Atom Mark 1

[stringer_m]

I am currently thinking about getting a focused track day car but it needs to be road legal. My budget is constrained so the Mark 2 is out of the question. Caterfields don't "do it" for me and whilst I am tempted by a secondhand Radical/XTR I am concerned about the true running costs and practicality of driving them on a road so...

Is the Mark 1 a viable road/track day proposition?
Is Car's comment that it still needs working on valid?
Are there some simple things that I should be aware of?
What are the running costs in reality - tell me about tyre usage, pads etc?
Given that the Mark1 is based around the K series engine at various stages of tune - how reliable have they proved to be?

I know thats a lot of questions but any responses would be appreciated.

[Bruce Fielding]

stringer_m said:

I am currently thinking about getting a focused track day car but it needs to be road legal. My budget is constrained so the Mark 2 is out of the question. Caterfields don't "do it" for me and whilst I am tempted by a secondhand Radical/XTR I am concerned about the true running costs and practicality of driving them on a road so... 1. Is the Mark 1 a viable road/track day proposition? 2. Is Car's comment that it still needs working on valid? 3. Are there some simple things that I should be aware of? 4. What are the running costs in reality - tell me about tyre usage, pads etc? 5. Given that the Mark1 is based around the K series engine at various stages of tune - how reliable have they proved to be? I know thats a lot of questions but any responses would be appreciated.

1. Yes, it's a very viable proposition. Don't forget there are three variants, though. You pays yer money, and takes yer choice.
2. No, except that every car could be better. You just have to stop somewhere! I love the handling on the Atom, and yes it's not perfect, but name me one car that is - espcially a specialist car like this. You can always modify if you're unhappy and the Atom makes this very easy.
3. Not that I'm aware of - apart from that if anything needs doing it has to go to somerset if you can't do it yourself or get it done locally, and that is often a long and drawn out process as they're always really busy.
4. Running costs don't seem too high. Because the car is so light, there's not too much wear on any of the components like tyres and brakes - I'm still on my original brake pads after 4000 miles and my second set of tyres. Mine's going to need an MOT this summer which should be interesting! I've never had it serviced, apart from changing the oil, but a normal service should be the same as an MGF.
5. Touching wood here, but so far, so good. Reliability hasn'rt been an issue - I don't think it is with the K series generally unless it's taken to a silly stage of tune.

Summary: Buy an Atom. You'll have the time of your life and it won't cost you the earth.


>> Edited by Bruce Fielding on Wednesday 10th March 09:44

[stringer_m]

Thanks Bruce.

[ross.mcw]

stringer_m said:

I am currently thinking about getting a focused track day car but it needs to be road legal. My budget is constrained so the Mark 2 is out of the question. Caterfields don't "do it" for me and whilst I am tempted by a secondhand Radical/XTR I am concerned about the true running costs and practicality of driving them on a road so...

You've got mail! I'm looking to trade up, so I've got a Mark I that's in excellent condition looking for a new home.

stringer_m said:

Is the Mark 1 a viable road/track day proposition?

Absolutely, mine is the basic none-tuned K series and has been fine. Although a bit more power would be nice at faster tracks, you'll still have a hell of a lot of fun. And less power means you can let your driving skills do the talking Tuning bits for the K-Series should be easy to get hold of.

stringer_m said:

Is Car's comment that it still needs working on valid?

I've never really had a major problem with the handling - it seems to work. Mine probably needs better tyres.

stringer_m said:

Are there some simple things that I should be aware of?

Mine had quite a few niggling problems to start with, but I've ironed those out now. You just need to check that nothing's falling off before going out for a run. I'd say, if you're buying one second hand, just make sure it's been loved.

stringer_m said:

What are the running costs in reality - tell me about tyre usage, pads etc?

Lol. Dirt cheap because it's so light. I've done 4 track days and quite a few road miles. Still on the same tyres and pads. My untuned engine does about 40mpg on the road and about 25mpg at the track.

Once you've bought the car, you won't really have an issue with running costs.

stringer_m said:

Given that the Mark1 is based around the K series engine at various stages of tune - how reliable have they proved to be?

My engine's been 100% reliable. The ECU gave me quite a bit of early trouble, but swapping it for a new one fixed that.

Cheers, Ross.