How does a new engine effect valuation?

How does a new engine effect valuation?

Author
Discussion

Redbrix

Original Poster:

35 posts

183 months

Friday 14th November 2014
quotequote all
Hi, I am looking at a second hand Caterham to purchase.

The engine was replaced apprx 4 year back, apparently by Caterham but there is no documentation at present to substantiate this. (Have requested that this be confirmed)

Assuming the above can be substantiated, and that it was a brand new Duratec replacement fitted by Caterham, how would this effect the value of the car?

Also this engine has DIY servicing from new....just trying to understand how this would effect value - any comments?

Car is a 2007 R400D

DCL

1,215 posts

178 months

Friday 14th November 2014
quotequote all
Personally this wouldn't bother me - I'd be more interest in the car number as a 2007 Duratec would make it one of the first factory Duratecs, which were not without issues (wet sump, cooling,etc). They're all easily resolved, but may have contributed to the old engine demise.

Although full documented histories are nice, in a car like the Caterham, a self serviced and maintained example is often in a better condition for the experience. I doubt the price is significantly changed - it is more the condition, originality, and spec that matter.

Redbrix

Original Poster:

35 posts

183 months

Friday 14th November 2014
quotequote all
Thanks DCL,appreciate your comments.

I dont have an issue with DIY self service, but I just do not understand someone doing that but not keeping copies of the Caterham service parts receipt plus a written note of what was done and when, for the record. Not doing that puzles me, but maybe I am asking too much.

The same issue with the engine replacement. Overall I dont have a problem as long as its carefully documented, but in this case it isnt so there are no guarantees that it was a new Caterham 210bhp Duratec engine.








pikeyboy

2,349 posts

213 months

Friday 14th November 2014
quotequote all
If you have reservations keep your powder dry and keep looking

johnvthe2nd

1,285 posts

196 months

Friday 14th November 2014
quotequote all
If Caterham did it they will definitely have a record of it

framerateuk

2,730 posts

183 months

Friday 14th November 2014
quotequote all
If it was fitted by Caterham, I can't imagine it would have been anything other than a new engine.

Redbrix

Original Poster:

35 posts

183 months

Friday 14th November 2014
quotequote all
framerateuk said:
If it was fitted by Caterham, I can't imagine it would have been anything other than a new engine.
Agreed. All the more reason to have kept the all important documentation.

downsman

1,099 posts

155 months

Friday 14th November 2014
quotequote all
The sort of person who services their Caterham in a thorough way will definitely keep a record of doing it.
I do mine, and I print off the Caterham service list, tick what's done, note the mileage and keep all the receipts for parts (admittedly not oil).
It is the only way I can be sure when items need to be changed next.

If there isn't any paper work it hasn't been serviced in my opinion.

k20erham

372 posts

125 months

Friday 14th November 2014
quotequote all
The engine number into the Ford "system" will tell you who where and when if it's got one!!, hopefully that should lead to your answer, get friendly with the parts dept they are more helpful than service, and they tend to divulge much more info.

Mavic82

89 posts

159 months

Friday 14th November 2014
quotequote all
Why would you keep records for car like a CATERHAM?

I service and maintain mine better than any garage serviced vehicle but don't feel the need to write it down. I change the oil and filter far more frequently than needed. Spanner check, lube, clean, gap, align and what ever tweak is needed when ever I am near the car.

For me on a caterham spec and condition are the only important points. All the rest can be found out by talking to the owner.

The only thing I do keep a record of is photos of every change/ upgrade I make. More for my own interest though really.

g7jhp

6,959 posts

237 months

Saturday 15th November 2014
quotequote all
Mavic82 said:
Why would you keep records for car like a CATERHAM?

I service and maintain mine better than any garage serviced vehicle but don't feel the need to write it down. I change the oil and filter far more frequently than needed. Spanner check, lube, clean, gap, align and what ever tweak is needed when ever I am near the car.

For me on a caterham spec and condition are the only important points. All the rest can be found out by talking to the owner.

The only thing I do keep a record of is photos of every change/ upgrade I make. More for my own interest though really.
For the reason this thread exists, to give buyers piece of mind if/when you come to sell.

You may not like it, but others do.

I always put my cars service history into a spreadsheet (work, date, cost) to help give buyers confidence I'm an enthusiast. It's worked when selling all my cars to date.

K800 RUM

351 posts

191 months

Saturday 15th November 2014
quotequote all
I service mine & even after a year the oil is still very clean on the dip stick. When first serviced it's so clean it's hard to see the level! A simple check but any car you go to look at, pull the dipstick & the oil should be clean & to level. If not, there are questions to be asked or just walk away. Also look for coolant that is clean looking & of the right colour, usually pink in a caterham, again important as aluminium will corrode without the right antifreeze mix.

Mavic82

89 posts

159 months

Saturday 15th November 2014
quotequote all
Each to there own, but with no independent validation I would be scepticle and make up my own opinion by looking at the car. The oil and water as suggested above would be a good starting point. Knowledge from other members I guess helps to through forums such as this or BC.

IBDAET

1,655 posts

262 months

Saturday 15th November 2014
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I used to rebuild the engine every 2 oil changes. Now I have a reliable K-Series.

Helluvaname

363 posts

206 months

Sunday 16th November 2014
quotequote all
IBDAET said:
I used to rebuild the engine every 2 oil changes. Now I have a reliable K-Series.
laugh
Glad to see you've seen the light biglaugh


NormanD

3,208 posts

227 months

Sunday 16th November 2014
quotequote all
IBDAET said:
I used to rebuild the engine every 2 oil changes.
Now I have a reliable K-Series.
Maybe should change the oil twice as oftan, I do in my cars.

You will then make the engines last many times more

Red Seven

156 posts

196 months

Sunday 16th November 2014
quotequote all
I'm with Mavic82.
I've had my car 12 years, carry out all my own work, and never record the costs of parts that I've used.
It's checked more frequently than any schedule would recommend.
I have never had any intention of selling the car, so have no need to create a history for someone else's benefit.
For many folks, buying and owning a Caterham is a long term thing.

DCL

1,215 posts

178 months

Sunday 16th November 2014
quotequote all
I must confess that's my mentality too! A car that has been loved and cherished is clear to see. It is the car you are buying after all! IMHO, focus on the car - it's real, the service history is just a story that's unlikely to have anything untoward still in it.

Toaster

2,938 posts

192 months

Sunday 16th November 2014
quotequote all
Mavic82 said:
Why would you keep records for car like a CATERHAM?

I service and maintain mine better than any garage serviced vehicle but don't feel the need to write it down. I change the oil and filter far more frequently than needed. Spanner check, lube, clean, gap, align and what ever tweak is needed when ever I am near the car.

For me on a caterham spec and condition are the only important points. All the rest can be found out by talking to the owner.

The only thing I do keep a record of is photos of every change/ upgrade I make. More for my own interest though really.
How does anyone know they service their car 'better' than any garage?

Mine is always serviced by Caterham never had an issue I have kept the car standard and whilst its now nearly 10 years old looks in better condition (IMHO) than many year to 18 month old cars

So a potential buyer has a clear owner history, a clear history of the service record and that must have a certain value compared to someone who states they service their car better than any Garage (of course any seller will say that)


I will get my coat now smile.......................

downsman

1,099 posts

155 months

Sunday 16th November 2014
quotequote all
A full Caterham service history, must surely add something to the value of a Seven.

I keep records of what I have done mainly for my own interest, but also because of long service items like the cambelt.
I know this doesn't apply to a duratec 2l, but come 2018 when my car next needs a new belt will I remember exactly when I changed it?