Do I, don't I???
Discussion
Hi guys
Recently sold my S1 Elise which was specced up for the track due to the purchase of a more "all-rounder" M3. However, sods law being what it is I have recently come into a bit of cash and am now thinking about getting another track car again (shouldn't of sold the Elise really!)
Anyway if I'm going to do it, it's got to be an Atom or a Caterham. My biggest worry is about the real life Sunday morning useability of an Atom, I absolutely adore the way the car looks and apparently how it is powered and handles but am a little bit put off by the complete lack of weather protection (I rode motorbikes for 14 years so am more than used to getting soaked through and freezing cold and it's not something I want to necessarily repeat
) Also getting the other half in it once in a while needs to be a bit more realistic than finding snowmen in hell.
So how bad is it? I'd like to use it for track days and some road work (drive to the ring maybe??
).
Also on the pratical side what is the depreciation like, how reliable are they when regulary tracked and are there any warranties on used cars as I'd probably look to get a "nearly new" 220.
Thanks for your time
Recently sold my S1 Elise which was specced up for the track due to the purchase of a more "all-rounder" M3. However, sods law being what it is I have recently come into a bit of cash and am now thinking about getting another track car again (shouldn't of sold the Elise really!)
Anyway if I'm going to do it, it's got to be an Atom or a Caterham. My biggest worry is about the real life Sunday morning useability of an Atom, I absolutely adore the way the car looks and apparently how it is powered and handles but am a little bit put off by the complete lack of weather protection (I rode motorbikes for 14 years so am more than used to getting soaked through and freezing cold and it's not something I want to necessarily repeat
) Also getting the other half in it once in a while needs to be a bit more realistic than finding snowmen in hell. So how bad is it? I'd like to use it for track days and some road work (drive to the ring maybe??
). Also on the pratical side what is the depreciation like, how reliable are they when regulary tracked and are there any warranties on used cars as I'd probably look to get a "nearly new" 220.
Thanks for your time
Hi,
I had an S1 elise, std engine but harnesses and a nice zorst that was good on track and fantastic on road.
Theres a bit of info in some of the other threads but I would say again the elise is better on road, and you would have to start spending silly money on engine mods to really pay dividends.
Using the atom purely as a track car though and the car comes into its own, and can be used for the odd trip out - just take some lightweight waterproofs if in doubt, oh, and a good fitting helmet.
Any thing else, give us a shout,
Cheers,
Pete.
I had an S1 elise, std engine but harnesses and a nice zorst that was good on track and fantastic on road.
Theres a bit of info in some of the other threads but I would say again the elise is better on road, and you would have to start spending silly money on engine mods to really pay dividends.
Using the atom purely as a track car though and the car comes into its own, and can be used for the odd trip out - just take some lightweight waterproofs if in doubt, oh, and a good fitting helmet.
Any thing else, give us a shout,
Cheers,
Pete.
I've done almost 1000 miles in the last fortnight. Having driven the Atom in torrential rain (test drive prior to purchase) and getting soaked, I went for the side panels which are fantastic for keeping you dry. The bubble screen (standard height) directs the wind onto the top half of my visor so gives great visibility without any of the helmet lift.
I'll probably do a couple of track evenings at Knockhill however the car is brilliant along the back roads. It helps to live in the countryside!
I'll probably do a couple of track evenings at Knockhill however the car is brilliant along the back roads. It helps to live in the countryside!
I won't repeat what has been said elsewhereL: I'm a biker too (Fireblade and GS1150) and the Atom is so much more civilised than either. Much less windblast, you can move around, quieter, much less tiring on long journeys. Mrs C won't go near the bikes, but thinks the Atom is quite fun.
I have done plenty of Ring trips in ours. Worst part is that the range is 150 miles or so, so you have to stop more frequently. You need a lid and plugs, I have a Chilli heated waistcoat as well. On the last trip, it was heavy rain or near freezing conditions all the way. I can't say it was the best trip of my life, but I wasn't cold. They are magic around the Ring, btw. Utter magic.
I went through the same debate as you. Wouldn't buy a Caterham as R4 and 500 go bang too often and even with a cage, there simply isn't enough protection in an accident. We bought the ex-demonstrator 220 from the factory. Reliability simply isn't an issue: Honda engine and not much else. The factory is super super helpful if you do have any issues (we have been trying to improve brake feel, and we got some dirty petrol on one Ring/Spa trip - all sorted by factory for us).
Do it - you can buy ours if you like.
MC
I have done plenty of Ring trips in ours. Worst part is that the range is 150 miles or so, so you have to stop more frequently. You need a lid and plugs, I have a Chilli heated waistcoat as well. On the last trip, it was heavy rain or near freezing conditions all the way. I can't say it was the best trip of my life, but I wasn't cold. They are magic around the Ring, btw. Utter magic.
I went through the same debate as you. Wouldn't buy a Caterham as R4 and 500 go bang too often and even with a cage, there simply isn't enough protection in an accident. We bought the ex-demonstrator 220 from the factory. Reliability simply isn't an issue: Honda engine and not much else. The factory is super super helpful if you do have any issues (we have been trying to improve brake feel, and we got some dirty petrol on one Ring/Spa trip - all sorted by factory for us).
Do it - you can buy ours if you like.
MC
Not that near to Bristol, but I'm in Warwick and always willing to take potential owners for a spin. Jonny seemed to enjoy his run, though he hasn't bought one yet, so I obviously didn't try hard enough! Note for future...
Just waiting for a few bits from the factory, and mine should be back on the road within the next week or so ...just ready for the next bit of good weather hopefully...
Just waiting for a few bits from the factory, and mine should be back on the road within the next week or so ...just ready for the next bit of good weather hopefully...
Coot said:
I would say again the elise is better on road, and you would have to start spending silly money on engine mods to really pay dividends.
Pete
Are you saying that a 220+ is a minimum starting point to make the trade-offs worthwhile? Is that why your sticking that monster in yours?
Mike
>> Edited by scorewriter on Thursday 31st March 12:54
Hi,
I was talking of engine mods for the elise, the base 120 elise is good for road driving, but to make a track day monster elise with a rover K series costs a serious wedge of money - to take the engine to 200 bhp+.
The atom is lighter and can do more with its power/weight ratio.
Cheers,
Pete.
I was talking of engine mods for the elise, the base 120 elise is good for road driving, but to make a track day monster elise with a rover K series costs a serious wedge of money - to take the engine to 200 bhp+.
The atom is lighter and can do more with its power/weight ratio.
Cheers,
Pete.
atom120 said:
Jonny seemed to enjoy his run, though he hasn't bought one yet...
YET....! Things are going very well with the girlfriend persuasion, all the annoying things (like garaging, etc.) are sorted, just need another £2K and I'm going to buy one
(should be flopping into my lap next month). Yay!
JT
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