Potential Newbie?
Discussion
HNY all,
I am very close to buying a new Atom and have a few small concerns. Firstly, as a non biker how easy is it to live with or will my desire for the driving experience be overshadowed by the inconveniences.
Secondly, if after 6 months and I hate it (sorry!) how much can I realistically get for a 6 month old £20,000 car?
Thanks for your help.
Stewart
I am very close to buying a new Atom and have a few small concerns. Firstly, as a non biker how easy is it to live with or will my desire for the driving experience be overshadowed by the inconveniences.
Secondly, if after 6 months and I hate it (sorry!) how much can I realistically get for a 6 month old £20,000 car?
Thanks for your help.
Stewart
S2satom said:
Firstly, as a non biker how easy is it to live with or will my desire for the driving experience be overshadowed by the inconveniences.
Secondly, if after 6 months and I hate it (sorry!) how much can I realistically get for a 6 month old £20,000 car?
Hi Stewart!
Could you be a bit more specific about what you mean by 'to live with' and what you understand might be the 'incoveniences'? Overall, the Atom is incredibly easy to live with, provided you have a garage. And the driving experiences will definitely outweigh almost any inconvenience.
And you don't have to be a biker to appreciate the Atom by any means. Ignore the debate, frankly, there is none. An Atom is a whole different world - those who know, know.
If you think you might want to sell it after a few months, my best advice would be not to spec it up too much. That way, you're not wasting money on things that you'll not see a return on, and then the new owner can have the car they want or you can upgrade the car with lots of retrofittted stuff.
The residuals on Atoms are generally good. I was happy with the resale value of mine which represented depreciation of c.10% per annum.
I strongly suggest that before you decide, you test drive one or grab a passenger ride in one - but be warned - it's addictive!
This is a really stupid question (spot the alcohol doing the questioning!), but if I wanted to p/x my Tuscan for an Ariel, is there anywhere that I could do it?
I'm not looking for top money in a p/x (evidently), but I gave up with selling cars privately a long time ago.
Now that I am looking at replacing my daily hack with something less than sensible, I require an even more ridiculous weekend car, and it also must be something to beat my dad's (silly) Sylva....
I'm not looking for top money in a p/x (evidently), but I gave up with selling cars privately a long time ago.
Now that I am looking at replacing my daily hack with something less than sensible, I require an even more ridiculous weekend car, and it also must be something to beat my dad's (silly) Sylva....
UpTheIron said:
I require an even more ridiculous weekend car
You've found it!
I don't know if the factory (the only UK dealership) actually does p/x.
Were I you (and a couple of years ago, I was, with a Griff to sell) I'd put it on PH for a free ad. Generally, you get a better class of person who actually wants to buy cars! Plus there are people who specialise in buying and selling TVR's on here who would probably sell it for you for a small commission e.g. James Agger or better still, Rob Ingleby (www.findasportscar.co.uk/) He's always got clients lined up looking for decent cars and is a bloke you can trust (well, he acted as middleman for my buyer when I sold the Griff and that's the way he came across to me).
Thanks Bruce.
I have been looking for a car which can be used on the road/weekends (20%), track days (50%), driving tuition (30%) and Hillclimbs/Sprints (20%) and have considered many two seater, open top cars. I saw the Atom, went down to see Simon and had a test drive. The result was I want one!
Back nearer to reality, I thought about and tried an Elise. Its driving sensation is very tactile but not as much as the Atom, but the Elise comes with a few of the more conventional aspects of a car e.g. luggage space, a roof, wife friendly!
I am not comapring it to a bike, so there is no debate, but for sure if you are used to the biker 'outdoor' experience then the Atom is closer to this than an Elise.
I guess I'm looking for peoples thoughts who have been through this before to help with the decision. Interestingly, anybody had an Atom and couldn't live it ... why?
Thanks for the advice of price etc.
Stewart
I have been looking for a car which can be used on the road/weekends (20%), track days (50%), driving tuition (30%) and Hillclimbs/Sprints (20%) and have considered many two seater, open top cars. I saw the Atom, went down to see Simon and had a test drive. The result was I want one!
Back nearer to reality, I thought about and tried an Elise. Its driving sensation is very tactile but not as much as the Atom, but the Elise comes with a few of the more conventional aspects of a car e.g. luggage space, a roof, wife friendly!
I am not comapring it to a bike, so there is no debate, but for sure if you are used to the biker 'outdoor' experience then the Atom is closer to this than an Elise.
I guess I'm looking for peoples thoughts who have been through this before to help with the decision. Interestingly, anybody had an Atom and couldn't live it ... why?
Thanks for the advice of price etc.
Stewart
Hi,
I had an Elise for a couple of years, even though it was a 2nd/weekend car I ended up driving it nearly everyday!
