Kit Car for 3k
Discussion
Hello I am considering first car options and have been looking into different ideas. One is these would be to get a kit car as they see quite cheap to insure for a 17year and should be able to get something remotely interesting. My budget would be around 3k for the car maybe stretch to 3.5k if had to so suggestions on what I could get as don’t have a clue about the kit car world just been in neighbours cobra replica that is about it. Quite liked the look of a ginneta g32 but I don’t have a clue how much it would cost just thought it had a hint of a Ford RS200 about it.
Regards
Greg
Regards
Greg
You might want to think more about body style. You can get "something" for that money, whether it be a part built Seven or a full roadgoing MOT'd Jago.
Be realistic though, you're not going to get a Cobra for less than £10k, a decent Seven for upwards of £5k
How about a GTM Rossa?
Or a Quantum? This is my old Saloon
With you being slightly younger than the average kit car owner you might be more tempted by the sportier cars, just bear in mind a lot of kits are second, third and in some cases fourth cars to daily drivers
Be realistic though, you're not going to get a Cobra for less than £10k, a decent Seven for upwards of £5k
How about a GTM Rossa?
Or a Quantum? This is my old Saloon
With you being slightly younger than the average kit car owner you might be more tempted by the sportier cars, just bear in mind a lot of kits are second, third and in some cases fourth cars to daily drivers
Edited by andy-xr on Saturday 29th November 07:48
Hi Greg,
I had a kitcar as my first car and I can thuroughly recommend it - it's about the only way of insuring something interesting at that sort of age.
Perhaps the most important thing to consider is what you're going to use it for? Something like a Quantum (which I had) is extremely practical and a totally reasonable every day car. You could easily get something like a Sylva Leader (beaten with the ugly stick but great fun to drive...) for that price too, but I wouldn't want to drive it to work at 7am on a wet Monday morning.
Off the top of my head, I'd suggest googling the following:
Ginetta G32 - I know it's already been mentioned, but seems like an underated car. Not as fast as you might expect due to considerable weight, plus the handling is said to be a little unforgiving, but [from what I've heard] well thought out for a £3k kit car and they look great.
Ginetta G26 - Basically a Cortina underneath if I remember correctly, but it's a bit different and it's front engined RWD that shouldn't be too much to insure.
GTM Rossa/K3 - Mid engined with mini or Metro bits (potentially including the K-Series). Again said to be quite 'mid engined' in its handling, but should be reasonably swift.
Quantum 2+2 / Saloon - Unfairly berrated due to FWD, great fun to drive and very forgiving. Avaialable as a convertible (2+2) or saloon. The saloon is a bit longer and is a genuine 4 seater. Both have very decent sized boots - I used to transport my mountain bike around in one!
Sylva Leader - Only for occasional use or the very hardy, but it's the closest you'll get to a Seven for sub-£3k. The later Leader 400's chassis is very close to the early Sylva Striker's, making it a fine handling car.
Other thoughts: Dutton Phaeton - looks as bad as the Leader and (allegedly) doesn't handle so well. Minari Roadsport - similar to the Quantum 2+2 in concept, but Alfa-based, out of the two I'd go for the Quantum. Erm, that's about all the really affordable kit cars I can think of...
I had a kitcar as my first car and I can thuroughly recommend it - it's about the only way of insuring something interesting at that sort of age.
Perhaps the most important thing to consider is what you're going to use it for? Something like a Quantum (which I had) is extremely practical and a totally reasonable every day car. You could easily get something like a Sylva Leader (beaten with the ugly stick but great fun to drive...) for that price too, but I wouldn't want to drive it to work at 7am on a wet Monday morning.
Off the top of my head, I'd suggest googling the following:
Ginetta G32 - I know it's already been mentioned, but seems like an underated car. Not as fast as you might expect due to considerable weight, plus the handling is said to be a little unforgiving, but [from what I've heard] well thought out for a £3k kit car and they look great.
Ginetta G26 - Basically a Cortina underneath if I remember correctly, but it's a bit different and it's front engined RWD that shouldn't be too much to insure.
GTM Rossa/K3 - Mid engined with mini or Metro bits (potentially including the K-Series). Again said to be quite 'mid engined' in its handling, but should be reasonably swift.
Quantum 2+2 / Saloon - Unfairly berrated due to FWD, great fun to drive and very forgiving. Avaialable as a convertible (2+2) or saloon. The saloon is a bit longer and is a genuine 4 seater. Both have very decent sized boots - I used to transport my mountain bike around in one!
Sylva Leader - Only for occasional use or the very hardy, but it's the closest you'll get to a Seven for sub-£3k. The later Leader 400's chassis is very close to the early Sylva Striker's, making it a fine handling car.
