What's the worst thing about owning a Caterham ?

What's the worst thing about owning a Caterham ?

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Discussion

Eugene7

739 posts

193 months

Saturday 27th May 2017
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I've had Eugene for some 30 years - and I can't think of anything negative at all...
But, I live near Uncle Albert (www.7workshop.co.uk), and deal with those that post on www.7-dna.com, and have a real bunch of idiots in Le BOG Club (https://www.facebook.com/LeBogClub/), and never, ever deal with Caterham...

anonymous-user

53 months

Sunday 28th May 2017
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Have things deteriorated? I built my R400 in 2015. It was PBC'd by Midlands before they closed.

It had to go to Crawley with a gearbox fault. They just changed the box, I had the car back in 5 days.

Since then I've only had need to contact them once when the electronic control board developed a fault. I had no problems getting two more (first damaged by carrier!) which sorted the issue.

My contact was with the warranty staff who responded very well.

subirg

717 posts

275 months

Monday 29th May 2017
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I got my r400 new and found the de-bugging experience painful. The car had to go back to the factory several times for warranty work in the first 6 months. That was irritating. Dealing with the aftersales folk during this period was hit and miss.

However, once sorted, and I should stress that it did eventually get sorted, things have been great. No issues now and I enjoy the ownership experience big time.

These cars are not mass produced and they do take a while to iron out issues when new. As I was in it for the long term and didn't have a desire to sell, i was able to tolerate that. If the ownership experience were to be much shorter, I could see it being a deal breaker.

CraigyB

209 posts

250 months

Monday 29th May 2017
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subirg said:
I got my r400 new and found the de-bugging experience painful. The car had to go back to the factory several times for warranty work in the first 6 months. That was irritating. Dealing with the aftersales folk during this period was hit and miss.

However, once sorted, and I should stress that it did eventually get sorted, things have been great. No issues now and I enjoy the ownership experience big time.

These cars are not mass produced and they do take a while to iron out issues when new. As I was in it for the long term and didn't have a desire to sell, i was able to tolerate that. If the ownership experience were to be much shorter, I could see it being a deal breaker.
What he said.

If I were more immedeiatist, I would have seriously considered a well sorted 2nd hand car

framerateuk

2,730 posts

183 months

Tuesday 30th May 2017
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Worst thing? Not using it enough. My fault, but the combination of good weather, no work to do and a free morning is quite rare!

Not had much of a problem with Caterham themselves. Bought the car privately, took it to Caterham themselves to sort out some immobiliser problems and get the car working properly. Since then I've ordered plenty from them and I've got no real complaints. They're usually very fast getting things sent out

I've had all major servicing done locally (at QMech) and they've always been brilliant.

Odds

Original Poster:

81 posts

244 months

Monday 5th June 2017
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Odds said:
I'll start by saying that Caterham's are fantastic cars; I don't think any other (4 wheeled) vehicle comes close to driver involvement or the shear sense of fun that a quick Caterham on a sunny day can generate. I'm on my 3rd, and I honestly can't think what I'd replace my current car with other than another Caterham.

However.....

For me, the whole ownership experience is completely undermined by having to deal with Caterham's after sales service. I won't go into specifics on my experience, but in general I find that they are almost impossible to speak with on the phone, unaware of what work has been or is being undertaken, lacking any sense of urgency around completing the required work and seemingly completely unconcerned about the needs of their customers.

I spent a significant amount of money on a car with Caterham, and the service I recieve from after sales is diabolical. Spending similar ( or lesser ) amounts from main stream manufacturers yields a MUCH higher level of service.

Are my expectations wrong ? Am I just unlucky ? Or is it really this bad ?

Edited by Odds on Friday 26th May 18:26
Thanks for all the replies guys.

My experience continues to decline to the point where it feels like Caterham "Customer Service" are actively doing all that they can to try an lose me as customer.

Any advice on how better to deal with them, much appreciated.

downsman

1,099 posts

155 months

Monday 5th June 2017
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Sorry, but I have found the best way to deal with the Caterham service department is to avoid them like the plague. I do all my servicing and repairs, and buy parts from other suppliers where possible.

Toaster

2,938 posts

192 months

Tuesday 6th June 2017
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Maybe I've been fortunate but the after sales has been OK always get my car serviced by Caterham, I did prefer it when it was at the factory though.