How does a new engine effect valuation?
Discussion
Hi, I am looking at a second hand Caterham to purchase.
The engine was replaced apprx 4 year back, apparently by Caterham but there is no documentation at present to substantiate this. (Have requested that this be confirmed)
Assuming the above can be substantiated, and that it was a brand new Duratec replacement fitted by Caterham, how would this effect the value of the car?
Also this engine has DIY servicing from new....just trying to understand how this would effect value - any comments?
Car is a 2007 R400D
The engine was replaced apprx 4 year back, apparently by Caterham but there is no documentation at present to substantiate this. (Have requested that this be confirmed)
Assuming the above can be substantiated, and that it was a brand new Duratec replacement fitted by Caterham, how would this effect the value of the car?
Also this engine has DIY servicing from new....just trying to understand how this would effect value - any comments?
Car is a 2007 R400D
Personally this wouldn't bother me - I'd be more interest in the car number as a 2007 Duratec would make it one of the first factory Duratecs, which were not without issues (wet sump, cooling,etc). They're all easily resolved, but may have contributed to the old engine demise.
Although full documented histories are nice, in a car like the Caterham, a self serviced and maintained example is often in a better condition for the experience. I doubt the price is significantly changed - it is more the condition, originality, and spec that matter.
Although full documented histories are nice, in a car like the Caterham, a self serviced and maintained example is often in a better condition for the experience. I doubt the price is significantly changed - it is more the condition, originality, and spec that matter.
Thanks DCL,appreciate your comments.
I dont have an issue with DIY self service, but I just do not understand someone doing that but not keeping copies of the Caterham service parts receipt plus a written note of what was done and when, for the record. Not doing that puzles me, but maybe I am asking too much.
The same issue with the engine replacement. Overall I dont have a problem as long as its carefully documented, but in this case it isnt so there are no guarantees that it was a new Caterham 210bhp Duratec engine.
I dont have an issue with DIY self service, but I just do not understand someone doing that but not keeping copies of the Caterham service parts receipt plus a written note of what was done and when, for the record. Not doing that puzles me, but maybe I am asking too much.
The same issue with the engine replacement. Overall I dont have a problem as long as its carefully documented, but in this case it isnt so there are no guarantees that it was a new Caterham 210bhp Duratec engine.
The sort of person who services their Caterham in a thorough way will definitely keep a record of doing it.
I do mine, and I print off the Caterham service list, tick what's done, note the mileage and keep all the receipts for parts (admittedly not oil).
It is the only way I can be sure when items need to be changed next.
If there isn't any paper work it hasn't been serviced in my opinion.
I do mine, and I print off the Caterham service list, tick what's done, note the mileage and keep all the receipts for parts (admittedly not oil).
It is the only way I can be sure when items need to be changed next.
If there isn't any paper work it hasn't been serviced in my opinion.
Why would you keep records for car like a CATERHAM?
I service and maintain mine better than any garage serviced vehicle but don't feel the need to write it down. I change the oil and filter far more frequently than needed. Spanner check, lube, clean, gap, align and what ever tweak is needed when ever I am near the car.
For me on a caterham spec and condition are the only important points. All the rest can be found out by talking to the owner.
The only thing I do keep a record of is photos of every change/ upgrade I make. More for my own interest though really.
I service and maintain mine better than any garage serviced vehicle but don't feel the need to write it down. I change the oil and filter far more frequently than needed. Spanner check, lube, clean, gap, align and what ever tweak is needed when ever I am near the car.
For me on a caterham spec and condition are the only important points. All the rest can be found out by talking to the owner.
The only thing I do keep a record of is photos of every change/ upgrade I make. More for my own interest though really.
Mavic82 said:
Why would you keep records for car like a CATERHAM?
I service and maintain mine better than any garage serviced vehicle but don't feel the need to write it down. I change the oil and filter far more frequently than needed. Spanner check, lube, clean, gap, align and what ever tweak is needed when ever I am near the car.
For me on a caterham spec and condition are the only important points. All the rest can be found out by talking to the owner.
The only thing I do keep a record of is photos of every change/ upgrade I make. More for my own interest though really.
For the reason this thread exists, to give buyers piece of mind if/when you come to sell.I service and maintain mine better than any garage serviced vehicle but don't feel the need to write it down. I change the oil and filter far more frequently than needed. Spanner check, lube, clean, gap, align and what ever tweak is needed when ever I am near the car.
For me on a caterham spec and condition are the only important points. All the rest can be found out by talking to the owner.
The only thing I do keep a record of is photos of every change/ upgrade I make. More for my own interest though really.
You may not like it, but others do.
I always put my cars service history into a spreadsheet (work, date, cost) to help give buyers confidence I'm an enthusiast. It's worked when selling all my cars to date.
I service mine & even after a year the oil is still very clean on the dip stick. When first serviced it's so clean it's hard to see the level! A simple check but any car you go to look at, pull the dipstick & the oil should be clean & to level. If not, there are questions to be asked or just walk away. Also look for coolant that is clean looking & of the right colour, usually pink in a caterham, again important as aluminium will corrode without the right antifreeze mix.
I'm with Mavic82.
I've had my car 12 years, carry out all my own work, and never record the costs of parts that I've used.
It's checked more frequently than any schedule would recommend.
I have never had any intention of selling the car, so have no need to create a history for someone else's benefit.
For many folks, buying and owning a Caterham is a long term thing.
I've had my car 12 years, carry out all my own work, and never record the costs of parts that I've used.
It's checked more frequently than any schedule would recommend.
I have never had any intention of selling the car, so have no need to create a history for someone else's benefit.
For many folks, buying and owning a Caterham is a long term thing.
Mavic82 said:
Why would you keep records for car like a CATERHAM?
I service and maintain mine better than any garage serviced vehicle but don't feel the need to write it down. I change the oil and filter far more frequently than needed. Spanner check, lube, clean, gap, align and what ever tweak is needed when ever I am near the car.
For me on a caterham spec and condition are the only important points. All the rest can be found out by talking to the owner.
The only thing I do keep a record of is photos of every change/ upgrade I make. More for my own interest though really.
How does anyone know they service their car 'better' than any garage? I service and maintain mine better than any garage serviced vehicle but don't feel the need to write it down. I change the oil and filter far more frequently than needed. Spanner check, lube, clean, gap, align and what ever tweak is needed when ever I am near the car.
For me on a caterham spec and condition are the only important points. All the rest can be found out by talking to the owner.
The only thing I do keep a record of is photos of every change/ upgrade I make. More for my own interest though really.
Mine is always serviced by Caterham never had an issue I have kept the car standard and whilst its now nearly 10 years old looks in better condition (IMHO) than many year to 18 month old cars
So a potential buyer has a clear owner history, a clear history of the service record and that must have a certain value compared to someone who states they service their car better than any Garage (of course any seller will say that)
I will get my coat now .......................
A full Caterham service history, must surely add something to the value of a Seven.
I keep records of what I have done mainly for my own interest, but also because of long service items like the cambelt.
I know this doesn't apply to a duratec 2l, but come 2018 when my car next needs a new belt will I remember exactly when I changed it?
I keep records of what I have done mainly for my own interest, but also because of long service items like the cambelt.
I know this doesn't apply to a duratec 2l, but come 2018 when my car next needs a new belt will I remember exactly when I changed it?
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