Caterham as a daily drive - first month's report
Discussion
So, in a kind-of mid-life crisis way, I wanted something "different" and I initially flirted with the idea of a classic "Yuppie Spec" Porsche 911 (Guards Red Carerra 4). However, weighing up the pro's and cons, and baulking at the potential running costs, I eventually settled on the car of my dreams.
The Caterham Seven.
Purchased from a very nice chap in Bristol. Great spec: 1800 K series engine, 6-speed close ratio gearbox, Apollo anti-cavitation tank, Emerald ECU and all the necessary extras.
I have had to completely re-assess my mental perameters. I thought the Rocco was quite nippy and could take corners well, but this this re-writes the rules. I also have to get used to the acceleration and the resultant speed - 60mph no longer feels that fast, because it arrives so quickly.
Things I have learned:
A cheap fleece is a false economy.
Make sure the front wheels are pointing straight ahead before "giving it the beans".
A pebble the size of a small pea will hurt like f
k when it hits your head at 60mph.
Cars in front of you can't accelerate as quickly as you can.
You are very low down and can't see that far ahead - make sure the way is clear before you go for an overtake.
Small-dicked blokes in diesel Astras will try to prove how fast their cars are and won't get out of your way.
All-in-all, it's flippin' brilliant.
The Caterham Seven.
Purchased from a very nice chap in Bristol. Great spec: 1800 K series engine, 6-speed close ratio gearbox, Apollo anti-cavitation tank, Emerald ECU and all the necessary extras.
I have had to completely re-assess my mental perameters. I thought the Rocco was quite nippy and could take corners well, but this this re-writes the rules. I also have to get used to the acceleration and the resultant speed - 60mph no longer feels that fast, because it arrives so quickly.
Things I have learned:
A cheap fleece is a false economy.
Make sure the front wheels are pointing straight ahead before "giving it the beans".
A pebble the size of a small pea will hurt like f
k when it hits your head at 60mph.Cars in front of you can't accelerate as quickly as you can.
You are very low down and can't see that far ahead - make sure the way is clear before you go for an overtake.
Small-dicked blokes in diesel Astras will try to prove how fast their cars are and won't get out of your way.
All-in-all, it's flippin' brilliant.
Good on you mate, just wait till the wet weather comes though! hahaDan_1981 said:
Do you have a long commute?
No. About ten minutes. And I'm paranoid about oil temperature and staying under 3000 revs.Dan_1981 said:
Do you have a garage?
No, but it's tucked away behind the flats I live in, with a waterproof cover.snotrag said:
Does it try to take off at Motorway speeds with the swept wings?
No.snotrag said:
Also - do you usually drive with the side/flyscreens fitted? Use the hood('weather gear') much or just stick a tonneau over when its parked?
Usually drive with just the side-screens fitted. Have once driven with the hood fitted, but the weather (so far) has been kind to me.
Cock Womble 7 said:
You are very low down and can't see that far ahead - make sure the way is clear before you go for an overtake.
And beware of slow traffic coming the other way, you're hard for the myopic tt trying to overtake to spot.
Good for you doing the daily drive in it though.Marty Funkhouser said:
Whats the solution to the potentially catastrophic 'small pebble' problem? I assume that its extremely rare to get caught by one unless you're very tall and your bonce is above the top of the windscreen?
I'm a mere 5' 11" and have learned to scooch down in the seat to avoid any pebble-based interactions.But I've recently found out how to adjust the seat, which gives me a whole 5mm more legroom.
Cock Womble 7 said:
Marty Funkhouser said:
Whats the solution to the potentially catastrophic 'small pebble' problem? I assume that its extremely rare to get caught by one unless you're very tall and your bonce is above the top of the windscreen?
I'm a mere 5' 11" and have learned to scooch down in the seat to avoid any pebble-based interactions.But I've recently found out how to adjust the seat, which gives me a whole 5mm more legroom.
Marty Funkhouser said:
Cock Womble 7 said:
Marty Funkhouser said:
Whats the solution to the potentially catastrophic 'small pebble' problem? I assume that its extremely rare to get caught by one unless you're very tall and your bonce is above the top of the windscreen?
I'm a mere 5' 11" and have learned to scooch down in the seat to avoid any pebble-based interactions.But I've recently found out how to adjust the seat, which gives me a whole 5mm more legroom.
That was a very bracing drive to work.
Marty Funkhouser said:
Is a helmet not in order?
D3o hat.http://www.ignitebeanies.com/
Check the D3o tab.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D3o
Anyone on PH surely has to get excited about using non-newtonian liquids as body armour.
I knew a chap who ran a Caterham as his only car for a while when he chopped in his company motor. Everyone thought him daft, but I knew different. Light and frugal, so good on tyres and fuel. Insurance was specialist so no issues there and other than looking like a biker some days, it was a blinding thing to do.
Only one issue though, the roof was crap and leaked, no matter what he did. It wasn't a big issue, but did lead to the odd wet suit jacket or bag. It proved to be reliable too, which I would think is the biggest thing here. If its reliable then its a winner - if it starts to go wrong then its a nightmare.
Good choice. Like your thinking!
Only one issue though, the roof was crap and leaked, no matter what he did. It wasn't a big issue, but did lead to the odd wet suit jacket or bag. It proved to be reliable too, which I would think is the biggest thing here. If its reliable then its a winner - if it starts to go wrong then its a nightmare.
Good choice. Like your thinking!
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