Early 2000 Minister R500 k engines - how reliable

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So then, been doing a lot of research on different Caterhams and noticed afew r500s up for sale as well with approx 15 - 20000 miles on. Read a lot that these engines need frequent refreshes, is this really true ? Read somewhere it was some really low mileages as well, can't believe it too be this bad ???

What is the general maintaince then if doing say 5 track days a year and B road sort of driving..

Thanks, what with so many different engined cars about its a mine field sifting through everything and deciding what you want....

One day il make up my mind !

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Hey token jock

I've yet to drive your old super light or any Caterham as yet as the weather always been so appalling which isn't ideal. Guess that's the problem trying to get one in the winter ready for the spring,

One day!! Hopefully soon I

Cheers
Stu

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rubystone said:

Depends on the map. If it's standard, there's no way you can drive the R500 WITHOUT exploring the upper power band. There's eff all grunt below 5000 revs.

Ergo I assume Ukt's car had been remapped.

My strong recommendation is indeed to buy something with around 140-160 bhp. I had to learn to drive my first 7 (came from a 964 RS...so hardly unused to slow cars...). Took me 6 months to do that.

My problem is, currently own a 996 GT3 (couple years now) before that a 993 for approx 8.5,years and still have a motorbike GSXR, used to generally fast vehicles and didn't want to buy a caterham and think it wasn't fast enough and be disappointed. Like said previous be used for occasional track day and b-roads.

Someone said the R500 needed refreshing at 20k, but I assume it obviously depends on its useage like said above.

I'm still currently waiting to drive one, at the moment a certain yellow super light seems to be hedging the bets so far...It sounded nice in the showroom.! Unless anyone knows of any R300/400s About?