Another new member seeking advise on 7 ownership...
Discussion
Hello everyone
I’m knew to PH but have been lurking like many others on the forum and the classified regarding info and knowledge on my childhood dream car. I’m in the ’research phase’ of potential 7 ownership, but will have to wait till next year when a endowment matures (hopefully). I’ve hired a 1.6 Roadsport 138bhp as part of my research and was absolutely blown away by it, but at the same time it raised a few more questions for me to ponder and i hope you guys could offer some answers and advice to the questions below. My budget will probably be £12-14K if I’m lucky and a Roadsport is ideal for me for fast fun, ‘pottering’ and to/from work in the kinder months, with 3-4k (regular) miles about the sort of annual mileage.
So here goes in no particular order.
1.The under dash handbrake drove me nuts when I drove it. I know its useless and I can drive without a handbrake but i do live on a hill and so wondered if the post 97 cars (i think) with the tunnel mounted hand brake are any better? At least I will have a chance to get to a tunnel mounted with a 4P harness.
2.Unlike alot of lucky 7 owners I don’t have a huge amount of monthly disposable cash due mainly to wife/kids and an average paid job, (which makes me a little nervous about the purchase), but what would the average annual expenditure in terms of servicing/running costs and likely consumable parts be like on a 1.6? Insurance is nt too bad for me being in the ‘midlifecrisis 40’s’. I can do basic services (oil etc) myself but would like to keep the official service history up.
3.How often would you be looking to service or overhaul the suspension?
4.Do most ‘standard’ Roadsport drivers use earplugs for most journey? I had nt even considered this angle until reading the forum?
5.Any ideas on how much a high level brake light would cost to have fitted.
6.Why are there very few 7’s with inertia reel belts?
7.How effective is the heater? I guess its either on or off?
8.When I drove the car it was a gloriously sunny day and noticed the heat sink in the foot wells. So is a heater necessary?
9.How quickly/easily can you put the hood up. I should have tried it when i hired it but i was too busy driving it. Is it a pain in the rear?
10.How often do you have close shaves from people who you ‘didn’t see you’?
11.What’s the view on the basic Vauxhall engine? And how much cheaper would they be relative to a K. Are they worth considering
I think that’s it but if you can think of anything else I’d appreciate it. Look forward to any replies.
DickieH
I’m knew to PH but have been lurking like many others on the forum and the classified regarding info and knowledge on my childhood dream car. I’m in the ’research phase’ of potential 7 ownership, but will have to wait till next year when a endowment matures (hopefully). I’ve hired a 1.6 Roadsport 138bhp as part of my research and was absolutely blown away by it, but at the same time it raised a few more questions for me to ponder and i hope you guys could offer some answers and advice to the questions below. My budget will probably be £12-14K if I’m lucky and a Roadsport is ideal for me for fast fun, ‘pottering’ and to/from work in the kinder months, with 3-4k (regular) miles about the sort of annual mileage.
So here goes in no particular order.
1.The under dash handbrake drove me nuts when I drove it. I know its useless and I can drive without a handbrake but i do live on a hill and so wondered if the post 97 cars (i think) with the tunnel mounted hand brake are any better? At least I will have a chance to get to a tunnel mounted with a 4P harness.
2.Unlike alot of lucky 7 owners I don’t have a huge amount of monthly disposable cash due mainly to wife/kids and an average paid job, (which makes me a little nervous about the purchase), but what would the average annual expenditure in terms of servicing/running costs and likely consumable parts be like on a 1.6? Insurance is nt too bad for me being in the ‘midlifecrisis 40’s’. I can do basic services (oil etc) myself but would like to keep the official service history up.
3.How often would you be looking to service or overhaul the suspension?
4.Do most ‘standard’ Roadsport drivers use earplugs for most journey? I had nt even considered this angle until reading the forum?
5.Any ideas on how much a high level brake light would cost to have fitted.
6.Why are there very few 7’s with inertia reel belts?
7.How effective is the heater? I guess its either on or off?
8.When I drove the car it was a gloriously sunny day and noticed the heat sink in the foot wells. So is a heater necessary?
9.How quickly/easily can you put the hood up. I should have tried it when i hired it but i was too busy driving it. Is it a pain in the rear?
10.How often do you have close shaves from people who you ‘didn’t see you’?
11.What’s the view on the basic Vauxhall engine? And how much cheaper would they be relative to a K. Are they worth considering
I think that’s it but if you can think of anything else I’d appreciate it. Look forward to any replies.
