The vast majority of modern cars are made in high-tech factories. Here, robots, computer systems and monitoring checkpoints ensure that every wire, bolt, screw and fixing is exactly where it's meant to be.
This is all well and good. Factory-made cars are consistent and reliable – and a darn sight more convenient than building your own.
But what if you want to play mechanic and construct your own car from scratch?
Some people find the concept very appealing. For them, there's nothing quite like setting their sights on a project, getting their hands dirty and reaping the rewards of their efforts.
Built in your own garage at your own speed, a kit car is an opportunity to be "hands-on" in a project managed by you – and only you.
An exciting prospect, right? Well, we're here to dig deep and find out whether kit cars really are just a bit of fun or whether there's a worthwhile investment on the horizon.
What's a kit car?
The question on the tip of everyone's tongue: what actually is it?
As the name suggests, a kit car is supplied as a kit that you build at home. Once you've purchased a kit, it will be delivered with all the components you need to construct your very own car from scratch.
Take heed, though: this isn't as simple as it sounds.
Specialist tools will be required – and these vary depending on the complexity of the kit that you purchase.
Different kits demand different skill levels and time commitments too. Be mindful of the amount of work that will be required – otherwise, you could find yourself in the deep end before you've even begun.
Why do kit cars exist?
Kit cars exist for several reasons, one of which being that they offer a level of personalisation that isn't possible with a factory-built car. For some, this is the only reason needed.
For others, the opportunity to replicate well-known (and expensive) classic cars is too big a temptation to pass up.
Then, of course, you have the dedicated DIYers. For them, kit cars offer the unique opportunity to build something special – and, if they get it right, drivable.
Who are kit cars for?
We're going to take an educated guess here and say that kit cars are only for motor enthusiasts. Although that category covers a huge range of people, only a small fraction have the level of interest and dedication needed to build a car from scratch.
Without drive, dedication and passion, you wouldn't be able to cope with the countless hours of labour required.
For most, the idea of building a car alone can sound like a daunting and impossible task. To a select few, it's a sought-after opportunity to create a masterpiece.
Financial sense or a cash car crash?
Modern cars are built and manufactured to an objective standard that enables them to hold a predictable resale value. In other words, if you're selling a factory-built car, you can get a good idea of its price by comparing its model, make and mileage to others on the market.
This is because manufacturers consistently produce new cars at the same value in order to maintain and measure resale value.
Kit cars, however, don't hold the same predictable resale value. As they are owner-built cars, their quality isn't necessarily consistent – and so their value isn't stable.
Bitten by the kit car bug? We don't want to put you off. Here are some things to consider should you take the plunge and immerse yourself in the wonderful world of self-builds.
High-quality means high-quality
This is pretty obvious – but if you're trying to maintain a steady value for your kit car, we have to start with the basics.
When purchasing your kit, be choosey. You need to purchase high-end bodywork and paint, as well as high-quality components. A well-presented kit car will almost always net a higher price than a rusty, three-wheeled liability.
For project or "paper"?
Kit cars are intended for personal use, meaning they're purpose-built projects for individuals. They're not meant to be bought and sold for profit.
So, take off those rose-tinted glasses. If you enter into a project thinking you're working on a gold mine, you need to reconsider your options as this might not be the route for you.
Final thoughts
Ultimately, whether or not kit cars are a good investment depends solely on the buyer. If the owner of the kit car got hours of satisfaction from the build, then in our eyes it's absolutely worth its weight in gold.
However, if your sole aim is to buy a kit car for profit, then we'd suggest doing vast amounts of research before making the purchase.
If you decide a kit car isn't your cup of tea, why not take the easy route and head down to Northumbria Cars?
We're a trusted Newcastle used car dealership with years of experience under our belts. Plus, with our finance expertise, we're confident we can secure a loan for almost anyone – regardless of credit history.
To get started, apply for finance online or browse our fleet of RAC-approved second-hand cars.
