40k for a Caterham, worth buying new?

[battered]

hufggfg said:

- New vs. used. The reality is that the vast majority of Caterhams are bought by real enthusiasts (i have no idea how you'd end up with one if you weren't), and generally those people take care of their cars, know them well, and are honest about them. Of course you can never know exactly what's happened to a car, but it's one of the easiest cars to look over and see if anything is wrong

Well, there are plenty of driving enthusiasts who know sod-all about mechanics and aren't interested, so these cars aren't always looked after as you would hope. As they leave the factory with very little protection a couple of winters outside can see them in a sorry state.

[JUPE777]

After going along to a CAT over grip day at Millbrook which was mostly spent in a Caterham I knew I had to have a 7. So like the OP I started looking at 420's and 620's etc. Then I came across the Caterham Academy and signed up. Yes it's only 125 hp but the journey really teaches you how to get 100% from your 7. Rarely do trackdays now as I much prefer testdays but a properly driven academy car is all over most more powerful road 7's on trackdays. Through Academy and Roadsport the car is still road legal so you can still have your Sunday blatts. I have some fast road cars including a CSL and 1M and to be honest they hardly get driven anymore because all my car kicks are satisfied through testing and racing, it truly is awesome and you'll become a better driver than you thought possible. Not the best if resale is your main priority.

This is just a thought as I started thinking about a super fast road 7 but quickly changed my thinking and it is the best petrol headed thing I have ever done. :-)

[coppice]

It's always illuminating to compare lap times for low powered Sevens pedalled by race hardened drivers with uber powerful Sevens(and the like ) driven on some trackdays by legends in their own lunchtimes. Amazing how quickly a bit of ability will enable you to travel. Even more smile inducing is seeing just how slowly such as GTRs can go.

[The Orig Fergie]

Master bean - did you pick up the Supersport?

[Master Bean]

Indeedy. Did 80 miles on Thursday and loved it. Rain has stopped play this weekend. I am thinking of putting the cat on as it is a bit throaty for my baby ears. Never thought I'd say that bit even with ear plugs it's just a tad overkill. Might change my mind though.

[The Orig Fergie]

Glad you are having fun. Earplugs? Only when the hood is up!

Hope you enjoy and like the way it is set up. To be honest this is how it came when I purchased from Caterham

[downsman]

I always wear ear protection in my Seven.

[anonymous-user]

downsman said:

I always wear ear protection in my Seven.

Me too.

[mharris]

I actually think my car sounds better with the cat on. Its less raspy and a deeper sound. But it doesn't look as good so its swings and roundabouts.

Always wear ear protection in a Seven regardless of screen/aeroscreen/hood. Its not really optional.

[bcr5784]

mharris said:

Always wear ear protection in a Seven regardless of screen/aeroscreen/hood. Its not really optional.

I think if you are running an aeroscreen and as a result, a helmet, that's enough ear protection.

[John D.]

bcr5784 said:

mharris said:

Always wear ear protection in a Seven regardless of screen/aeroscreen/hood. Its not really optional.

I think if you are running an aeroscreen and as a result, a helmet, that's enough ear protection.

Helmets don't do a thing. Most bikers wear plugs to prevent hearing damage from wind noise. There's loads of chat about 'quiet' helmets but it's all relative (none of them are!).

[bcr5784]

John D. said:

Helmets don't do a thing. Most bikers wear plugs to prevent hearing damage from wind noise. There's loads of chat about 'quiet' helmets but it's all relative (none of them are!).

Maybe the 7s I've driven on road and track have been particularly quiet - but I've never felt the need for earplugs when wearing a helmet. And while some bikers may use earplugs, I very much doubt it's most. I certainly never did in 30 years of biking. Is this a modern health and safety thing - I don't know any bikers who used earplugs in my day on the road?

[John D.]

bcr5784 said:

John D. said:

Helmets don't do a thing. Most bikers wear plugs to prevent hearing damage from wind noise. There's loads of chat about 'quiet' helmets but it's all relative (none of them are!).

Maybe the 7s I've driven on road and track have been particularly quiet - but I've never felt the need for earplugs when wearing a helmet. And while some bikers may use earplugs, I very much doubt it's most. I certainly never did in 30 years of biking. Is this a modern health and safety thing - I don't know any bikers who used earplugs in my day on the road?

It's a modern knowledge of tinnitus. Your ear drums; up to you!

[anonymous-user]

John D. said:

Helmets don't do a thing. Most bikers wear plugs to prevent hearing damage from wind noise. There's loads of chat about 'quiet' helmets but it's all relative (none of them are!).

Can't agree with that. IME a helmet makes a big difference. Maybe depends on its fit and condition?

[bcr5784]

REALIST123 said:

Can't agree with that. IME a helmet makes a big difference. Maybe depends on its fit and condition?

Have to agree with you. A full face helmet makes a lot of difference - I personally would find some motorcyles unacceptably (mechanically) noisy but found that switching from an open face to a full face helmet made all the difference.

[hufggfg]

bcr5784 said:

REALIST123 said:

Can't agree with that. IME a helmet makes a big difference. Maybe depends on its fit and condition?

Have to agree with you. A full face helmet makes a lot of difference - I personally would find some motorcyles unacceptably (mechanically) noisy but found that switching from an open face to a full face helmet made all the difference.

Funnily enough, I find the noise worse when aero-screened with a helmet, compared with a normal windscreen (and no helmet). I find the wind noise around the helmet and the way it seems to drone right into your ears, way more painful than the engine, exhaust, and diff noise from the car.

[Master Bean]

Would it be possible for orig derive to contact me. I have a few questions but nothing has gone wrong.

[John D.]

REALIST123 said:

John D. said:

Helmets don't do a thing. Most bikers wear plugs to prevent hearing damage from wind noise. There's loads of chat about 'quiet' helmets but it's all relative (none of them are!).

Can't agree with that. IME a helmet makes a big difference. Maybe depends on its fit and condition?

OK let me rephrase. Helmets do not do much to protect your ears from damage. Sure it is better than no helmet, and it will seem much quieter (it is!), but the threshold where sound level damages hearing is quite low. It's before it actually becomes unpleasant / painfull.

[The Orig Fergie]

To master bean happy to contact you if you provide a number

[Master Bean]

Master Bean said:

Indeedy. Did 80 miles on Thursday and loved it. Rain has stopped play this weekend. I am thinking of putting the cat on as it is a bit throaty for my baby ears. Never thought I'd say that bit even with ear plugs it's just a tad overkill. Might change my mind though.

I did change my mind. I wonder if mr 135 did buy his 420? Is the advice given in ph useful? Hmm.