DickieH
DickieH said:
Hello everyone
I’m knew to PH but have been lurking like many others on the forum and the classified regarding info and knowledge on my childhood dream car. I’m in the ’research phase’ of potential 7 ownership, but will have to wait till next year when a endowment matures (hopefully). I’ve hired a 1.6 Roadsport 138bhp as part of my research and was absolutely blown away by it, but at the same time it raised a few more questions for me to ponder and i hope you guys could offer some answers and advice to the questions below. My budget will probably be £12-14K if I’m lucky and a Roadsport is ideal for me for fast fun, ‘pottering’ and to/from work in the kinder months, with 3-4k (regular) miles about the sort of annual mileage.
So here goes in no particular order.
1.The under dash handbrake drove me nuts when I drove it. I know its useless and I can drive without a handbrake but i do live on a hill and so wondered if the post 97 cars (i think) with the tunnel mounted hand brake are any better? At least I will have a chance to get to a tunnel mounted with a 4P harness.
Makes no diference top the driving experience - as far as I'ma ware. The more "normal" handbrake was introduced in 1996.
2.Unlike alot of lucky 7 owners I don’t have a huge amount of monthly disposable cash due mainly to wife/kids and an average paid job, (which makes me a little nervous about the purchase), but what would the average annual expenditure in terms of servicing/running costs and likely consumable parts be like on a 1.6? Insurance is nt too bad for me being in the ‘midlifecrisis 40’s’. I can do basic services (oil etc) myself but would like to keep the official service history up.
Don't know about Rover costs but my Crossflow is very cheap to maintain.
3.How often would you be looking to service or overhaul the suspension?
Hardly ever.
4.Do most ‘standard’ Roadsport drivers use earplugs for most journey? I had nt even considered this angle until reading the forum?
Earplugs? My Crossflow is noisier and part of the fun.
5.Any ideas on how much a high level brake light would cost to have fitted.
Seven drivers hardly ever need to use their brakes
6.Why are there very few 7’s with inertia reel belts?
Most drivers prefer harnesses. They look cooler and suit the car better.
7.How effective is the heater? I guess its either on or off?
Bottom half - very effective.
Top half - useless.
8.When I drove the car it was a gloriously sunny day and noticed the heat sink in the foot wells. So is a heater necessary?
If you drive in the UK, I would say yes - even in summer.
9.How quickly/easily can you put the hood up. I should have tried it when i hired it but i was too busy driving it. Is it a pain in the rear?
Yes, it is a pain. With practice it can be put on in a couple of minutes. There are quick fitting semi-hoods by people like Jill Judd that are gfaster to put up.
10.How often do you have close shaves from people who you ‘didn’t see you’?
Not that many in my experience. I would ensure that the car is either bright or has a bright nose cone.
11.What’s the view on the basic Vauxhall engine? And how much cheaper would they be relative to a K. Are they worth considering
Not sure. The Vauxhall "Classic" was built in relatively small numbers. There are of course, some very sporty older Vauxhall powered cars, but I presume you are talking about teh Astra GTE powered versions.
I think that’s it but if you can think of anything else I’d appreciate it. Look forward to any replies.
DickieH
I’m knew to PH but have been lurking like many others on the forum and the classified regarding info and knowledge on my childhood dream car. I’m in the ’research phase’ of potential 7 ownership, but will have to wait till next year when a endowment matures (hopefully). I’ve hired a 1.6 Roadsport 138bhp as part of my research and was absolutely blown away by it, but at the same time it raised a few more questions for me to ponder and i hope you guys could offer some answers and advice to the questions below. My budget will probably be £12-14K if I’m lucky and a Roadsport is ideal for me for fast fun, ‘pottering’ and to/from work in the kinder months, with 3-4k (regular) miles about the sort of annual mileage.
So here goes in no particular order.
1.The under dash handbrake drove me nuts when I drove it. I know its useless and I can drive without a handbrake but i do live on a hill and so wondered if the post 97 cars (i think) with the tunnel mounted hand brake are any better? At least I will have a chance to get to a tunnel mounted with a 4P harness.
Makes no diference top the driving experience - as far as I'ma ware. The more "normal" handbrake was introduced in 1996.
2.Unlike alot of lucky 7 owners I don’t have a huge amount of monthly disposable cash due mainly to wife/kids and an average paid job, (which makes me a little nervous about the purchase), but what would the average annual expenditure in terms of servicing/running costs and likely consumable parts be like on a 1.6? Insurance is nt too bad for me being in the ‘midlifecrisis 40’s’. I can do basic services (oil etc) myself but would like to keep the official service history up.
Don't know about Rover costs but my Crossflow is very cheap to maintain.
3.How often would you be looking to service or overhaul the suspension?
Hardly ever.
4.Do most ‘standard’ Roadsport drivers use earplugs for most journey? I had nt even considered this angle until reading the forum?
Earplugs? My Crossflow is noisier and part of the fun.
5.Any ideas on how much a high level brake light would cost to have fitted.
