Caterham / Elise / Ginetta / etc?
Discussion
I used to have a 111R back when they first came out. Since then I have owned so many different types of cars. But now I wish to get back into something which is properly involving to drive. Something basic and fun. A car I can keep for a very long time.
However I do need to be able to use it all year round. Which means at the very least I need a heater and a roof which stops the weather from joining me. So a car can only be considered if there is a factory or aftermarket mod which allows a water tight roof. Does this rule out caterhams?
So far I am thinking mk1 Elise / Exige as a front runner. In second place some sort of Ginetta G4, or the newer small one. After I move this summer I hope to allocate £20k for something used. Maybe up to a 1/3 more if it is really special. We'll see...
Ideas gents?
However I do need to be able to use it all year round. Which means at the very least I need a heater and a roof which stops the weather from joining me. So a car can only be considered if there is a factory or aftermarket mod which allows a water tight roof. Does this rule out caterhams?
So far I am thinking mk1 Elise / Exige as a front runner. In second place some sort of Ginetta G4, or the newer small one. After I move this summer I hope to allocate £20k for something used. Maybe up to a 1/3 more if it is really special. We'll see...
Ideas gents?
I used my Caterham all year round for 5 years averaging 10,000 miles a year. If you fit the roof properly it's pretty good. There can be occasional drips in really heavy or sustained rain. It does steam up a bit so the heated screen is a good option. Earplugs are also useful as it's noisier with the roof up!
IMO (depending how "hardcore" you are of course) a S1 Elise isn't the greatest choice for a daily drive. While the heater isn't bad at heating the car with the roof on (and neither is the heat soak from the engine), it takes ages (!) for it to demist the front windscreen.
The roof WILL leak, no matter what you do to it (leaks range from a slight dribble for a good roof to a deluge if it's not so good) and clambering over the sills with the roof on will get tiresome day to day.
Far better to buy a shed for the "soulless" miles we all have to do so that when you do take the Elise/Caterham/toy out, it feels like a proper event, not an endurance. A shed can be properly cheap motoring-done right it'll be far cheaper and more enjoyable to have Elise + snotter rather than Elise alone.
Take it from someone who used a S1 111S every day in the winter for a few months. It took the joy out of owning it.
The roof WILL leak, no matter what you do to it (leaks range from a slight dribble for a good roof to a deluge if it's not so good) and clambering over the sills with the roof on will get tiresome day to day.
Far better to buy a shed for the "soulless" miles we all have to do so that when you do take the Elise/Caterham/toy out, it feels like a proper event, not an endurance. A shed can be properly cheap motoring-done right it'll be far cheaper and more enjoyable to have Elise + snotter rather than Elise alone.
Take it from someone who used a S1 111S every day in the winter for a few months. It took the joy out of owning it.
The G4 above looks awesome 
The reality check comments are useful to bear in mind!
The trouble will be with parking as my other half already has a classic and wants a camper van too. Then we need space for guests. So that limits me to one car for all duties. I am happy to give up all the silly toys. Just so long as the spec sheet reads: four wheels, dry interior. Oh the decadence
ps
The mexico looks awesome too. I saw a white mk1 a little while ago with a zebec in it. I probably would have bought it if I were in a position at the time.
The reality check comments are useful to bear in mind!
The trouble will be with parking as my other half already has a classic and wants a camper van too. Then we need space for guests. So that limits me to one car for all duties. I am happy to give up all the silly toys. Just so long as the spec sheet reads: four wheels, dry interior. Oh the decadence
ps
The mexico looks awesome too. I saw a white mk1 a little while ago with a zebec in it. I probably would have bought it if I were in a position at the time.
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