Atoms for sale - information thread

[reg]

People put too much emphasis on factory services. I've seen some cars that are dogs that have a lot of history but for a lot of people, especially jn the North, transporting to the factory and back every year isn't feasible so they get them serviced locally or even do it themselves. I know owners that have cars that are serviced before every track day and very well maintained but have never been back to the factory since they bought it.

TBH the factory, although not always the cheapest option know them inside and out. Their level of detail is extremely high and because they see them all the time they know what is right and what is not. Anyone can change the oil, but after every factory service mine always felt really nice.

[atomiser]

People put too much emphasis on factory services. I've seen some cars that are dogs that have a lot of history but for a lot of people, especially jn the North, transporting to the factory and back every year isn't feasible so they get them serviced locally or even do it themselves. I know owners that have cars that are serviced before every track day and very well maintained but have never been back to the factory since they bought it.

TBH the factory, although not always the cheapest option know them inside and out. Their level of detail is extremely high and because they see them all the time they know what is right and what is not. Anyone can change the oil, but after every factory service mine always felt really nice.

Always buy on condition - factory or specialist service history is essential, since the K20 engine is sensitive to the lack of oil changes.

Having said that and experienced both the factory, specialists and honda servicing - I wouldn't trust a generic garage to change more than the oil, which you can very easily do yourself and keep the receipts.

[John Scherrer]

Not to mention the photos of wrecked cars that were just being taken for a quick diagnostic test drive ..

[SvenTheHammer]

People put too much emphasis on factory services. I've seen some cars that are dogs that have a lot of history but for a lot of people, especially jn the North, transporting to the factory and back every year isn't feasible so they get them serviced locally or even do it themselves. I know owners that have cars that are serviced before every track day and very well maintained but have never been back to the factory since they bought it.

As nobody is going to know the cars as well as the guys that build them, I wouldn’t consider taking mine anywhere else than Ariel.
Their attention to detail is incredible. Yes, I’m sure any certified Honda specialist can service the engine, change the oil etc. But it’s everything else on the cars, that only the guys from the factory would think about checking to make sure everything is at should be and safe.

[atomiser]

Not to mention the photos of wrecked cars that were just being taken for a quick diagnostic test drive ..

[donnymsc]

Gents, need advise on an Atom that I’m looking to buy from an Ariel Facebook group user.

Car Reg: MA04TOM
Ex-cup car, around 8000 miles.

My concern is the car has no service history whatsoever. Reason being it was raced and maintained by a racing team in its early life, later bought by current owner and he has carried out his own maintenance hence no receipts, nor record history.

The car is SORN for more than 1.5yrs…

Should I buy or look else where?

[atomiser]

No - these cars are very sensitive to oil changes and proper servicing.

Several cup cars I saw, had an unloved life with potential repair bills running to £5-7k to bring it back upto standard.

Also watch for time travel (seemingly registered new 2-3 years after production) and accident damage on frame (use a paint depth gauge on frame) on the atom cups

However, its worth getting the VIN and checking with the factory - they were incredibly helpful, both on history and gauging potential repair bills.

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[Fastlane]

I absolutely agree with Atomiser above. Cars with no service history are just not worth the risk, even of they appear to be cheap and you will struggle to sell it on. If you really want it, then get the owner to take it to the factory to carry out a full inspection and ask them to let you talk to the factory about the results.

[donnymsc]

Not cheap really…

Ok, pass.

Do you guys know anyone selling there 3.5 with good spec?

My budget is £40k.

Thanks.

[atomiser]

Looking back, I saw this car for sale when I was looking for a atom cup car in 2018 at PESCARA INTERNATIONAL

https://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C1013944

[Fastlane]

Not cheap really…

Ok, pass.

Do you guys know anyone selling there 3.5 with good spec?

My budget is £40k.

Thanks.

Put a wanted ad on here and the Facebook group, if you haven't already. Everybody's idea of a good spec. is different, so I would specify exactly what you want, but bear in mind you can still upgrade via the factory at a later date. You may also want to consider a 3 within your budget.

[John Scherrer]

Ariel are selling a 2016 3.5 S/C 310 with very low miles, big brakes but no baffled sump

https://www.arielmotor.co.uk/used/

[8_enj]

Found a nice atom 4 example, since joining the forum a good while ago it seemed you couldn't get your hands on a ariel atom/nomad now everyone seems to be selling?



I just found a great car on Auto Trader:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-detail ... obcid=soc3

[robfitz]

There is another one on collecting cars, currently £50k ending tonight that looks a good spec.

https://collectingcars.com/for-sale/2021-ariel-atom-4-1

The auto trader one is also on Pistonheads and I think was originally up at 80k which must be knocking on 15k over list? Looks odd with the screen but guess some like that.

[8_enj]

Seems like people are getting rid of them constantly and its the same with the nomads