Compared to the Atom its a luxury barge!
I've had my Atom for a month now and have done a couple of trackdays already ( tagging along with Lotus owning friends ).
The car isnt *that* unpractical, a large bag will fasten into the passenger seat to hold everything you need for a day at the track, or just a day out driving.
Unlike the Elise though, its not as much fun 2 up, especially with the missus!
If you've both got helmets on and dont have comms then the passenger is just sat there for the ride whereas the Elise is so much more civil.
I found the Elise to be the perfect drivers car if you have to choose just one for everyday use, otherwise the Atom, as a track day/extreme fun car then you simply cant go wrong, I've not had a grin this wide for a long time.
Just looking forward to next summer when I can finally ditch some of these extra layers of clothing...
Have fun,
Pete.
I had an Elise for a couple of years, even though it was a 2nd/weekend car I ended up driving it nearly everyday!
Compared to the Atom its a luxury barge!
I've had my Atom for a month now and have done a couple of trackdays already ( tagging along with Lotus owning friends ).
The car isnt *that* unpractical, a large bag will fasten into the passenger seat to hold everything you need for a day at the track, or just a day out driving.
Unlike the Elise though, its not as much fun 2 up, especially with the missus!
If you've both got helmets on and dont have comms then the passenger is just sat there for the ride whereas the Elise is so much more civil.
I found the Elise to be the perfect drivers car if you have to choose just one for everyday use, otherwise the Atom, as a track day/extreme fun car then you simply cant go wrong, I've not had a grin this wide for a long time.
Just looking forward to next summer when I can finally ditch some of these extra layers of clothing...
Have fun,
Pete.
[quote=S2satom]
road/weekends (20%)
track days (50%)
driving tuition (30%)
Hillclimbs/Sprints (20%)quote]
I think if you want an Elise, that's a good route and I wouldn't discourage you. However, the running costs are much higher than an Atom would be. Plus, IMHO an Atom is better than (and more fun than) an Elise on 100% of your usage (excluding the first 20%).
Yes, it's not wife friendly, but get her on the insurance and things could change! And there is room for luggage in the passenger footwell and the 'boot' - not much, but enough for a short weekend...
My decision to buy my first Atom was based on looking pretty much for the same levels of usage as you. I chose an Atom because it was exciting and different and, frankly, wider than a caterfield - as at 6'4" and >100 kilos, the Atom was and still is a much better bet.
There are people who haven't got on with their Atoms and sold them. Their reasons for selling I don't know. Most people who have sold (but there aren't many) have done so for one of those common car selling scenarios - a new baby, moving house, etc. If I come across anyone that's lapsed for any other reason, I'll let you know.
road/weekends (20%)
track days (50%)
driving tuition (30%)
Hillclimbs/Sprints (20%)quote]
I think if you want an Elise, that's a good route and I wouldn't discourage you. However, the running costs are much higher than an Atom would be. Plus, IMHO an Atom is better than (and more fun than) an Elise on 100% of your usage (excluding the first 20%).
Yes, it's not wife friendly, but get her on the insurance and things could change! And there is room for luggage in the passenger footwell and the 'boot' - not much, but enough for a short weekend...
My decision to buy my first Atom was based on looking pretty much for the same levels of usage as you. I chose an Atom because it was exciting and different and, frankly, wider than a caterfield - as at 6'4" and >100 kilos, the Atom was and still is a much better bet.
There are people who haven't got on with their Atoms and sold them. Their reasons for selling I don't know. Most people who have sold (but there aren't many) have done so for one of those common car selling scenarios - a new baby, moving house, etc. If I come across anyone that's lapsed for any other reason, I'll let you know.
Hi,
I've just signed up and have been reading this thread with interest - it covers all the same questions I have and it's pretty much made my mind up too (c:
I'm doing homework at the moment to look at the options but I'm hoping to have around £17K to spend (once I've sold my Rex and we've moved to a home with a garage/double garage). I've seen a couple of Atoms at that price second hand so I'm very tempted.
I had wondered about practicality for driving to/from track days and carrying enough for one person for a weekend/long weekend but it sounds like it's no problem. Thanks again for answering my questions too.
Best wishes,
Si.
I've just signed up and have been reading this thread with interest - it covers all the same questions I have and it's pretty much made my mind up too (c:
I'm doing homework at the moment to look at the options but I'm hoping to have around £17K to spend (once I've sold my Rex and we've moved to a home with a garage/double garage). I've seen a couple of Atoms at that price second hand so I'm very tempted.
I had wondered about practicality for driving to/from track days and carrying enough for one person for a weekend/long weekend but it sounds like it's no problem. Thanks again for answering my questions too.
Best wishes,
Si.
I too have been reading all the comments on this page. I am looking to buy a car for 100% road use as a weekend and summer evening “toy”.
