My first kit car - Is it worth it?

[Derek Burt]

I’m thinking about buying my first kit car. I’ve been offered a new Tiger Avon with an 1100zzr engine. The build will be completed by a kit car specialist (friend of a friend doing me a favour) including registration / MOT etc. I get to pick the colour for the nice new paint job and car will also come with a new set of alloys. Price is £8k and really just wondering if that is considered a good deal? Was originally looking at Westfield but this offer is essentially a new kit car with what I appreciate is an older engine but on paper looks like a good purchase. Not looking for huge spec as just a bit of road fun when the sun is shining! This kit car scene is a mine field so opinions from those that no more than me would be appreciated.

[anonymous-user]

a new Avon built by Tiger is about 18k, building it yourself is obviously cheaper, getting someone else to build and put it through iva for 8k is bargain of the century not sure how/why they could/would do that, check out the price of the kits themselves on the Tiger Racing website.

[annodomini2]

Bike engines are superb on the track, not always so great on the road.

I'm not saying you cannot use them on the road, but be prepared for extra work. Especially in start stop traffic.

Also the weight of the car can have a big impact on the driveability of it on the road. Especially with the Tiger not being the lightest.

May want to consider a more conventional car engine rather than a bike engine for your first kit.

My recommendation would be to drive both and see which you prefer.

[Steve_D]

Whilst I agree bike engines are not ideal on the road at that price buy it, drive it, sell it if you don't like it, walk away with a profit.
The walk away with a profit bit is very rare in the kitcar world.

Steve