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decision time
monkeyspanna - 24/6/08 at 09:16 PM

Hi all, just joined up as part of my build prep, got my doner,carbs and other stuff
now down to final last two choices, I intend to visit MNR and MK then it's crunch time, any thoughts on either would be welcome guys


matt.c - 24/6/08 at 09:25 PM

Some people MNR has a better build quality but more price and the MK is cheaper. Both companies have ther good and bad points.


worX - 24/6/08 at 10:13 PM

And when you have been to visit the both of them, post your findings and financial decisions on here and see if anyone has anything relevant to say about your choices.

For instance, there are a few people on here who think they could easily build a Westfield for the same price as some of the "locost" companies, but that car would be worth a good deal more when you come to sell up!

ATB
Steve


PAUL FISHER - 24/6/08 at 10:41 PM

And also,you have a short list of 2,a MNR & a MK,what about a Mac 1,any reason for it not being on your short list.


bobs bangers - 24/6/08 at 11:20 PM

I'm building an mnr ! I think its a good product but mines not finished yet and I have never driven one. the proof will be in the eating as they say. It should be on the road in the next month so I will report then. as for which is best.... Well I reckon they will all be pretty good. I agree that a westfield could be built for similar money to say an mnr. I would also say that you can spend as much or as little as you desire on any of them. Cheap westfield or trick mnr or trick mk-see Paul Fisher. they are all circa similar figures.Or a mac1 worx rr -see Big Rich .I see that there are also some very good part built and used mnr.s for sale see pistonheads. There is also a lot of hype about chassis dynamics i.e inboard/outboard mnr/mk/mac1. Regrettably I doubt I will ever have the ability or nerve to get the most out of any of the chassis's.

My best advice would be to buy from the people you like the best and have what suits you . Its important when you spend this kind of money and also be very clear about what you expect in terms of kit. I think that at the prices these kits are they should come labelled. Some would disagree as for them its all part of the fun of building. In my case I just wanted a giant meccano set !! Even then I have still struggled.

What I would say though is that I have had some fantastic help from other owners and contributors and for that reason alone I think its a rewarding hobby. Lets face where else can you get the performance figures we are talking about for these prices.

Final points..

I would insist on a demo.

Cost everything carefully.

Consider a used one.. Either the credit crunch or loss of interest means that there are some real bargains to be had for the "cash Waiting" buyer.

I do believe a skilled builder subject to spec requirements can build a really great fun car for roughly 8k. The newer / more powerful engined cars seem to cost anywhere between 10-12k to build. If you want an 08 plate it will cost more as well.

The choice is yours . There are many very satisfied mk /mac/mnr owners who all bought for different reasons.

I hope you find this helpful

Regards

Bobs bangers


richardh - 25/6/08 at 07:15 AM

i had a robin hood before and wanted something like a westy, tiger, mk, dax or a ...........
i'd never heard of MNR and it was only via word of mouth that i even rang MNR. I was impressed, did some googling, then happily parted with a chq before i'd even been in one........... mad i know
My build has had its ups and downs like any but i've had great suport from MNR as they are family owned and run.
I've got an 08 plate and spent more to get it but then i wanted to keep it and have the option to maybe race it later.
I don't doubt the others would have been helpful too but you have to feel comfortable and connected to the people you talk to.
I won't push my car to its limits on chassis but i have to say the setup on suspension is superb on the MNR.

THink about what you want to do with the car, future needs, ease to work on, upgrade, looks, cost, location to the dealer might be a factor too, engine options that will fit, cost of their parts, etc

Happy deciding

Practically none of us build these things to make any money out of it!!!!


Mr Whippy - 25/6/08 at 08:41 AM

I have only dealt with MK but have found them very helpful and pleasant to deal with, on the phone and in person. All the parts I got from them were good value for money and when I got things delivered they wrapped them well plus delivered on time. I would happily use them again.


liamb - 25/6/08 at 08:44 AM

I would agree with the above. The most important thing is to get on with, and trust the kit manufacturers. Afetr all, you will be talking to them a lot at points in your build and you need to be comfortable that they are the right people and that they will help you when you need it.

I talked to MNR, MK and MAC#1 when in your position. I found them all to be great and to be honest, there is probably not much between the cars for the level of skill most people drive at so I think it comes down to which one you feel is right.

For me that was MAC#1 and I would recommend a visit to the factory. It is only about 10 miles from MK anyway (although MK might have just moved?) but go with what you feel is best and enjoy the build.

Whoever you go with, I am sure you will have a great time building it and a great car at the end.

Best of luck
Liam

Visit www.kit-car-build.com


donut - 25/6/08 at 11:18 AM

Yeah don't forget MAC#1, they are top blokes!

[Edited on 25/6/08 by donut]


sucksqueezebangblow - 25/6/08 at 12:29 PM

I was sold on the MNR the moment I saw the chassis! Car porn!


marc n - 25/6/08 at 05:51 PM

i would say go see all the manufacturers on your list, they will be able to show you cars from bare components i.e chassis etc to a full car and even take you for a spin
and make your decision from what you have seen and experianced , not all comprehensive starter kits are too comprehensive when you really start looking into it

cheers

marc

[Edited on 25/6/08 by marc n]


Krismc - 25/6/08 at 06:09 PM

quote:
Originally posted by worX
And when you have been to visit the both of them, post your findings and financial decisions on here and see if anyone has anything relevant to say about your choices.

For instance, there are a few people on here who think they could easily build a Westfield for the same price as some of the "locost" companies, but that car would be worth a good deal more when you come to sell up!

ATB
Steve


Agreed, i could have bought a full westfield/catheram package with engine for a lot less, and i would be on road by now, so far 2 1/2years and £20,000...still no car.

My budget was £6-8K complete and feel i was misled by magazines over build costs, i had litle knowledge and didnt know this site exsisted, i plowed on thinking i could build for so little cost- and never relised how much extra i needed on top of the kit.

MNR price was as quoted, on time and superbly made, i do love the mnr and would reccomend there kit, but make sure you know what you need.


monkeyspanna - 25/6/08 at 08:28 PM

Wow, so much good information and advice, okay I'll add the Mac1 and lose my smug choice of two position!

As many of you point out, it's what you want out of the thing that counts, for me its a track/strip funmobile for myself and petrolhead son.

Best thing to come out of this simple enquiry is... YOU GUYS, honest, helpful,and so rare these days, no ganging up on the newbie, christ! even Mark n joined in, I am so glad I found this site.

So no further with a decision, but not so scared about making one.

Thanks guys


richardh - 26/6/08 at 06:46 AM

no problem
that's why we are here
let us know what you go for


JoaoCaldeira - 26/6/08 at 08:45 AM

I cant vouch for other manufactureres, but beeing in Portugal (and beeing ripped off by one UK so called manufacturer) I needed someone with a good product and completly trustable. I found MNR to be the one.

Cheers,
Joao