Finding the right one....

[zetecherb]

Afternoon All,

I have recently sold my MK1 Focus RS and am now on the looking out for a Caterham.

I've spent the last 5 years racing Alfa Romeos in UK and Europe and after my dad had an original R500 K Series years ago I've wanted a Caterham ever since.

Now I got a bit more financial backing I think it's time

Picking the right car has been a mission though. I've driven a few Roadsports and a Supersport, both extremely fun but they don't take my fancy as much as a superlight. I've narrowed my list down to either a R300 (K Series) or a Superlight R. Chapman Cars had a green Superlight R that sold a week before I sold me Focus and I was gutted. Southern Sky Motors sold a Orange R300 last weekend before I got to view it. I can't believe how fast these cars move.

So R300 or Superlight R I would much prefer a Superlight R is there anything I should look out for?

Thanks

Tom

[zetecherb]

Whao, thanks for the fast replies

ForzaGilles - R400's are a little out of my price range

Framerateuk - I understand what your saying about the name, PTSPORTSCARS have a silver roadsport that looks awesome which I am tempted for but there a couple of small bits on it I'm not keen on. I don't want to be spending loads of money for a car I won't be 100% happy with.

Smitters - It'll be a half garage queen half track toy, I'm very OCD when it comes to cleaning and keeping it nice haha. Spec wise is what I'm mainly looking for. Sevens and Classics look to have an awesome R300 for sale, but not massively keen on the seat or the colour. I'm picking when it comes to little things like that haha.

Fergus - Budget wise at the moment is around £23k but the longer it takes me to find the perfect car the bigger the budget i'll have. Although if it takes me 6 months and i have a budget of say £27k I'll still be looking at the same models/spec.

My ideal car would be...orange, Tillet Seats, Heater, Carbon Fibre wings/nose cone etc, Full weather equipment, 150bhp minimum, must be K Series (I love the way they drive and sound), and also original as possible. I see a lot of roadsports for example have been rebuild with more power I'd like to know the car I have wasn't modified. So standard would be a bonus.
Obviously i understand the perfect car comes up rarely so my arms are wide open and I've looked at quite a few different models and specs, just everyone I've looked at so far I've not been 100% happy with.

[zetecherb]

All valid points.

I've been doing the modified thing to long now to understand loosing money lol. Another reason why I'm looking at anything more then 150bhp otherwise I'll modify it.

I might give Ian a call at Pt sports cars and have a chat about a superlight r he currently has up for sale.

[zetecherb]

Smitters - I assume the seat swap would be easier once I'm part of the club. Getting a clean tidy body is one of my big points. I have looked at a couple which have clearly spent their whole life on track, which isn't an issue for me but some haven't particularly been looked after and cleaned.
Choice at the moment isn't massive so as you say hopefully over the next few months some more cars will crop up.

Framerateuk - I'm not keen on the badge on the back where the spare wheel bolts to, I know this is only small but it's one of my pet hates. And I'm not overly keen on the fact it's been rebuilt either. I'd like something original if possible. However I do still look and think its a bloody good car for the price it's up for.
I need to get up to see Ian as I wouldn't mind having a look around at the silver roadsport and the blue Superlight R he has.

[zetecherb]

The bonus I have is I work for Vent-Axia......If I look out the window next to my desk I can see the Caterham HQ car park. So I'm in caterham probably once a week but most of the cars they have are brand new.

I have however been told that the used car market is picking up though so we should see more used cars coming through Caterham. There pre used car package is extremely good.

SUMMARY OF BENEFITS:
81-point factory developed check
Service and preparation using only 100% Caterham parts
12 months parts and labour warranty
12 months Caterham Assistance cover
Caterham HPI certificate
Free MOT** for life of vehicle ownership
Trackday voucher for any Bookatrack event

12 months membership of the Seven Owners’ Club


PT Sports Cars still have the Silver Roadsport and the blue Superlight R but they both aren't floating my boat.

As with regards to joining groups on Facebook etc I'm only on "Caterham Talk" none of the other groups will allow me in because I don't currently own one grrr

[zetecherb]

Hi Dave,

Is that the Orange R300 and CK Classics?

[zetecherb]

Damn I emailed about that one yesterday lol the blue superlight at Pt sports cars has also sold

[zetecherb]

D7PNY said:

If you are patient the right cars do come up eventually.

I Bought mine last year and had a specific spec list I wanted.

What I did though was break that down into 2 lists - One that consistet of game changers (ie, engine, gear box, diff spec) and the other that consisted of things that could be changed easily for little ££'s.

I ended up with a roadsport that was converted to supersport R spec a year old. With all the other upgrades its had in it's life I have ended up with essentially an R300k for a LOT less than what the real thing would cost.

All I've had to change since I got it is seats and roll bar but with selling old ones after wards the outlay hasn't been much.

Dave

I don't have a list as such but I have a couple of requirements....for example....

MUST
150bhp minimum
Standard (Not Modified)
Model Superlight (Superlight R, R300K, R400K)

IDEAL
12v Plug
heater
Weather Equipment
Black Pack (I believe all superlights have black pack)
Bright Coloured
Lowish Mileage
Tillets

Little things like 12v plug, heater I can do myself so isn't wouldn't be a deal breaker.