I am torn between an Elise and an Atom2 160. One of the main uses for the car would be to go mountaineering and this would mean leaving the car in a layby / roadside for up to 8 hours. I see no issues with an Elise however what could be done to protect the Atom? Taking away the steering wheel, some vital engine part, can a tracker be fitted? Or is just a complete non-starter? Appreciate your comments.
Also, I would like to be able to for a run with one of my children (aged 4 and 7). Obviously helmets and warn clothes. Any other comments?
It may be obvious from these questions that I’ve never actually seen an Atom in the flesh. I still need to contact Ariel to find out if there’s one in Scotland that I could see… unless anyone knows better?
All comments appreciated.
I am torn between an Elise and an Atom2 160. One of the main uses for the car would be to go mountaineering and this would mean leaving the car in a layby / roadside for up to 8 hours. I see no issues with an Elise however what could be done to protect the Atom? Taking away the steering wheel, some vital engine part, can a tracker be fitted? Or is just a complete non-starter? Appreciate your comments.
Also, I would like to be able to for a run with one of my children (aged 4 and 7). Obviously helmets and warn clothes. Any other comments?
It may be obvious from these questions that I’ve never actually seen an Atom in the flesh. I still need to contact Ariel to find out if there’s one in Scotland that I could see… unless anyone knows better?
All comments appreciated.
scottsman said:My gut feel is to go for the Elise. Both from a security point of view (leaving changed street clothes / mountaineering kit in the car) and peace of mind when you're halfway up a Munroe, and the the safety of the kids (hands through the frame etc.) the Atom probably isn't suitable. I think we do have an owner in Scotland... send me an email off-line and I'll put you in touch.
I am looking to buy a car for 100% road use as a weekend and summer evening “toy”.
I am torn between an Elise and an Atom2 160. One of the main uses for the car would be to go mountaineering and this would mean leaving the car in a layby / roadside for up to 8 hours. I see no issues with an Elise however what could be done to protect the Atom? Taking away the steering wheel, some vital engine part, can a tracker be fitted? Or is just a complete non-starter? Appreciate your comments.
Also, I would like to be able to for a run with one of my children (aged 4 and 7). Obviously helmets and warm clothes. Any other comments?
It may be obvious from these questions that I’ve never actually seen an Atom in the flesh. I still need to contact Ariel to find out if there’s one in Scotland that I could see… unless anyone knows better?
All comments appreciated.
What sort of mileage do people do in their Atoms? I'd be wanting to drive it to work and back on the odd occasion plus the odd drive for fun. On top of that I'd be looking at driving to and from track days as well as the time on-track. I'd be sorely tempted to take it to the 'ring a couple of times a year - is this a realistic journey to make in an Atom? That driving alone is probably around 6K miles a year, perhaps more in a good year (c:
Maintenance too.... I'm thinking of doing as much work on it myself as I can learning while I go. This makes me tend to shy away from the VTEC (although the price helps a lot too (c: ). Are they expensive to keep on the road (Atom vs. Atom2)? Is the work that's needed (not that I know what is needed with them) something an enthusiatic bunch of amateurs can tackle safely?
Thanks again,
Si.
Maintenance too.... I'm thinking of doing as much work on it myself as I can learning while I go. This makes me tend to shy away from the VTEC (although the price helps a lot too (c: ). Are they expensive to keep on the road (Atom vs. Atom2)? Is the work that's needed (not that I know what is needed with them) something an enthusiatic bunch of amateurs can tackle safely?
Thanks again,
Si.
scottsman - have to agree with Bruce here, I think you'd find the Atom a bit uncompromising based on what you've said. The Atom's perhaps different from almost all other cars in that it when you drive it you're really just driving it for the sake of driving. For anything else, it becomes a bit of a headache. Although there is plenty of space for luggage in the passenger footwell, security is an issue and I'm not personally sure I'd want to take young children out in the car - you may find the seat/harness isn't really suitable for small people in the event of a crash.
SiCook - I've done plenty of road mileage in my Mark I and it's fine and actually very useable on the road - you'll want ear plugs though. General maintenance is cheap and easy and you should be able to get any Honda dealer to service the engine. I wouldn't personally touch the engine myself but it's worth noting that they're really reliable units and very cheap to service anyhow - 12000 mile service interval & no cam belt. My own Honda Civic Type-R has been really cheap to run over these last 3 years so I can't see the Atom being any different.
If cost is an issue, the 160 should save quite a bit on the initial purchase and be a bit more economical, but I doubt it will be much cheaper to service than than the 220.
