Buying a Caterham without actually seeing it?

[David-H]

Hi all.

Well my search for a suitable Caterham continues, and with summer approaching more cars seem to be coming up for sale.

My online searches have identified a few cars that might be suitable, but all are located a long way from me (I'm in Edinburgh), making it very difficult to go and have a look. So, did any of you buy your car without actually seeing or test driving it?

Most of the dealers or sellers I have contacted so far have been very good at responding to my questions, sending more photos if requested etc. , but I am unsure if I can make such a large purchase without seeing the car in the metal.

Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks - David.

Edited by David-H on Wednesday 16th March 10:49

[cptsideways]

Fly up, most local airports will have flights up there, easy peasy, it's only a day out.

[scubadude]

Contact the local L&C7 branch and ask a member to go look for you?

[bazjude2998]

Never ever buy without viewing.These cars damage so easily and a large proportion are being tracked.The first question to ask is has it ever being damaged?In the last 2 years I,ve traveled considerable distances after assurances the car was as straight as a dye (disappointment as I wasted a day but relief that I spotted the damage )Buyer always be aware.Good luck with your search.Sure you,ll find a nice one.The hunt can be the most fun.Regards Baz

[bazjude2998]

Never ever buy without viewing.These cars damage so easily and a large proportion are being tracked.The first question to ask is has it ever being damaged?In the last 2 years I,ve traveled considerable distances after assurances the car was as straight as a dye (disappointment as I wasted a day but relief that I spotted the damage )Buyer always be aware.Good luck with your search.Sure you,ll find a nice one.The hunt can be the most fun.Regards Baz

[sjmmarsh]

The value of a 7 is mainly down to the spec and its condition. Age or miles are secondary to the first two. I personally think that too much emphasis is put on whether a car has been tracked or not. Yes, it will have been probably driven harder, but on the flip side these cars are often better maintained and regularly checked by people who know what they are doing. Equally, a tracked car may show more patina and a road car may have been driven only on dry days and have been polished regularly. In practice it is hard to tell without seeing the car.

As has been suggested, see if you can find somebody in the club locally as has been suggested. Have a chat to them about what is important to you, and bear in mind that they could be a friend of the seller.

If you get a good report on the car, put a deposit down and then get down to see it before you part with the rest.

Steve

[tankplanker]

I've brought a few cars without seeing the car until "purchase" day but only when I am assured that the car has plenty of documented history that I can cross reference with the MOTs.

I always make clear that my holding deposit is dependent on the car being as described when I get there, you quickly get a sense of what the seller is like with a few phone calls so its easier to avoid idiots.

[mharris]

Presumably you'll have to travel to actually pick up the car. So just don't commit to it until purchase day. Find the one you like, ask lots of questions and get lots of pictures. Make the final call when you see it.