Guidance for my first Caterham please...
Discussion
Eric is right about the smell. My car is 11 years old but every time I go into the garage there is this wonderful evocative smell of leather and whatever. It’s rather like the cockpit of most old RAF planes has a familiar smell to it.
Eric has had his crossflow for a good few years, I believe, and loves it to bits. But he did tell me when I was buying mine that if he was buying one now under the same circumstances then he would probably go for a more modern engine.
Mine is a 1600 Supersport and carrying a passenger seems to add about half a second to the 0-60 time, but still fast enough to cause them a sharp intake of breath.
On a club handling day I was driven around the Top Gear track by a guy with a car just like Eric’s, and even with “just” 100bhp ( and a combined weight of around 30 stone!!!) it was damned good fun.
Eric has had his crossflow for a good few years, I believe, and loves it to bits. But he did tell me when I was buying mine that if he was buying one now under the same circumstances then he would probably go for a more modern engine.
Mine is a 1600 Supersport and carrying a passenger seems to add about half a second to the 0-60 time, but still fast enough to cause them a sharp intake of breath.
On a club handling day I was driven around the Top Gear track by a guy with a car just like Eric’s, and even with “just” 100bhp ( and a combined weight of around 30 stone!!!) it was damned good fun.
Well described.
All Sevens are fun. Whilst more BHP is always desireable, the car is more about directness, steering and cornering ability than anything else.
I definitely would not be looking at buying Crosssflows in this day and age. I am beginning to look on mine now as a bit of a "Vintage Seven" and am less inclined to take it out on tackdays etc.
All Sevens are fun. Whilst more BHP is always desireable, the car is more about directness, steering and cornering ability than anything else.
I definitely would not be looking at buying Crosssflows in this day and age. I am beginning to look on mine now as a bit of a "Vintage Seven" and am less inclined to take it out on tackdays etc.
Edited by Eric Mc on Friday 21st March 09:53
A friend of mine just bought an immaculate condition 1.6K for very reasonable money. It's made an ideal first seven for him.
I've got to admit, I love more power
However, I've gone from a 156bhp VVC to a 115bhp 1.6K Caterham and, as Eric rightly says, the power is probably only 10% of the experience. Caterhams may top all the acceleration and outright performance charts in magazines, but it gives a somewhat false impression about what Caterham ownership and driving is all about. That said, everyone's individual, so I'd recommend experiencing various types of 7 before you make your choice.
I've got to admit, I love more power
However, I've gone from a 156bhp VVC to a 115bhp 1.6K Caterham and, as Eric rightly says, the power is probably only 10% of the experience. Caterhams may top all the acceleration and outright performance charts in magazines, but it gives a somewhat false impression about what Caterham ownership and driving is all about. That said, everyone's individual, so I'd recommend experiencing various types of 7 before you make your choice.Edited by RobM77 on Saturday 22 March 12:05
RobM77 said:
trotsky said:
It depends what your after performance wise, was advised by someone on here that you should get at least 135bhp or you may be a bit disappointed with the pull. bear in mind that in such a light car adding a passenger is very noticeable, as on a motorbike. Even with 190bhp I notice quite a difference when I have a passenger aboard, tho they don't notice, having not driven it solo and still they are shocked at the acceleration. was talking to my brother just last night on this subject, he says when I'm on the back of his zxr 750 it feels like a 400!! I'm 13 stone. mmm I'm going to get the calculator out and work out some power to weight ratios, my car weighs @530kg i guess, half full
Passengers are an absolute nightmare in Caterhams. The performance drops right off, but even worse is the handling, because you're both sat practically on the back axle (horrific understeer). I'm 10½ stone and with a passenger of anything more than 10 stone I never used to enjoy driving my road going 7 at all.
Obviously slower in a straight line and the car understeers like a dog! The only bonus is the extra traction! 
nick_j007 said:
Thank you all, I'm reading with onterest and it will help my decision.
Nick
Don't read too much as everyone has a different idea on what makes a perfect 7 and they are all completely right for themselves but not for you. Nick
Mine is a scabby old seven with bits hanging off and spends half its life handbraking turning round carparks, Bloke up the road from me his 7 only ventures out when it is dry and is polished to death. Who has the best 7? the answer is we both do. So you must work out what you want a 7 for but you won't know this till you actually own one so don't spend too long deciding as you will just end up confusing yourself. Once you have one then it is a relatively simple process to change it to what you do want as most upgrades are simple affairs
thinfourth2 said:
Once you have one then it is a relatively simple process to change it to what you do want as most upgrades are simple affairs
But without some guidance, you could easily end up paying over the odds for a live axle 4 speed Q plated car - not easy to upgrade (unless you count a 5 speed gearbox as an upgrade) and not easy to sell on again.But in essence, Thinfourth is right - but it does make sense to seek advice from people who were once in the same position as you, especially if that advice is free and in most cases, sensible.
rubystone said:
thinfourth2 said:
Once you have one then it is a relatively simple process to change it to what you do want as most upgrades are simple affairs
But without some guidance, you could easily end up paying over the odds for a live axle 4 speed Q plated car - not easy to upgrade (unless you count a 5 speed gearbox as an upgrade) and not easy to sell on again.But in essence, Thinfourth is right - but it does make sense to seek advice from people who were once in the same position as you, especially if that advice is free and in most cases, sensible.
thinfourth2 said:
Avoid caterham south as a dealer as i found them uninterested and slightly arrogant about sales
I couldn't disagree more - i have had excellent service every time i have been there - be it for servicing or purchasing. I have heard this rumour before but neither i or anyone else i know through seven ownership has come across this. A special mention must go to Dominic who not only helped me decide which car to buy but was extremely knowledgeable about the technical aspects of the car.Either way, owning a seven (however you buy it) will bring a big smile to your face, introduce you to new people and take you to new places - surely a good thing?
atom-ick said:
thinfourth2 said:
Avoid caterham south as a dealer as i found them uninterested and slightly arrogant about sales
I couldn't disagree more - i have had excellent service every time i have been there - be it for servicing or purchasing. I have heard this rumour before but neither i or anyone else i know through seven ownership has come across this. A special mention must go to Dominic who not only helped me decide which car to buy but was extremely knowledgeable about the technical aspects of the car.Either way, owning a seven (however you buy it) will bring a big smile to your face, introduce you to new people and take you to new places - surely a good thing?
Their profit margins are small on used cars and they're very good to deal with.On your second point, definitely join the L7C!
There's so much going on with so many events, I think it's the best car club out there.There is a chap who raced last year selling his k series 1600 on ebay at the moment. I think its only done a few thousand miles. I'm note sure what he's asking for it but it's a real head turner in Gulf blue with the orange stripe.
The guy was in our grid, looked after it well and kept well out of any carnage during the racing so it could prove a good buy.
Just a suggestion maybe worth a look.
Tel
The guy was in our grid, looked after it well and kept well out of any carnage during the racing so it could prove a good buy.
Just a suggestion maybe worth a look.
Tel
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