SiCook - I've done plenty of road mileage in my Mark I and it's fine and actually very useable on the road - you'll want ear plugs though. General maintenance is cheap and easy and you should be able to get any Honda dealer to service the engine. I wouldn't personally touch the engine myself but it's worth noting that they're really reliable units and very cheap to service anyhow - 12000 mile service interval & no cam belt. My own Honda Civic Type-R has been really cheap to run over these last 3 years so I can't see the Atom being any different.
If cost is an issue, the 160 should save quite a bit on the initial purchase and be a bit more economical, but I doubt it will be much cheaper to service than than the 220.
I won't repeat what has already been said, but I am probably one of the hardier Atom drivers . . . .
On practicalities, I have driven mine to the Nurburgring and to Spa a couple of times each. Its no worse than a Caterham if you have decent gear (allow £2-300), but you do have to wear a helmet. The weather was pretty atrocious on all but one of the drives, one being wet and around zero degrees. As they say, there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad gear. Buffeting depends on height and which screen you have. Its nowhere near as cold as it looks or you would think.
On kids, my 14 yr old and 9 yr old absolutely love it. Both have helmets and bike gear, though. The elder has done a 150 mile journey in it (in preference to a Merc estate), the younger only evening blasts and so on, during which she usually encourages me to overtake even more! I gave rides for charity in it at our village fair and got a response ranging from out right terror through to not wanting to get out (children and adults). Small children (i.e. 4-9) I was pretty gentle with and mostly loved it. Some found a helmet a bit scary. They all folded their arms (which is what I told them to do).
On security, I use a bike lock and chain through one of the wheels. Bit of a pain to get on, but it aint going any where with it on. Assume you cannot leave anything at all in it, and I would recommend the removable steering wheel. I am relaxed about leaving it anywhere, simply because there is almost no way of selling one if you steal it, so its joy-riders only you are protecting against and a bike lock / lack of steering wheel deals with most of that.
On maintenance, its about as easy as it gets, since its all easy to get at. The VTEC is a non-issue, Honda haven't had one VTEC-related warranty issue since its introduction, but at £17k, its probably irrelevant. The factory are super helpful with queries, so if you are keen to get dirty hands, there is probably no better car.
On practicalities, I have driven mine to the Nurburgring and to Spa a couple of times each. Its no worse than a Caterham if you have decent gear (allow £2-300), but you do have to wear a helmet. The weather was pretty atrocious on all but one of the drives, one being wet and around zero degrees. As they say, there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad gear. Buffeting depends on height and which screen you have. Its nowhere near as cold as it looks or you would think.
On kids, my 14 yr old and 9 yr old absolutely love it. Both have helmets and bike gear, though. The elder has done a 150 mile journey in it (in preference to a Merc estate), the younger only evening blasts and so on, during which she usually encourages me to overtake even more! I gave rides for charity in it at our village fair and got a response ranging from out right terror through to not wanting to get out (children and adults). Small children (i.e. 4-9) I was pretty gentle with and mostly loved it. Some found a helmet a bit scary. They all folded their arms (which is what I told them to do).
On security, I use a bike lock and chain through one of the wheels. Bit of a pain to get on, but it aint going any where with it on. Assume you cannot leave anything at all in it, and I would recommend the removable steering wheel. I am relaxed about leaving it anywhere, simply because there is almost no way of selling one if you steal it, so its joy-riders only you are protecting against and a bike lock / lack of steering wheel deals with most of that.
On maintenance, its about as easy as it gets, since its all easy to get at. The VTEC is a non-issue, Honda haven't had one VTEC-related warranty issue since its introduction, but at £17k, its probably irrelevant. The factory are super helpful with queries, so if you are keen to get dirty hands, there is probably no better car.
Scotsman, what kind of mountaineering do you do that you could fit your gear into an Elise? You could fit a pair of climbing shoes in the boot of an Atom (and if they smelt anything like mine ever did then that's where you'd want them) ...
I was in a friend's new Exige the other day and I came to the realisation that the Elise/Exige is exciting for an everyday car but for pure driving thrills it doesn't even rate against the Atom (not even close). If you need the practicality of the Lotus then unfortunately some compromises must be made!
Incidentally access to the driver's seat in the Exige is so awful that I cricked my neck getting out of the car and I was practically in tears with spasms of pain for the next four days. And being 6'4" there's no way I could drive the car with my knees against the steering wheel. Well, I could drive in a straight line which might defeat the purpose of the car ...
I was in a friend's new Exige the other day and I came to the realisation that the Elise/Exige is exciting for an everyday car but for pure driving thrills it doesn't even rate against the Atom (not even close). If you need the practicality of the Lotus then unfortunately some compromises must be made!
Incidentally access to the driver's seat in the Exige is so awful that I cricked my neck getting out of the car and I was practically in tears with spasms of pain for the next four days. And being 6'4" there's no way I could drive the car with my knees against the steering wheel. Well, I could drive in a straight line which might defeat the purpose of the car ...
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