New owner(hopefully)
Discussion
Picked up mine at the weekend. What has surprised me is just how easy the car is to drive. It just fits me perfectly (5ft 9, 12st) and feels like it was made just for me. What I think it does. Love it.
I've had fast and faster cars before but I can honestly say the caterham is way more fun. My drives at the weekend were way more enjoyable than a recent drive in a Gallardo.
Probably won't feel as quick as your Ducati 996 but the sensation will be the same. Felt very familiar to my old 750s. Any other car you own will likely feel numb and unresponsive.
I hope I never have to sell mine - unless it's to get another.
I've had fast and faster cars before but I can honestly say the caterham is way more fun. My drives at the weekend were way more enjoyable than a recent drive in a Gallardo.
Probably won't feel as quick as your Ducati 996 but the sensation will be the same. Felt very familiar to my old 750s. Any other car you own will likely feel numb and unresponsive.
I hope I never have to sell mine - unless it's to get another.
Edited by Agent Orange on Monday 15th October 22:09
Picked up my 10 month old R300 last weekend (given up on Motorbikes now too) loved it best car I have ever driven fits like a warm silk glove. You just feel part of the car and not a spare part in the car!
Had a few great drives out this weekend even had folks taking photos of it while stopped at the lights how weird!
Had a few great drives out this weekend even had folks taking photos of it while stopped at the lights how weird!
Get used to cars hovering alongside you for the passengers (and occasionally the drivers too!) to take photos as you drive along. Likewise people will come up to chat at petrol stations and when you are parked up pretty much anywhere. They really do create a very pleasant effect on most people!
Johnfrancis said:
Fingers crossed, will be in my Caterham this weekend, will have a drive of a couple hundred miles to get home!Little bit concerned about my 15st frame fitting like a glove?? Oh well, I got in and out of an Ariel Atom recently....it wasnt pretty!!! but I managed it.
Have you driven the car or a Caterham before?Agent Orange said:
Johnfrancis said:
Fingers crossed, will be in my Caterham this weekend, will have a drive of a couple hundred miles to get home!Little bit concerned about my 15st frame fitting like a glove?? Oh well, I got in and out of an Ariel Atom recently....it wasnt pretty!!! but I managed it.
Have you driven the car or a Caterham before?Haha, well good luck! The thing is with a Caterham, is it's always worth trying them on for size first!
I tried both an S3 and an SV before buying my S3 Roadsport. My dad preferred the extra room in the SV, but struggled to reach the pedals properly. We're both 5'8" ish so the SV was really intended for those a bit taller!
I tried both an S3 and an SV before buying my S3 Roadsport. My dad preferred the extra room in the SV, but struggled to reach the pedals properly. We're both 5'8" ish so the SV was really intended for those a bit taller!
Johnfrancis said:
No, I do get a bit impulsive!
Haha good man. I put a deposit down on mine before driving it. I just knew though.... 
I would suggest buying a pair of Puma Speed Cat trainers for the drive. I'm size 9-10 and with normal trainers I could not operate the pedals without hitting two at once. It was impossible to drive.
With Speed Cats it's fine.
Good to hear this talk of 'sizing' falls in line with my purchase - I've only driven an SV before but have bought (unseen in the flesh) a standard S3 which I collect two weeks today 
5'10" and about 11 1/2 stone, looks like I'll fit ! (phew)
Haven't got particularly big feet (9) but note all the recommendations for slim shoes. Is the footwell width that much different ?
5'10" and about 11 1/2 stone, looks like I'll fit ! (phew)Haven't got particularly big feet (9) but note all the recommendations for slim shoes. Is the footwell width that much different ?
halstock said:
Good to hear this talk of 'sizing' falls in line with my purchase - I've only driven an SV before but have bought (unseen in the flesh) a standard S3 which I collect two weeks today 5'10" and about 11 1/2 stone, looks like I'll fit ! (phew)
Haven't got particularly big feet (9) but note all the recommendations for slim shoes. Is the footwell width that much different ?
You are me to a tee! 5'10" and about 11 1/2 stone, looks like I'll fit ! (phew)Haven't got particularly big feet (9) but note all the recommendations for slim shoes. Is the footwell width that much different ?
In fact the only problem you may have is the pedals might actually be too far away. I've short legs 31" inside leg and had to move the rails slightly forward so I can reach comfortably with the tillets.Unless you have the feet of a ballet dancer you will not be able to drive a Caterham in normal shoes or trainers. You need Puma Speed Cats or similar driving/racing/karting shoes.
At 5'8" I found the pedals a bit far away. I've got the standard leather seats and once I moved them to the most forward position I was fine.
I'm size 9 feet and without narrow shoes I can't press the brake without hitting the accelerator at the same time - especially when I'm trying to pop the clutch in too; there simply isn't enough room.
I bought some cheap narrow daps from Brantano, but they're still a bit loose. Some Speed Cats are on order, hoping they'll arrive this week
Also, if you've got a long journey back on the motorway (as I did when I collected mine), you might want a pair of these:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Baratec-Cushioned-Adjustab...
Certainly on mine (with the 6 speed box), 70mph is pretty loud, which is fine when you're out for a short drive, but can be painful on the motorway for hours!
I'm size 9 feet and without narrow shoes I can't press the brake without hitting the accelerator at the same time - especially when I'm trying to pop the clutch in too; there simply isn't enough room.
I bought some cheap narrow daps from Brantano, but they're still a bit loose. Some Speed Cats are on order, hoping they'll arrive this week
Also, if you've got a long journey back on the motorway (as I did when I collected mine), you might want a pair of these:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Baratec-Cushioned-Adjustab...
Certainly on mine (with the 6 speed box), 70mph is pretty loud, which is fine when you're out for a short drive, but can be painful on the motorway for hours!
Edited by framerateuk on Wednesday 17th October 09:11
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