Other thoughts: Dutton Phaeton - looks as bad as the Leader and (allegedly) doesn't handle so well. Minari Roadsport - similar to the Quantum 2+2 in concept, but Alfa-based, out of the two I'd go for the Quantum. Erm, that's about all the really affordable kit cars I can think of...
Chris71 said:
Hi Greg,
I had a kitcar as my first car and I can thuroughly recommend it - it's about the only way of insuring something interesting at that sort of age.
Perhaps the most important thing to consider is what you're going to use it for? Something like a Quantum (which I had) is extremely practical and a totally reasonable every day car. You could easily get something like a Sylva Leader (beaten with the ugly stick but great fun to drive...) for that price too, but I wouldn't want to drive it to work at 7am on a wet Monday morning.
Off the top of my head, I'd suggest googling the following:
Ginetta G32 - I know it's already been mentioned, but seems like an underated car. Not as fast as you might expect due to considerable weight, plus the handling is said to be a little unforgiving, but [from what I've heard] well thought out for a £3k kit car and they look great.
Ginetta G26 - Basically a Cortina underneath if I remember correctly, but it's a bit different and it's front engined RWD that shouldn't be too much to insure.
GTM Rossa/K3 - Mid engined with mini or Metro bits (potentially including the K-Series). Again said to be quite 'mid engined' in its handling, but should be reasonably swift.
Quantum 2+2 / Saloon - Unfairly berrated due to FWD, great fun to drive and very forgiving. Avaialable as a convertible (2+2) or saloon. The saloon is a bit longer and is a genuine 4 seater. Both have very decent sized boots - I used to transport my mountain bike around in one!
Sylva Leader - Only for occasional use or the very hardy, but it's the closest you'll get to a Seven for sub-£3k. The later Leader 400's chassis is very close to the early Sylva Striker's, making it a fine handling car.
Other thoughts: Dutton Phaeton - looks as bad as the Leader and (allegedly) doesn't handle so well. Minari Roadsport - similar to the Quantum 2+2 in concept, but Alfa-based, out of the two I'd go for the Quantum. Erm, that's about all the really affordable kit cars I can think of...
Thanks for the advice will imagine car will be used similar to my scooter at the moment i.e. to and from sixth form and work and for the odd fun drive at the weekend. Therefore I need something fairly reliable. Also would prefer something that is hard top or with a roof easy to put up and not something that looks like it was beaten with the ugly stick as would rather not be laughed at by my mates. Looking at what you suggested I like the Ginetta g26/32 and the Quantom saloon and 2+2 the g32 and saloon being my favourites. Few questions what are the cars based on? And what engines do they have? And how are they both in terms of reliability?I had a kitcar as my first car and I can thuroughly recommend it - it's about the only way of insuring something interesting at that sort of age.
Perhaps the most important thing to consider is what you're going to use it for? Something like a Quantum (which I had) is extremely practical and a totally reasonable every day car. You could easily get something like a Sylva Leader (beaten with the ugly stick but great fun to drive...) for that price too, but I wouldn't want to drive it to work at 7am on a wet Monday morning.
Off the top of my head, I'd suggest googling the following:
Ginetta G32 - I know it's already been mentioned, but seems like an underated car. Not as fast as you might expect due to considerable weight, plus the handling is said to be a little unforgiving, but [from what I've heard] well thought out for a £3k kit car and they look great.
Ginetta G26 - Basically a Cortina underneath if I remember correctly, but it's a bit different and it's front engined RWD that shouldn't be too much to insure.
GTM Rossa/K3 - Mid engined with mini or Metro bits (potentially including the K-Series). Again said to be quite 'mid engined' in its handling, but should be reasonably swift.
Quantum 2+2 / Saloon - Unfairly berrated due to FWD, great fun to drive and very forgiving. Avaialable as a convertible (2+2) or saloon. The saloon is a bit longer and is a genuine 4 seater. Both have very decent sized boots - I used to transport my mountain bike around in one!
Sylva Leader - Only for occasional use or the very hardy, but it's the closest you'll get to a Seven for sub-£3k. The later Leader 400's chassis is very close to the early Sylva Striker's, making it a fine handling car.
Other thoughts: Dutton Phaeton - looks as bad as the Leader and (allegedly) doesn't handle so well. Minari Roadsport - similar to the Quantum 2+2 in concept, but Alfa-based, out of the two I'd go for the Quantum. Erm, that's about all the really affordable kit cars I can think of...
