New/Young Guy looking to get into the Atom game

**speerjr** · February 6, 2014, 05:29 AM

I am pretty young, I am 22 years old. Currently doing an internship abroad in Germany. Normally, I am in School at the University of Cincinnati.
I drive an '03 EP3, and I have been debating what I might do when I graduate.
I have been thinking about selling the honda, and buying like a BRZ/FRS or an STI...
But then I thought... what if I just kept my honda, and bought an ATOM?
I figure I would have about 25-30k that I could spend on a car after I graduate (assuming I make a good wage, and can get a good loan).
But I have come to realize they are much more expensive than that. I think I saw one listed on Ebay once for like 28 0r 29, but that was about a year ago, and I have never seen one below 40 now.

Bit of a bummer, but, definitely still interested in being part of this community, and still try getting into the Ariel Game, by whatever means possible!
DREAM BIG I guess!

**McFred** · February 6, 2014, 07:03 AM

Originally Posted by speerjr

I am pretty young, I am 22 years old. Currently doing an internship abroad in Germany. Normally, I am in School at the University of Cincinnati.
I drive an '03 EP3, and I have been debating what I might do when I graduate.
I have been thinking about selling the honda, and buying like a BRZ/FRS or an STI...
But then I thought... what if I just kept my honda, and bought an ATOM?
I figure I would have about 25-30k that I could spend on a car after I graduate (assuming I make a good wage, and can get a good loan).
But I have come to realize they are much more expensive than that. I think I saw one listed on Ebay once for like 28 0r 29, but that was about a year ago, and I have never seen one below 40 now.

Bit of a bummer, but, definitely still interested in being part of this community, and still try getting into the Ariel Game, by whatever means possible!
DREAM BIG I guess!

The Atoms tend to keep most of their value so if you buy 2nd-hand and get a decent loan you could buy one around $40k and if you have to you could sell to recover the money. There's nothing wrong with the EP3 so keep it.

You're 22, get a part time job to make another buck and the Ariel will be that much closer. I was 26 when I put in my deposit and worked hard to earn the remaining money before delivery. You might have to look into insurance coverage. Some providers might have a minimum age for coverage. I think mine was 21 or 25, but I can't recall. It doesn't matter anymore.

Good luck and welcome to the forum!

**corvet3640** · February 6, 2014, 03:03 PM

Oh gosh I didn't even think of insurance... I remember when life got cheap after crossing 25. Keep dreaming big, it can help things happen!

Starting the countdown to ownership

**speerjr** · February 7, 2014, 01:17 AM

Yah, shit, I always forget about the insurance side of things. I know I could afford to buy a lotus elise (06), but then the problem is, the insurance would eat me alive...
I always forget about the damn insurance. Oh well, maybe I will just dig myself into a hole of debt, I have a lifetime to dig my way back out...
Also, why dont any of you guys put more miles on these bad boys, the highest I have seen on a used Atom was an '06 with 19k. Maybe I am just nieve in my youth, but I would drive it every chance I possibly could... Why not!?

Thanks for the Welcome!
And I am just curious, what do most of you guys do for a living? Seems to me, a lot of the guys are this forum are pretty successful, just wondering at what exactly...

**corvet3640** · February 7, 2014, 05:19 AM

Astronaut cowboy millionaire, or maybe a School teacher- hence the countdown to ownership.

Starting the countdown to ownership

**dpert1** · February 7, 2014, 07:02 AM

I had an Elise before my current 135i and insurance was about the same. It isn't as bad as you'd think.

I'm an Explosive Ordnance Disposal officer in the US Army. Currently deployed to Afghanistan. I'm getting married in Oct which kills the Atom budget but I hope to be able to start the loan process next year. Hope.

Best of luck with your search!

**mrwoolery** · February 7, 2014, 10:58 AM

I was pretty much in your position many years ago. I drove my Miata as my only daily driver for 17 years, saving up money, before I bought my second car (an Atom). You can attain an Atom, you just have to be willing to save your money until you're ready.

**atom ant** · February 7, 2014, 02:35 PM

Originally Posted by speerjr

the highest I have seen on a used Atom was an '06 with 19k. Maybe I am just nieve in my youth, but I would drive it every chance I possibly could... Why not!?

And I am just curious, what do most of you guys do for a living? Seems to me, a lot of the guys are this forum are pretty successful, just wondering at what exactly...

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.

**McFred** · February 7, 2014, 07:44 PM

Originally Posted by speerjr

I always forget about the damn insurance. Oh well, maybe I will just dig myself into a hole of debt, I have a lifetime to dig my way back out...

Also, why dont any of you guys put more miles on these bad boys...

And I am just curious, what do most of you guys do for a living? Seems to me, a lot of the guys are this forum are pretty successful, just wondering at what exactly...

Honestly, double check the insuance. If there's anything I've learned about the insurance industry, it's that it's all witchcraft and voodoo. Nothing they do is rational. The rate they quote you could be completely reasonable. My rate's cheap compared to younger people with the STIs and EVOs and a handful of moving violations. Set a budget and start saving and it'll be easy.

My atom's got nearly 20k mi on it but sometimes the attention it gets is more than I want. You'll have to entertain all the people asking questions and taking pictures which grows old when you're stuck in traffic and you're just trying to go to work. If I'm in a hurry to go anywhere, I don't take the Atom. Besides it's more fun at the track and you don't necesarily accumulate the mileage there.

I worked at a prototype machine shop for a while, now I'm in a software job that just pays the bills. I'm still in my 30s, I have a long while yet to become 'successful.' I got my Atom though. I jumped in head first. No research, nothing but a deposit and 9 month wait to work up the rest of the money. Then I took delivery, got insurance and took it to the MVD to register. No BS. However, I don't live in a pinko/fascist state that has more tax revenue than sense.