Why are so many Goblins for sale?

[mike_sno]

Hi Forum,

I am looking for a kit car and I really like the support of the community here. Makes a big plus for the Goblin.

What I am wondering, it feels like there are quite some Goblins for sale and I wonder why. Looking at other kit cars it‘s almost impossible to find them used. Is that a misconception or what is the reason for it?

Mike

 

[Rauq]

I don't pay super close attention, but I feel like when I've looked at Goblins for sale for friends, maybe half of them are being sold by folks that aren't builders. When they come up for sale again, it makes it look like there's a lot more of them changing hands.

I think they also follow the seasonality of convertible sales- nobody wants to buy one going into the non-driving season, so fewer folks put them up for sale.

I think the last part is that there are folks that are maybe not completely honest with themselves about what they're getting into. Who doesn't want a better open-air experience than a convertible, faster in a straight line than 90% of cars on the road in a straight line and 95% in the turns, that's cheap to run and drive? But then again, you have to deal with no storage, getting pebbles in the car, having to watch weather forecasts, a less-than-graceful entry and exit, and endless attention. I could see it getting old for some people.

If mine vanished, I'd build another one, and do it almost the exact same way. I haven't been able to realistically foresee something that would lead me to sell.

 

[Gtstorey]

I think there may be some built during covid as a project to be done while home without thinking a lot about driving it. And for some the joy is more in building than driving anyway and they need to fund their next project. About the only way I would sell mine would be to build something else, like maybe a Bruton Stalker.

 

[escapepilot]

I built mine for two reasons:
1. For the experience of building. I have been wanting another project for years and was considering others but the Goblin made the most sense at the time.
2. To have a project for me and my then 7 yr old to build and enjoy cruise ins, cars n coffee, shows, etc.

Selling because he thinks it is too loud and won't get in it. I made a huge mistake by allowing him to be in the garage during first start so loud exhaust inside made it a negative experience. Moving on to a new project that he is actually enjoying.

If not for starting another project, I would definitely be keeping it longer. It is fun to drive and gets attention everywhere.

 

[mike_sno]

Oh that good to know! I was also planning using it with my kids. Currently I have a Harley which needs to go. To unsafe driving alone and even worse with kids.

 

[escapepilot]

Oh that good to know! I was also planning using it with my kids. Currently I have a Harley which needs to go. To unsafe driving alone and even worse with kids.

I would classify it as comparable to a typical Harley. My son has never liked loud noises.

 

[Gtstorey]

3M Digital WorkTunes Hearing Protector with AM/FM Radio/MP3 — NRR 24dB, Model# 90541-80025V | Northern Tool

 

[JBINTX]

Oh that good to know! I was also planning using it with my kids. Currently I have a Harley which needs to go. To unsafe driving alone and even worse with kids.

You just answered your own question.
Someone somewhere else will be asking "why are there so many Harley's for sale?"....

Besides the comments above, many find they love the build process better than the final product enjoyment. So, they move on to the "next project". The DF video series and this forum support make for a great and easy project.

 

[mike_sno]

I think that right! Many of my projects the way was the target. I enjoyed building them, but never used them as much as I thought. Most of them I still own. To much money and effort went in it and I would not nearly get as much for it as I paid for.

However, my questions was more based on: Is the experience with the final car not as good as expected. And I think I got an answer for that as well. I compare the DF to other kit cars where you don't see nearly as much for sale. I think this is just because there are not as many build or the loss would be even larger. As you said and what I experience in the few days I am looking into an DF: The community and support is amazing. I believe that plays a large role on the amout of kits sold from DF.

I am looking forward to owning one! If I can avoid the build process and just do some modification to an existing one, great. If I need to build one from scratch good as well.

 

[TravMac]

Another thing to keep in mind is you'll always understand the car better if you build yourself. There's certainly a lot of "custom" paths that are taken which makes each goblin unique. That has been a pain for some folks who buy a car, run into a problem, and run into some headache solving it.

However, back to the great community, most of us are pretty eager and willing to help fix issues that pop up regardless if you buy or build. Having the forum is also nice if the original builder kept any sort of log. That can go a long way if you find a used one from here and want to see what it has been through.

 

[ah.b.normal]

The awful truth of any project is that often only after completion; only Then can you discover what you would do differently! The only way you were going to find this truth is the trip you took! I've had many cars I'd thought I would love and only after actually owing one could I tell what I wanted different! Case in point: turbo Subarus are not my gig. I could only Love the 'Burb while towing. My current "old horse"/truck is a single cab, 6' bed, 2 seats w/console and a V8! My main complaint as a parent is that many of my prior vehicles "had too many seats" and that means everybody goes with me. (Sometimes I'd just rather be alone!) Then again, I also drive a 40' Motorhome towing a 2door Wrangler too. Fortune Cookie say: "Travelling is sometimes more satisfying than the destination."

 

[ah.b.normal]

I think that right! Many of my projects the way was the target. I enjoyed building them, but never used them as much as I thought. Most of them I still own. To much money and effort went in it and I would not nearly get as much for it as I paid for.

However, my questions was more based on: Is the experience with the final car not as good as expected. And I think I got an answer for that as well. I compare the DF to other kit cars where you don't see nearly as much for sale. I think this is just because there are not as many build or the loss would be even larger. As you said and what I experience in the few days I am looking into an DF: The community and support is amazing. I believe that plays a large role on the amout of kits sold from DF.

I am looking forward to owning one! If I can avoid the build process and just do some modification to an existing one, great. If I need to build one from scratch good as well.

I happen to think you are in a great position as there are no bad picks and tons of options! Buy/Mod VS Build it yourself? Make you happy, the rest will follow.