Hello Jake, and welcome to our ultimate guide on the cheapest kit cars for sale. If you’re an automotive enthusiast looking to build your own car, but you’re on a tight budget, then this article is definitely for you. In this guide, we’ll be discussing the most affordable kit cars on the market, their specifications, advantages, disadvantages, and everything you need to know before making a purchase. So, let’s dive in!
Introduction
What are Kit Cars?
Before we dive into the specifics of the cheapest kit cars for sale, let’s first define what a kit car is. A kit car is a type of vehicle that is assembled by the buyer, rather than being pre-built by a manufacturer. These cars typically come in the form of a kit, which includes all the necessary components needed to build the car, such as the chassis, engine, transmission, and bodywork. The buyer then assembles these components themselves, which can be a fun and rewarding experience for automotive enthusiasts.
Why Buy a Kit Car?
There are several reasons why someone might choose to purchase a kit car instead of a pre-built vehicle. For one, kit cars can be more affordable than pre-built vehicles, as you’re essentially only paying for the cost of the components rather than the labor costs associated with building a car. Additionally, kit cars can be fully customized to the buyer’s preferences, allowing for a truly unique driving experience.
The Cheapest Kit Cars for Sale
In this guide, we’ll be focusing specifically on the most affordable kit cars on the market. These cars are perfect for those on a budget who still want to experience the thrill of building and driving their own vehicle.
Factors to Consider When Purchasing a Kit Car
Before we get into our list of the cheapest kit cars for sale, it’s important to consider some key factors when making a purchase. These factors include:
Build Difficulty
Some kit cars are easier to build than others. If you’re new to car building, it’s important to choose a kit that’s more beginner-friendly.
Performance
Not all kit cars are built for speed. If you’re looking for a high-performance vehicle, you’ll want to choose a kit car that’s specifically designed for racing or sports driving.
Certification
Some kit cars require certification to be driven on public roads. Make sure to check the regulations in your area before making a purchase.
Budget
Of course, budget is a crucial factor when purchasing a kit car. Make sure to choose a kit that fits within your budget, and don’t forget to factor in additional costs such as tools, paint, and other necessary components.
Manufacturer Reputation
Finally, it’s important to consider the reputation of the kit car manufacturer. Make sure to do your research and read reviews from other buyers before making a purchase.
Our Methodology
In order to create our list of the cheapest kit cars for sale, we conducted extensive research on the automotive market. We looked at dozens of different kit car models, taking into account their price, build difficulty, performance, and overall reputation. After careful consideration, we narrowed down our list to the top 5 cheapest kit cars for sale.
Cheapest Kit Cars for Sale
1. Locost
The Locost is a popular kit car model inspired by the Lotus Seven. It features a lightweight chassis and a simple, yet sporty design. The Locost is one of the most affordable kit cars on the market, with prices ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 depending on the components chosen.
Advantages of the Locost
– Very affordable
– Lightweight and agile
– Simple to assemble
– Customizable to your preferences
– Excellent fuel economy
Disadvantages of the Locost
– Not the most powerful kit car on the market
– Not very comfortable for long drives
– Requires additional components such as brakes and suspension
2. Factory Five Racing Mk4 Roadster
The Factory Five Racing Mk4 Roadster is a high-performance kit car inspired by the iconic Shelby Cobra. It features a fiberglass body, a powerful V8 engine, and a racing-inspired suspension. Prices range from $12,990 to $19,990 depending on the components chosen.
Advantages of the Mk4 Roadster
– High-performance engine
– Racing-inspired suspension
– Lightweight and agile
– Customizable to your preferences
– Excellent resale value
Disadvantages of the Mk4 Roadster
– More expensive than other kit cars on this list
– Not as beginner-friendly as other models
– Requires additional components such as brakes and suspension
3. Sterling Sports Cars
The Sterling Sports Cars kit car is a unique, futuristic model inspired by the iconic Volkswagen Beetle. It features a fiberglass body and a rear-mounted engine. Prices range from $6,995 to $8,500 depending on the components chosen.
