How can I get an R500 (duratec) quickly?

[Chris9999]

Due to all the financial turmoil I have not been prepared to commit to a new Caterham, but I am now in a much better position and want to get a car. Unfortunately, so does everyone else and so how might I go about getting a duratec R500 asap.

[jleroux]

have you asked caterham? buying a new £50K car from them as opposed to a 2nd hand one from the used market must hold some value for them. i'd be inclined to just phone up and offer to tick every box if you can get a car ASAP.

[Chris9999]

Thanks for that, you're probably right. I have seen waiting lists disappear before as soon as you show them the money...

[fatvik]

good luck, you luck devil
join the l7c; go on weekend blats (I recommend them even though I've only ever been a passenger!) & the track days

-FV

[FunkySon]

You can have mine but only after you've prised it from my cold dead hands. The only used one that I've ever seen for sale is the one that I bought last December. I'd be surprised if you could persuade them to fast track a new build but the only way you're going to find out is if you ask them.

There's always their white demo car. May be they'd accept an offer on that?

Duncan

[BT]

Buy a newer lower spec car (lot less than R500 money), then drop it off at one of the known Duratec specialists and have them install a Duratec to whatever spec you want. Or wait 4 months. BTW, you can't have mine (not yet anyway)!

[Chris9999]

I appear to have found a used one......

[jleroux]

BT said:

Buy a newer lower spec car (lot less than R500 money), then drop it off at one of the known Duratec specialists and have them install a Duratec to whatever spec you want. Or wait 4 months. BTW, you can't have mine (not yet anyway)!

good idea if you intend to keep it for a long time. bad idea if residuals are a factor.

[martin thomas]

I'd be interested to know where you found a 2nd hand one? I've yet to see one advertised. I collect my new r500 next week if all goes to plan.

ps the waiting list is more like 5 months minimum if you factor in being messed around at the end!


Martin

[edb49]

Why is the waiting list longer than the normal cars? Are they building them in batches.... I had sort of imagined Caterham would be fairly flexible and just build orders in the sequence they received them.

[atom-ick]

edb49 said:

Why is the waiting list longer than the normal cars? Are they building them in batches.... I had sort of imagined Caterham would be fairly flexible and just build orders in the sequence they received them.

I think they do build them in order - i think they have a long wait on everything! Good on 'em though, at least someone is doing well in the recession...

[edb49]

Yep, well I've placed an order just last week and have been given a 4 month lead time. (Not an R500 though.)

[simonreed]

I was at the factory on Saturday and had a look around. The place is stuffed full of R500's in various levels of construction. I've never seen the factory so full of cars!! I saw at least 12. Nearly all had a the Sequential Gearbox - nice!!

It's good to see Caterham doing well.

Simon

[BT]

My understanding is that they are all built to order, whatever spec. They are a small volume manufacturer, and don't keep huge stock levels of parts (basic business sense). They will also have a maximum output of cars (depending on staff levels). When you order, you get a slot in the queue, then when close enough, they order the bits (probably the expensive ones, I guess the cheaper ones are easily to hand), then there is a lead time for those. I don't think queue jumping is possible (even if you are buying a higher spec car), and I personally like that - fair to all customers.

Basically, they have high demand at the moment, and that is extending the lead time. You can't immediately change your internal resourcing to accomodate it. Part of wanting/owning a Caterham.

[V8S]

martin thomas said:

I'd be interested to know where you found a 2nd hand one? I've yet to see one advertised. I collect my new r500 next week if all goes to plan.

ps the waiting list is more like 5 months minimum if you factor in being messed around at the end!


Martin

Martin - YHM