Questions Before Buying Atom2

**dstange03** · January 3, 2017, 09:41 AM

Hi All,

New to the forum as this is my first post. I am buying a 2007 Atom2 with 4k miles for 40grand that is in the Nashville, TN market. What questions did you ask before you purchased a used Atom?

Thanks!

**MadMaxAtom** · January 4, 2017, 09:44 AM

Ask the same questions as buying most any used car:
Who owned it since new (chain of ownership) How long has the seller owned it?Why are you selling? When was the last time it was serviced,and by whom,and do you have any records on the car. How old is the battery? How old are those tires? Look for any signs of collision damage and repairs. Don't forget to look under the car..get on those knees!
Anyone who cares about their car will keep records,even if it's just receipts.
Does it come with any spare tires/wheels etc? Is there an owners manual or a car cover? Can I see the title? Why not?

Condition is everything. Sniff the gas tank..check the oil and coolant condition.Check the brake fluid. None of them should smell like paint thinner or worse. Bad/stale fluids can cause issues.

If it is covered in bird crap and cat yack..obviously it has been neglected..

If you are feeling really bold..take some photos and post them for us to scrutinize...

Good luck.

**jesse@tmi** · January 11, 2017, 09:15 AM

The most important thing to keep in mind when buying an Atom 2 is - Even though the Atom 2 and Atom 3 look similar, most of the chassis/suspension/drive-train/and ancillary components are completely different. Because the car is now over nine years old and were made by a now defunct manufacturer, parts are very scarce if even available at all... Feel free to email me if you have any particular questions: jkenealy@tmiautotech.com.

**dstange03** · February 10, 2017, 11:20 PM

Jesse, we have talked a few times on the phone. You have been extremely helpful. I have had the car about a month and have completely gone through the motor. I have only been about to put 100 miles on the car because of the weather. The goes to the dyno on Monday or Tuesday.

r.