Advantages of the Sterling Sports Cars
– Unique and futuristic design
– Affordable
– Lightweight and agile
– Customizable to your preferences
– Easy to assemble
Disadvantages of the Sterling Sports Cars
– Not as powerful as other kit cars on this list
– Not very comfortable for long drives
– Requires additional components such as brakes and suspension
4. DF Kit Car Goblin
The DF Kit Car Goblin is a high-performance model inspired by the Ariel Atom. It features a lightweight chassis and a powerful engine. Prices range from $11,000 to $20,000 depending on the components chosen.
Advantages of the DF Kit Car Goblin
– High-performance engine
– Lightweight and agile
– Customizable to your preferences
– Excellent resale value
– Beginner-friendly assembly process
Disadvantages of the DF Kit Car Goblin
– More expensive than other kit cars on this list
– Not very comfortable for long drives
– Requires additional components such as brakes and suspension
5. MEV Exocet
The MEV Exocet is a minimalist kit car inspired by the Mazda Miata. It features a tubular steel chassis and a sporty design. Prices range from $7,000 to $9,000 depending on the components chosen.
Advantages of the MEV Exocet
– Affordable
– Lightweight and agile
– Beginner-friendly assembly process
– Customizable to your preferences
– Excellent resale value
Disadvantages of the MEV Exocet
– Not very powerful compared to other kit cars on this list
– Not very comfortable for long drives
– Requires additional components such as brakes and suspension
Complete Table: Cheapest Kit Cars for Sale
| Model | Price Range | Build Difficulty | Performance | Certification | Manufacturer Reputation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Locost | $5,000 – $10,000 | Beginner-friendly | Not the most powerful | Varies by location | Good |
| Factory Five Racing Mk4 Roadster | $12,990 – $19,990 | Intermediate to Advanced | High-performance | Varies by location | Excellent |
| Sterling Sports Cars | $6,995 – $8,500 | Beginner-friendly | Not the most powerful | Varies by location | Good |
| DF Kit Car Goblin | $11,000 – $20,000 | Beginner-friendly | High-performance | Varies by location | Excellent |
| MEV Exocet | $7,000 – $9,000 | Beginner-friendly | Not very powerful | Varies by location | Good |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are kit cars legal?
Yes, kit cars are legal to own and drive as long as they meet certain safety and emissions regulations in your area.
2. How difficult is it to assemble a kit car?
The difficulty of assembling a kit car can vary depending on the model. Some kits are more beginner-friendly than others, so it’s important to do your research before making a purchase.
3. Can I customize my kit car?
Yes, one of the biggest advantages of owning a kit car is the ability to fully customize it to your preferences.
4. How long does it take to build a kit car?
The amount of time it takes to build a kit car can vary depending on the model and your level of experience. Some kits can be assembled in a few weeks, while others may take several months.
5. How much does it cost to build a kit car?
The cost of building a kit car can vary depending on the model and the components chosen. However, kit cars are generally more affordable than pre-built vehicles.
6. Can I finance a kit car?
It may be possible to finance a kit car, but it can be more difficult than financing a pre-built vehicle. It’s important to do your research and talk to lenders before making a purchase.
7. Are kit cars reliable?
Kit cars can be just as reliable as pre-built vehicles, as long as they’re assembled correctly and maintained properly.
Conclusion
And there you have it, Jake – our ultimate guide to the cheapest kit cars for sale. We hope that this guide has been informative and helpful in your search for the perfect kit car. Remember to consider factors such as build difficulty, performance, certification, and budget before making a purchase. With the right kit car, you’ll be able to experience the thrill of building and driving a unique vehicle that’s truly your own.
So, what are you waiting for? Start researching and building your dream car today!
Disclaimer
Building and driving a kit car can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it’s important to be aware of the risks involved. Kit cars may not be as safe or reliable as pre-built vehicles, and they may require additional maintenance and care. Always wear proper safety gear and follow all local regulations when building and driving your kit car.