Seven drivers hardly ever need to use their brakes
6.Why are there very few 7’s with inertia reel belts?
Most drivers prefer harnesses. They look cooler and suit the car better.
7.How effective is the heater? I guess its either on or off?
Bottom half - very effective.
Top half - useless.
8.When I drove the car it was a gloriously sunny day and noticed the heat sink in the foot wells. So is a heater necessary?
If you drive in the UK, I would say yes - even in summer.
9.How quickly/easily can you put the hood up. I should have tried it when i hired it but i was too busy driving it. Is it a pain in the rear?
Yes, it is a pain. With practice it can be put on in a couple of minutes. There are quick fitting semi-hoods by people like Jill Judd that are gfaster to put up.
10.How often do you have close shaves from people who you ‘didn’t see you’?
Not that many in my experience. I would ensure that the car is either bright or has a bright nose cone.
11.What’s the view on the basic Vauxhall engine? And how much cheaper would they be relative to a K. Are they worth considering
Not sure. The Vauxhall "Classic" was built in relatively small numbers. There are of course, some very sporty older Vauxhall powered cars, but I presume you are talking about teh Astra GTE powered versions.
I think that’s it but if you can think of anything else I’d appreciate it. Look forward to any replies.
DickieH
1.The under dash handbrake drove me nuts when I drove it. I know its useless and I can drive without a handbrake but i do live on a hill and so wondered if the post 97 cars (i think) with the tunnel mounted hand brake are any better? At least I will have a chance to get to a tunnel mounted with a 4P harness.
Tunnel mount is easier and your budget should be okay for this.
2.Unlike alot of lucky 7 owners I don’t have a huge amount of monthly disposable cash due mainly to wife/kids and an average paid job, (which makes me a little nervous about the purchase), but what would the average annual expenditure in terms of servicing/running costs and likely consumable parts be like on a 1.6? Insurance is nt too bad for me being in the ‘midlifecrisis 40’s’. I can do basic services (oil etc) myself but would like to keep the official service history up.
Insurance and routine maintenance is relatively cheap especially if you dont mind getting your hands dirty. Choose your spec wisely as upgrades can be expensive and very addictive.
3.How often would you be looking to service or overhaul the suspension?
Edited as I didn't read the question properly
4.Do most ‘standard’ Roadsport drivers use earplugs for most journey? I had nt even considered this angle until reading the forum?
Using earplugs is a must as it cancels out the Diff whine
5.Any ideas on how much a high level brake light would cost to have fitted.
30 quid
6.Why are there very few 7’s with inertia reel belts?
They are naff in a 7 IMO
7.How effective is the heater? I guess its either on or off?
Yep
8.When I drove the car it was a gloriously sunny day and noticed the heat sink in the foot wells. So is a heater necessary?
The jury is out on that one but your passenger might like it?
9.How quickly/easily can you put the hood up. I should have tried it when i hired it but i was too busy driving it. Is it a pain in the rear?
A bit of a pain. Recommend a half hood.
10.How often do you have close shaves from people who you ‘didn’t see you’?
Lights on or bright coloured car. 7's are very agile which can help get you out of trouble.
11.What’s the view on the basic Vauxhall engine? And how much cheaper would they be relative to a K. Are they worth considering
Opinions vary but on your budget I would be looking to get a 1.6/1.8 Rover
I think that’s it but if you can think of anything else I’d appreciate it. Look forward to any replies.
One of the most important choices will be 6speed or 5 speed. If you get this wrong then you may regret it
Tunnel mount is easier and your budget should be okay for this.
2.Unlike alot of lucky 7 owners I don’t have a huge amount of monthly disposable cash due mainly to wife/kids and an average paid job, (which makes me a little nervous about the purchase), but what would the average annual expenditure in terms of servicing/running costs and likely consumable parts be like on a 1.6? Insurance is nt too bad for me being in the ‘midlifecrisis 40’s’. I can do basic services (oil etc) myself but would like to keep the official service history up.
Insurance and routine maintenance is relatively cheap especially if you dont mind getting your hands dirty. Choose your spec wisely as upgrades can be expensive and very addictive.
3.How often would you be looking to service or overhaul the suspension?
Edited as I didn't read the question properly
4.Do most ‘standard’ Roadsport drivers use earplugs for most journey? I had nt even considered this angle until reading the forum?
Using earplugs is a must as it cancels out the Diff whine
5.Any ideas on how much a high level brake light would cost to have fitted.
30 quid
6.Why are there very few 7’s with inertia reel belts?
They are naff in a 7 IMO
7.How effective is the heater? I guess its either on or off?
Yep
8.When I drove the car it was a gloriously sunny day and noticed the heat sink in the foot wells. So is a heater necessary?
The jury is out on that one but your passenger might like it?
