Atom as a '' Daily Driver ''
Discussion
Hello Ariel Atom owners and enthusiasts
This is my first posting on this sub-forum
I'm considering an Atom as a daily driver (in place of my very long-standing Mk 1 MX5 )
, and would appreciate any considered advice .
I need to use the car 2 days a week to get to work , but this will include leaving home at 6.45 am in the depths of winter (NB : I live on the South Coast , but have seen some snow most years )
My wife has a ''sensible car'' , which I will have access to .
I have / have had a couple of light weight cars , and quite honestly would love to run an Atom , despite it obviously not being the sensible option .
However if others have done this previously , and tell me it is completely mad , then I would think again .
Any advice on the following points would be gratefully received :
-insurance
-Atom 2 vs 3 (purchase price is a serious consideration , and while I don't want to pick up a pack of trouble just because it is cheap , I need to keep the purchase price down )
-clothing / waterproof bags for the notes I have to take to and from work
-servicing
-reliability issues ...….esp between the Atom 2 and 3
-security /immobiliser
-waterproof outdoor cover
- anything else that I might have missed out that you think might be relevant
Thank you
Carspath
This is my first posting on this sub-forum
I'm considering an Atom as a daily driver (in place of my very long-standing Mk 1 MX5 )
, and would appreciate any considered advice .
I need to use the car 2 days a week to get to work , but this will include leaving home at 6.45 am in the depths of winter (NB : I live on the South Coast , but have seen some snow most years )
My wife has a ''sensible car'' , which I will have access to .
I have / have had a couple of light weight cars , and quite honestly would love to run an Atom , despite it obviously not being the sensible option .
However if others have done this previously , and tell me it is completely mad , then I would think again .
Any advice on the following points would be gratefully received :
-insurance
-Atom 2 vs 3 (purchase price is a serious consideration , and while I don't want to pick up a pack of trouble just because it is cheap , I need to keep the purchase price down )
-clothing / waterproof bags for the notes I have to take to and from work
-servicing
-reliability issues ...….esp between the Atom 2 and 3
-security /immobiliser
-waterproof outdoor cover
- anything else that I might have missed out that you think might be relevant
Thank you
Carspath
I've used mine on long runs in winter, just put some skiwear on over a few layers and it's ok.
If you search through the archives of the Atom club forum you'll find that a canoe bag company has made a set of bags for the car that will keep your paperwork dry.
Insurance, there's a few companies that will insure, typically £3-400 a year on a 3000 mile limit, more miles mean more £££
Servicing, £175 every year, or every 6000 miles if you drive a lot at Derby Honda. The nearest Honda dealer to me wanted £275. Sometimes I'll take it back to the factory, which costs more, but I only do that if I need something else doing as it's too long a drive.
I changed brake pads all round a couple of years ago, took 50 minutes, pads were about £150 from the factory.
Immobilizer, yes it has one.
I'd recommend a visit to the owners club forum for more response,
https://ariel.club/forum/
If you search through the archives of the Atom club forum you'll find that a canoe bag company has made a set of bags for the car that will keep your paperwork dry.
Insurance, there's a few companies that will insure, typically £3-400 a year on a 3000 mile limit, more miles mean more £££
Servicing, £175 every year, or every 6000 miles if you drive a lot at Derby Honda. The nearest Honda dealer to me wanted £275. Sometimes I'll take it back to the factory, which costs more, but I only do that if I need something else doing as it's too long a drive.
I changed brake pads all round a couple of years ago, took 50 minutes, pads were about £150 from the factory.
Immobilizer, yes it has one.
I'd recommend a visit to the owners club forum for more response,
https://ariel.club/forum/
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