Buying first Caterham
Discussion
Turn7 said:
Caddyshack said:
Turn7 said:
It’s getting hold of a good 6 speed now….
What gearbox is it?Caddyshack said:
Turn7 said:
Caddyshack said:
Turn7 said:
It’s getting hold of a good 6 speed now….
What gearbox is it?Newer cars do use a Mazda box but I’m not sure from where.
The 5 speed type 9 worlds fine for me and most Road cars…..
Turn7 said:
Caddyshack said:
Turn7 said:
Caddyshack said:
Turn7 said:
It’s getting hold of a good 6 speed now….
What gearbox is it?Newer cars do use a Mazda box but I’m not sure from where.
The 5 speed type 9 worlds fine for me and most Road cars…..
DickyC said:
Hire one for a day from Caterham. You'll get a better feel for what's what. If you get it back in one piece they offer to hire you a more powerful one. Or they certainly used to.
I hired one last year. Within 30 seconds of driving off I knew I had to have one. A week later I was the owner of a 420R. Once driven you’ll be hooked. Caddyshack said:
The Mazda box is a straight swap for the type 9 using the adapter plate….I think the type 9 struggles with bigger power in heavier cars hence why people want the newer 6 speed that weighs less and is closer ratio. I guess the type 9 becomes rarer.
I don't think that narrative is right at all. The type 9 was fine with the caterhams of the era. Caterham produced the 6 speed initially to suit the 1400 and 1600 k. Nothing to do with power handling.OP imo if you see the one you've linked, it's in good condition and you like it, just buy it. I've never going to much cheaper really unless you buy off a used seller.
I just bought my first one a couple of weeks back, love it! Bought privately as the price and car was right. If you keep an eye on the facebook for sale page and happy to wait, I'm sure something will coming up privately if you wanted.
I just bought my first one a couple of weeks back, love it! Bought privately as the price and car was right. If you keep an eye on the facebook for sale page and happy to wait, I'm sure something will coming up privately if you wanted.
BertBert said:
Caddyshack said:
The Mazda box is a straight swap for the type 9 using the adapter plate….I think the type 9 struggles with bigger power in heavier cars hence why people want the newer 6 speed that weighs less and is closer ratio. I guess the type 9 becomes rarer.
I don't think that narrative is right at all. The type 9 was fine with the caterhams of the era. Caterham produced the 6 speed initially to suit the 1400 and 1600 k. Nothing to do with power handling.A quick google suggest that around 200hp is the limit on a type 9 before you consider mods.
Viper1981 said:
Hi all
Looking at buying a Caterham - it’s my first and with such a wide variety of specs, mileage etc, I’m finding it difficult to understand if prices are fair or not
Have seen this one that I like and make go and see, but seems a bit high price wise for the age, or does it look about right to those in the know? Also, any tips on what to look for in general and also with the k series engine?
Thanks for any help.
https://www.gpsevens.co.uk/portfolio-item/caterham...
While it looks like a nice clean car, why has it only done 8,000 miles in 23 years? Even if the service schedule and maintenance are rigorous - that is a lot of time static / not being used. For me, I'd like to see a car that has has a bit of mileage added - at least you know then it has been driven and any issues are more likely to have been found and sorted out by previous owners. It probably has the original Avon tyres from 2000 on it too, which will be rock hard and dangerous to use. Yes, some owners are very light users, but less than 500 miles per year (average) is not going to end well when you do start adding your own. Looking at buying a Caterham - it’s my first and with such a wide variety of specs, mileage etc, I’m finding it difficult to understand if prices are fair or not
Have seen this one that I like and make go and see, but seems a bit high price wise for the age, or does it look about right to those in the know? Also, any tips on what to look for in general and also with the k series engine?
Thanks for any help.
https://www.gpsevens.co.uk/portfolio-item/caterham...
Tupwood said:
While it looks like a nice clean car, why has it only done 8,000 miles in 23 years? Even if the service schedule and maintenance are rigorous - that is a lot of time static / not being used. For me, I'd like to see a car that has has a bit of mileage added - at least you know then it has been driven and any issues are more likely to have been found and sorted out by previous owners. It probably has the original Avon tyres from 2000 on it too, which will be rock hard and dangerous to use. Yes, some owners are very light users, but less than 500 miles per year (average) is not going to end well when you do start adding your own.
Good point on mileageJust did online MOT check on a few others from auto trade where reg available…seems a few in later years do little to no mileage between MOT’s. I guess lack of use forces sale or could it be only then used on a track? If I can get warranty then hopefully solves issues for a period of time?!?!?
mcg_ said:
OP imo if you see the one you've linked, it's in good condition and you like it, just buy it. I've never going to much cheaper really unless you buy off a used seller.
I just bought my first one a couple of weeks back, love it! Bought privately as the price and car was right. If you keep an eye on the facebook for sale page and happy to wait, I'm sure something will coming up privately if you wanted.
What did you go fit as your first Caterham out of interest?I just bought my first one a couple of weeks back, love it! Bought privately as the price and car was right. If you keep an eye on the facebook for sale page and happy to wait, I'm sure something will coming up privately if you wanted.
Viper19 said:
Good point on mileage
Just did online MOT check on a few others from auto trade where reg available…seems a few in later years do little to no mileage between MOT’s. I guess lack of use forces sale or could it be only then used on a track? If I can get warranty then hopefully solves issues for a period of time?!?!?