9.How quickly/easily can you put the hood up. I should have tried it when i hired it but i was too busy driving it. Is it a pain in the rear?
A bit of a pain. Recommend a half hood.
10.How often do you have close shaves from people who you ‘didn’t see you’?
Lights on or bright coloured car. 7's are very agile which can help get you out of trouble.
11.What’s the view on the basic Vauxhall engine? And how much cheaper would they be relative to a K. Are they worth considering
Opinions vary but on your budget I would be looking to get a 1.6/1.8 Rover
I think that’s it but if you can think of anything else I’d appreciate it. Look forward to any replies.
One of the most important choices will be 6speed or 5 speed. If you get this wrong then you may regret it
Edited by VHPD on Friday 18th May 19:22
DickieH said:
So here goes in no particular order.
1.The under dash handbrake drove me nuts when I drove it. I know its useless and I can drive without a handbrake but i do live on a hill and so wondered if the post 97 cars (i think) with the tunnel mounted hand brake are any better? At least I will have a chance to get to a tunnel mounted with a 4P harness.
Tunnel-mounted handbrakes are fine, even on the 'heavier' Sevens.1.The under dash handbrake drove me nuts when I drove it. I know its useless and I can drive without a handbrake but i do live on a hill and so wondered if the post 97 cars (i think) with the tunnel mounted hand brake are any better? At least I will have a chance to get to a tunnel mounted with a 4P harness.
DickieH said:
2.Unlike alot of lucky 7 owners I don’t have a huge amount of monthly disposable cash due mainly to wife/kids and an average paid job, (which makes me a little nervous about the purchase), but what would the average annual expenditure in terms of servicing/running costs and likely consumable parts be like on a 1.6? Insurance is nt too bad for me being in the ‘midlifecrisis 40’s’. I can do basic services (oil etc) myself but would like to keep the official service history up.
Being light, Sevens are very easy of brakes, tyres etc.DickieH said:
3.How often would you be looking to service or overhaul the suspension?
Years and years.DickieH said:
4.Do most ‘standard’ Roadsport drivers use earplugs for most journey? I had nt even considered this angle until reading the forum?
I only wear them if I know I'm going to be crusing at motorway speeds for more than about 15 minutes.DickieH said:
5.Any ideas on how much a high level brake light would cost to have fitted.
A new full kit from CC is £90, dunno about fitting. Can be lots cheaper obv.DickieH said:
6.Why are there very few 7’s with inertia reel belts?
Looks, performance and safety. No brainer for me.DickieH said:
7.How effective is the heater? I guess its either on or off?
I find mine pretty effective for what it is, especially with full hood on, still pretty good with half-hood. Mine (2009 Roadsport) has two speeds plus heat from engine.DickieH said:
8.When I drove the car it was a gloriously sunny day and noticed the heat sink in the foot wells. So is a heater necessary?
If you only use it in good weather, nope.DickieH said:
9.How quickly/easily can you put the hood up. I should have tried it when i hired it but i was too busy driving it. Is it a pain in the rear?
Easy once you know how. Half-hood is much better for the odd shower.DickieH said:
10.How often do you have close shaves from people who you ‘didn’t see you’?
Rarely, and more often in multi-storey car parks!DickieH said:
11.What’s the view on the basic Vauxhall engine? And how much cheaper would they be relative to a K. Are they worth considering
No idea I'm afraid, Vauxhall are the 'enemy' as far as I'm concerned!DickieH said:
I think that’s it but if you can think of anything else I’d appreciate it. Look forward to any replies.
DickieH
DickieH
Have had Sevens for 15 years and am mechanical numpty.No fears at all about owning one- little goes wrong, servicing cheap, brake and tyre wear good, especially former(but when I did track days I got through tyres quickly ),half hood superb , esepcially when combined with soft bits draught excluder.Never used the full hood,even in Highland downpours. Heater- of course- lots of macho guys will say they are for wimps but hey, if I am drivig through snow and hail (as I was earlier this week ) why not stay warm? Also don't assume that a Seven is always the fastest thing on the road- it can be but don't try ito prove this in heavy rain for example- drive them to a speed you feel is right and they will reward you immensely
Chaps thank for your time in replying, some of my thoughts have been confirmed by you which is great.
Eric MC as a matter of interest what sort of running costs are you talking about for your cross flow, roughly?
And is the heated screen a no-brainer to aim for too? (Assuming you have one of course?)
Dr Slotter or Coppice or anyone else with half hoods (which look great by the way) would you ‘happily’ leave the car standing in a shower with just a HH on if necessary? Would I be right in assummng water ingress into a 7 is part of the experience them?
Thank again all.
DickiH
Eric MC as a matter of interest what sort of running costs are you talking about for your cross flow, roughly?
And is the heated screen a no-brainer to aim for too? (Assuming you have one of course?)
