Looking to buy a Caterham 420R coming from Exige 410

[Gibbo205]

Hi there

Not properly test drove a 420R yet due to current cold conditions, but have sat in all the various models and specifications at Oakmere with Tom who was very helpful, I am pretty much decided on this specification:

- Narrow chassis (I fit just right, snug but comfy)
- R spec so LSD, Carbon dash, sports suspension
- Sport suspension
- 2.0 Duratec
- Lowered Floors (for extra leg room, I am 6ft)
- Front screen / weather kit
- 13” 6” front and 8” rear or 15" ??
- Comfort leather seats with harnesses
- Heater
- Bright colour
- Front brake upgrade

A new spec is coming to basically 50k OTR, so its a lot of money for a Caterham, I will be coming out of my 20th Anniversary Exige 410 so that easily pays for Caterham with cash left over.

My use will be road driving, the odd commute and hopefully a lot of track days at places like Oulton, Donington, Curborough etc. as all local to me.

Do people have any preference over 15" or 13" wheels, does one size offer better comfort, handling, gearing, performance and tyre choice over the other?

I was settled on a 420R as everyone I speak to seem to say its the perfect sweet spot, ample power but not too much unlike the 620.

I guess then other things to ask are, who is the best insurer with track cover and what to expect to pay? What is typically yearly running cost with servicing etc. ?

Should I forget new and buy used? Does anyone plan on selling towards end of Summer here?

[benp1]

I'm currently building a 420r

I went with 13" wheels with staggered widths. I actually think the 15s look pretty good but all the advice was to go for the 13s, they're better on all fronts. Staggered widths are OK on the 420 but less so on the lower powered models

[Gibbo205]

benp1 said:

I'm currently building a 420r

I went with 13" wheels with staggered widths. I actually think the 15s look pretty good but all the advice was to go for the 13s, they're better on all fronts. Staggered widths are OK on the 420 but less so on the lower powered models

Yeah configurator is 13" with 6" and 8" rear, Tom at Oakmere did say on less powered one its best to run 6" square setup all round for better balance.

Thank you for the reply.

[Gibbo205]

Hi there

I was also thinking the Sports Roll Cage, as it looks like it won't complicating getting in or out, actually make it easier, clears your head and gives that extra safety. Car will be spec with harnesses.

Anyone with a sports cage, any negatives?

[alscar]

Can’t help with the questions but read your post with interest as looking into one.
I also had a 410 but this wouldn’t be a replacement for that.
Did Oakmere give any indication of how long a factory order would take ?

[Gibbo205]

The wait is 11 months.

[Deadbod]

Gibbo205 said:

Hi there

Not properly test drove a 420R yet due to current cold conditions, but have sat in all the various models and specifications at Oakmere with Tom who was very helpful, I am pretty much decided on this specification:

- Narrow chassis (I fit just right, snug but comfy)
- R spec so LSD, Carbon dash, sports suspension
- Sport suspension
- 2.0 Duratec
- Lowered Floors (for extra leg room, I am 6ft)
- Front screen / weather kit
- 13” 6” front and 8” rear or 15" ??
- Comfort leather seats with harnesses
- Heater
- Bright colour
- Front brake upgrade

A new spec is coming to basically 50k OTR, so its a lot of money for a Caterham, I will be coming out of my 20th Anniversary Exige 410 so that easily pays for Caterham with cash left over.

My use will be road driving, the odd commute and hopefully a lot of track days at places like Oulton, Donington, Curborough etc. as all local to me.

Do people have any preference over 15" or 13" wheels, does one size offer better comfort, handling, gearing, performance and tyre choice over the other?

I was settled on a 420R as everyone I speak to seem to say its the perfect sweet spot, ample power but not too much unlike the 620.

I guess then other things to ask are, who is the best insurer with track cover and what to expect to pay? What is typically yearly running cost with servicing etc. ?

Should I forget new and buy used? Does anyone plan on selling towards end of Summer here?

Sounds a similar spec to my 420R, I took delivery from Oakmere (who were brilliant btw) in August '22 - 12 months after ordering in August '21, not sure what the ordering times are like now though.

100% go for the 13's, they make the car! If they still have the same orange SV demonstrator on 15's I didn't think it felt anything like as lively as my car - could've been in my head but I swear it didn't feel quite as quick somehow, I put it down to a combination of bigger wheels & chassis...

Also have the big brakes fitted to mine, but not had the chance to use in anger yet, I only just managed to get it run in before putting it away for winter.

One thing I will say is I love the padded carbon seats in mine - really, really comfy; never felt the need for the comfort leather ones, even after hours of driving so they might be worth considering.

As for insurance, I went through Lloyd & Whyte (Caterham Insurance Services) - 5x trackdays included and able to add more as you go.

[Chubbyross]

I bought my 420R September last year. It had only done 1500 miles and was around £8k less than a new one. Besides, I really didn’t want to wait a year for delivery. I drove a 360R with the larger wheels and found the ride challenging. My car has 13” and the ride is perfect for me. I’m insured with A-Plan. Five track days a year.

