Caterham Gatwick

[Jellyfishfields]

Posted this in the main forum, but had no response, I'm hoping someone on here can help.

Been trying to get in touch with Caterham Gatwick since the middle of the month, don't reply to emails and won't answer their phones.

Does anyone know of another number to get hold of them on, or have they went out of business?

[Master Bean]

Still in business, just a bit rubbish with service.

[downsman]

Take the hint and do business with someone else.................


If you really want a new Seven, hold your nose, and pay them your money, but don't expect them to be very helpful.
You may get lucky, but don't rely on it.

[Jellyfishfields]

Doesn't sound very positive does it?

We're only to be in London for a few days, don't want to make the trip out to Gatwick without talking with them first.

I'll see if I can get them first thing tomorrow, otherwise we'll give it a miss.

[Master Bean]

What would you like to know? We could be of some help on here. You could just turn up and see. I managed to blag a ride in the passenger seat when I rocked up unannounced.

[Jellyfishfields]

Thank you, here goes.

The main question, will I fit?
6 foot 2, reasonably thin. Would a standard car be OK, or do I need the SV?

Never actually driven one, but if I liked it enough and could achieve a discount, may even buy this weekend.

Would also like to discuss new vs nearly new, and of course, if my wife likes the car. Although not sure she'd drive it anyway.

It's either a Caterham and something else, or something like a 996 Turbo to do it all.

[Master Bean]

Jellyfishfields said:

Thank you, here goes.

The main question, will I fit?
6 foot 2, reasonably thin. Would a standard car be OK, or do I need the SV?

Never actually driven one, but if I liked it enough and could achieve a discount, may even buy this weekend.

Would also like to discuss new vs nearly new, and of course, if my wife likes the car. Although not sure she'd drive it anyway.

It's either a Caterham and something else, or something like a 996 Turbo to do it all.

I'm 6ft 4 and have a standard car (S3) with lowered floors and tillet seats. I fit width ways but am probably too tall but I make do as it's such a fun car. You won't get a discount new or used. If you want one then you'll have to pay the asking price. Caterham are very stubborn when it comes to monies.

Buy used as you'll save that initial depreciation but it depends what model you want. I have a 1.6 with 140hp which is plenty on the road and track.

[Jellyfishfields]

Thank you for the advice.

Nice pic, makes the MX5 look surprisingly huge.

[Stridey]

OK, they can’t be impartial over new versus old, but Sevens and Classics at Brands Hatch is near London and have a big selection.
They don’t do hard sell, they know Caterhams as they have worked for Caterham.
Good luck in your search.

[BigRabs]

Caterham at Gatwick are f*#king useless. Furious at myself for forgetting about BaT and thinking they were my only option to buy a new kit. Never handed over money so begrudgingly, and that includes stamp duty.....

There's a couple of brilliant independents with similar (or shorter) journeys from Central London.

Sevens and Classics I believe are hosting an event tomorrow (30th) or PT Sports in Maidenhead are excellent and have some great used cars in offer.

[Jellyfishfields]

Thanks for all the advice, we'll see what we can fit in over the weekend.

[Paul Philpot]

Try Sevens and Classics at Brands Hatch. Open Day today (Saturday). Excellent range of cars, brilliant service.

[Steve Campbell]

At 6.2 and not fat you will fit in an s3 but will likely need a lowered floor, especially if using on a track with helmet.

Master Bean needs a bean bag seat &/or a higher roll bar ;-) .....helmet won’t help much if he managed to flip it :-0

Edited by Steve Campbell on Saturday 30th December 17:06

[scatty72]

If if helps, I’m 6ft 4, slim and can fit in an s3, but it’s not particularly a nice position regarding steering wheel and knees. And then the pedal dilemma.

I realised an sv was a better fit for me.

I’m on the look out as well. I emailed them ages ago and got no response until I moaned about them on an Instagram thread, and as if by magic they replied.

On the other hand, Greg at Bookatrack are fantastic.

[scatty72]

If if helps, I’m 6ft 4, slim and can fit in an s3, but it’s not particularly a nice position regarding steering wheel and knees. And then the pedal dilemma.

I realised an sv was a better fit for me.

I’m currently on the look out as well. I emailed them ages ago and got no response until I moaned about them on an Instagram thread, and as if by magic they replied.

Edited by scatty72 on Saturday 30th December 18:50

[Master Bean]

Steve Campbell said:

At 6.2 and not fat you will fit in an s3 but will likely need a lowered floor, especially if using on a track with helmet.

Master Bean needs a bean bag seat &/or a higher roll bar ;-) .....helmet won’t help much if he managed to flip it :-0

Edited by Steve Campbell on Saturday 30th December 17:06

Indeedy I do but a bag seat isn't road legal and I've already got a half hood and shower cap for the standard bar. I'll try my best not to crash.

[downsman]

It isn't so much the Seven that makes the Mazda look big, it's the size of the road!

I sit a bit high in my Seven too, but prefer the standard floors and roll bar. I didn't worry when driving my old Elan Sprint that had no roll over protection at all.

[caterham_lad]

You could also look at a bag sest, as that would give you more leg / height options

[Rob747]

For a bit of balance I bought a Superlight 20 from Gatwick in Nov and they couldn't have been more helpful.

James Wilson was the salesman, very knowledgeable and professional I thought.

I live close by so popped in, tried it and was hooked straight away. I'm 6ft and skinny and fit no problem but my car has lowered floors. I tried one without and steering wheel/knee clearance was an issue.

You won't get any money off the sticker price but if you ask nicely they'll chuck in some freebies.

[Poopaconk]

Rob747 said:

For a bit of balance I bought a Superlight 20 from Gatwick in Nov and they couldn't have been more helpful.

James Wilson was the salesman, very knowledgeable and professional I thought.

I live close by so popped in, tried it and was hooked straight away. I'm 6ft and skinny and fit no problem but my car has lowered floors. I tried one without and steering wheel/knee clearance was an issue.

You won't get any money off the sticker price but if you ask nicely they'll chuck in some freebies.

I didn't deal with James when I bought my new factory car a few months ago, but would say the service I received was okay. Keen to the point I'd paid in full, then not so enthusiastic shall we say. Car preparation for collection wasn't particularly great either with a number of simple build issues which could/should have been addressed.

Soon after the car developed/showed further more serious problems and CC after sales was far from what I expected, particularly in terms of attitude. Some of the issues were eventually addressed, some apparently ignored and others met with the usual "they all do that sir" bks!

Don't get me wrong I love the car but I wouldn't buy direct from them again......quite disappointing.