Dr Slotter or Coppice or anyone else with half hoods (which look great by the way) would you ‘happily’ leave the car standing in a shower with just a HH on if necessary? Would I be right in assummng water ingress into a 7 is part of the experience them?
Thank again all.
DickiH
OP, Mine is a 1996 car and has both tunnel-mounted handbrake and heated screen. The latter is a legal requirement (don't know from when) as the cars have no demisters. Any Roadsports in your price bracket would have both of these.
If I'm leaving the car parked with the half-hood on and the likelihood of rain I either use the tonneau cover as well or a shower cap which covers the whole cockpit and boot area. Cost under £40.
If I'm leaving the car parked with the half-hood on and the likelihood of rain I either use the tonneau cover as well or a shower cap which covers the whole cockpit and boot area. Cost under £40.
DickieH said:
Dr Slotter or Coppice or anyone else with half hoods (which look great by the way) would you ‘happily’ leave the car standing in a shower with just a HH on if necessary? Would I be right in assummng water ingress into a 7 is part of the experience them?
Light summer showers is fine, anything heavier or if it is windy too, I use a zip in rear panel to make the hood 'whole'.I have a SoftBitsForSevens (Jill Judd) Half-Hood Plus (http://www.softbitsforsevens.co.uk/page47aa.html) and Oxford Trimming, who make stuff for Caterham themselves, do similar products too (not sure about the Plus though).
DickieH said:
Chaps thank for your time in replying, some of my thoughts have been confirmed by you which is great.
Eric MC as a matter of interest what sort of running costs are you talking about for your cross flow, roughly?
And is the heated screen a no-brainer to aim for too? (Assuming you have one of course?)
Dr Slotter or Coppice or anyone else with half hoods (which look great by the way) would you ‘happily’ leave the car standing in a shower with just a HH on if necessary? Would I be right in assummng water ingress into a 7 is part of the experience them?
Thank again all.
DickiH
Apart from fuel costs - the annual service and MOT rareley exceeds £300 (it was much lower this year). Tax was £215, Insurance is about £300.Eric MC as a matter of interest what sort of running costs are you talking about for your cross flow, roughly?
And is the heated screen a no-brainer to aim for too? (Assuming you have one of course?)
Dr Slotter or Coppice or anyone else with half hoods (which look great by the way) would you ‘happily’ leave the car standing in a shower with just a HH on if necessary? Would I be right in assummng water ingress into a 7 is part of the experience them?
Thank again all.
DickiH
1. Mine (roadsport SV 1.8VVC K-series) has a tunnel mounted Handbrake and there' are no issues in the use.
2. Most items you can do yourself, and if not service at reputable dealer is not too expensive. Check James whitting
http://www.jameswhiting.com/page2.html for an idea on Service prices at a specialist. I've done 6k this year and spent about 70 quid for oil change (done myself), and that is about it. I wouldnt expect you would be paying a lot annually to keep the car running.
3. Mine goes in yearly for peace of mind for a check, but I do the oil change myself and basic checks.
4. Don't use earplugs as mine as love the sound of the 6-speed. I was advised to wear them when doing research as mine is the louder 6-speed box but no need for me. Jst depends on you as some wear them and some don't!
5. Cheap as! Check out Car builder solutions and you will pay around 25 quid (Caterhan Subloom for a tender and 48-LED light)
6. In my opinion because they are rubbish! I hired a 7 with them on and hated them. You move too much in the car and I didn't like not feeling "strapped in". Harness takes longer, but you soon pick it up and feel more secure in the car. It's a preference tho!
7. As mentioned. Alll good up until waist and not so great above. Depends whether you have roof on or off!
8. I like the option of a heater on those colder mornings! Plus mine is a k-series so passenger gets more heat in footwell than me as exhaust is on their side.
9. Tried the full hood once and never again. Have a half hood and once you own one you will never go back. Surprisingly don't get that wet with it up and I've been through all sorts of rain and managed to stay reasonably dry! Plus HH takes 1 min to put up and packs up by small. Best investment you can buy for the 7.
10. Not too many (touch wood) but you have to drive abit more defensive than your tintop.
11. My K series returns pretty good MPG.
Hope that helps and just my personal experience of my 7! I hired a dew models to find my spec, and also get yourself down to local meets to get a flavour of what is out there.
Stu
2. Most items you can do yourself, and if not service at reputable dealer is not too expensive. Check James whitting
http://www.jameswhiting.com/page2.html for an idea on Service prices at a specialist. I've done 6k this year and spent about 70 quid for oil change (done myself), and that is about it. I wouldnt expect you would be paying a lot annually to keep the car running.
