit the scene, but the overseas models got the V8s.

The US market is fickle. Cheapest gas prices in the world and a desire for power. Throw in the huge market and domestic manufacturers just can't get a pulse on the market ... thus over estimating the demand ... but we'll sell the hell out of huge heavy sleds and equally huge engines that perform like a turds on asphalt.

Also consider the DMC aspect of importing a "beefier" concept ... emission laws easily cut 10-30% of the HP. When De Lorian introduced the DMC-12 to the US market, it was a poor performer due to emissions standards. The models sold in Europe scored 170hp, while the US offering had a whimpier 130hp. It looked sweet for the era, but it didn't perform nearly as well as it's exotic look suggested.

[Celephais]

I was refering to the recent GTO release... granted it was 400hp, but styling is where it failed. And the magnum is a station wagon.

[Sean of the Thread]

..... Cheapest gas prices in the world . ....


hahahahhaahhaha

errr?

wait..

HAHAHAHAH

[Celephais]

hahahahhaahhaha

errr?

wait..

HAHAHAHAH

Heh... doesn't iraq hold that crown right now (cheapest gas prices), subsidized down to a few cents a gallon.

I am not going to pretend I know a whole lot about the market, all I know is the new GTO could have been so much more, and the magnum is a station wagon... it's like those people who have PT Cruiser GTs... uggh. (and that the charger would have been a lot sweeter 2dr. ... the challenger and the concept camaro pics I've seen look pretty sweet though)

[Drew]

I was refering to the recent GTO release... granted it was 400hp, but styling is where it failed. And the magnum is a station wagon.



Haha, whenever I pull up to a new GTO and I'm feeling mischeivous I like to compliement the GTO driver on how sweet his Cavalier looks. Then feign complete ignorance when they tell me it's a GTO.

[Sean of the Thread]

Honestly I'd have to look it up but pretty damned sure Venezuela has the cheapest gas prices and Chavez prolly has more desire for power than most.. the power of a 70 HEMI Cuda perhaps.

[Sean]

I was refering to the recent GTO release... granted it was 400hp, but styling is where it failed. And the magnum is a station wagon.

I actually liked the styling of the new GTO's.. but isn't this the last production year for it anyway?

[Celephais]

I actually liked the styling of the new GTO's.. but isn't this the last production year for it anyway?

I have heard that they're going to shelve it for a couple years for a more agressive redesign

[Sean of the Thread]

Not complete list by any means but just grabbed this from CNN/Money. List is USD/GALLON. Venezuela coming in at a whopping .12 cents.

Netherlands Amsterdam $6.48
Norway Oslo $6.27
Italy Milan $5.96
Denmark Copenhagen $5.93
Belgium Brussels $5.91
Sweden Stockholm $5.80
United Kingdom London $5.79
Germany Frankfurt $5.57
France Paris $5.54
Portugal Lisbon $5.35
Hungary Budapest $4.94
Luxembourg $4.82
Croatia Zagreb $4.81
Ireland Dublin $4.78
Switzerland Geneva $4.74
Spain Madrid $4.55
Japan Tokyo $4.24
Czech Republic Prague $4.19
Romania Bucharest $4.09
Andorra $4.08
Estonia Tallinn $3.62
Bulgaria Sofia $3.52
Brazil Brasilia $3.12
Cuba Havana $3.03
Taiwan Taipei $2.84
Lebanon Beirut $2.63
South Africa Johannesburg $2.62
Nicaragua Managua $2.61
Panama Panama City $2.19
Russia Moscow $2.10
Puerto Rico San Juan $1.74
Saudi Arabia Riyadh $0.91
Kuwait Kuwait City $0.78
Egypt Cairo $0.65
Nigeria Lagos $0.38
Venezuela Caracas $0.12

[Celephais]

Found an article dated June 6th 2004... where it was 5 cents a gallon in iraq http://www.commondreams.org/headlines04/0606-04.htm

can't find anything current in a 4 second google search

[Sean of the Thread]

I have heard that they're going to shelve it for a couple years for a more agressive redesign
In other words they can't compete with MOPAR.

[Sean]

I'm not argueing against the gas prices in venezula being cheaper or the middle eastern countries.. but i'd be curious what the raw price per gallon in the european countries is given that like 60% of that price/gallon is tax.

[Sean of the Thread]

Found an article dated June 6th 2004... where it was 5 cents a gallon in iraq http://www.commondreams.org/headlines04/0606-04.htm

can't find anything current in a 4 second google search

The list I dug up on CNN was from March 05. I might get more interested and try to find an updated list.

[Sean of the Thread]

I'm not argueing against the gas prices in venezula being cheaper or the middle eastern countries.. but i'd be curious what the raw price per gallon in the european countries is given that like 60% of that price/gallon is tax.


Average gas tax in the US was at .42 cents as of 2002 and .48 cents in 2006 after further review.

[Sean]

I ended up looking it up myself but what I originally meant more along the lines of i wonder how other countries (mainly european) compare when it comes to the actual price per gallon given how they tax their gas:

http://www.urban.org/PublicationImages/1000845/1000845.jpg

[Sean of the Thread]

Ahhh the chart I was looking at had the the excise and sales/vat combined.

So the basic price per gallon is pretty average across the board before taxes. I think in europe their gas taxes are the main way to fund maintence etc on the infrastructure unlike here in the US right?

[Jack]

???

I told him not to get a Lexus that runs on electricity, because doing such would bring great shame to the hydrocarbon compounds. Bill seems apt to use body kits to remake some red-blooded American classics, so I didn't think he needed your pussy, unpatriotic advice on suping up a Lex' with Duracells, fucker.

Also, I have to honestly say that the way in which Ford recalled unfathomable assloads of its first edition hybrids still creeps me out to this day when considering the puchasing of a 9-volt operated car, especially of a completely seperate manufacture.

Also-also, eat my cock? Much? STFU, Jack off :D

Once again I'm going to have to say don't run your mouth about things you don't understand. Your ignorance of the way hybrid vehicles work is apparent throughout your entire post. The Lexus Hybrids use a gasoline engine assisted by 2 electric motors, the V-6 used in the GS450h has more horsepower than the current Ford Mustang, the addition of the two electric motors (Which run on 300+ volts, not 9 volts) puts it well above it.

How many recalls have been made on either the Lexus RX400h, or GS450h? Oh yeah, none. Maybe you should go back to sucking dick for drug money, at least you were good at that.

[Androidpk]

I agree with the suggestion on getting the challenger when it comes out. That's what i'm planning on.