Where are the cheap used Atoms?
Discussion
From time to time I look in the PH classifieds for used Atoms, and the prices are invariably north of £30k.
For instance, there are currently two 300s around £40k, both from 2005. Current new list price is under £35k. I would have expected used prices under £30k, even with a few options, based my experience of Caterham depreciation.
So, either:
- Atoms really hold their value.
- The optioned-up prices tend to be way higher than list.
- People are unreasonably bullish with their asking prices.
What's the story?
John
For instance, there are currently two 300s around £40k, both from 2005. Current new list price is under £35k. I would have expected used prices under £30k, even with a few options, based my experience of Caterham depreciation.
So, either:
- Atoms really hold their value.
- The optioned-up prices tend to be way higher than list.
- People are unreasonably bullish with their asking prices.
What's the story?
John
Atoms really hold their value.
Think about, how many are there in the UK? 250. Most of which are for track use only so do not get much mileage. Not many second hand ones out there.
Rarer than hens teeth.
Try the factory or the club forum, but they are still pricey as people snap them up to avoid the 12 month waiting time.
Think about, how many are there in the UK? 250. Most of which are for track use only so do not get much mileage. Not many second hand ones out there.
Rarer than hens teeth.
Try the factory or the club forum, but they are still pricey as people snap them up to avoid the 12 month waiting time.
Edited by John Lloyd on Monday 21st January 16:44
John Lloyd said:
Atoms really hold their value...Rarer than hens teeth.
Well, if demand equals supply then rarity only decreases liquidity, i.e. makes them harder to shift. So should have no net effect. Case in point: Vauxhall Monaro. Rare and also highly depreciating.John Lloyd said:
people snap them up to avoid the 12 month waiting time.
Ah, that'll be it then. The "Porsche factor".Maybe the Atom 3 will loosen things up (even if it's basically the same). Nothing like new shiny things to depreciate the old shiny things.
Still, the Atom 3/245 looks reasonable value compared to the used ones, at about £30k list. I think I could manage without a blower.
Thanks for the tips.
John
LathamJohnP said:
Well, if demand equals supply then rarity only decreases liquidity, i.e. makes them harder to shift. So should have no net effect. Case in point: Vauxhall Monaro. Rare and also highly depreciating.
I think you've found your explanation - demand doesn't equal supply with the Atom!Three years ago, the waiting list was around 3-4 months. Its now around 15 months. In that time, production has more than doubled - but production's unlikely to increase much beyond what it is now, so the waiting list could well increase further! My new one was ordered in November 2007, and won't be ready until early 2009.
Add to that the options most people go for, pretty much every 300 produced is more than £40k new - so most 2nd hand 300s are also £40k+. You could buy a new 300 for £35k, but if you go for the charger, it makes sense to go for uprated brakes, suspension, wheels, tyres, etc, etc.
A 2nd hand 245 for less than £30k is very, very rare indeed - and will probably sell through the Owners Club before it even makes it into the PH classifieds!
HereBeMonsters said:
So there are still no used bargains? Once we've got the new house sorted I'm going to get myself a proper track car, and want something with a bit more character (and a bit more modern!) than a Caterfield.
Am I dreaming with a budget of sub £20k?
At under 20K you will get an original Atom 1 with a K-Series engine, or maybe an Atom 2 160. Don't think you'll get much above that. Remember Atoms sell at very near list price 2nd hand.Am I dreaming with a budget of sub £20k?
Unfortunately i think that you are dreaming, that's the bad news.
The good news though is that becasue the cars hold their value so well the overall cost of ownership is probably much lower than many other cars despite the high initial cost.
I sold my first Atom for c£500 less than I bought it for after 21 months and a dozen or so track days (sold when my second "new" one was ready). Throw in the fact that it doesn't use consumables (brakes, tyres) like a heavier car (no difference here to a Caterfield), insurance premia are generally relatively low (significantly cheaper than an elise for me) and they become more achievable a prospect.
The good news though is that becasue the cars hold their value so well the overall cost of ownership is probably much lower than many other cars despite the high initial cost.
I sold my first Atom for c£500 less than I bought it for after 21 months and a dozen or so track days (sold when my second "new" one was ready). Throw in the fact that it doesn't use consumables (brakes, tyres) like a heavier car (no difference here to a Caterfield), insurance premia are generally relatively low (significantly cheaper than an elise for me) and they become more achievable a prospect.
356Speedster said:
HereBeMonsters said:
So there are still no used bargains? Once we've got the new house sorted I'm going to get myself a proper track car, and want something with a bit more character (and a bit more modern!) than a Caterfield.
Am I dreaming with a budget of sub £20k?
At under 20K you will get an original Atom 1 with a K-Series engine, or maybe an Atom 2 160. Don't think you'll get much above that. Remember Atoms sell at very near list price 2nd hand.Am I dreaming with a budget of sub £20k?
To be honest my choice for the cash is either sell my current daily 205 GTI and replace with an S2000 or Boxster, or keep the 205 and get a track-dedicated car. TBH I just wouldn't spend more than about £10k on a Caterfield - they're just so generic, fast as they may be, I want something fairly interesting.
marklgordon said:
I just bought my 300 2007 for 39750, there is no hagaling however ariel is really good when it comes to small aditions, for next to nothing.
it's definatly worth the money though, i would personally recomend the 300 but the na cars are still realy rapid
So that's why the sun is out:-)it's definatly worth the money though, i would personally recomend the 300 but the na cars are still realy rapid
marklgordon said:
I just bought my 300 2007 for 39750, there is no hagaling however ariel is really good when it comes to small aditions, for next to nothing.
it's definatly worth the money though, i would personally recomend the 300 but the na cars are still realy rapid
I was just about to suggest that you also visit the AAOC forum but then noticed you'd just joined it.it's definatly worth the money though, i would personally recomend the 300 but the na cars are still realy rapid
Welcome to Atom ownership, you won't regret it.
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