Another newbie needing advice
Discussion
Hey,
After years of wanting one, I've decided that now is the time to take the plunge. Looking for something to be my main car (If I ever need something sensible, then http://www.streetcar.co.uk/ is outside my front door). I currently drive a few 1,000 miles a year, mixture of driving around London after the tube stops and trips out to the countryside, including some motorway driving a few times of year.
Would like to make the most of it on B-roads and tour a bit around Europe. Might take it on the odd track day, but not a major priority.
This is to replace my Audi S3 which I've had for the last 8 years. So would like something quicker, but not too fast to enjoy on the Queen's highway.
So I'm thinking one of the faster Roadsports (140-190bhp), however, no idea which gearbox would most suit me and I'd like a car that doesn't need constant work to keep it running. Not the most mechanically minded person in the world and wish to spend car time driving, rather than tinkering under the bonnet. So I guess I'm asking what's the most powerful engine option that will look after itself, so long as it gets serviced on time.
Dave.
After years of wanting one, I've decided that now is the time to take the plunge. Looking for something to be my main car (If I ever need something sensible, then http://www.streetcar.co.uk/ is outside my front door). I currently drive a few 1,000 miles a year, mixture of driving around London after the tube stops and trips out to the countryside, including some motorway driving a few times of year.
Would like to make the most of it on B-roads and tour a bit around Europe. Might take it on the odd track day, but not a major priority.
This is to replace my Audi S3 which I've had for the last 8 years. So would like something quicker, but not too fast to enjoy on the Queen's highway.
So I'm thinking one of the faster Roadsports (140-190bhp), however, no idea which gearbox would most suit me and I'd like a car that doesn't need constant work to keep it running. Not the most mechanically minded person in the world and wish to spend car time driving, rather than tinkering under the bonnet. So I guess I'm asking what's the most powerful engine option that will look after itself, so long as it gets serviced on time.
Dave.
davidjbradshaw said:
Hey,
After years of wanting one, I've decided that now is the time to take the plunge. Looking for something to be my main car (If I ever need something sensible, then http://www.streetcar.co.uk/ is outside my front door). I currently drive a few 1,000 miles a year, mixture of driving around London after the tube stops and trips out to the countryside, including some motorway driving a few times of year.
Would like to make the most of it on B-roads and tour a bit around Europe. Might take it on the odd track day, but not a major priority.
This is to replace my Audi S3 which I've had for the last 8 years. So would like something quicker, but not too fast to enjoy on the Queen's highway.
So I'm thinking one of the faster Roadsports (140-190bhp), however, no idea which gearbox would most suit me and I'd like a car that doesn't need constant work to keep it running. Not the most mechanically minded person in the world and wish to spend car time driving, rather than tinkering under the bonnet. So I guess I'm asking what's the most powerful engine option that will look after itself, so long as it gets serviced on time.
Dave.
If you are able to stratch to a duratec engined car, they tend to offer a far higher output for a given state of tune than their K series equivalent. Ford/Mazda have used the various variants of the Duratec in lots of different vehicles, most of which may never see an oil change, let alone anything more specific. After years of wanting one, I've decided that now is the time to take the plunge. Looking for something to be my main car (If I ever need something sensible, then http://www.streetcar.co.uk/ is outside my front door). I currently drive a few 1,000 miles a year, mixture of driving around London after the tube stops and trips out to the countryside, including some motorway driving a few times of year.
Would like to make the most of it on B-roads and tour a bit around Europe. Might take it on the odd track day, but not a major priority.
This is to replace my Audi S3 which I've had for the last 8 years. So would like something quicker, but not too fast to enjoy on the Queen's highway.
So I'm thinking one of the faster Roadsports (140-190bhp), however, no idea which gearbox would most suit me and I'd like a car that doesn't need constant work to keep it running. Not the most mechanically minded person in the world and wish to spend car time driving, rather than tinkering under the bonnet. So I guess I'm asking what's the most powerful engine option that will look after itself, so long as it gets serviced on time.
Dave.
For a K series, assuming basic servicing has been done, I think you'll find a 140hp version will offer you what you're looking for, and gives you the potential just to park it up and leave it until the next outing (baring any battery drain issues
). You will gradually increase your level of confidence and mechanical skills by tinkering with the car over time. There is lots of help available out there via various forums/clubs/owners. Try and go along to a local Caterham meet near you and get the opinions of a range of owners of cars with different engine options?
As Chris has hinted, I've used my Caterham as an only car for 5 years, and have just gone back to using it as my main car. I started with a 115bhp 1.6 K-Series Roadsport car with a 5-speed box which was quick enough in most conditions. I covered about 10k per year during those first 5 years and did very little maintenance myself, using RatRace Motorsport in North London for servicing at first and then Millwood Motors in Cam, Gloucestershire when I moved to Bath.
I've since upgraded the engine to a 1.8 VVC 160bhp example which is plenty for now and works better with the 5-speed box.
If you have the budget I'd go for a newer Ford-engined car just for future-proofing but a VVC would be a good choice too. Definitely find your local Lotus 7 Club meeting and chat to people about the various options.
I've since upgraded the engine to a 1.8 VVC 160bhp example which is plenty for now and works better with the 5-speed box.
If you have the budget I'd go for a newer Ford-engined car just for future-proofing but a VVC would be a good choice too. Definitely find your local Lotus 7 Club meeting and chat to people about the various options.
I guess the upper limit of my budget is 20k although if I can spend less it would mean I have to work less next year and hence have more time to enjoy the car. Was thinking about a 150 sigma or a late K. The 175 Duratech would be nice, but never seen a secondhand one.
How reliable are VVC engines theses days? Seem to remember reading about issues when they first came out.
Dave.
How reliable are VVC engines theses days? Seem to remember reading about issues when they first came out.
Dave.
My VVC was extracted from a crashed MG TF Trophy 160 and has been totally reliable. The only issue I have is a reluctance to start some days which I think is down to having a lightweight and feeble battery.
One thing I forgot to put in my post above is that when looking at 2nd-hand 7s I'd go on condition more than mileage and would actually rather have a higher mileage car that has been well-used rather than one that has sat in a garage for months. My experience is that the K-Series prefers to be used and seems to develop more issues if only lightly used.
£20k will get you a great car.
One thing I forgot to put in my post above is that when looking at 2nd-hand 7s I'd go on condition more than mileage and would actually rather have a higher mileage car that has been well-used rather than one that has sat in a garage for months. My experience is that the K-Series prefers to be used and seems to develop more issues if only lightly used.
£20k will get you a great car.
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