Gratuitous photo:

[Gibbo205]

Deadbod said:

Sounds a similar spec to my 420R, I took delivery from Oakmere (who were brilliant btw) in August '22 - 12 months after ordering in August '21, not sure what the ordering times are like now though.

100% go for the 13's, they make the car! If they still have the same orange SV demonstrator on 15's I didn't think it felt anything like as lively as my car - could've been in my head but I swear it didn't feel quite as quick somehow, I put it down to a combination of bigger wheels & chassis...

Also have the big brakes fitted to mine, but not had the chance to use in anger yet, I only just managed to get it run in before putting it away for winter.

One thing I will say is I love the padded carbon seats in mine - really, really comfy; never felt the need for the comfort leather ones, even after hours of driving so they might be worth considering.

As for insurance, I went through Lloyd & Whyte (Caterham Insurance Services) - 5x trackdays included and able to add more as you go.

That looks stunning! Is that Ultra Violet, or a custom purple? Any more picture and the bucket seats yours has is that the default option on configurator?

[KnifeySpoony]

Strongly recommend building if you have the inclination. That'd be the main reason to go new IMO. Your build sheet looks good, though I would consider the tillett seats if you can fit in them. Light and more befitting a track weapon, as you rightly intend to use it. I sold my Exige S240 for my 420R kit. The 7 makes the Exige feel like a Camry...

[BertBert]

KnifeySpoony said:

The 7 makes the Exige feel like a Camry...

Sorry if I've said this before, but this stopped me changing to an exige. Driving to and from the test drive in my caterham!

[alscar]

Gibbo205 said:

The wait is 11 months.

Thanks - of no use to you but was offered a delivery on an S for July if I deposited last weekend.
I have yet to drive one so its too early for me but my biggest issue is lack of garages as don't want to get rid of anything else.
Is keeping one outside all year an issue or doable ?
Seems that 420R is considered the way to go judging from the last few posts though !

[number2]

Chubbyross said:

I bought my 420R September last year. It had only done 1500 miles and was around £8k less than a new one. Besides, I really didn’t want to wait a year for delivery. I drove a 360R with the larger wheels and found the ride challenging. My car has 13” and the ride is perfect for me. I’m insured with A-Plan. Five track days a year.

Gratuitous photo:

Nice looking car!

I'm spec'ing a 420r factory build for October delivery. While I'd like to have it sooner, it has given me a chance to save up for it.

Options are over 40% of base price, which is crazy, but they do add up. Carbon heated seats, 13" wheels, special paint, carbon wings, LED headlights, track-day exhaust etc.

[Gibbo205]

number2 said:

Nice looking car!

I'm spec'ing a 420r factory build for October delivery. While I'd like to have it sooner, it has given me a chance to save up for it.

Options are over 40% of base price, which is crazy, but they do add up. Carbon heated seats, 13" wheels, special paint, carbon wings, LED headlights, track-day exhaust etc.

There is a heated seat option, I've not found this on configurator???

[alscar]

On the dealers price list /spec sheet -£ 1600 v £1200 for Carbon without heating.

[alscar]

On the dealers price list /spec sheet -£ 1600 v £1200 for Carbon without heating.

[Gibbo205]

Gibbo205 said:

There is a heated seat option, I've not found this on configurator???

Thank you, need to speak to dealer then.

Was quoted £2500 for custom paint just need to give paint code.

Would the standard exhaust pass at tracks like Donington and Oulton Park?

[number2]

Gibbo205 said:

Gibbo205 said:

There is a heated seat option, I've not found this on configurator???

Thank you, need to speak to dealer then.

Was quoted £2500 for custom paint just need to give paint code.

Would the standard exhaust pass at tracks like Donington and Oulton Park?

Yeah, it's missing online but is available - I asked the same question.

What paint are you going for?

Re. exhaust, I explored similar on this thread which may be of use to you https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&... It's an interesting thread anyway.

I think I'm going for the track-day exhaust. Takes some of the noise away from the right ear and should mean more tracks accessible. I'd be reluctant to lose the tone of the exhaust but apparently it's still a good sound. Any other views on this are more than welcome!

[Murph7355]

Definitely get 13"s. The car is significantly better with these.

I'd seriously consider ditching the comfort seats. I have a bag seat which is superb. Passenger side has a carbon seat which is also very comfy and much more in keeping with the car. I believe you can buy heater pads aftermarket if needed.

I had a FIA bar when mine had weather gear....I now have an SLR cage (and aeroscreen) and it seriously stiffens the car up...this is obviously a big benefit on track...but less so on the road. Have you tried getting in and out of one with the hood up? There's a knack to it, and whilst not elegant I'm fine with it at 6'4" (S3 chassis - right choice)....but I'd be surprised if a cage helped

I use MSM Insurance. Currently on a fleet policy with them, but way back when I only had the 7 they were very competitive.

[Gibbo205]

Regarding colours I see Caterham did a press 620S car in Viola Pasifae a Lamborghini colour and I see they have ultraviolet on the configurator. Has anyone seen both these colours, are they different or both same?