Things to look for...
Discussion
I am hopefully going to see this, sometime this week, as much as anything for a look around it and fitting!:
http://www.ronhodgson.co.uk/caterham-super-seven-7...
It would be my first Caterham but I have been out in a few so as much as anything I think I need to find the right combination to suit me, as different body styles/seating/etc all seem to make the driver experience very different.
I am 6' tall and quite broad and research suggests that lowered floors might be preferred, although the I assume with the Tillet seats you will sit a little lower?! Is the SV much wider?
Really my question is, what should I be looking out for, besides the usual vehicle checks?
http://www.ronhodgson.co.uk/caterham-super-seven-7...
It would be my first Caterham but I have been out in a few so as much as anything I think I need to find the right combination to suit me, as different body styles/seating/etc all seem to make the driver experience very different.
I am 6' tall and quite broad and research suggests that lowered floors might be preferred, although the I assume with the Tillet seats you will sit a little lower?! Is the SV much wider?
Really my question is, what should I be looking out for, besides the usual vehicle checks?
You won't need to worry about lowered floors or seats - I'm 6' and have an early superlight with leather seats - height isn't a problem - if you can squeeze into the traditional narrow chassis I'd go for that option every time - less weight/true to the original concept.
As for the car you're looking at, as mentioned, it has been on the market for a long time. I'd put that down to the price they have on it. Looks kinda expensive to me. Mind you, I'm all for the used prices of superlights rising ;-)
As for the car you're looking at, as mentioned, it has been on the market for a long time. I'd put that down to the price they have on it. Looks kinda expensive to me. Mind you, I'm all for the used prices of superlights rising ;-)
It does seem rather expensive.
I paid less than the asking price for my '09 140bhp Sigma with LSD, 6 Speed, big brakes and a load of other options with half the mileage on it and 9 years newer.
I admit mine had a few cosmetic issues when I bought it (all sorted now), and I know the original Superlight is highly regarded, but it still seems like an awful lot for a 14 year old car.
I paid less than the asking price for my '09 140bhp Sigma with LSD, 6 Speed, big brakes and a load of other options with half the mileage on it and 9 years newer.
I admit mine had a few cosmetic issues when I bought it (all sorted now), and I know the original Superlight is highly regarded, but it still seems like an awful lot for a 14 year old car.
Edited by framerateuk on Monday 14th July 15:11
'Really my question is, what should I be looking out for, besides the usual vehicle checks?'
The only significant thing to look out for/check is the DeDion tube - on early Superlights they have a tendency to crack on the shock absorber mounts... There are other things that tend to fail over time - hoses, bearing etc... But the rear suspension is a little more important and worth a look. It is a relatively 'cheap' component to change and a straightforward DIY job.
The only significant thing to look out for/check is the DeDion tube - on early Superlights they have a tendency to crack on the shock absorber mounts... There are other things that tend to fail over time - hoses, bearing etc... But the rear suspension is a little more important and worth a look. It is a relatively 'cheap' component to change and a straightforward DIY job.
Well I had a look at the car last week. Does look to be very tidy, a few stone chips here and there but straight and very clean and should be as I still think it is top money.
Anyway, its just too narrow for me! I had been told the Tillet seats are 'snug' but a little too tight for my frame! I think I need to try a standard seat and the SV now to see how they feel!
Anyway, its just too narrow for me! I had been told the Tillet seats are 'snug' but a little too tight for my frame! I think I need to try a standard seat and the SV now to see how they feel!
I can certainly vouch for the original Superlight package being a fantastic introduction to Sevens 
Off the top of my head I reckon this car has been advertised for the best part of 2013 as well! Was well overpriced at the original £19,994 but slightly more reasonable now. Mine was <£17k 15 months ago, 2 years newer and less than half the mileage of this one, but I do reckon values of these and similar specs (RS Supersport, SLR, R300K) have hardened a little since.
Off the top of my head I reckon this car has been advertised for the best part of 2013 as well! Was well overpriced at the original £19,994 but slightly more reasonable now. Mine was <£17k 15 months ago, 2 years newer and less than half the mileage of this one, but I do reckon values of these and similar specs (RS Supersport, SLR, R300K) have hardened a little since.
Info on this car here: http://www.blatchat.com/t.asp?id=243751
Apparently the £18k asking price is £3.5k more than it was sold to the trader. Cheeky 25% mark up that one...
Apparently the £18k asking price is £3.5k more than it was sold to the trader. Cheeky 25% mark up that one...
S3 fits this fat git; but do be aware that not all Seven floor and seat combinations are the same. My 93 car had a perfect driving position (I am 5-11); my 2007 car was appallingly uncomfortable without lowered floor(but perfect with one ) and a 2013 car I drove recently was still far too high with lowered floor . All cars mentioned had leather - Tillets don't suit me.
ghibbett said:
Info on this car here: http://www.blatchat.com/t.asp?id=243751
Apparently the £18k asking price is £3.5k more than it was sold to the trader. Cheeky 25% mark up that one...
That's the same markup that a certain dealer made on my Superlight 3 years ago. If only I didn't need to sell at the time Apparently the £18k asking price is £3.5k more than it was sold to the trader. Cheeky 25% mark up that one...
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