What is the best VALUE kit car on the market today
Discussion
Let's suppose a kit car enthusiast has been asked for advice on the various cars available.
Let's define the requirements-
A person new to kit cars, but with reasonable mechanical knowledge and resources, would like to build a car, drive it for a couple of years, and then sell it (this last bit is important, the person concerned recognises that the average ownership period for a kit car is in this area, and thinks his requirements will be the same)
He's not too bothered as to type, open, closed, big, small, he just wants the experience of building and then driving a kit car.
What would one advise him to get?
I'm thinkng either a smaller engined Westfield, or maybe a Sonic (too early to know about the resale value of those, though, yet?)
Let's define the requirements-
A person new to kit cars, but with reasonable mechanical knowledge and resources, would like to build a car, drive it for a couple of years, and then sell it (this last bit is important, the person concerned recognises that the average ownership period for a kit car is in this area, and thinks his requirements will be the same)
He's not too bothered as to type, open, closed, big, small, he just wants the experience of building and then driving a kit car.
What would one advise him to get?
I'm thinkng either a smaller engined Westfield, or maybe a Sonic (too early to know about the resale value of those, though, yet?)
Honestly... It is my male intuition.
It looks good, I think most would agree.
It's based on a very light and well proven (dynamically) chassis, so should go like stink. It looks to me a step ahead of the basic '7' type car, with the engine location and full body, but should cost no more and will hopefully cost significantly less than some of the other 'full body' kits as it is that much smaller.
We will know more soon as I think it is on the cusp of release. Clearly though, if the manufacturer feels the same way, they could easily put the price up... So it really just is my 'feel'.
It looks good, I think most would agree.
It's based on a very light and well proven (dynamically) chassis, so should go like stink. It looks to me a step ahead of the basic '7' type car, with the engine location and full body, but should cost no more and will hopefully cost significantly less than some of the other 'full body' kits as it is that much smaller.
We will know more soon as I think it is on the cusp of release. Clearly though, if the manufacturer feels the same way, they could easily put the price up... So it really just is my 'feel'.
How much of the car does this person want to build/put together and how much time does he have? At one end, you have the Locost. Which you make from buts of steel tube and end up with a car. I'm guessing this is more than he wants to tackle. At the other end is a Caterham, which comes IIRC panelled and with the brakes plumbed in. The build time will be significantly less (<100hrs is quoted I believe), but may be less enjoyable. It will also cost more, but what price time? Personally, I like making things and faffing about with steel, so something in the middle, but leaning more towards making stuff is good for me. Others go the part built route.
One other option is a part built kit that someone has had to abandon.
One other option is a part built kit that someone has had to abandon.
rdodger said:
In terms of bang per £, I think it would be hard to beat MEV's offerings.
I very much agree with you, but what do we know about their resale value, as that is a large part of what this thread is about?I suppose another way of posing the original question would be-
"With what make and type of kit could someone enter the market, build the car, drive it for a year or so, then leave the market again with the least loss?"
The Atomic is cheap to build. £6000 ish.
Bike engined and going to be bonkers fast.
It's also going to be easy to build as there isn't much of it.
It's also going to be cheap to fix when you get it a bit wrong around your favourite circuit.
These things I would expect would mean it would sell well after a couple of years as every man/woman and their dog is doing track days now.
What better track tool?
With a 6k outlay there isn't that much to loose. You could break it and sell the parts for around half that!
Just a thought, but if anyone is thinking of building an Atomic I would be happy to offer £3000 for it in 2 years time.
Bike engined and going to be bonkers fast.
It's also going to be easy to build as there isn't much of it.
It's also going to be cheap to fix when you get it a bit wrong around your favourite circuit.
These things I would expect would mean it would sell well after a couple of years as every man/woman and their dog is doing track days now.
What better track tool?
With a 6k outlay there isn't that much to loose. You could break it and sell the parts for around half that!
Edited by rdodger on Friday 12th June 18:06
Just a thought, but if anyone is thinking of building an Atomic I would be happy to offer £3000 for it in 2 years time.
Edited by rdodger on Friday 12th June 18:10
If you buy a kit based on its price, then you are always going to buy the cheapest. Personally, I'd say the quality of engineering and parts makes a Striker look like better value than the Atomic.
Too many people on this forum seem to be seduced by looks and shiny bits ;-)
You need to see what it takes to keep it running for three years or more, before you can determine 'value' and if performance is really an issue, see what people who race them say. If people are not racing them, then that says something too.
Too many people on this forum seem to be seduced by looks and shiny bits ;-)
You need to see what it takes to keep it running for three years or more, before you can determine 'value' and if performance is really an issue, see what people who race them say. If people are not racing them, then that says something too.
If you want cheap and bang-for-buck and a good residual for outlay a Sylva Riot with 2003 R1 power would be a good bet. If you can drive I doubt much would get past you on a trackday, eligible to race or hillclimb and you would probobly sell it on for pretty much what it cost you to build.
Agree totally too with the thoughts re: racing. I would not want a high powered toy without the support that they are raced successfully and the knowlege is out there to be shared. Been there with my Libra, I wanted it to be a car it couldn't and spent a fortune finding that out! Anything Sylva is a good bet in that respect. P
If you want value take a look on ebay for abandoned projects. They go for less than the value of the parts (as do completed cars). Pick something like a Locost with a professional chassis or Westfield with a pre-cat engine and you can't go too far wrong.
I'd also recommend considering a Westfield as it's a known name so should be easier to sell.
Just be careful about the IVA.
I'd also recommend considering a Westfield as it's a known name so should be easier to sell.
Just be careful about the IVA.
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