new to Ultima's. how much for a good starter model
Discussion
price depends on spec, not necessarily how shiny they are.
Most people are now looking for cars with more modern LS motors for reliability and economy and older small block cars have taken a bit of hit as a consequence.
60k is a massively optomistic price tag in the current market, maybe a couple of years ago.. from the last 3 years - prices start at around 32 ish for a small block car and starting at 40 ish for an LS motored car... cars requiring work you may get for less.
Someone was looking for a car on here recently with the idea that they could buy a complete car minus engine for 15k, sorry but you wont be able to do that, maybe an old sport on a q but not a gtr. More likely a load of incomplete parts requiring a lot of building and then registering.
Why not buy the 33k GTR in the classifieds (been for sale for ages, so they will likely take an offer) then upgrade to an LS motor later..
Very odd thing about Ultimas is that buyers tend to be wary of non factory spec cars, being a kit that just doesnt make sense to me, but live and let live I suppose.
Beware though...I put my fathers LS engined GTR in the classifieds for 2 days and decided to removed it and just keep it due to silly questions and people just wanting test drives...
Most people are now looking for cars with more modern LS motors for reliability and economy and older small block cars have taken a bit of hit as a consequence.
60k is a massively optomistic price tag in the current market, maybe a couple of years ago.. from the last 3 years - prices start at around 32 ish for a small block car and starting at 40 ish for an LS motored car... cars requiring work you may get for less.
Someone was looking for a car on here recently with the idea that they could buy a complete car minus engine for 15k, sorry but you wont be able to do that, maybe an old sport on a q but not a gtr. More likely a load of incomplete parts requiring a lot of building and then registering.
Why not buy the 33k GTR in the classifieds (been for sale for ages, so they will likely take an offer) then upgrade to an LS motor later..
Very odd thing about Ultimas is that buyers tend to be wary of non factory spec cars, being a kit that just doesnt make sense to me, but live and let live I suppose.
Beware though...I put my fathers LS engined GTR in the classifieds for 2 days and decided to removed it and just keep it due to silly questions and people just wanting test drives...
Edited by hedgefinder on Wednesday 19th September 11:40
You need to have a good look around and buy on spec and build quality.
There are older cars out there that are better built/specced than newer,
Buying a SBC and then upgrading to LS will almost certainly cost more than an LS equipped car in the first place.
Engine /gearbox combinations can make or break the re-sale value of a car.
A full folder of bills for servicing/service parts, upgrades etc, can speak volumes on how a car has been looked after.
ETS agree with the comment on factory / home build, I have seen home builds that have been put together easily as well as a factory spec car, after all you are following the factory build manual.
There are older cars out there that are better built/specced than newer,
Buying a SBC and then upgrading to LS will almost certainly cost more than an LS equipped car in the first place.
Engine /gearbox combinations can make or break the re-sale value of a car.
A full folder of bills for servicing/service parts, upgrades etc, can speak volumes on how a car has been looked after.
ETS agree with the comment on factory / home build, I have seen home builds that have been put together easily as well as a factory spec car, after all you are following the factory build manual.
Edited by F.C. on Wednesday 19th September 12:05
Storer said:
Beware of buying a car that needs work. It can get very expensiv,e as I know to my cost. If I include the purchase price, I could have built a new car for what I have spent (I know I have lots of extra goodies that are not necessary). You can get carried away!
Paul
I dont think yours is a very fair example really though, you practically did build a new car...Paul
2 cars there that you might be able to buy. One new and one older. You need to look at each very closely before making a decision though. I don't necessarily think that an old style SBC will be less reliable than a new LS as long as it is not tuned to a ridiculous level but it will definitely be more thirsty! Depending on how many miles you are going to do. It may not be worth paying the extra for LS. Do some maths. It will take a long time to recoup the difference in purchase price in fuel savings. However a sorted LS engined car will also drive much nicer as well. Each to his own I am afraid!
