Caterham as a daily drive - first month's report
Discussion
So, in a kind-of mid-life crisis way, I wanted something "different" and I initially flirted with the idea of a classic "Yuppie Spec" Porsche 911 (Guards Red Carerra 4). However, weighing up the pro's and cons, and baulking at the potential running costs, I eventually settled on the car of my dreams.
The Caterham Seven.
Purchased from a very nice chap in Bristol. Great spec: 1800 K series engine, 6-speed close ratio gearbox, Apollo anti-cavitation tank, Emerald ECU and all the necessary extras.
![](http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b337/Sciroccology/59b4524f.jpg)
I have had to completely re-assess my mental perameters. I thought the Rocco was quite nippy and could take corners well, but this this re-writes the rules. I also have to get used to the acceleration and the resultant speed - 60mph no longer feels that fast, because it arrives so quickly.
Things I have learned:
A cheap fleece is a false economy.
Make sure the front wheels are pointing straight ahead before "giving it the beans".
A pebble the size of a small pea will hurt like f
k when it hits your head at 60mph.
Cars in front of you can't accelerate as quickly as you can.
You are very low down and can't see that far ahead - make sure the way is clear before you go for an overtake.
Small-dicked blokes in diesel Astras will try to prove how fast their cars are and won't get out of your way.
All-in-all, it's flippin' brilliant.
![](http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b337/Sciroccology/b7b09843.jpg)
The Caterham Seven.
Purchased from a very nice chap in Bristol. Great spec: 1800 K series engine, 6-speed close ratio gearbox, Apollo anti-cavitation tank, Emerald ECU and all the necessary extras.
![](http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b337/Sciroccology/59b4524f.jpg)
I have had to completely re-assess my mental perameters. I thought the Rocco was quite nippy and could take corners well, but this this re-writes the rules. I also have to get used to the acceleration and the resultant speed - 60mph no longer feels that fast, because it arrives so quickly.
Things I have learned:
A cheap fleece is a false economy.
Make sure the front wheels are pointing straight ahead before "giving it the beans".
A pebble the size of a small pea will hurt like f
![](/inc/images/censored.gif)
Cars in front of you can't accelerate as quickly as you can.
You are very low down and can't see that far ahead - make sure the way is clear before you go for an overtake.
Small-dicked blokes in diesel Astras will try to prove how fast their cars are and won't get out of your way.
All-in-all, it's flippin' brilliant.
![](http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b337/Sciroccology/b7b09843.jpg)
Dan_1981 said:
Do you have a long commute?
No. About ten minutes. And I'm paranoid about oil temperature and staying under 3000 revs.Dan_1981 said:
Do you have a garage?
No, but it's tucked away behind the flats I live in, with a waterproof cover.snotrag said:
Does it try to take off at Motorway speeds with the swept wings?
No.snotrag said:
Also - do you usually drive with the side/flyscreens fitted? Use the hood('weather gear') much or just stick a tonneau over when its parked?
Usually drive with just the side-screens fitted. Have once driven with the hood fitted, but the weather (so far) has been kind to me.Cock Womble 7 said:
You are very low down and can't see that far ahead - make sure the way is clear before you go for an overtake.
And beware of slow traffic coming the other way, you're hard for the myopic t![](/inc/images/censored.gif)
![thumbup](/inc/images/thumbup.gif)
Marty Funkhouser said:
Whats the solution to the potentially catastrophic 'small pebble' problem? I assume that its extremely rare to get caught by one unless you're very tall and your bonce is above the top of the windscreen?
I'm a mere 5' 11" and have learned to scooch down in the seat to avoid any pebble-based interactions.But I've recently found out how to adjust the seat, which gives me a whole 5mm more legroom.
Cock Womble 7 said:
Marty Funkhouser said:
Whats the solution to the potentially catastrophic 'small pebble' problem? I assume that its extremely rare to get caught by one unless you're very tall and your bonce is above the top of the windscreen?
I'm a mere 5' 11" and have learned to scooch down in the seat to avoid any pebble-based interactions.But I've recently found out how to adjust the seat, which gives me a whole 5mm more legroom.
Marty Funkhouser said:
Cock Womble 7 said:
Marty Funkhouser said:
Whats the solution to the potentially catastrophic 'small pebble' problem? I assume that its extremely rare to get caught by one unless you're very tall and your bonce is above the top of the windscreen?
I'm a mere 5' 11" and have learned to scooch down in the seat to avoid any pebble-based interactions.But I've recently found out how to adjust the seat, which gives me a whole 5mm more legroom.
That was a very bracing drive to work.
Marty Funkhouser said:
Is a helmet not in order?
D3o hat.http://www.ignitebeanies.com/
Check the D3o tab.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D3o
Anyone on PH surely has to get excited about using non-newtonian liquids as body armour.
I knew a chap who ran a Caterham as his only car for a while when he chopped in his company motor. Everyone thought him daft, but I knew different. Light and frugal, so good on tyres and fuel. Insurance was specialist so no issues there and other than looking like a biker some days, it was a blinding thing to do.
Only one issue though, the roof was crap and leaked, no matter what he did. It wasn't a big issue, but did lead to the odd wet suit jacket or bag. It proved to be reliable too, which I would think is the biggest thing here. If its reliable then its a winner - if it starts to go wrong then its a nightmare.
Good choice. Like your thinking!
Only one issue though, the roof was crap and leaked, no matter what he did. It wasn't a big issue, but did lead to the odd wet suit jacket or bag. It proved to be reliable too, which I would think is the biggest thing here. If its reliable then its a winner - if it starts to go wrong then its a nightmare.
Good choice. Like your thinking!
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