How to value a Caterham?

[Esceptico]

Looking at the Classifieds it seems that very few cars available are standard or as they were originally delivered. But what impact do these changes make on second hand prices? If someone has upgraded an R300 to R400 spec should it be priced as an R300 or R400 or somewhere in between?

[clarkey]

I think the value is decided by the buyer, not the seller! Personally, I would value in the following order: R400>R300>R300+.
But I'm not a fan of a modified car. To me, a complete original car is worth more than one that has been fiddled with, but many people have different opinions to me.

[rubystone]

clarkey said:

I think the value is decided by the buyer, not the seller! Personally, I would value in the following order: R400>R300>R300+.
But I'm not a fan of a modified car. To me, a complete original car is worth more than one that has been fiddled with, but many people have different opinions to me.

I'd agree with Steve, both in terms of his ranking and his favouring a standard car. Much easier to sell on too. Hence the reason the modified cars hang around for longer. They do sell, but generally for less than the sum of the parts.

[tight fart]

A lot of people know the price of everything and the value of nothing.

[johnny7]

Yes there's a lot to gain by keeping the standard parts to return a car back to standard spec

[tight fart]

johnny7 said:

Yes there's a lot to gain by keeping the standard parts to return a car back to standard spec

Really? Perhaps your buying the wrong car then, there's a lot more to be gained by turning it into the car that suits you best.
Don't buy one as an investment, save up and buy a Ferrari that you'll never get to drive.

[PeterGadsby]

I thought Caterhams by there nature should be modified .... My thoughts are you buy one to enjoy it, you think you need a bit more speed/handling you add stuff to the car instead of buying a new one.

Have to say I will never sell my Caterham so not really bothered about how much it's worth. I have had many fast cars, but this one just hits the button perfectly for me.

- Pete

[Tydrazi]

Hi guys, apologies for piggy backing in on this thread. I am looking to buy my first Caterham. I have seen one I like but really haven`t got a clue on whether I am paying the right price? It is a totally original 1997 anniversary edition. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!

[rubystone]

Tydrazi said:

Hi guys, apologies for piggy backing in on this thread. I am looking to buy my first Caterham. I have seen one I like but really haven`t got a clue on whether I am paying the right price? It is a totally original 1997 anniversary edition. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!

engine? mileage? 5 or 6 speed?

[johnny7]

Post some more info on the car your intrested in? or send a pm

[Toaster]

Tydrazi said:

Hi guys, apologies for piggy backing in on this thread. I am looking to buy my first Caterham. I have seen one I like but really haven`t got a clue on whether I am paying the right price? It is a totally original 1997 anniversary edition. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!

Caterham is the manufacturer and their prices could be used as a guide, then look at other re-sellers for similar if your buying private expect to pay a little less.

Why not get in touch with https://www.lotus7.club and the area club rep I am sure they will help provide guidance

[Dave_H34]

For me, normal car: modified car is worth less than a standard car; Caterham: there's so many options as standard and they lend themselves so much to tinkering that their value is based on spec.

[framerateuk]

I wouldn't touch a tintop car with modifications, but modifications on a 7 can be very beneficial - but only if they're actual Caterham parts or from well known tuners with good reputations. Mine's only had fairly minor cosmetic upgrades, but I'm still interested in an engine upgrade at some point. The resale value doesn't really bother me.