You will pay far more to build one so unless you definitely envisage having more funds becoming available don't start a new build Min £55k I would guess
You will pay far more to build one so unless you definitely envisage having more funds becoming available don't start a new build Min £55k I would guess
Edited by MarkWebb on Thursday 20th September 08:46
You've got lots of options, Simon. As others have said, many underestimate their build budgets and find themselves staring down the barrel of a £50K+ bill, but without a complete car to show for it! This is easily done if you want a "nice" spec car (LS engine, turbo or GT 6-speed 'box, bespoke interior, etc, etc), but to be honest, it's not hard to work all that out up front. I had my budget worked out in advance and am pleased to say I'm almost finished within 10% of target.
If your budget is only £28K, you're definitely making like hard for yourself on a self-build. You'd have to find parts 2nd hand, accept it's unlikely to be the best spec out there and you would probably end up on a Q-plate (which will impact the car's final value).
That said, if you're not in a rush, your budget should get you either an early GTR that needs work (as others have said, this could still cost a lot of additional dosh & time), OR you could pick up an unfinished project. Both pop up in the classifieds from time to time, but an ask on the forum will probably find a few private messages in your inbox Going either of these routes will allow you to build the car the way you want it over time, when funds allow.. but do expect to need a good chunk more cash on top of your original budget to get on the road!
If your budget is only £28K, you're definitely making like hard for yourself on a self-build. You'd have to find parts 2nd hand, accept it's unlikely to be the best spec out there and you would probably end up on a Q-plate (which will impact the car's final value).
That said, if you're not in a rush, your budget should get you either an early GTR that needs work (as others have said, this could still cost a lot of additional dosh & time), OR you could pick up an unfinished project. Both pop up in the classifieds from time to time, but an ask on the forum will probably find a few private messages in your inbox
Going either of these routes will allow you to build the car the way you want it over time, when funds allow.. but do expect to need a good chunk more cash on top of your original budget to get on the road!I wouldnt rule out a SBC car.
The 8-12k difference in second hand price, pays for a lot of fuel and grin factor.
If you cant afford a LS car, dont be put off.
I have a very well known factory built SBC car, and not only do I love it to bits, but I cant justify the addition costs of an engine conversion or selling mine and buying with an LS fitted... I love the roarness of a carb engine..
Dom
The 8-12k difference in second hand price, pays for a lot of fuel and grin factor.
If you cant afford a LS car, dont be put off.
I have a very well known factory built SBC car, and not only do I love it to bits, but I cant justify the addition costs of an engine conversion or selling mine and buying with an LS fitted... I love the roarness of a carb engine..
Dom
28K will get you a sport, just keep your head and be careful when buying.
ETS there a couple of sports in the classifieds now and a recent build GTR at £33k IMO if you can do the man maths and do a deal that GTR shouldn't lose you money in the long run.
ETS there a couple of sports in the classifieds now and a recent build GTR at £33k IMO if you can do the man maths and do a deal that GTR shouldn't lose you money in the long run.
Edited by F.C. on Thursday 20th September 21:21
I may have one of my GTR's for sale soon it has a standard 350 engine with G50 box and was SVA 'd and painted by Ultima.
I can send pictures if need be, and you can ask Ultima what my builds like
It's an ideal candidate for just using / track days etc.
If you want to be serious on tracks, and when your used to it you can upgrade the engine, that's what I did.
Food for thought
I can send pictures if need be, and you can ask Ultima what my builds like
It's an ideal candidate for just using / track days etc.
If you want to be serious on tracks, and when your used to it you can upgrade the engine, that's what I did.
Food for thought
Doug the dog said:
I may have one of my GTR's for sale soon it has a standard 350 engine with G50 box and was SVA 'd and painted by Ultima.
I can send pictures if need be, and you can ask Ultima what my builds like
It's an ideal candidate for just using / track days etc.
If you want to be serious on tracks, and when your used to it you can upgrade the engine, that's what I did.
Food for thought
she is a beauty...love the colour and wheels. I can send pictures if need be, and you can ask Ultima what my builds like
It's an ideal candidate for just using / track days etc.
If you want to be serious on tracks, and when your used to it you can upgrade the engine, that's what I did.
Food for thought
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