Mine was similar. Didn’t do any miles in the year before I bought it and only a few hundred the year before. Ageing driver I was told. It now has an engine problem. Is it related to being off the road? Who knows. At least it is under warranty but inconvenient. Tbh I wish I had done more research and looked at more cars beforehand but I am impulsive and buy with my heart. Just did online MOT check on a few others from auto trade where reg available…seems a few in later years do little to no mileage between MOT’s. I guess lack of use forces sale or could it be only then used on a track? If I can get warranty then hopefully solves issues for a period of time?!?!?
Just to reinforce the ETA I added to my 'cooking' comments. There is absolutely nothing wrong with a base model Caterham.
From your OP it looks like you're not looking to track it and won't be able to drive it hard because of local road conditions. The one you've linked is perfect for that kind of touring/bimbling use. Get in it, drive to the pub, out in the countryside, park it in town if you need to etc. It'll give you 10x the driver involvement than almost any car you've driven before just doing that.
Re mileage, these cars are so basic and so light that track use/high miles really isn't a problem. There are reasons for low mileage - life, kids, wife, other cars etc can all get in the way. That said, if the car develops a problem and the K series is notorious for HG failures (I've had one myself), it is easy to lose confidence in the car and just not use it.
As I say, there is nothing to these cars beyond a bit of box tubing and an aluminium skin. All the bits bolted on to it are easily accessible and (relatively) cheap to repair/replace. The exception to that is the engine. Personally I would pay a little more and buy a Ford rather than a K
This car is 16(!) years younger and has the Sigma engine for £4k more: https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/14955185
This one is 7 years younger and £3k more: https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/11849012
This one is private, 9 years younger and appears to have been looked after. I wouldn't let the ex race car (I've had one of those too) put you off for all of the above reasons : https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/14890408
ETA that the roll cage on the last one is great for confidence (you start to realise how vulnerable you are if you were T boned at a roundabout when you're in a seven) but they are a ball ache for everyday use, particularly that style of cage. Bimbling to the pub still possible but standing on your seat to sit on the cage, to swing your legs off to get out of the car is not a convenience. Especially for your wife. Same applies at every petrol station, car park etc etc. It is a strong look that you need to be comfortable with
From your OP it looks like you're not looking to track it and won't be able to drive it hard because of local road conditions. The one you've linked is perfect for that kind of touring/bimbling use. Get in it, drive to the pub, out in the countryside, park it in town if you need to etc. It'll give you 10x the driver involvement than almost any car you've driven before just doing that.
Re mileage, these cars are so basic and so light that track use/high miles really isn't a problem. There are reasons for low mileage - life, kids, wife, other cars etc can all get in the way. That said, if the car develops a problem and the K series is notorious for HG failures (I've had one myself), it is easy to lose confidence in the car and just not use it.
As I say, there is nothing to these cars beyond a bit of box tubing and an aluminium skin. All the bits bolted on to it are easily accessible and (relatively) cheap to repair/replace. The exception to that is the engine. Personally I would pay a little more and buy a Ford rather than a K
This car is 16(!) years younger and has the Sigma engine for £4k more: https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/14955185
This one is 7 years younger and £3k more: https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/11849012
This one is private, 9 years younger and appears to have been looked after. I wouldn't let the ex race car (I've had one of those too) put you off for all of the above reasons : https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/14890408
ETA that the roll cage on the last one is great for confidence (you start to realise how vulnerable you are if you were T boned at a roundabout when you're in a seven) but they are a ball ache for everyday use, particularly that style of cage. Bimbling to the pub still possible but standing on your seat to sit on the cage, to swing your legs off to get out of the car is not a convenience. Especially for your wife. Same applies at every petrol station, car park etc etc. It is a strong look that you need to be comfortable with
Edited by ben5575 on Sunday 30th April 10:39
ben5575 said:
ETA that the roll cage on the last one is great for confidence (you start to realise how vulnerable you are if you were T boned at a roundabout when you're in a seven) but they are a ball ache for everyday use, particularly that style of cage. Bimbling to the pub still possible but standing on your seat to sit on the cage, to swing your legs off to get out of the car is not a convenience. Especially for your wife. Same applies at every petrol station, car park etc etc. It is a strong look that you need to be comfortable with
Think for anyone I take out in it, having one with a cage like this would certainly add to the “experience” ha ha . Edited by ben5575 on Sunday 30th April 10:39
Some great comparable examples there - thank you!
You’re right - I’m not looking to track it or drive at vast speeds (cough cough maybe a little!) and tend to just enjoy it on the roads making the trips you’ve noted and get to know a Caterham more before upping budget and spec, so an entry level “cooked” Caterham will be ideal for me to begin with.
Think I’ll head over to Kent and look at the one linked in original post and go from there. Based on a couple of comments where people have had issues, a garage purchase looks like the best option to give a bit of protection warranty wise, which would be worth the slightly extra spend.
Fingers crossed I fall in love with something soon to get the most benefit this year with weather improving.
Just a word of caution on using a full cage on the road. They are designed for use with helmets. The bars are close to your head and driving them without a helmet risks a serious head injury, even in a minor accident. On balance I would replace them with a roll-over bar for road use, or always wear a helmet. But wearing a helmet is not always convenient.
DCL said:
Just a word of caution on using a full cage on the road. They are designed for use with helmets. The bars are close to your head and driving them without a helmet risks a serious head injury, even in a minor accident. On balance I would replace them with a roll-over bar for road use, or always wear a helmet. But wearing a helmet is not always convenient.
Whilst safer I’m sure in one regard, don’t think one with a full cage is going to be one for me….wearing a helmet won’t be ideal (which I hadn’t considered so thanks) and the in/out process for me others isn’t appealing either. 
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