£22k budget what to buy

[4l3x]

I'm in the market for a Caterham for £22k max. It'll be for weekend fun not too many long trips so not worried about the padded seats etc. So, this puts me solidly in line for R300 or Superlight R, but rules out R400 and higher along with newer models. Not concerned about age, only condition and don't want to wait for months for it to sell if it I decide to do so say in 12 months (which really rules out any hugely modified "lower" model cars at this price level) I'm not "saving it for the next guy" but I want to know what the best experience I can get for this price point is without overpaying or buying something too long in the tooth (you dont see many for sale over 50k miles for example...)

Its hard to get a handle on what to choose as everything that sells and comes up or sticks around for months is all so different, so my question really is - which is the most desireable model of Superlight R or R300 around this price range? Are there any "must have" spec items that future owners will look for and what is the point at which mileage really becomes a factor (or does it not for these cars e.g. 20k miles or 40k miles not matter?) Are "ex Caterham demonstrator" something to steer clear of or doesnt this matter so much in the Caterham world?

Edited by 4l3x on Monday 22 August 18:55

[downsman]

I know a chap who recently bought a Sigma 1.6 with the Premier Power 175bhp upgrade for about that figure. Nice car

[subirg]

R400 Duratec bought privately in winter.

[ForzaGilles]

R400K. 22k will get you a nice example.

[coppice]

My R400 has done 45k miles - and it still feels just as it did when I bought it . It's a simple car with modern oily bits - so why wouldn't they last ? Minor niggles aside there ain't much to go wrong and plenty of Sevens have done twice the miles of mine. God knows why people buy them but don't use them.

[7810MF]

Hi guys, interesting thread! I'm in a similar position in terms of my budget & purchase. I'm after a Caterham following a Palmersport day and feel an R400 is what I'm after.

I'm going to view a private R400D tomorrow, but it's covered 40k miles (ex Caterham demo car too), so know it could have had a hard life and pretty sure I've spotted a few videos on youtube when the R400D first came out where it was used for promos / tests...! ;-)

Would be interested in any thoughts? I know it's covered 40k, but as a 2007 car but at 9 years old it averages at 4.4k per year and at the same time I suppose the price reflects that for an R400D at £24.5k? Full service history...

I'm not looking for a garage queen, more something that I can use for a few track days and the odd nice weekend with an annual trip to the ring.

Any thoughts / advice before a viewing tomorrow?

Thanks!

[coppice]

If you are going to keep a decent time it then buy it; if not, then don't as lots of experts will tell you high mileage Sevens don't sell easily. Sadly they are right- but God knows why as there is no logical reason why a well used Seven won't keep going for years with sensible tlc . I bought my first one at 22k miles and sold it ten years later.

[rubystone]

coppice said:

If you are going to keep a decent time it then buy it; if not, then don't as lots of experts will tell you high mileage Sevens don't sell easily. Sadly they are right- but God knows why as there is no logical reason why a well used Seven won't keep going for years with sensible tlc . I bought my first one at 22k miles and sold it ten years later.

I also think that this particular car is about £4,500 too expensive. So I assume it's a trader selling it.

But John is right. High mileage 7s are in the same camp as modified 7s. Much more difficult to sell on.. To be fair though, the more miles a car has covered, the more the bodywork will have suffered. Stonechips, flaking powder coating, aluminium corrosion at the base of the side panels and behind the exhaust are all more likely.

[Ziplobb]

Do not worry about a high mileage 7 - I bought a 2 tear old road sport with 47k on it and sold it this year after 9 years for a little bit more than I paid for it. The key is to buy right - my own opinion is that almost £25k for a 40k mile car is far too much and in the short to medium term it will shed some more £££

[freerange7]

Have you seen the Aston green 7 with the yellow cage that has just come back on PH adverts, it has 2.0VX lump with 283BHP, very well looked after and ban gon budget.
Good luck.