To buy or not to buy!?!

[R300_PM]

Morning people,

I sold my R300 back in October last year and have been suffering major withdrawal symptoms ever since. I don't go out on bright, dry sunny mornings, I don't tinker in the garage anymore and I want that back!!!

So, does anyone know what deals are to be had at Caterham at the moment on new cars? I'd really like the R500 but the thought of spending circa £40k on a toy is something I can't quite get my head around.. So that leaves me with the R400.. In particular, can anyone advise me on the following!?!

1) How long is the waiting list for both the R400 and the R500?
2) Does anyone know how many units Caterham are shifting at the moment?
3) What do people think the likelyhood of a substancial discount would be at the moment, and if possible, how much would you expect to get off or are we just talking extras thrown into the deal?
4) Can anyone give me another £10k so I can get the R500!?!

I've put house buying on hold as I'd rather have a Caterham at this moment in time...even if I have to sleep in a rented lock up garage with the thing!

[taffyracer]

Caterham don't do deals from what i've seen, if they had then i would have bought ones ages ago, they are also at least 2-3k more than a decent private buy so....

[MikeGF]

Hi Paul

We emailed each other a few times last year after I got my Superlight, as I am in Fleet too.

First bit of advice? Get another, quick We need another in Fleet, and I need a blat partner

I am sure Caterham will do something of a deal if you chat to them, I'm sure they are feeling the pinch like everyone. I managed to get a free hat, cup & battery charger, if that helps..

Good luck, you know you want too..

Cheers
MikeGF

[R300_PM]

MikeGF said:

you know you want too..

That's just it, I know I want to and will, if I can get the right deal!

[dino ferrana]

I doubt you will get anything other than a hat or similar out of Caterham. Although the UK market is not brilliant I believe they are reaping the benefits of a weak pound (someone has to). That means their build slots are pretty full at the moment and they are therefore no more likely than usual to give discounts.

The build times are the same for all cars as they can put any car in any slot. I theory they could make just R500s for the next year (they probably aren't far off after the TG episode).

They don't do deals because they wan to protect their residuals and business, that to me makes sense. I benefitted when I sold my car as it hadn't depreciated like some other sports cars do. I am surprised that anyone is aghast that Caterham charge more for their used cars than a private one? Their cars get a service and have a 3-month warranty? Surely that is worth something? I have driven a couple of privately advertised cars that were described as immaculate and pristine etc., they turned out to be anything but!

[taffyracer]

All businesses need to make money and a 2-3k mark up is not extreme and i agree they should protect RV's but i did a 350mile trip to Midlands before xmas to see some cars with the intention of buying, 1 car in particular was being advertised for a customer, i had been in touch with that customer and knew that I could have bought the car for 14k direct, it was advertised for 16.5k, the car was filthy as were all the others I went to view, the car wasn't right so i didn't buy but for 2.5k they at least could have attempted to make it look decent, they were all very nice and I had a nice cuppa and a biscuit but when paying a mark up you expect at least the dealer to do something other than just shove it on their website and forget!

Edited by taffyracer on Tuesday 17th February 19:19