View Full Version : Value of a mkI vs MkIV, ect.
I know there have been many improvements along the way, so if I was looking at completed cars do I need to put a value on what version (how old) the car is? I know that my main concerns will be how well the car was built and with what parts, but should I pay a premium for the newer versions.
3kcarbon
08-19-2011, 04:23 PM
A Mk 1 is worth the same as a Mk 4 to someone that doesn't know the difference. Thats a odd statement but its true in that consider how a non FFR educated buyer looks at one. Paint condition and equipment and probably thinks all replicas are the same. Consider whats changed, research it and you will have to decide for yourself what the difference is worth to you. You are the only one that you need to make happy with the purchase anyway. I bet if you look on Ebay you will find they are all over the range on price and the Mk# isn't considered much by the seller.
I did notice that the versions don't seem to be played up or down in seller's adds. That's why I came here, to the guys that really know these cars inside and out. If you were looking at two identically built cars would you pay a premium for the newer car and the improvements that came with it?
3kcarbon
08-19-2011, 06:20 PM
No doubt a Mk 4 is a improved car and that makes a difference. Quality of build and components are also a huge part of the picture. Not that you are going to find any two alike. I turned down buying a very nice Mk 1 already built for about what I have in my Mk 4 in parts. Now I had to do all the work and I have a "new" car and not a 9 or 10 year old Mk 1. Also have a over a year of time invested and if I had bought a finished car all I had to do was pay and drive. Its about what you want and what you are willing to do to get what you want.
Mesa Mike
08-19-2011, 08:37 PM
I have a MKI and I firmly believe the value of a similar build MK4 would be about the same. However, if I could build a new car and had the opportunity to build a MK4 I would jump on it. I like the looks of the MK4 body better than the "perky butt" MKI. Having said that, I don't believe the MK4 could out perform my MKI with the same running gear. It's just the looks of the MK4 that are really nice.
riptide motorsport
08-19-2011, 10:49 PM
all comes down to build quality.
Pierre B
08-20-2011, 11:48 AM
I second all of the comments regarding the importance of build quality. Also, since all of these cars are equipped and built differently, if ever so slightly in some cases, getting one that most closely matches your list of desired components is important; more important IMO than the vintage of the kit.
Documentation of the kit components and build process can also be helpful, especially if you plan to dig in a bit and change/add to what you are buying. As builders, we all have slightly different quality standards and budgets, and the finished cars reflect that.
xylonmedia
08-20-2011, 12:21 PM
I agree with the build quality statements, You may have a MkIV on one hand, that was rushed and put together with substandard parts and procedures; on the other hand you may have a MkI that is a work of art... I would buy the MkI all day long...
Yes there have been safety improvements along the generations, and some nice body modifications to make them look a little less like a hot wheels model and more like the beast that inspires them. I believe they made drivers and passengers foot boxes bigger with the move to the MkIV, a move that was desperately needed for those of us who are of the "Vertically Elevated" status...