3. Mine goes in yearly for peace of mind for a check, but I do the oil change myself and basic checks.
4. Don't use earplugs as mine as love the sound of the 6-speed. I was advised to wear them when doing research as mine is the louder 6-speed box but no need for me. Jst depends on you as some wear them and some don't!
5. Cheap as! Check out Car builder solutions and you will pay around 25 quid (Caterhan Subloom for a tender and 48-LED light)
6. In my opinion because they are rubbish! I hired a 7 with them on and hated them. You move too much in the car and I didn't like not feeling "strapped in". Harness takes longer, but you soon pick it up and feel more secure in the car. It's a preference tho!
7. As mentioned. Alll good up until waist and not so great above. Depends whether you have roof on or off!
8. I like the option of a heater on those colder mornings! Plus mine is a k-series so passenger gets more heat in footwell than me as exhaust is on their side.
9. Tried the full hood once and never again. Have a half hood and once you own one you will never go back. Surprisingly don't get that wet with it up and I've been through all sorts of rain and managed to stay reasonably dry! Plus HH takes 1 min to put up and packs up by small. Best investment you can buy for the 7.
10. Not too many (touch wood) but you have to drive abit more defensive than your tintop.
11. My K series returns pretty good MPG.
Hope that helps and just my personal experience of my 7! I hired a dew models to find my spec, and also get yourself down to local meets to get a flavour of what is out there.
Stu
StuI, thats brilliant info for me as well, exactly what I needed. Apart from the high 'entrance fee' to actually join the 'club' it looks like it should nt cost me too much more to run than my current Mk1 MX5 which is very encouraging. Whats the view on the noisy diff question? It sounds like 'they all do it' to a greater or lesser extent and even a shunting/clunking diff does nt sound out of the ordinary.. Is that about the sum of it?
Cheers
DickieH
Cheers
DickieH
Yep mine is a wee bit noisy but i treat it as a characteristic of the car I think some are better than others so just need to have a drive of your future 7 and see what you think.
Its a difficult question to answer on running costs, but if nothing goes wrong, the 7 has been cheaper than other cars i have owned, with regards to fuel, insurance, wearables. Ive not done track days, so tyres are normal road use at around 5k per year.
As for entrance fee, it might seem expensive but 43 quid for a great magazine that is superbly written these days, and access to a wealth of knoweledge is a bargain for me. If your researching you could not join and just read, and supplement it with PH, but there are a lot of friendly people on Blatchat that will help and advise you.
As mentioned. Look at going to a club meet and you will get to see all different 7s, and also speak to alot of different owners. It will help make the decision and choice easier on the type of spec of 7 you want.
Good luck.
I think some are better than others so just need to have a drive of your future 7 and see what you think. Its a difficult question to answer on running costs, but if nothing goes wrong, the 7 has been cheaper than other cars i have owned, with regards to fuel, insurance, wearables. Ive not done track days, so tyres are normal road use at around 5k per year.
As for entrance fee, it might seem expensive but 43 quid for a great magazine that is superbly written these days, and access to a wealth of knoweledge is a bargain for me. If your researching you could not join and just read, and supplement it with PH, but there are a lot of friendly people on Blatchat that will help and advise you.
As mentioned. Look at going to a club meet and you will get to see all different 7s, and also speak to alot of different owners. It will help make the decision and choice easier on the type of spec of 7 you want.
Good luck.
Thanks StuI, sorry, i was referring to the cost of purchasing the car to 'join the club' as oppose to the owners club membership. I agree £43 is good value for the discounts alone plus the invaluable help available. But then once in the 'club' residuals are very strong which makes them even more extraordinary in terms of cost of ownership! I think Im forming a good idea of what i want and shall go to a meet and take my time, or try to.
Thanks again really appreciate it.
DickieH
Thanks again really appreciate it.
DickieH
.ref fullhood......if you are intending on using the car in 'all weathers' you might want to have a go at getting in the car when the hood is on....if you are tall, wide or flexibility is impaired.....or a combination of all 3. !!! Then it can be a challenge ;-)
Oh....and it is a pain to put on but their is a knack and a number tips to speed up / ease the process.......
Get along to a local meetingc(you don't need to be a member to turn up at a pub !!) and kick some tyres and have a chat
Oh....and it is a pain to put on but their is a knack and a number tips to speed up / ease the process.......
Get along to a local meetingc(you don't need to be a member to turn up at a pub !!) and kick some tyres and have a chat
DickieH said:
So here goes in no particular order.
Sorry for coming late to the 'party' but here are my responses after almost 3 years of onwership of a 1998 crossflow super sprint that had languished for 3 years on SORN.
1.The under dash handbrake drove me nuts when I drove it. I know its useless and I can drive without a handbrake but i do live on a hill and so wondered if the post 97 cars (i think) with the tunnel mounted hand brake are any better? At least I will have a chance to get to a tunnel mounted with a 4P harness.
