So I am looking into "normal" Kit Cars. Anyone know any?
Posted by MrNoSouls@reddit | askcarguys | View on Reddit | 22 comments
Anyone know of just "normal" cars like a Tiguan, Jetta, Carola or such. I keep finding many that look like sports cars, but that's not what I am looking for.
Thereelgerg@reddit
Those aren't kit cars. What are you trying to ask?
MrNoSouls@reddit (OP)
I was wondering if non assembled cars was a thing any more. The old model-t used to be a kit you built. My logic was if someone could build it that person can maintain it and fully own it vs what is happening now where you pay, but don't own everything.
Thereelgerg@reddit
What makes you think that you can't buy and fully own an assembled car?
MrNoSouls@reddit (OP)
If you are able to fully assemble it, you can add your own equipment with your own software. Manufacturers wouldn't be able to force slave components because you could more easily swap out that component.
not-a-toad@reddit
Like a car you build yourself that is just a normal every day car? Maybe I’m misunderstanding, but why would you want that? 😭
No i don’t think there are any cars like that.
not-a-toad@reddit
After reading your other replies man if you want a cheap normal car just get a used one 😭😭😭
MrNoSouls@reddit (OP)
Little more than that. Cars today can't really be maintained without the manufacturer, coupled with the fact we don't even own everything in the car we are being sold and I came to a simple two part conclusion. If someone can build the car themselves they can maintain it and they can own everything inside it.
MeyersonAdam@reddit
Buy something like this and it will probably outlive you https://slo.craigslist.org/cto/d/atascadero-great-running-1972-volvo/7928264383.html
Lonnification@reddit
Damn. I'm in Oklahoma, and I'm tempted to go buy this thing!
MeyersonAdam@reddit
I know, right? What a sweet ride!
Lonnification@reddit
If it was a wagon I'd already be on my way.
Gwendolyn-NB@reddit
No such thing. There is no demand for those kits.
People build kits/custom cars for things you cant just go to your local Carmax and buy.
Kits are going to be classics 1920s-1940s, a few select 60s for super popular vehicles which are more for restoration or building a "new" one; and then the fully custom sports cars.
MrNoSouls@reddit (OP)
I was figuring it was something like that. If kit cars aren't the solution for "normal" cars at realistic prices what could be done?
fastbeemer@reddit
Prices are going to continue going up. Blame politicians and unions, cars are severely over-regulated with more regulations being added every year. US autoworkers are paid nearly double that of Asian autoworkers. This has made US automobiles expensive and unreliable, to combat this imported cars have high tariffs. It's not the companies, Ford's stock has barely moved in 20 years, GM has done slightly better, but only slightly.
The blame is on corrupt politicians and corrupt unions. Fix that and we can go back to have affordable and reliable cars.
MrNoSouls@reddit (OP)
Thanks for an actual answer, I am not against unions, but I know your point from having had to deal with them as an IE. With people owning less and less of their cars and having to pay subscriptions to actually use things in the cars I was wondering how many alternative options existed. I know originally all cars where kits and stumbled onto this while looking to see what alternatives existed.
Honestly, the "pro-factory" comment made me laugh (another guy). If kit cars became more common I have a feeling direct purchases from a factory would probably do more for automotive then the current environment. People are cutting down on owning two cars or any cars. I sold mine and don't have one anymore. Keep thinking about getting one, but for 30K to get subscriptions or other hassles. No thanks I can take a bus.
__slamallama__@reddit
You could buy any of the millions of normal cars built in factories every year
Proper_Possible6293@reddit
The solution to "normal" cars at realistic prices is buying a normal car from the dealer. Building a kit will never be cheaper than a production line with billions of dollars and decades of refinement making it as efficient as possible.
"Normal" cars are crazy cheap compared to anything else of similar complexity you can buy because the manufacturers are incredibly efficient and build huge volumes.
MagnusAlbusPater@reddit
Nothing because those normal cars are already available for realistic prices. Especially lightly used.
Gwendolyn-NB@reddit
I think you also underestimate the cost, skills, and time for a kit car.
I've built 2 with my dad; and with a proper shop, tools, skills you're still looking at $60k+ and 2000-3000 hours for the LOW end of a typical kit car. The next one which im starting next year I'm budgeting just over $100k and 2 years for (FF-GTM).
Even a super budget built Locost 7 is going to run you close to 20k even if you have the tools/equipment/skills.
Not sure what problem you're trying to solve with a kit vs buying a car. If its cost, the a kit is NOT the way to do it.
APriestofGix@reddit
Closest would be an Exocet (Miata) or a FactoryFive (Bug/Blob eye Subaru).
MrNoSouls@reddit (OP)
Thanks, I appreciate a real answer. The bug was a interesting one, not exactly what I was looking for but definitely closer. Actually owning the full build and tech in the car is a huge thing. With how much new cars are trying to sell as a service I think my question is going to get more common.
geek66@reddit
Why?
- you think it would cost less? !