Regards
Greg
Ferg said:
greggy50 said:
.... not something that looks like it was beaten with the ugly stick as would rather not be laughed at by my mates.
then greggy50 said:
Looking at what you suggested I like the Ginetta g26.....
So now list is:-
Ginetta G32
Quantom Saloon/2+2
All information on reliability, day to day practicality, performance, running costs greatly appreciated.
Regards
Greg
Hi Greg
The G32 you saw was mine in the ‘reader’s car’ section. Iv got a kit car as a first car and would defiantly recommend one as your first car, the G32 has a 1.6/1.9 ford cvh and the Quantum has the same.
I have a G32 which I can’t 100% say if it’s reliable as I’m still having my lessons so I’m not yet on the road
The Quantum however is basically the same as the G32 (engine etc) so I wouldn’t have thought there was much difference, my mum has a Quantum 2+2, it is a nice car but being a convertible it isn’t for me and you will have the problem of sealing it properly.
When it was mentioned that the G32 was not as quick as you would expect because of weight, I do agree with that as I have the 1.9 version and it wasn’t what I was hoping, but you cant have it to fast because like me you’ll think you’re the best and smash it up so I wouldn’t bother about the power….anyway even with the 1.6 who else your age will have a faster car??
About the handling thing, I wouldn’t worry about that either just don’t push it round corners, it’s just the same as any other mid engine car anyway iv been told there all the same.
The G32 you saw was mine in the ‘reader’s car’ section. Iv got a kit car as a first car and would defiantly recommend one as your first car, the G32 has a 1.6/1.9 ford cvh and the Quantum has the same.
I have a G32 which I can’t 100% say if it’s reliable as I’m still having my lessons so I’m not yet on the road
The Quantum however is basically the same as the G32 (engine etc) so I wouldn’t have thought there was much difference, my mum has a Quantum 2+2, it is a nice car but being a convertible it isn’t for me and you will have the problem of sealing it properly.
When it was mentioned that the G32 was not as quick as you would expect because of weight, I do agree with that as I have the 1.9 version and it wasn’t what I was hoping, but you cant have it to fast because like me you’ll think you’re the best and smash it up so I wouldn’t bother about the power….anyway even with the 1.6 who else your age will have a faster car??
About the handling thing, I wouldn’t worry about that either just don’t push it round corners, it’s just the same as any other mid engine car anyway iv been told there all the same.
Here’s a picture of my mums 2+2, its currently having a 2.1 zvh turbo conversion so you could always do that in the future, it will be a bit harder to do in the G32 as its mid engine and suffers from heat, so a turbo wouldn’t be the greatest idea, but there is people with turbo G32’s who say there fine.
Andy-xr should know the car well!!
Andy-xr should know the car well!!
Ginetta Kid said:
Hi Greg
The G32 you saw was mine in the ‘reader’s car’ section. Iv got a kit car as a first car and would defiantly recommend one as your first car, the G32 has a 1.6/1.9 ford cvh and the Quantum has the same.
I have a G32 which I can’t 100% say if it’s reliable as I’m still having my lessons so I’m not yet on the road
The Quantum however is basically the same as the G32 (engine etc) so I wouldn’t have thought there was much difference, my mum has a Quantum 2+2, it is a nice car but being a convertible it isn’t for me and you will have the problem of sealing it properly.
When it was mentioned that the G32 was not as quick as you would expect because of weight, I do agree with that as I have the 1.9 version and it wasn’t what I was hoping, but you cant have it to fast because like me you’ll think you’re the best and smash it up so I wouldn’t bother about the power….anyway even with the 1.6 who else your age will have a faster car??
About the handling thing, I wouldn’t worry about that either just don’t push it round corners, it’s just the same as any other mid engine car anyway iv been told there all the same.
Okay thanks a lot for that I must say if I do decide to get a kit car will most likely be looking at getting the G32 if I can find one for sale that is as read they are only 120 produced to going to be hard to track one down. But is most certainly an option I will be seriously considering as it does look fantastic in my opinion and going to be a lot more interesting than anything else I could afford and as you said will be faster than most 1.0 sThe G32 you saw was mine in the ‘reader’s car’ section. Iv got a kit car as a first car and would defiantly recommend one as your first car, the G32 has a 1.6/1.9 ford cvh and the Quantum has the same.
I have a G32 which I can’t 100% say if it’s reliable as I’m still having my lessons so I’m not yet on the road
The Quantum however is basically the same as the G32 (engine etc) so I wouldn’t have thought there was much difference, my mum has a Quantum 2+2, it is a nice car but being a convertible it isn’t for me and you will have the problem of sealing it properly.
