Keeping a Caterham outdoors?

[Sortie 10]

I feel that a Seven simply has to be part of my "auto-biography" in the near future, and am spending many hours researching/dreaming.

One problem - it will be necessity be kept outside (on a drive) as I don't have a garage. Is this feasible or will the car (even if covered) deteriorate at an unnatural rate? If a garage is a pre-requisite, I guess I will have to move (and factor a new kitchen Seven into the mortgage )

[mickrick]

Knock the wall out, and keep it in the lounge. Simples.
Did you ever see the top gear where the Guy built a car in his back room, and had to knock the wall out to get it out? Top bloke IMO.
It's all about priorities. Fook the kitchen.

[rudecherub]

I kept a G33 roof down under a breathable all weather cover outside

[BertBert]

When I ran a 7 as an everyday car it lived outside all the time and was fine.

Well the whole thing rotted away, but that was the salt rather than the leaving it out all the time.

Got sorted though and still lives to this day.

Bert

[robmlufc]

I am in the same position as you! Always wanted a Seven but been put off because I dont have a garage. As things stand at the moment I can't see me owning a garage anytime soon so i've decided to go for the keeping it outside option. Its deffinatly not ideal but its a case of owning or not owning a Seven. I guess as long as you keep on top of looking after it shouldnt be too bad and investing in a decent car cover has to help.

[Ca11um]

I kept mine outdoors for about a year with a cover. The only problem I found was that the carbon fiber wings turned a milky white colour with the rubbing from the cover then moisture got into the weave. You could try renting a garage from your local housing association, I looked into this and for me the cost was about £8 p/w.

[BSA627]

Perma-Bag make a version of there dry bags that can be used outside , I use the indoor [ garage ] version and they work by using a large re chargeable drying cylinder.

[Ben Jk]

You've got to be careful with covers moving in wind etc and rubbing on car, especially in wet. Also theres the security risk too.

Maybe rent a garage?

[BertBert]

Mine had it's top on every day, but other than that had nothing done specifically. I got into it every day and drove to work and round the country to see clients.

It was the salt that killed it not the staying out in the weather. I'd just do it!

Bert

[CaptainSensib1e]

Have you got room to build a car port?

[Sortie 10]

Renting a garage could be a sensible option and would keep the miles down (out of sight, out of mind). Carport is out of the question (I live in a basement flat) but my large-ish garden could take a cheapo pre-fab garage (and this may count as permitted development & not need planning)

Thanks for your ideas, I thought you might convince me otherwise, you are a devoted crowd here and are clearly set on spreading the word - the Z4's days could be numbered in favour of purer motoring.

[timrw81]

I remember a similar thread coming up a while back and someone mentioned putting an ad in the Post Office. There's lots of grannies (or grandads) out there who have garages but don't use them and would rent them out for a snip.

[Supra Chewie]

Really needs a secure garage. You'll be amazed by the difference in the insurance. I've got an alarm and CCTV in my gaff. What's your area like? Many chavs? I use to live in the town centre and my car was always getting broken into. You'll find yourself jumping up and running to the window at every noise. Sometimes false alarm, other times it will be some hoodied tea leaf trying his luck.

[Ady F]

I'm in the same boat. My Supersport arrives early March and I don't have a garage, but I didnt let that put me off.

It took me a while to find a garage to rent. Now I have found one a couple of miles from home, its an elderly ladies house and my car will be living in her secure triple car garage with no other cars in there. She never uses the garage and Im free to come and go as I like. Its down a gated drive too so added security.

I had considered keeping the car on my drive under a quality outdoor cover, but I know I'll have more peace of mind with it being secure and dry, and its about a 5 minute drive when I want to go and pick the car up

[Golf Juliet Tang]

Keeping a Caterham outdoors?

Why not? Mine lived on the road in Clapham for five years after I bought it. Mind you, I did use it every day, so it wasn't just sitting there.
No I have moved and it lives in a garage I need to wash it more (or maybe that is because it is not being used in London where there is less salt on the roads)

[the chosen 1]

i recall seing a program on tv, could have been wife swap, where the guy on it had a 7 type car and he kept it in a wooden box, not much taller and wider than the car. (hows your wood workin skills) he had to push it in and out tho. or you could allways do what i did borrow a mates garage and tell him its only temperey, 4 years down the line its still temperey

[michaeljclark]

Mine lives on the drive.

It has a cover for when I know I won't be using it, other than that it just site there.

Younger kids like to look at the "racing car" the yoof think it's "wickid init"

Mike

[Ollieb7]

I used to keep my old Caterham outside with a breathable cover - read; it still gets wet. This ment that the exposed aluminium sections round the rivets became discoloured with the onset of corrosion and therefore made it obvious it was a... wet car.

The moral... don't get an expensive one and leave it outside. Get one that cosmetically you couldn't give a monkeys but yet still enjoy driving it! :-D