I have been Offered......... can you help?

[nashman]

Morning good people. My first post as I am completely new to Piston Heads and in particular Caterhams. More precisely buying one.

Now to the question: A friend of mine (mate of a mate really) has been building a Cat forthe last 18 months with his son, with the intention of his son using it when he passed his test! His son has now passed his test and bought a Fiesta! (go figure). The cat is 95% complete (aren't they always) but has not been SVA'd at this point. It has a x-flow engine and the bits that are complete are well finished but it is still a little way off.

He is asking £4k for it and has offered me first refusal. I know this is a difficult question but is it worth £4k in an unfinished non SVA'd state?

Any / all advice welcome

Thanks.........Neil

[nashman]

All valid points! I'm on it re the spec etc. I will return.

Regards...............Neil

[nashman]

OK all. Things are now a whole lot clearer on this. The spec speaks volumes:

MK Indy Chassis
MK Indy panels predominately (ali sides are homemade)
1300 x-flow +90 bore (this was for cheaper insurance for son)
A3 cam + xr2 valveset
Sierra 5 speed box and diff (not LSD)
Sierra brakes (Discs front and drums rear) Fiat PRV for brake bias adjust
Mexico manifold
Std Sierra carb (but has injector manifold which was something he was moving towards)
Wiring complete
Needs trimming for SVA (IVA)
15" Ford wheels (XR2 I think)

He is open to offers from me but would SVA / IVA if money wasn't acceptable and then put it on the open market.

So what do we think its worth ans should I be even considering it?...... Anyone.

Regards.......Neil

[nashman]

Tango7 said:

Are you sure its a Caterham or maybe a sevenesque copy, that he calls, generally, a Caterham.

Getting a Xflow car through an SVA is quite difficult but if its genuine and mainly/95% all there it will certainly be worth £4k but be prepared for some work

Sorry, question from this reply re x-flow and getting it through an SVA? Is that to do with emissions or something else?

Thanks......Neil

[nashman]

Thanks T. Having spent some time with Chris (the guy who built the car) last week I feel very comfortable with his ability and the car is superbly finished with some great detail work. Having also discussed the engine, box and diff configuration and the new IVA requirements he is being realistic in that the £4k previously discussed is a little optimistic and it looks like its on the table for discussion.

Does anyone have a feel for the offer I should be pitching. My gut feel is £2,750 and stick at £3k tops?

Anyone????????????

[nashman]

Good advice Jamie, I've just posted on there.

Thanks.........Neil