Estimated build costs and budget creep...

[Woody]

So I'm back looking at 7 type kits again as when we move house in the summer I should have more space and a bit more time for a project.

Thing is I've looked at a few kits and realised that 'Locost' isn't strictly true - which I expected, but didn't think it's be that far off!

I've looked at the following kits so far, and done a spreadsheet for each one listing parts and costs - all coming out around the £13.5k mark.....

Aries Locotec
GBS Zero
Tiger Avon

Granted I've based it on a new crated Zetec lump and an Emerald ecu. Diff and gear box I've gone cheap route (eBay or breakers) and costs for 'home refurb' with new bearing and seal kits.
Problem is I'm struggling to find cheaper alternatives to a lot of things.

The only other route is getting a running Zetec from another car and keeping standard ecu - which I think would save around £1k.

Still doesn't get it to the 'around £10k' discussion I had with the Wife....

Thing is I'm struggling to see where else I could save money. I've included £1k for IVA and DVLA costs too in the cost plan.

Any ideas where money can be saved?

At this cost I might as well buy an ex demo from Tiger or Aries.

I'm well aware that budgets can creep having built Mountain Bikes from scratch for several years and being distracted by latest sparkly bits.....

Thanks

Edited by Woody on Wednesday 10th May 17:17

[Frankthered]

Personally, I would be tempted to look at a Mazda MX5 based Seven, buying a runner. That gets you most of the donor parts in one hit.

I'd expect that would bring down the budget a bit, but maybe you're looking for something a bit faster?

If you really want to go budget, you might even look at an Exocet!

[exelero]

Buy this one and finish it Hope you have a towbar, they'll give you the trailer too


http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Zero-Kit-Car-Brand-New-N...

[dai1983]

I'd look at how much the Sylva j17 kits are. A couple of years ago a fairly comprehensive kit for the j16 was a smudge over £4K and you just add an MG F.

Or build a locost/Haynes yourself.

2nd hand striker for less

2nd hand Caterham with hardly any depreciation

[jamesG20V6]

Quite a bit more than a smudge now... times change, making stuff is expensive, running a business is expensive, I would say you would be going well to build a decent kit for 10k at the moment.

There are budget options but it is horses for courses etc.

[Woody]

Westfield reckon you can build the Mazda SDV for £10k (not including IVA & Reg), although not sure how as that doesn't take into account all the donor bits.

Noticed MNR say they can do a kit in a box with everything for £10k including refurbished donor pack - again IVA and Reg extra. But 11k is still £2.5k cheaper than the others I've looked at....

[dai1983]

jamesG20V6 said:

Quite a bit more than a smudge now... times change, making stuff is expensive, running a business is expensive, I would say you would be going well to build a decent kit for 10k at the moment.

There are budget options but it is horses for courses etc.

This was in 2014/15 and included the chassis, bodywork, lights, panels and a few other bits. It used quite a lot of the MGF including the rear subframe and was advertised as being buildable for £6000. The J15 Ford kit with its inboard front suspension and Sylva designed rear was £5k.

I'm not naive enough to think that you'd spend a bit more. That was including using the MG fuel injection, wheels, exhaust manifold, steering,
brakes etc.

[Wacky Racer]

In my experience, having built a Westfield and a Tiger Supersix several years ago, add 50% to your estimated build costs .

Unless you are REALLY looking forward to building a kit I would go down the second hand route. Most are very low mileage and there is no shortage of choice.

Choose carefully though, because there are a lot of dogs out there.

[Justin S]

I estimated 20k for my Westfield S2000 build and was just under £22.5k . Which was better than the wifes expectant £25k build cost , so everyone is happy.

[Sloan85]

I had allowed £8k for my Mk Indy following conversation with MK at the time. Cost £12.5k in the end.

[greenamex2]

I budgeted £15k for my AM Sportscars EX2

It came to £15.5K

My budget spreadsheet was pretty comprehensive and I stuck to it.


A load of upgrades subsequently, dread to think what they have come too...so far!