New or used atom.

[930gaz]

Hi, am thinking on an atom but just trying to decide new or used, quite a long wait 14 months for new, had the cost sheet today on basic atom, guess that's all ready to go then you add on all extras If you would like any, Will do some more reading up and another look through the classified again, any help much appreciated.

Thanks

[Kezzie]

Hi,

I too had a similar dilemma 6 years ago and what I can suggest is that, firstly, you join the owners club - they have an excellent friendly forum where any questions you have will be answered.
If you live near enough I would recommend visiting the factory in Somerset and chat to them about all the options and what would suit your needs.
14 months is quite a while to sit and stew over the options list and the forum will help. You may even hook up with some owners local to you and they are usually very amenable to letting prospective new owners see their pride & joy up close and personal so to speak.
Also, if you do go down the route of second hand, which I did, get the details of the car you're interested in and speak to the factory about it. They should know about it's history and if it's been looked after etc.

Adrian

[sone]

I'd second this, the factory are extremely helpful and will guide you on your purchase. I spoke to them on a number of cars and they responded immediately on my questions.

Good luck

Steve

[930gaz]

Thanks for your input.

Gazza

[KMF]

the beauty of an atom is its a simple car, its not like buying a lambo, ferrari or even a porsche.
the most important thing is chassis condition as that is what makes an atom what it is. the engine is simple, its a type R honda. the suspention can take a bit of care as its a rose jointed afair.
i feel its a simple cheep to run super car, somthing that is hard to find these days.
i highly recomend ownership as nothing else can come close

[930gaz]

They sound fantastic. I need to sit down at the weekend and go through what I would like if I go new one,

Few years back had a Porsche 996tt and it was fab, sold it for a Ferrari 360 and just didn't get the same feeling as Porsche, don't get me wrong super car but always thinking of big bills, I know an atom won't be like anything I have ever been in on the road, think it could tick all the boxes, not thinking of track days but maybe one day, it's just a fab toy to have on a sunny day.

[KMF]

i was very lucky with my 2015 Atom 3.5/245. it was up for sale for £40K at a porsche supplier. the car was his own personal car so I convinced him it would be easier for him to sell a porsche as those are the cars he deals in. i did a straight swap for my 2010 Boxster Spyder so it did not cost me a penny. i was lucky as i only lost £1500 plus running costs on a two year ownership of the porsche. there are only 100 manual spyders in uk so they have held their price well and they will rocket in price i am sure in the future. ( the bit i wont be lucky about) i also was always worried about running costs and the spyder was coming out of warranty this year so would need the 111 point check, 2 year warranty, 6 year service, set on N spec tyres, could even require perhaps discs and pads (conditions of warranty dependant on condition) so all in all over the next 12 months a lot of running costs.
the Atom on the other hand will cost me nothing as i will maintain it my self (excluding electrics) as in a past life i did serve my time as an engineer.
my biggest costs will be what bits can i buy to put on the car not thousands of pounds just on running costs

[930gaz]

Sounds good. Thank you to all again

[dogz]

I'm in a similar situation to yourself. I've scoured the classified ads looking at Atoms but they hold their value so well that I think the only option is to buy new

Whilst the 14 month current wait is a pain, knowing the full background and lineage of the car is important to me

I rang the factor to get the list and enquire about required options. LSD was mentioned as were a few other things

Best of luck in your decision.

[KMF]

You will pay almost full price for a used one as a new one as they do hold their price. that is good for us owners but not so good for buyers. the advantage buying used is not having to wait as no one likes to wait especially 14 months. the problem with specing new is its so hard to stop specing up your new car. my car was up for £40K, when I speced a new one with all the bits I wanted it was close to £60K so now I make do with the car I have and just add to over a period of time, it feels less painful. most atoms have very low mileage so they probably have not had too hard life unless they are track only cars.
good luck with your search and choice, once bitten you are hooked.

[930gaz]

Thanks again everyone, I was going through the sheet and you can spend some money, there are a few I like used so may go that way, I have a free weekend to look at what I would definitely like on new and go from there, there is one in a garage and may go and have a look it that,will get a better idea then.

Thanks again and good look to you dogz

[KMF]

thre is a nice spek one at the ariel factory with a blue chassis, very unusual. that is the one i would have bought if i was not already fixed up

[930gaz]

Looks good I must say. I am looking at one on Saturday to get a feel of it so will know better next week if to get my order in for a new one, more I think about it looks better value for new.

The one I am looking at is only 20 miles from me so worth a ride out to see it, just its 2004 with 24000 miles, that puts me off but get to look at one up close.

[Ja5on]

I'm in a similar situation, but I will go for used and add spec if I cannot get what I'm after.

Even then I'm not entirely sure what I'm after as I haven't sat in one yet haha

[930gaz]

I know where your at, I went out in one Saturday but it was a atom 2 2004, and quite a few miles 24000, we only did a few miles as no mot on it, garage was doing that this week, felt quick but don't think we was anywhere pushing if at least I hope not, no supercharger too.

Ps seating position was much better than I thought

[northnoble]

Just over 4 years ago I had the same dilemma. Long story short, I couldn't be hassled with the problem of selling my 996TT and waiting for a new Atom so I traded for a second hand one!

Still love it...but my perspective on what makes the ideal spec has changed significantly. On that basis, I would save a few quid (only a few mind you!) and get a second hand one NOW. Only time and experience will tell what is the right spec for you.

For me.....

Atom 3 or newer (less rattles / more room)
SC
Big Brakes
Windscreen option....for longer drives (aka NC500)
Rear spoiler (probably aftermarket)
Good wheels / tyres

All the rest is just noise!

Do it soon, not later!!!!

[KMF]

there are plenty of atoms for sale here on PH within the trade. an ideal situation to trade instead of having to sell your present car and wait for a new one.

Edited by KMF on Tuesday 13th September 18:50