From our own experience, there's nothing wrong with an older chassis provided that it's been well looked after and has some provenance behind it to show that it's not a complete nail. As one of the poster's said why buy all that depreciation? Just because it's not new it doesn't mean that it can't be competitive.
Following the so what if it's not new methodology I bought Callum Ilotts (who can drive a bit) Zip Storm Honda. Well looked after and in before getting to eight and starting MSA racing in May.
I know that you can't swing a cat in Hondas without hitting about 20 Project One's. Nothing against the P1s but imho a well set up Zip will do them a treat. Yes they can be fiddly in the wet as you try to maintain a set up that works, which is where it can be argued that a P1 with it's stonking amounts of grip that needs to be lost in the dry can be a bit stronger.
There are of course other chassis out there, BRKs, Octanes the odd Tony Kart and Intrepid (though the last two aren't often seen with the engine in the right place which just makes everything more trouble than it's worth... eg changing a sprocket) and rarity in general can quickly translates into expense if you need spare stuff.
I have heard that P1 spares are expensive and they tend to be hung on to but as people change class the market place should have a fair few packages for sale, though how open the second hand parts market is for them outside of that end of season period is probably worth considering.
On the Zip Storm side of things Comer's are totally dominated by Zip which from experience means that there are always tasty titbits of deals to be had on ebay (which very much suits our team ebay approach)
If you're moving from the arrive and drive type of affair to owner driver and then on to MSA racing (not sure if your experience is indoor or outdoor) then seat time is everything. Our aim ahead of MSA racing was to chase consistently improving times and consistent laps. Don't get too hung up on what everyone else is doing, if X wants to buy a brand new chassis and uper duper engine let them go for it from what I've seen a lot of people hurl themselves into the deep end and become very carried away. Don't get me wrong I'm as enthusiastic as the next guy but it's probably important to be clear on what you want to get out of it and besides depending on how you both enjoy it etc. there'll be plenty of opportunities to spend your money along the way.
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