When it was mentioned that the G32 was not as quick as you would expect because of weight, I do agree with that as I have the 1.9 version and it wasn’t what I was hoping, but you cant have it to fast because like me you’ll think you’re the best and smash it up so I wouldn’t bother about the power….anyway even with the 1.6 who else your age will have a faster car??
About the handling thing, I wouldn’t worry about that either just don’t push it round corners, it’s just the same as any other mid engine car anyway iv been told there all the same.
t boxes most kids which I hopefully will not to have unless my parents cannot be convinced. Regards
Greg
greggy50 said:
Ginetta Kid said:
Hi Greg
The G32 you saw was mine in the ‘reader’s car’ section. Iv got a kit car as a first car and would defiantly recommend one as your first car, the G32 has a 1.6/1.9 ford cvh and the Quantum has the same.
I have a G32 which I can’t 100% say if it’s reliable as I’m still having my lessons so I’m not yet on the road
The Quantum however is basically the same as the G32 (engine etc) so I wouldn’t have thought there was much difference, my mum has a Quantum 2+2, it is a nice car but being a convertible it isn’t for me and you will have the problem of sealing it properly.
When it was mentioned that the G32 was not as quick as you would expect because of weight, I do agree with that as I have the 1.9 version and it wasn’t what I was hoping, but you cant have it to fast because like me you’ll think you’re the best and smash it up so I wouldn’t bother about the power….anyway even with the 1.6 who else your age will have a faster car??
About the handling thing, I wouldn’t worry about that either just don’t push it round corners, it’s just the same as any other mid engine car anyway iv been told there all the same.
Okay thanks a lot for that I must say if I do decide to get a kit car will most likely be looking at getting the G32 if I can find one for sale that is as read they are only 120 produced to going to be hard to track one down. But is most certainly an option I will be seriously considering as it does look fantastic in my opinion and going to be a lot more interesting than anything else I could afford and as you said will be faster than most 1.0 sThe G32 you saw was mine in the ‘reader’s car’ section. Iv got a kit car as a first car and would defiantly recommend one as your first car, the G32 has a 1.6/1.9 ford cvh and the Quantum has the same.
I have a G32 which I can’t 100% say if it’s reliable as I’m still having my lessons so I’m not yet on the road
The Quantum however is basically the same as the G32 (engine etc) so I wouldn’t have thought there was much difference, my mum has a Quantum 2+2, it is a nice car but being a convertible it isn’t for me and you will have the problem of sealing it properly.
When it was mentioned that the G32 was not as quick as you would expect because of weight, I do agree with that as I have the 1.9 version and it wasn’t what I was hoping, but you cant have it to fast because like me you’ll think you’re the best and smash it up so I wouldn’t bother about the power….anyway even with the 1.6 who else your age will have a faster car??
About the handling thing, I wouldn’t worry about that either just don’t push it round corners, it’s just the same as any other mid engine car anyway iv been told there all the same.
t boxes most kids which I hopefully will not to have unless my parents cannot be convinced. Regards
Greg
As you said there was only about 120 made so it will be quite hard to track one down. If you look on ‘Ginetta owners club’ ‘Ebay’ and ‘Pistonheads classifieds’ you may find one, you will have to check regularly though
If you do see one make sure its got a good solid chassis as the early ones weren’t galvanised (they have a thin layer of paint)
Good luck
Ashley
Ginetta Kid said:
greggy50 said:
Ginetta Kid said:
Hi Greg
The G32 you saw was mine in the ‘reader’s car’ section. Iv got a kit car as a first car and would defiantly recommend one as your first car, the G32 has a 1.6/1.9 ford cvh and the Quantum has the same.
I have a G32 which I can’t 100% say if it’s reliable as I’m still having my lessons so I’m not yet on the road
The Quantum however is basically the same as the G32 (engine etc) so I wouldn’t have thought there was much difference, my mum has a Quantum 2+2, it is a nice car but being a convertible it isn’t for me and you will have the problem of sealing it properly.
When it was mentioned that the G32 was not as quick as you would expect because of weight, I do agree with that as I have the 1.9 version and it wasn’t what I was hoping, but you cant have it to fast because like me you’ll think you’re the best and smash it up so I wouldn’t bother about the power….anyway even with the 1.6 who else your age will have a faster car??
About the handling thing, I wouldn’t worry about that either just don’t push it round corners, it’s just the same as any other mid engine car anyway iv been told there all the same.
Okay thanks a lot for that I must say if I do decide to get a kit car will most likely be looking at getting the G32 if I can find one for sale that is as read they are only 120 produced to going to be hard to track one down. But is most certainly an option I will be seriously considering as it does look fantastic in my opinion and going to be a lot more interesting than anything else I could afford and as you said will be faster than most 1.0 sThe G32 you saw was mine in the ‘reader’s car’ section. Iv got a kit car as a first car and would defiantly recommend one as your first car, the G32 has a 1.6/1.9 ford cvh and the Quantum has the same.
