New/Young Guy looking to get into the Atom game

**speerjr** · February 10, 2014, 02:25 AM

Originally Posted by atom ant

I put 10K on my 2013 since last Jan, but mine is street legal.
So here is the reality:
1. It is very difficult if not impossible to register the Atom in some states for street use therefor the only miles they will see is at the track.
2. No miles when it's raining or snowing. And I highly doubt there will be any driving when it's 20 deg F outside.
Additionally, where do you plan on parking/storing the vehicle? You certainly are not going to leave it outside. So 2 possibilities, you either live with your parents and have to vacate one of their cars to accommodate the Atom, or you may purchase your own home, in this case you definitely will not be able to afford the ownership without going into debt.
Not to rain on your parade but the fact that you had to ask this question shows that you are not quite ready to own an Atom. Not enough research has been done to understand all the ups and downs of ownership.

It is not necessary what we do for a living but how we manage our finances that's important. That's just my 2c, nothing wrong with dreaming but understanding all the risks associated with ownership is key. I spent over 6 months researching before ordering mine, and another 2 months of further research to legalize after delivery. Many people got rid of their Atoms within 1 year due to impulse and lack of understanding.

Woah.... hey now. No need for the hostility. I am aware of the impracticallity, and I am aware of the cost to own factor (or have a pretty good idea). I would not likely live with my parents (unless it would save me a ton of money) after college, I do not plan on buying a house right when I graduate, as I have no idea exactly where I want to live yet, or for how long I would live there, what I would do, where I would work.

Just for shits and giggle I did a 10 year budget. (based upon avg income (but heightened it a bit, because I will graduate with 2 years of 'real world' experience and 8 months of that is in a foreign country). And put down the assumed 3-5% pay increases, and the 3 year rate of promotions... with around 10-15% pay increases. I always over budget my money (for unplanned events or expenses.

I honestly beleive I could afford to own the atom when I am about 25, especially since the insurance drops. And I realize they are not practical, you have to have a second car... all that good stuff. But I used to drive a '99 miata for 2 years, and I would drive it everwhere, all the time as a daily, which was also impractical. No I wouldnt drive it in rain or snow, nor would I leave it sit outside, I would put it in a garage. But I also would drive it whenever humanly possible. I never understood the people who buy a sports car (ferrari, lambo, porsche, atom... etc.) just so they can let it sit in the garage and collect dust. If I am going to buy a car, I am going to drive it. But again, maybe I am just to young or naive.

The only reason I ask what you do, is out of pure curiosity. Not like it matters, in the end you have the money you need to own one, which is really all that matters. But I am just curious I suppose, some people dont like talking about that, which is fine. I Just wondered is all...

**speerjr** · February 10, 2014, 02:28 AM

And actually, now that I think about it, I suppose I am more interested in how old most of you were when you purchased your first/current atom? I figure other than the price, it would be easier to own one out of college, since I wont have kids, or a wife, or house payments... all that good stuff.

**MadMaxAtom** · February 10, 2014, 04:13 AM

Atom Ant...hostile....no.

An Atom is basically a 4 wheeled motorcycle if we are talking "practicality".

If you really want to own an Atom,you will. Period.

I remember when it was just a dream for me...and I ended up with three of them…and I'm just an "old" blue collar worker (a wrench turning mechanic)....and no sugar mama. (yet..)

You make sacrifices in life to achieve your dreams..or die trying...

**corvet3640** · February 10, 2014, 12:47 PM

I was hesitating to say it, but you did. It is smarter to wait a little while (usually 25) and save some bucks. I was on track to order one very soon, but an unforeseen surprise has pushed it back quite a while.

Starting the countdown to ownership