Thinking of getting a caterham
Discussion
No I haven't I went to Caterham South today to have a look.... I was only going originally to see if I could fit in the car, I didn't even know there were ones with lower floor, wider body etc....
The salesman Dominic Lee was very helpful, especially as there was some kind of event going on with lots of people wanting his attention. I wasn't intending on driving one but he kindly invited me to drive one, which was a bit of a revelation it was a very fun car to drive, although I was a bit kangaroo like when I started off!
- Pete
The salesman Dominic Lee was very helpful, especially as there was some kind of event going on with lots of people wanting his attention. I wasn't intending on driving one but he kindly invited me to drive one, which was a bit of a revelation it was a very fun car to drive, although I was a bit kangaroo like when I started off!
- Pete
Having said that, there's a nice looking R300 for sale by a L7C member in the Club's for sale section here:
http://www.lotus7.club/forum/sale/2003-r300-sale
(link to his ebay ad: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/201382302866 )
http://www.lotus7.club/forum/sale/2003-r300-sale
(link to his ebay ad: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/201382302866 )
Helluvaname said:
Age really isn't an issue with a Caterham (and to some extent neither is mileage - although that one is quite low mileage, which is good).
The one Chrisp linked to is in nice condition, but you'll certainly notice the 40bhp less, and wish you'd bought a higher power one!
I'd always suggest buying your first seven from a reputable dealer, as you have a warranty as back-up.
Once you're more familiar with the cars and know what to look out for, then would be the time to try a private purchase imho.
Have you been to Sevens & Classics at Brands Hatch?
Use £800 of the 5K you saved buying it and have the Super Soprt upgrade, same power, less miles and still 4K cheaper!The one Chrisp linked to is in nice condition, but you'll certainly notice the 40bhp less, and wish you'd bought a higher power one!
I'd always suggest buying your first seven from a reputable dealer, as you have a warranty as back-up.
Once you're more familiar with the cars and know what to look out for, then would be the time to try a private purchase imho.
Have you been to Sevens & Classics at Brands Hatch?
Well not really, as the SS upgrade takes it from 120 to c138 I think, so still quite a bit shy of 160, and it still doesn't make it an R300.
Granted you could spend a lot more to get to that power, but in general, 'standard' cars seem to attract slightly better residuals (or are easier to sell) later on, than heavily upgraded ones.
Granted you could spend a lot more to get to that power, but in general, 'standard' cars seem to attract slightly better residuals (or are easier to sell) later on, than heavily upgraded ones.
That orange R300 K series above is a lovely car, and in my opinion the R300 is a perfect 7 for the road and occasional track. Plenty of power for safe overtaking on the road and handy enough on track as well. I've had a K at 140 bhp, 165 bhp and now 230 bhp. I also had a sigma 125. Of all of these I reckon I had the most fun out of the 165 K.
I'm hoping and fingers crossed to an r300 spec roadsport sv 160 hp on k-series 1.8. I've had the 140 days hire, and loved every minute! I don't want to post it till the deals done! I'm near Camberley, and suspect blast routes will take me your way!
( by the way, when does an r300 spec actually become an r300... Anyone?)
( by the way, when does an r300 spec actually become an r300... Anyone?)
I am in a similar position, I am about to sell my Maserati GranTurismo S to get something cheaper to run and more basic for zipping around the Perthshire/Aberdeenshire back roads so this is all very interesting and I look forward to hearing how you get on. 
One question, do the older ones suffer from corrosion?
One question, do the older ones suffer from corrosion?
DouglasBen said:
by the way, when does an r300 spec actually become an r300... Anyone?
It never can. It was either sold as new as an R300, or it wasn't, and cannot become one. However, whether this actually matters is another question. Personally, and for much of the market, an original Superlight is preferred as it's easier to buy/sell an original R3/4/500 rather than one that is spec'd as.Pooh said:
I am in a similar position, I am about to sell my Maserati GranTurismo S to get something cheaper to run and more basic for zipping around the Perthshire/Aberdeenshire back roads so this is all very interesting and I look forward to hearing how you get on.
One question, do the older ones suffer from corrosion?
There were some infamous powder coating issues in the late 90's but I think they were resolved. As with any older car you need to check the chassis and suspension for rust. The other corrosion points are where the aluminium side skins are riveted to the chassis, particularly in the grot-traps down the outside of the footwells - this shows as bubbling on the side skins.One question, do the older ones suffer from corrosion?
Hi all
Seen this one pop up on 'fleabay' for the 2nd time, I can't see anthing obviously wrong and the price is not too bad - am I missing anything before I make the effort to travel 130 miles to look at it.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/271922006888?_trksid=p20...
Ta
Seen this one pop up on 'fleabay' for the 2nd time, I can't see anthing obviously wrong and the price is not too bad - am I missing anything before I make the effort to travel 130 miles to look at it.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/271922006888?_trksid=p20...
Ta
Tricky. I assume it's an ex academy car (not that that is a terrible thing). Basic-ish spec, narrow track, 5 speed, small brakes.
Condition could be good, you'd have to see it. Seats look a bit worn for such low mileage.
Fitting of the hood sticks is naff which doesn't bode well. No stickers, so probable repainted. I doubt that it's anywhere close to 140bhp just on a remapped Mems (unless it has a hotter cam which would be listed).
Could be a little gem, or a bit naff. If it's in good condition, drives how you want it and the price were nearer 12 than 13, would be ok. If I were to guess, I'd guess it'll be naff.
Bert
Condition could be good, you'd have to see it. Seats look a bit worn for such low mileage.
Fitting of the hood sticks is naff which doesn't bode well. No stickers, so probable repainted. I doubt that it's anywhere close to 140bhp just on a remapped Mems (unless it has a hotter cam which would be listed).
Could be a little gem, or a bit naff. If it's in good condition, drives how you want it and the price were nearer 12 than 13, would be ok. If I were to guess, I'd guess it'll be naff.
Bert
BertBert said:
justleanitupabit said:
You wouldn't easily get much more 'analogue' than this.
http://www.sevensandclassics.com/showroom/caterham...
(Except for the digital dash I suppose
)
My old r500 by the looks of it. Wow less than 10k miles in 14 years!http://www.sevensandclassics.com/showroom/caterham...
(Except for the digital dash I suppose
)I've just reduced mine due to my buyer pulling out because of an unexpected tax bill, I'm committed elsewhere so its got to go in a rush
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/c...
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/c...
Hi Bertbert, thanks for those comments, that was one of the things I noticed, the roof rails floating around unloved in the breeze, that and a '6' pint harness and no photos of under the bonnet.
Crisp5782 - yes, your one looks interesting, probably a bit more than my budget though.
Colin
Crisp5782 - yes, your one looks interesting, probably a bit more than my budget though.
Colin
pheasant said:
Hi Bertbert, thanks for those comments, that was one of the things I noticed, the roof rails floating around unloved in the breeze, that and a '6' pint harness and no photos of under the bonnet.
Crisp5782 - yes, your one looks interesting, probably a bit more than my budget though.
Colin
There's room for movement, give me a call? I only want a grand more than the flea bay car you've looked at (I know that car too)Crisp5782 - yes, your one looks interesting, probably a bit more than my budget though.
Colin
Edited by Chrisp5782 on Tuesday 7th July 11:09
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