I have a quandary. Ive 45M cash and a 23M T7. I can either buy a reasonable clipper or a slightly weak Python. I trade and do missions etc, not really a combat fiend. So should I buy one of either and which one or keep on plugging away to a T9?
Hi, I was in the same quandary a while ago, I would go with the Python because if you are mostly trading then the more cargo you can carry the quicker you can earn the credits. Even when they nerf the Python it is still going to be a great ship.
Regarding the T9 upgrade later down the track, I purchased one so I could do my credit grinding in it and have the Python as a fun ship using it for combat, exploring etc. But be warned, you will need an extra 20mil credits at a minimum on top to be able to upgrade it enough just to reach most other systems and have some extra cargo space. 30 or 40mil would be better so you can speed it up a bit as well and get the max cargo space. I personally didn't enjoy the ship because it was too slow even with the upgrades so I sold it and stuck with my Python until I had enough to get an Anaconda which I have just recently purchased.
I traded in the Python this time to buy the Conda and I'm loving it, I had an extra 25mil credits which has given me max cargo space (452T with A4 shields) and B6 FDS which gives me enough jump distance (14.95LY fully laden with a full tank) until I can afford the A6 FDS. I have attached my current loadout to give you an idea of what can be done with 25mil. I just reduced my cargo space to 432T and installed a A4 Fuel Scoop and an Advanced Discovery Scanner while I do some exploring, I have just over 7mil credits left after the losd out below to purchase stock and to cover insurance.
I wish I had just kept grinding away in my Python to get the Conda instead of going down the T9 road because I lost about 7mil when I sold it, but that's a choice you will have to make when you get to that point.
There was some good advice a few posts ago in this thread about selling and downgrading your upgrades before trading in your ship, that way you get the full cost back on the components and only lose the 10% on the hull and the cheaper components. I saved myself 2.6mil in credits when I traded in my Python, so it's worth doing it. Sell outright what you can and down grade as far as the game will let you with the components you can't sell outright, e.g. FSD, Thrusters etc. Good luck with your purchases.
I should mention that I purchased the Anaconda and the upgrades at Jameson Memorial with the 10% Alpha discount so if you aren't able to get the discount yet then add 10% for a safety margin to the amounts above.
I used the great load out program that a fellow CMDR created to produce the list below, here is the link just in case you missed it:
http://www.edshipyard.com
A very big thank you CMDR for producing this fantastic utility.
[Anaconda]
L: 2D/G Beam Laser
L: 2D/G Beam Laser
S: 1F/F Pulse Laser
S: 1F/F Pulse Laser
U: 0I Point Defence
U: 0I Point Defence
U: 0I Point Defence
U: 0I Chaff Launcher
U: 0I Heat Sink Launcher
BH: 1I Lightweight Alloy
RB: 7D Power Plant
TM: 7D Thrusters
FH: 6B Frame Shift Drive
EC: 5D Life Support
PC: 7D Power Distributor
SS: 8D Sensors
FS: 5C Fuel Tank (Capacity: 32)
7: 7E Cargo Rack (Capacity: 128)
6: 6E Cargo Rack (Capacity: 64)
6: 6E Cargo Rack (Capacity: 64)
6: 6E Cargo Rack (Capacity: 64)
5: 5E Cargo Rack (Capacity: 32)
5: 5E Cargo Rack (Capacity: 32)
5: 5E Cargo Rack (Capacity: 32)
4: 4A Shield Generator
4: 4A Fuel Scoop
4: 4E Cargo Rack (Capacity: 16)
2: 1C Advanced Discovery Scanner