I have a G32 which I can’t 100% say if it’s reliable as I’m still having my lessons so I’m not yet on the road
The Quantum however is basically the same as the G32 (engine etc) so I wouldn’t have thought there was much difference, my mum has a Quantum 2+2, it is a nice car but being a convertible it isn’t for me and you will have the problem of sealing it properly.
When it was mentioned that the G32 was not as quick as you would expect because of weight, I do agree with that as I have the 1.9 version and it wasn’t what I was hoping, but you cant have it to fast because like me you’ll think you’re the best and smash it up so I wouldn’t bother about the power….anyway even with the 1.6 who else your age will have a faster car??
About the handling thing, I wouldn’t worry about that either just don’t push it round corners, it’s just the same as any other mid engine car anyway iv been told there all the same.
t boxes most kids which I hopefully will not to have unless my parents cannot be convinced. Regards
Greg
As you said there was only about 120 made so it will be quite hard to track one down. If you look on ‘Ginetta owners club’ ‘Ebay’ and ‘Pistonheads classifieds’ you may find one, you will have to check regularly though
If you do see one make sure its got a good solid chassis as the early ones weren’t galvanised (they have a thin layer of paint)
Good luck
Ashley
One more question how are they in terms on interior space? As I am 6 foot two and 13 stone and my only other worry is whether I would be able to fit in relative comfort.Greg
Ginetta Kid said:
greggy50 said:
Ginetta Kid said:
Hi Greg
The G32 you saw was mine in the ‘reader’s car’ section. Iv got a kit car as a first car and would defiantly recommend one as your first car, the G32 has a 1.6/1.9 ford cvh and the Quantum has the same.
I have a G32 which I can’t 100% say if it’s reliable as I’m still having my lessons so I’m not yet on the road
The Quantum however is basically the same as the G32 (engine etc) so I wouldn’t have thought there was much difference, my mum has a Quantum 2+2, it is a nice car but being a convertible it isn’t for me and you will have the problem of sealing it properly.
When it was mentioned that the G32 was not as quick as you would expect because of weight, I do agree with that as I have the 1.9 version and it wasn’t what I was hoping, but you cant have it to fast because like me you’ll think you’re the best and smash it up so I wouldn’t bother about the power….anyway even with the 1.6 who else your age will have a faster car??
About the handling thing, I wouldn’t worry about that either just don’t push it round corners, it’s just the same as any other mid engine car anyway iv been told there all the same.
Okay thanks a lot for that I must say if I do decide to get a kit car will most likely be looking at getting the G32 if I can find one for sale that is as read they are only 120 produced to going to be hard to track one down. But is most certainly an option I will be seriously considering as it does look fantastic in my opinion and going to be a lot more interesting than anything else I could afford and as you said will be faster than most 1.0 sThe G32 you saw was mine in the ‘reader’s car’ section. Iv got a kit car as a first car and would defiantly recommend one as your first car, the G32 has a 1.6/1.9 ford cvh and the Quantum has the same.
I have a G32 which I can’t 100% say if it’s reliable as I’m still having my lessons so I’m not yet on the road
The Quantum however is basically the same as the G32 (engine etc) so I wouldn’t have thought there was much difference, my mum has a Quantum 2+2, it is a nice car but being a convertible it isn’t for me and you will have the problem of sealing it properly.
When it was mentioned that the G32 was not as quick as you would expect because of weight, I do agree with that as I have the 1.9 version and it wasn’t what I was hoping, but you cant have it to fast because like me you’ll think you’re the best and smash it up so I wouldn’t bother about the power….anyway even with the 1.6 who else your age will have a faster car??
About the handling thing, I wouldn’t worry about that either just don’t push it round corners, it’s just the same as any other mid engine car anyway iv been told there all the same.
t boxes most kids which I hopefully will not to have unless my parents cannot be convinced. Regards
Greg
As you said there was only about 120 made so it will be quite hard to track one down. If you look on ‘Ginetta owners club’ ‘Ebay’ and ‘Pistonheads classifieds’ you may find one, you will have to check regularly though
If you do see one make sure its got a good solid chassis as the early ones weren’t galvanised (they have a thin layer of paint)
Good luck
Ashley
I’m just under 6ft but have long legs with no problems so I wouldn’t say you will have a problem, if your concerned go to ‘Ginetta’ a bit lower than ‘kitcars’ in pistonheads and ask there see what other owners say.
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