Buyer beware - true cost of part-works car models exposed

JamesPage

The <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/money/article-1379910/The-Formula-1-build-model-kit-goes-0-670.html"; target="_blank">Daily Mail</a> today reveals 'how a DIY model could cost as much as an F1 Grand Prix race weekend.'

The roar of engines and the smell of burning rubber leap off the page. The page in question is a cleverly designed cover of one of many 'partwork' magazines promoting build-it-yourself models.

The first issue of Build Your Own McLaren, for example, costs only £1.99 and comes with a front wing kit and booklet including details of the 1:8 scale Formula 1 car plus a feature on the Silverstone circuit.

Its launch coincided with the start of the 2011 Grand Prix Season, and follows from the launch of an officially licenced Aston Martin DB5 model, complete with gadgets as seen in "Goldfinger".

Reporter Toby Walne writes, "My daughter, Sophia, 11, and son, Harrison, 9, share my enthusiasm to build the classic F1 car that Lewis Hamilton raced to win the drivers' championship title in 2009. 'Don't Miss Out!' says the magazine. A subscription will bring extra goodies such as a free cap, key ring and binder. It sounds appealing. But I discover the second issue will cost £4.99 and £7.99 after that. In fact, it would take 85 issues to build the entire car – a total of £670.15. For that money, I could take the entire family for a weekend to the British Grand Prix this year."

Such week-by-week promotions are common, with everything from Spanish galleons to the James Bond Aston Martin car kits.

Frequently backed by TV adverts, store promotions and free gifts, the deals typically drift to subscription only when news stand sales drop. So are they value for money? Stephen Barnett, sales assistant at national chain ModelZone in Croydon, south London, is not impressed. 'The initial idea is exciting, but this is before you realise it takes more than a year to collect all the bits and pieces,' he says. 'A better approach is to shop around and look at alternatives first. A kit with paints and glue can provide a perfectly rewarding first choice. The appeal of model-making is the fun of putting it all together. I certainly wouldn't start on an expensive model.'

ModelZone says that for less than half the Build Your Own McLaren price – £329.99 – you can buy a build-your-own 5ft long 1:75 scale kit of Nelson's HMS Victory, complete with wooden planking, rigging and brass cannon.

DeAgostini, which markets the McLaren kit along with several other offers, declined repeated requests for comment.

Rob Griggs, spokesman for the Advertising Standards Authority, says: 'Advertisers should ensure the cost of the likely ongoing commitment is clear. You may believe the terms and conditions of an offer represent poor value, but if the advert does not mislead and consumers understand the commitment, it is unlikely to fall foul of our code.'

JBond007

The DB5 collection, particularly on their Facebook page (where member's of the customer service assist with problems), have been more than clear about the total cost. And it doesn't take a genius to work out that the stated 85 issues at £6.99 a go will total almost £600, and will take until August next year to complete. The nearest comparable 1:8 DB5 sells for well over £1000, whilst the cost of the partworks is spread over 85 weeks, and comes with 85 very detailed magazines as well. IMO, the F1 car and the DB5 will become much more collectable than a model boat and are a lot less fiddly as well. Once I've finished the DB5, it'll be the most substantial collector's item I own, and will be well worth the wait.

saunders

The thing is when it came out and friends asked if I was getting it, my response was 'what would I rather look at on my coffee table, the completed DB5 or a bowl containing the equivalent amount of cash'. But then again I own three original FRWL posters valued at about £5,500 and I would never sell them so I suppose it's all in the eye of the beholder. If you enjoy the building process and what it will eventually produce JBond007 then I'm pleased for you and I'm sure there will be many like you who feel they've got both value and satisfaction from the project, but I do have a pang of sympathy for those younger more gullible buyers ( for it is they who have been targeted by the advertising campaign) who find they run out of either interest or cash before they get half way through the project.

MajorDSmythe

I'm trying to not think of the total price, instead what the finished model will look like.

glenantony

If a 1:8 scale DB5 model with these features came on the market for £700 I would be tempted and would have my usual moral dilemma about the cost. This way I get a great looking model with that cost spread as well as the mags and the enjoyment of assembling it. I don't think anyone should feel cheated if they have done their maths!

NicNac

What would happen if the magazine had to fold part way through? These things can happen. Where would that leave the punter who has a half built model?

JBond007

The publishers have vowed that all subscribers will complete their models, guaranteed. Judging by the Facebook page, the DB5 mag is extremely popular, so I can't see them finishing it early.

nakka

I started collecting the lewis hamiltons f1 car, I did,nt think to read the small print until about issue 20 then realized there was 85 issues to finish the car, after 20 issues I was committed and realized it was going to cost over £600, but now reading some of the comments and also realizing that the car could be worth over a £1000 for this size scale model I think I've made a good investment. I'm on issue 58 now so not long to go lol, also I've only put together the first 3 issues all the rest are still un opened, can anyone tell me will the car be worth more in years to come if I left them un opened ? Any answered would be much appreciated, thanx nakka.