Caterham build quality
Discussion
downsman said:
I think it pays to remember that a Caterham was designed as a race car to be driven quickly with the bear minimum of creature comforts. There will always be rattles, and it would ruin the driving experience if they were developed to be free from them.
Mine doesnt and it an out and out race car, rattles - squeeks.....take you mind of the driving experience. If you pay top dollar you want the best, british low volume manafacture of a lot of things is renowned for being the best, some may agree or disagree but watching that programme with Evan Davis 'Made in Britain' was a breath of fresh air to the usual Britains sh## at everything stuff that bores you to death. I doubt Brompton bikes with their class act would let a bike go out at £700 odd quid with a rattle or a loose fitting....interestingly China being a large customer for these folding machines!Its embarrasing that caterhams are getting released from the factory with these issues, how can we defend our manafacturing industry with this sort of example.
jason61c said:
There shouldn't be rattles. Most kit cars don't have rattles so why should a £30k one?
Caterham do set the standard for kit cars but at current prices you couldn't say they offer the best VFM.
Could not have said this any better!Caterham do set the standard for kit cars but at current prices you couldn't say they offer the best VFM.
Morgan is not for me - too soft! I have driven Caterhams enough to know I now need one in my life.
thanks for this poster & thanks for some of the frank comments........have been lurking around as considering a caterham on target list of cars to buy now that relocation to tokyo complete.
will definitely not consider newer one, based on build quality that has been discussed here.
small team/hand assembled, normally equals high build quality....that should be delivered spic, span & pristine for the price they charge.
my wife likes the "dated" looks so if do settle on 1 will likely be well used where all has been fixed/corrected....(decent selection on the market here, including a few with early twin cam lotus engines ( altho' price premium is a big pill to swallow).
....if we do new seems these cars cannot hold a candle compared to ariel atom, faster, safer....& with supercharged honda engine easier, cheaper to fix. realize no roof on the atom, but from other postings the top on the caterham is rated so-so at best.
not looking for debate, just expressing an "imo" as longtime sportscar owner.
will definitely not consider newer one, based on build quality that has been discussed here.
small team/hand assembled, normally equals high build quality....that should be delivered spic, span & pristine for the price they charge.
my wife likes the "dated" looks so if do settle on 1 will likely be well used where all has been fixed/corrected....(decent selection on the market here, including a few with early twin cam lotus engines ( altho' price premium is a big pill to swallow).
....if we do new seems these cars cannot hold a candle compared to ariel atom, faster, safer....& with supercharged honda engine easier, cheaper to fix. realize no roof on the atom, but from other postings the top on the caterham is rated so-so at best.
not looking for debate, just expressing an "imo" as longtime sportscar owner.
shokan said:
realize no roof on the atom, but from other postings the top on the caterham is rated so-so at best.
One thing worth considering is that with the Atom in the rain you are going to be soaked all over unless you're wearing a motorcycle waterproof.In a Caterham with screen and sidscreens once you're moving you stay remarkably dry even without the hood up.
Mine rattles but, the lingo goes something along the lines of designed for racing built for living, if you decide to 'live' with it.... ie. have fun driving it on the road then you have to accept the few negatives that come with it. Hell it all adds to the experience.
Enjoy it for what it is...
Research it, try it but don't buy it if your not prepared for it.
Unmodified 125 Roadsport
Enjoy it for what it is...
Research it, try it but don't buy it if your not prepared for it.
Unmodified 125 Roadsport
Beverlonian said:
Mine rattles but, the lingo goes something along the lines of designed for racing built for living, if you decide to 'live' with it.... ie. have fun driving it on the road then you have to accept the few negatives that come with it. Hell it all adds to the experience.
Enjoy it for what it is...
Research it, try it but don't buy it if your not prepared for it.
Unmodified 125 Roadsport
thanks for that....my old (92 964 911 series porsche never creaked or rattled), nor did my 04 cobra limited production mustang (last 2 whips)....personally do not enjoy creaks rattles, & not going to see a lot of racetracks anymore(& when i did my cars never creaked or rattled)...again to me seems like a sign of poor build quality SO THANKS AGAIN for this poster.Enjoy it for what it is...
Research it, try it but don't buy it if your not prepared for it.
Unmodified 125 Roadsport
in any event, for me its a non starter,
thanks, guys
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