SR3 Prices

[sam919]

Hi,

I'm new to the radical scene and looking to go into ownership, at least chassis wise.....long story.

As a rough guide what would a decent 1300 early version go for, track used but maintained by reputable firm, i appreciate there may be many variables but just looking for some figures of where to start.

Thanks, and any advise would be appreciated.

[BertBert]

that's a really tricky one. The yellow 1500 at Nick Cartwright has been for sale for 20k for ever and ever. I assume you are looking for a well looked after old 1300 rather than one that is falling apart.

I think they are quite hard to find as you want to make sure that the components have been reasonably "lifed" as in the owners manual http://www.radicalsportscars.com/global/SR3_manual...

I suspect that most people just ignore a lot of that. With the old clubsport I bought, I rebuilt the suspension with all new bits apart from uprights. Guess what broke? Yes both fronts. One just cracked but one came apart at Oulton (eeek).

So anyway as a *wild* guess mid-late teens for an old but well looked after one.

Bert

[sam919]

Perfect answer thanks a lot. I had a good read of the manual and as you say the life span of components could have big ? marks if not recorded.

I must say i am mightily impressed with radicals data to hand, suspension geometry and settings service hours etc, its a great approach.

I have been looking at a nice but older 1300 and ex track day car, it needs a few minor things but there not essentially radical related, belts, fire extinguisher that sort of thing. My main issue was with engine and running hours, but hey its a track/ race car and you have to be realistic if things go pear shaped.

Main thing is will it fit in my racepod?! on a quick measure its tight and i might have to remove the rear wing i have about 3950 and 1800 to play with!!

Thanks again

[BertBert]

ah yes, the old engine hours conundrum. I have to say that my experience of buying privately has not been that good re hours. Two cars where the "not many hours" engines have both gone pop. Ok buying from Radical themselves.

Unless there is some documentary evidence that you believe, you should assume the engine doesn't have much life left before a rebuild.

Bert

[Simon T]

don't rule out a race car, if it's been looked after it could well be in better condition that a similar car that hasnt been raced.

Radical Scribe dates onto their uprights, they are the critical component to life, along with front lower wishbones - they bend with age, if it's got a bend it's old...

Watch out for worn rose joints they are expensive, bushes are cheap

Play in the rack can usually be adjusted out

Bodywork is expensive to replace but most damage can be repaired ( I know )

What ever hours you are told an engine has run for, double it, unless the original number was less that 10 in which cas treble it

If you find one in the south happy to look at it with you if that would help



S

[4098sr]

I bought mine from Radical, awesome service,rebuilt motor, cars been great,cant say enough good things about radical, mines ex race car and been well looked after. Sometimes you pay a bit more at the start but it evens out on the long run

[sam919]

Thanks all for the info, its the same with caterhams....or anything that's track related, some track cars that have had high use but proper maintenance are sometimes a better bet than a road car that's had plenty of polishing but no in depth maint'ce you get by sticking it up on a ramp.

The hours and age point you made is interesting, it seems the Radical is more 'single seater ish' in many ways, my mate had a Van Diemen and most suspension components didn't have a great life span, they were all about a quarter the size of anything caterham as well, closer to the minimum engineering needed than over engineered.

Its a take your chance scenario with the engine, i suppose you could have a spanking new engine but run on guff oil - rad hose burst/overheated - so sounds alright but actually isnt?!? its damage limitation, try and suss out if the documentation/ info you get is kosha.

Thanks for the offer its much appreciated, they did used to back in the day, have a place at knockhill fellow named Bryce i seem to remember. I was on the edge of getting one then but they were a bit out of my price range, so settled for a fury with a blade engine.....which was a lot cheaper, but sufficed the urge.

[gixermark]

Does it have to be an SR3?

A 1300 engined example is still going to be a great car, but it's a relatively heavy car for a std 1300 lump.

IF you get the urge to race, at least the 1500 gets you into a std class, and resale is likely to be stronger.

For track fun on a budget a prosport is definately good value, but maybe the 2nd seat is a requirement for you ?

[sam919]

No not really, im not ruling out anything. The thing about the radical in any guise is that its rear engined, has a properly designed chassis, has aero and is light.....which is what im after.