I have an under dash handbrake, but I agree that hill starts can be a pain with having to loosen the shoulder straps.
DickieH said:
2.Unlike alot of lucky 7 owners I don’t have a huge amount of monthly disposable cash due mainly to wife/kids and an average paid job, (which makes me a little nervous about the purchase), but what would the average annual expenditure in terms of servicing/running costs and likely consumable parts be like on a 1.6? Insurance is nt too bad for me being in the ‘midlifecrisis 40’s’. I can do basic services (oil etc) myself but would like to keep the official service history up.
Once I had got the seven mechanically sorted and got over my upgradeitis (well almost) the costs have settled down to a manageable level. Self help for all but the pre-MOT check and MOT.
DickieH said:
3.How often would you be looking to service or overhaul the suspension?
Rear suspension changed as an upgrade, but other than bolt checks nothing required for rest of it. perhaps you could include A-frame bush changes - but they are easy to do yourself.
DickieH said:
4.Do most ‘standard’ Roadsport drivers use earplugs for most journey? I had nt even considered this angle until reading the forum?
My crossflow is loud so I wear them all the time. I have the etymotic research type. I may be biased but my early career involved acoustics so I have always been cautious with my hearing.
DickieH said:
5.Any ideas on how much a high level brake light would cost to have fitted.
As has been mentioned £90 from CC but I have gone down the 'rain light' approach for my crossflow which was less than £15.
DickieH said:
6.Why are there very few 7’s with inertia reel belts?
After having driven with belts I would feel less secure. I am used to 4 point harnesses - I wear one in my glider also- it was very reassuring to be firmly strapped in when hitting 'bumpy air' at 100+ knots last weekend in Germany!
DickieH said:
7.How effective is the heater? I guess its either on or off?
My heater is the old style flat type. I have changed the 'ship's propeller' fan for a Toyota MR2 Mk 1 axial fan, fitted a heater valve and mounted the heater control on the 'triangular' panel on the RHS of the dash so that it is accessible whilst driving. Playing the tunes with the heater valve and the 2 speed fan helps to maintain a pleasant environment. But, it only heats the bottom half of your body (with the hood down). The top half of your body is not warmed. So dress appropriately. If you have got your clothing selection wrong then putting up the half hood makes it a much more pleasant experience (well it was raining heavily at the time as well as being cold.!)
DickieH said:
8.When I drove the car it was a gloriously sunny day and noticed the heat sink in the foot wells. So is a heater necessary?
My aim was to modify the seven so that there would be no excuse for not using it in any weathers so yes, I think a heater is necessary to achieve that aim. A heater control valve prevents any unwanted heat in to the cabin from the heater.
DickieH said:
9.How quickly/easily can you put the hood up. I should have tried it when i hired it but i was too busy driving it. Is it a pain in the rear?
A half hood is brilliant. It takes 90 seconds to put one up if you are organised. Even better, your passenger doesn't have to get out of the car so no impromptu limbo dancing lesson required when getting back in. If done at a service station it becomes a very hassle free evolution. I have a tonneau for parking up but now it has effectively been relegated to the back of the garage by the use of a shower cap. The full hood is also gathering dust at the back of the garage. I have changed the old style side screens for the new hi-visibility ones with the elbow scoops. The addition of the armrest kit ensures a good seal with the side of the car to keep out the draughts and keep one's elbows dry.
DickieH said:
10.How often do you have close shaves from people who you ‘didn’t see you’?
Rarely also. But I have a yellow nose and drive with my headlights (dipped) on. The only time I had a scare was my own fault. I didn't check over my shoulder (changing lane to the left - driving in Europe). Problem solved by always looking over my shoulder and replacing the silly stick-on rear view mirror by a proper Ford dippable item slightly offset to the left of centre to get the best rear view. The side screens have the standard CC mirrors which I find OK but many don't. I have a set of F1 spar mirror on 'a set of 'Nifty's' mounts for driving without screens, however I intend to change the F1 size mirrors for the larger versions for better rear visibility.
DickieH said:
11.What’s the view on the basic Vauxhall engine? And how much cheaper would they be relative to a K. Are they worth considering
Yes, from what I have read, but I have no actual experience of those engines.
DickieH said:
I think that’s it but if you can think of anything else I’d appreciate it. Look forward to any replies.
Any Caterham is going to be good. Either buy exactly the right spec for you, possible, it may take time and it will probably be cheaper than buying a model and upgrading. However upgrading is a lot of fun and makes the car special, just for you. Good luck with your choice.
DickieH
So here goes in no particular order.
Sorry for coming late to the 'party' but here are my responses after almost 3 years of onwership of a 1998 crossflow super sprint that had languished for 3 years on SORN.
