Running an Atom

[Alive4Fun]

Hi All,

I live in sunny Yorkshire and am looking at buying an Atom, possibly new !!!
Guessing it's not the first time have heard this.
Done some homework and contacted the factory for the price and option list etc.
I have done a couple of track days with Caterham R300's at Donington as well as lots on my bike.
So booked an Atom experience at Elvington in the hope that i'll enjoy it even more than the Caterham.

A couple of quick questions if I may.
How much would the road tax be on a 300bhp version and at 45yrs old can anyone advise as to where I would get the best insurance quote from???

I have a million other questions relating to the car, options and if I should buy new etc etc.

Thanks

[spikeyhead]

Insurance, CCI or Adrian Flux are about the only two options.

I bought mine new so that I'd get the spec I want. Unlike most cars, depreciation is so low that buying new is much less of an issue. There was an 18 month waiting list when I ordered but I suspect that is now much lower. The factory are very helpful, as is the atomclub forum when it's working properly.

From memory road tax is £220 and my insurance is about £450 for 4000 miles.

[UFO4ROB]

Although there are a number of insurance companies still willing to insure an Atom, it is generally considered that Towergate/Competition Car insurance are amongst the better.
I'm 44 and although originally a Yorkshireman I've lived down South now for more than half of that. Even so my annual premium for an Atom3 300 is £600 which includes 6000 miles and 5 trackdays (which makes it great value).
Additionally if you join Atomclub.com, membership can get you some discounts for car insurance.

Running cost for the car are (I think) extremely reasonable. A service recommended every 4500 miles costs around £500 (if you're a club member) which makes my biggest running cost tyres. Rears tend to last between 2500-3000 miles and fronts around 3 times that. Brake pads last for years even if you're doing track work.

Regarding new/old, I believe the current waiting list is around 9 months. New means you'll get exactly the spec you want. Old means you get the car immediately. If car colour is the problem in the second hand market, a set of different coloured panels would only set you back £3-400.

Coincidentally, my 3 year old 3 300 (with 3.5 upgrades) has just hit the classifieds.

Cheers,
Rob.

[DonnyMac]

Road tax will be the least of your problems in the first year - I went through three sets of rears and a set of fronts on the road.

I couldn't stop driving it.

Get it bought.

[Alive4Fun]

Guys, thanks for taking the time to respond, it is a big help.

The Insurance is less than I thought which is nice.

If I can ask another fairly open question please.

I will be looking to do half a dozen track days or so a year, the rest on the road etc.

So of all of the available options which ones would you consider essential. This may help me decide if I should be looking at new or not, especially as the used ones hold their values so well.

I like the look of the splitter / spoiler but have been led to believe they are only to look at and don't really add any real down force???

Thanks,

[glyn430]

Hi there
i live in Wakefield, not sure where a bouts in Yorkshire you are but if your close enough you could pop over, take a look at one and ask as many questions as you wish over a coffee, i have a Atom 3 300 with every carbon option possible including the wings, let me know if your interested
Glyn

[Alive4Fun]

Thanks Glyn that would be a big help.

I am only in Tingley, Wakefield so should not be that far away at all.

Don't usually use forums so not sure about posting telephone numbers etc but mine is 07917 828918 if you want to call me. Alternatively, let me know your number and I will be happy to call to arrange a time to bob across for a chat!

Ta ,

Dave

[Alive4Fun]

Hi,

Just wanted to say a massive thanks to everyone for the help I have received on here and via message!

Having been out for a spin with Glyn (with a huge grin on my face!), driven one at Elvington I have now ordered one from the Factory for collection in March '14.

The residual values are so high on used Atoms that I could not justify anything other than new especially as longevity will be most important to me.

Thanks again,

Dave

[DonnyMac]

Excellent news!

March you say, make sure you don't put the ski gear away in the loft

[gaz1234]

i'd love one of these and the seem to have gone up in price over the years.
can i ask how much these are now new and how do most pay for it?

[spikeyhead]

gaz1234 said:

i'd love one of these and the seem to have gone up in price over the years.
can i ask how much these are now new and how do most pay for it?

The price is very very option dependent. Phone the factory up and they'll send you a spreadsheet.

[gaz1234]

35k basic?

[Alive4Fun]

About 35k non supercharged, 40+ supercharged but with big brakes adjustable suspension more like 45k.
But as said you can contact the factory and they will give you a spreadsheet with the options.

[JasonNT]

Quick question on this, how much for a set of tyres?

[FlyingTrotter]

Most guys use Yoko A048s and the issue is less the cost as the speed you can get through them - rears are about £330 a pair and fronts a shade less as I recall

[DonnyMac]

FlyingTrotter said:

rears are about £330 a pair and fronts a shade less as I recall

You won't care as every-time you replace a set you'll be reminded about how much fun you're having!

[northnoble]

There are 2 types of tyres recommended by the factory....

Yokohama AD08s (good for road and track) - less than £100 each
Yokohama AD48s (better for track, but do wear quickly) - fronts £110, rears £140

note: some people run 15" wheels front and back, others run 15" front and 16" rear - makes a few quid of a difference.

Some people have also started using Avon ZZr's...same grip as 48s but last longer