Thinking Again

Author
Discussion

MrsFallon

Original Poster:

9,586 posts

242 months

Sunday 27th November 2016
quotequote all
I first did the showroom and factory tour in 1995, when the showroom was garages at the top of the hill in Caterham.

I pondered again about 10 years later and went as far as getting quite serious on an SV chassis'd K series powered car that the specialist in Dursley had. Not sure if it was cold feet or just a decision to put the money into a regular car and from memory we went and bought a Boxster using the extra money that would have gone into the Caterham.

Anyway I'm pondering again as the love for them has never really gone away, but wouldn't really know where to start. The last Caterham I've driven was a 1.4 K Series, which I "think" might have been about 125 BHP (would that sound right?)

So where do I begin, there is no fixed time scale really, this is just an initial thought, I've tried to join the 7 and Lotus FB group, but not sure if they will let me.

huwp

833 posts

174 months

Sunday 27th November 2016
quotequote all
I did something similar. Looked at a 7 approx 20 years ago but decided against - lack of storage etc.

Considered the marque again in '06 and took delivery of a Sigma powered SV in '07. Only 125 BHP and I've thought about upgrading but I still have the car.

My advice would be to get yourself along to a L7C meeting. You may not see too many cars at those meetings at this time of year but you can start to narrow the options.

You may find some owners who will let you have a closer look at their cars.

I'm also Wiltshire based and you're more than welcome to have a look at mine.

MrsFallon

Original Poster:

9,586 posts

242 months

Sunday 27th November 2016
quotequote all
Hi Hus,

I'd like that and thank you. Perhaps that's something for post Christmas?


Keep it stiff

1,762 posts

172 months

Monday 28th November 2016
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Make a visit to Millwood, you will find John really helpful and more than happy to chap through the pleasures and pitfalls of Caterham ownership.

http://www.millwood-mc.com/




Niftynoo

128 posts

131 months

Monday 28th November 2016
quotequote all
Keep it stiff said:
Make a visit to Millwood, you will find John really helpful and more than happy to chap through the pleasures and pitfalls of Caterham ownership.

http://www.millwood-mc.com/

I'd second that, John is very helpful and not your usual car dealer! Bought our first Caterham from him - a CSR - brilliant car!!

Steve Campbell

2,110 posts

167 months

Monday 28th November 2016
quotequote all
Rough budget first, then go look at as many as you can, then revise budget :-). Options are endless.

I'd start with budget and what usage (ie road only or some track day ?). That will give you a ball park figure and what's in range....then the fun starts. Your previous history in cars may also be a factor as to what will feel special or not.

Caterham in Crawley, PT Sportscars in Windsor and others as above + get to some club meets (although attendance in the 7's drop's over winter).



Spingo

145 posts

194 months

Monday 28th November 2016
quotequote all

As Nike would say - just do it! You won't regret it and in the highly unlikely event that you do, are unlikely to lose much/any money on your purchase.

I'm based in West Berks and you are welcome to come and view mine, but like many other owners mine is going to be SORN'd next month until Spring as the roads are about to be gritted which plays havoc with an alloy bodied car!

MrsFallon

Original Poster:

9,586 posts

242 months

Monday 28th November 2016
quotequote all
I've had a finance example come through today from Williams Automobiles near Bristol, have to say it was much better than expected.

They gave 2 examples for a 360 and a 420. I'm unlikely to go with something quite so epic, but they are "examples"

Quick question, why don't they have a spare wheel carrier any more on the rear?

justleanitupabit

201 posts

106 months

Monday 28th November 2016
quotequote all
MrsFallon said:
I've had a finance example come through today from Williams Automobiles near Bristol, have to say it was much better than expected.

They gave 2 examples for a 360 and a 420. I'm unlikely to go with something quite so epic, but they are "examples"

Quick question, why don't they have a spare wheel carrier any more on the rear?
Its a £500 option now.

DCL

1,215 posts

178 months

Monday 28th November 2016
quotequote all
The very essence of the Caterham is it's light weight. The spare wheel is heavy and in the worst possible place.

scubadude

2,618 posts

196 months

Monday 28th November 2016
quotequote all
Steve Campbell said:
Rough budget first, then go look at as many as you can, then revise budget :-). Options are endless.
I did everything wrong, tiny budget, bought the first car I tested.... but it is awesome :-)

huwp

833 posts

174 months

Monday 28th November 2016
quotequote all
MrsFallon said:
Hi Hus,

I'd like that and thank you. Perhaps that's something for post Christmas?
Sure. It will give me a break from finding alternate recipes for left over turkey.

HustleRussell

24,602 posts

159 months

Tuesday 29th November 2016
quotequote all
MrsFallon said:

Anyway I'm pondering again as the love for them has never really gone away, but wouldn't really know where to start. The last Caterham I've driven was a 1.4 K Series, which I "think" might have been about 125 BHP (would that sound right?)
The 1.6 k-series made around 125bhp, the 1.4 in standard form more like 105bhp.

jig

244 posts

238 months

Thursday 15th December 2016
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Williams usually have plenty of stock to look at, so worth a trip to run over the options. My kit based SV 310S is due to arrive any time soon and you'd be welcome to have a look at that as well - also in Wiltshire.

Jig

coppice

8,564 posts

143 months

Friday 16th December 2016
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HustleRussell said:
MrsFallon said:

Anyway I'm pondering again as the love for them has never really gone away, but wouldn't really know where to start. The last Caterham I've driven was a 1.4 K Series, which I "think" might have been about 125 BHP (would that sound right?)
The 1.6 k-series made around 125bhp, the 1.4 in standard form more like 105bhp.
And the 1.4 SS was allegedly 128bhp ; if it was genuine the vast majority of the horses was asleep at anything below about 6k revs .

g7jhp

6,959 posts

237 months

Friday 16th December 2016
quotequote all
My advice would be:

1) Establish use - road, track or both
2) Decide ballpark budget
3) Look at engine options

I'd advise testing a range of cars with 135-210bhp for the road.

I've had a 175bhp VX HPC on Carbs before and if/when I get another it'll probably be a Supersport R/360R with 180bhp or 420R with 210bhp.

That's more than enough for the road (in my experience).