1.The under dash handbrake drove me nuts when I drove it. I know its useless and I can drive without a handbrake but i do live on a hill and so wondered if the post 97 cars (i think) with the tunnel mounted hand brake are any better? At least I will have a chance to get to a tunnel mounted with a 4P harness.
I have an under dash handbrake, but I agree that hill starts can be a pain with having to loosen the shoulder straps.
DickieH said:
2.Unlike alot of lucky 7 owners I don’t have a huge amount of monthly disposable cash due mainly to wife/kids and an average paid job, (which makes me a little nervous about the purchase), but what would the average annual expenditure in terms of servicing/running costs and likely consumable parts be like on a 1.6? Insurance is nt too bad for me being in the ‘midlifecrisis 40’s’. I can do basic services (oil etc) myself but would like to keep the official service history up.
Once I had got the seven mechanically sorted and got over my upgradeitis (well almost) the costs have settled down to a manageable level. Self help for all but the pre-MOT check and MOT.
DickieH said:
3.How often would you be looking to service or overhaul the suspension?
Rear suspension changed as an upgrade, but other than bolt checks nothing required for rest of it. perhaps you could include A-frame bush changes - but they are easy to do yourself.
DickieH said:
4.Do most ‘standard’ Roadsport drivers use earplugs for most journey? I had nt even considered this angle until reading the forum?
My crossflow is loud so I wear them all the time. I have the etymotic research type. I may be biased but my early career involved acoustics so I have always been cautious with my hearing.
DickieH said:
5.Any ideas on how much a high level brake light would cost to have fitted.
As has been mentioned £90 from CC but I have gone down the 'rain light' approach for my crossflow which was less than £15.
DickieH said:
6.Why are there very few 7’s with inertia reel belts?
After having driven with belts I would feel less secure. I am used to 4 point harnesses - I wear one in my glider also- it was very reassuring to be firmly strapped in when hitting 'bumpy air' at 100+ knots last weekend in Germany!
DickieH said:
7.How effective is the heater? I guess its either on or off?
My heater is the old style flat type. I have changed the 'ship's propeller' fan for a Toyota MR2 Mk 1 axial fan, fitted a heater valve and mounted the heater control on the 'triangular' panel on the RHS of the dash so that it is accessible whilst driving. Playing the tunes with the heater valve and the 2 speed fan helps to maintain a pleasant environment. But, it only heats the bottom half of your body (with the hood down). The top half of your body is not warmed. So dress appropriately. If you have got your clothing selection wrong then putting up the half hood makes it a much more pleasant experience (well it was raining heavily at the time as well as being cold.!)
DickieH said:
8.When I drove the car it was a gloriously sunny day and noticed the heat sink in the foot wells. So is a heater necessary?
My aim was to modify the seven so that there would be no excuse for not using it in any weathers so yes, I think a heater is necessary to achieve that aim. A heater control valve prevents any unwanted heat in to the cabin from the heater.
DickieH said:
9.How quickly/easily can you put the hood up. I should have tried it when i hired it but i was too busy driving it. Is it a pain in the rear?
A half hood is brilliant. It takes 90 seconds to put one up if you are organised. Even better, your passenger doesn't have to get out of the car so no impromptu limbo dancing lesson required when getting back in. If done at a service station it becomes a very hassle free evolution. I have a tonneau for parking up but now it has effectively been relegated to the back of the garage by the use of a shower cap. The full hood is also gathering dust at the back of the garage. I have changed the old style side screens for the new hi-visibility ones with the elbow scoops. The addition of the armrest kit ensures a good seal with the side of the car to keep out the draughts and keep one's elbows dry.
DickieH said:
10.How often do you have close shaves from people who you ‘didn’t see you’?
Rarely also. But I have a yellow nose and drive with my headlights (dipped) on. The only time I had a scare was my own fault. I didn't check over my shoulder (changing lane to the left - driving in Europe). Problem solved by always looking over my shoulder and replacing the silly stick-on rear view mirror by a proper Ford dippable item slightly offset to the left of centre to get the best rear view. The side screens have the standard CC mirrors which I find OK but many don't. I have a set of F1 spar mirror on 'a set of 'Nifty's' mounts for driving without screens, however I intend to change the F1 size mirrors for the larger versions for better rear visibility.
DickieH said:
11.What’s the view on the basic Vauxhall engine? And how much cheaper would they be relative to a K. Are they worth considering
Yes, from what I have read, but I have no actual experience of those engines.
DickieH said:
I think that’s it but if you can think of anything else I’d appreciate it. Look forward to any replies.
Any Caterham is going to be good. Either buy exactly the right spec for you, possible, it may take time and it will probably be cheaper than buying a model and upgrading. However upgrading is a lot of fun and makes the car special, just for you. Good luck with your choice.
DickieH
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