New Owner Reporting In

[kalibre46]

Hi all,

I posted a few pre-purchase questions a couple of weeks ago. After some research and test drives I finally bought a 12 plate Supersport from Caterham South. It's the Kawasaki green demo car that you may have seen in various reviews/vids. I was a little skeptical at first given it's history and coverage on the net, however after inspecting it and talking through the maintenance side of things I'm happy that it's in great condition. It drives beautifully, so I'm very excited.

I've bought a new suede steering wheel as the old one was quite worn, plus I'm having the FIA rollbar fitted prior to pickup. Chuffed with the spec and the GT seats are ace. Herein starts the learning curve/fun.

Pics to follow once picked up.

[kalibre46]

Thanks all. With some luck I'll be picking her up on Saturday, but that's pending the fitment of the rollbar and servicing.

Pics to follow.

[kalibre46]

framerateuk said:

Good choice

The Supersport is a peach of a car and the engine suits it very well.

I wouldn't worry about it having a hard life. These engines are used to be in Fiestas and Focuses (Foci?), they're hardly stressed in a Caterham. Mine has 16k on the clock now, was an ex Caterham car and still works brilliantly (although it does need new engine mounts!).

Enjoy!

Thanks!

[kalibre46]

So whilst I'm waiting I thought I'd check out some goodies I could buy that are Caterham/Driving related. So far on my list is:

- Soft Bits Half Hood (Although bit nervous about adding popper points to the bodywork).
- Carbon Style (to match transmission tunnel) tunnel bag.
- Driving shoes (done).
- Driving gloves for winter use??
- Soft Bits padded boot liner??
- GoPro 3+ Black + Roll-bar mount.
- Vbox for data-logging (this and gopro for track days).

Any other items that people see as essential to Caterham ownership?

[kalibre46]

StEVEN7 said:

Hi Kalibre
Excellent choice I bought the previous
First Supersport Press Car the Orange one with white stripes, I've owned it for 18 months it's been reliable and hasn't missed a beat...I've owned and driven many Caterhams but this one is
Fantastic..... Welcome to an exclusive but rewarding club!... Enjoy!!!.

Lol, if you google Supersport you always receive results of either my car or your car. Quite strange buying a well-known car, but really looking forward to it.

[kalibre46]

Some pics from the dealership visit:

[kalibre46]

Andy Bell said:

looking lovely its certainly a brand that can suit the strong colours.

I agree, when I first started looking I was think BRG and quite traditional. However the more I looked the more I was drawn to the bold colours, so when this one appeared it was great!

[kalibre46]

Riccardino said:

very nice like also the colour

Which seats are those?

GT Leather Seats. I hadn't experienced them until my test drive but they are even more comfortable than I would have imagined. Hopefully I can say the same once I've had some good long runs in her.

[kalibre46]

Thanks for all the advice and feedback. With regards to the gloves I'm not sure what sort to opt for. I want something grippy and focused enough to be completely safe, however I'm not sure I need to go full-hog and spend 3 figures on Sparco's or the like unless they are a good investment. I am planning on using the car throughout the winter so warmth is a consideration also.

Any advice? What do others use?

[kalibre46]

tomwoodis said:

Very nice. I too test drove that car. It felt very nice indeed, love those seats too.

How did you swing a new suede wheel? I was told the supplier had gone out of business when I specced mine.

Tom

I enquired about the wheel and I was told it was now standard on the Supersport and was available. I assume they've found a new supplier or similar I guess.

[kalibre46]

Helluvaname said:

As above, Soft Bits half hood is the most refined and best imho, and well worth it.
Given your location they're probably not too far away either, and if you ask Nick he'll probably changeover the lift the dot fasteners for you if you arrange to pop in - really nice family business.

One thing I have found extremely useful, and I've had mine for almost 50k miles, is Soft Bits "snood" long-nose shower cap; used to cover the cockpit, boot and bonnet louvres when you park up. Quick to put on/off, and adds that little bit of extra security deterrent.

Shame you're buying it now and will have to wait until the warm dry weather to get the best out of it, but don't be afraid to use it during the winter, especially if the roads are dry and it's nice and sunny.

I'd also recommend joining the Lotus 7 Club and trying a few local Area Meets http://www.lotussevenclub.com/AreaMeetings/AreaMee...
Meeting up with a few others early one Sunday morning and blatting around takes a lot of beating

Enjoy it!

So do the shower caps fit over a half-hood if fitted also?

[kalibre46]

Just had a chat with a lovely lady at softbitsforsevens. You were right, turns out they are 10 minutes up the road for me, so I'm gonna pop in when I can next.

[kalibre46]

Just picked her up from Caterham!! Good drive home from Crawley, my 3 year old fell asleep in the passenger seat somehow, lol.