Practicality and cost
So you've expressed an interest in a kit car, you've seen that gleaming knee high missile on ebay that stirs the boy racer in all of us, the first thing you may or may not notice is the Reg or lack of as the case may be.
Practicality/cost:- Its easy to forget yourself when you see your first kit, cost and discomfort never seem to be an issue!
Firstly, few kit cars can accommodate a 6ft6" or 20 stone driver, adversely, being 5ft6" in a car without an adjustable seat(as in mine). may mean you cannot reach the pedals so your frame may reflect your options. If size is not an issue then compromises in comfort may be new to prospective buyers, of course bumps are expected to be firm, that's half the fun, stone chipping's at 80mph are not however, trust me, good goggles are minimum, a helmet is not a bad idea.
Though the majority of cars are based on the lotus 7 theme, the similarities pretty much end there, with an increasing array of custom styles and trims you can modify and style to suit your tastes, this is as much applicable to engine choice now as trim, 1.0 mini to a Intro assisted V8, you may however wish to shun the bike engined route if you are prone to overshooting junctions, as reverse gears are a luxury and curb pinging is a costly maneuver.
I would strongly advise anyone interested in kit cars to thoroughly calculate their available funds, this was a mistake that I and so many people make, regardless of what state the seller may claim the vehicle is, unless it has been bought from an established manufacturer and has warranty you must expect and prepare for further outlay, this ascends drastically if the vehicle is incomplete and yet to be tested.
Unlike production cars which are assembled identically and exclusively from new and tested parts, kit cars naturally have a higher risk of failure, sourcing replacement parts can also be more difficult if older parts or indeed unknown parts fail.
A sound knowledge of the composition parts is always recommended whether its you or a garage that conducts future work.
Insurance cost is going to of course vary extremely, mainstream insurers may refuse to insure some cars, and of course insurance on twin super bike engined Tupperware is never going to be pretty!, it is always best to refer to specialist insurers(see my links page or browse Kit Car magazine ads).
It goes without saying that a garage is really a must depending on your place of abode, a kit car with full weather gear may reluctantly survive the elements, but a push start rag top stands little chance against TWOC.
The running costs ultimately are on par with a first vehicle, you will however only be likely to run the car for 6 months of the year(weather permitting) so 6 months tax is the norm, mileage of course will be a lot lower,and your insurance should reflect that.
The fact that you may even be considering a kit car suggests you have a sense of adventure and are prepared to take risks, but unless money and mechanical competence are not an issue then a bit of caution, investigation and planning can save you a lot of hassle, that said, the fact you've read this suggests you are the sort of patient and determined individual to achieve the rewarding and satisfying possession of such a car.
Practicality/cost:- Its easy to forget yourself when you see your first kit, cost and discomfort never seem to be an issue!
Firstly, few kit cars can accommodate a 6ft6" or 20 stone driver, adversely, being 5ft6" in a car without an adjustable seat(as in mine). may mean you cannot reach the pedals so your frame may reflect your options. If size is not an issue then compromises in comfort may be new to prospective buyers, of course bumps are expected to be firm, that's half the fun, stone chipping's at 80mph are not however, trust me, good goggles are minimum, a helmet is not a bad idea.
Though the majority of cars are based on the lotus 7 theme, the similarities pretty much end there, with an increasing array of custom styles and trims you can modify and style to suit your tastes, this is as much applicable to engine choice now as trim, 1.0 mini to a Intro assisted V8, you may however wish to shun the bike engined route if you are prone to overshooting junctions, as reverse gears are a luxury and curb pinging is a costly maneuver.
I would strongly advise anyone interested in kit cars to thoroughly calculate their available funds, this was a mistake that I and so many people make, regardless of what state the seller may claim the vehicle is, unless it has been bought from an established manufacturer and has warranty you must expect and prepare for further outlay, this ascends drastically if the vehicle is incomplete and yet to be tested.
Unlike production cars which are assembled identically and exclusively from new and tested parts, kit cars naturally have a higher risk of failure, sourcing replacement parts can also be more difficult if older parts or indeed unknown parts fail.
A sound knowledge of the composition parts is always recommended whether its you or a garage that conducts future work.
Insurance cost is going to of course vary extremely, mainstream insurers may refuse to insure some cars, and of course insurance on twin super bike engined Tupperware is never going to be pretty!, it is always best to refer to specialist insurers(see my links page or browse Kit Car magazine ads).
It goes without saying that a garage is really a must depending on your place of abode, a kit car with full weather gear may reluctantly survive the elements, but a push start rag top stands little chance against TWOC.
The running costs ultimately are on par with a first vehicle, you will however only be likely to run the car for 6 months of the year(weather permitting) so 6 months tax is the norm, mileage of course will be a lot lower,and your insurance should reflect that.
The fact that you may even be considering a kit car suggests you have a sense of adventure and are prepared to take risks, but unless money and mechanical competence are not an issue then a bit of caution, investigation and planning can save you a lot of hassle, that said, the fact you've read this suggests you are the sort of patient and determined individual to achieve the rewarding and satisfying possession of such a car.
