After 13 years, the word "sell" is entering my head...
Discussion
Hey all,
I've had my '97 Superlight for over 13 years now, and had many great adventures in it...but I'm finding it harder and harder to justify it.
I had two kids, and so my usage dipped pretty low for a few years but I still managed the odd blat on country roads. The kids are "just" getting old enough to come out with me on drives, and I had originally planned to do a major overhaul of it in the next few years, which they could help with as a bonding/learning experience.
I always thought I would keep the car forever, either for me personally or handing it on to my kids.
The trouble is, as I get older, I'm becoming more boring and losing some of my excitement for using it. I'm also worried that if they are out in it too much, they will learn too many "bad" habits...young men in cars are bad enough let alone me setting a "bad" example....I remember being one once!
The car is also just slowly getting older, and it feels like every year it *should* have a bit more money spent on the cosmetics but I can't bring myself...so I keep feeling worse and worse about not looking after it properly. (In reality it's in good mechanical condition and has a virtually "brand new" engine).
I've never sold a car before (except for scrap), and the market for Caterhams is relatively small, especially up in West Scotland. I feel like I've got a couple of options:-
1. Sell the car as is, probably to trade/known caterham dealer who can polish it up a bit and make a mark up
2. Spend a bit of money getting it cosmetically "right" (would be a new boot cover, new door, maybe a bit of work on wing fixings) and try to sell privately.
I appreciate that the question comes up quite a bit on the forum, but given the age of the car versus the relatively new engine, I'm not sure what's best.
If it's a lot of effort to sell it, then I might just keep it as the "easier" option :-)
I also have literally no idea on value, so will be doing some research on the for sale forum for a bit. It's a numbered superlight, so it has a bit of history.
Crikey...I can't believe I'm actually considering posting this...I feel pretty gutted even considering it.
I've had my '97 Superlight for over 13 years now, and had many great adventures in it...but I'm finding it harder and harder to justify it.
I had two kids, and so my usage dipped pretty low for a few years but I still managed the odd blat on country roads. The kids are "just" getting old enough to come out with me on drives, and I had originally planned to do a major overhaul of it in the next few years, which they could help with as a bonding/learning experience.
I always thought I would keep the car forever, either for me personally or handing it on to my kids.
The trouble is, as I get older, I'm becoming more boring and losing some of my excitement for using it. I'm also worried that if they are out in it too much, they will learn too many "bad" habits...young men in cars are bad enough let alone me setting a "bad" example....I remember being one once!
The car is also just slowly getting older, and it feels like every year it *should* have a bit more money spent on the cosmetics but I can't bring myself...so I keep feeling worse and worse about not looking after it properly. (In reality it's in good mechanical condition and has a virtually "brand new" engine).
I've never sold a car before (except for scrap), and the market for Caterhams is relatively small, especially up in West Scotland. I feel like I've got a couple of options:-
1. Sell the car as is, probably to trade/known caterham dealer who can polish it up a bit and make a mark up
2. Spend a bit of money getting it cosmetically "right" (would be a new boot cover, new door, maybe a bit of work on wing fixings) and try to sell privately.
I appreciate that the question comes up quite a bit on the forum, but given the age of the car versus the relatively new engine, I'm not sure what's best.
If it's a lot of effort to sell it, then I might just keep it as the "easier" option :-)
I also have literally no idea on value, so will be doing some research on the for sale forum for a bit. It's a numbered superlight, so it has a bit of history.
Crikey...I can't believe I'm actually considering posting this...I feel pretty gutted even considering it.
I've been having the same thoughts. I've had my current Seven for 10 years, but I'm using it increasingly less - I managed around 800 miles last year - mainly because it's much easier to use the MX5.
The last couple of years, at the start of the season, I've thought seriously about selling it. Then I drive it, and think "Nah!". I suspect it'll be a few years more for me.
The last couple of years, at the start of the season, I've thought seriously about selling it. Then I drive it, and think "Nah!". I suspect it'll be a few years more for me.
I’m constantly in the same quandary.
If I need a “car” car I’ll take the Defender. If I’m off out for a bit of a blast I tend to go by bike nowadays. It’s cheaper, has the same thrill factor as a Seven and doesn’t get stuck in traffic. The last one has become a massive influence for me.
Even a Sunday morning blat nowadays just means dawdling along fantastic A-roads, held back at 35mph by those seeking out the queue for bloody Ikea or wherever else it is people feel compelled to go in their spare time.
Driving for fun is doomed.
If I need a “car” car I’ll take the Defender. If I’m off out for a bit of a blast I tend to go by bike nowadays. It’s cheaper, has the same thrill factor as a Seven and doesn’t get stuck in traffic. The last one has become a massive influence for me.
Even a Sunday morning blat nowadays just means dawdling along fantastic A-roads, held back at 35mph by those seeking out the queue for bloody Ikea or wherever else it is people feel compelled to go in their spare time.
Driving for fun is doomed.
I can highly recommend moving to scotland - still some great driving roads up here!
I live about 20 minutes away from Duke's pass which is often quoted in "top 10 best roads" articles...It's the most perfect caterham road I've come across so far. All second and third gear stuff, and you can find quiet spots some times.
I live about 20 minutes away from Duke's pass which is often quoted in "top 10 best roads" articles...It's the most perfect caterham road I've come across so far. All second and third gear stuff, and you can find quiet spots some times.
I have been looking for a Caterham on and off and as Spring is approaching, my thoughts are turning to looking again. Personally, I would prefer to buy a well looked after car as is privately rather than one that has been "refreshed" with a premium associated. I would only ever consider that premium if from a dealer with warranty etc and I would rather be able to start with a sensible base price and then do the work that mattered to me.
Base price needs to allow for the work that is needed obviously. Just my thoughts.
Base price needs to allow for the work that is needed obviously. Just my thoughts.
blackmamba said:
I have been looking for a Caterham on and off and as Spring is approaching, my thoughts are turning to looking again. Personally, I would prefer to buy a well looked after car as is privately rather than one that has been "refreshed" with a premium associated. I would only ever consider that premium if from a dealer with warranty etc and I would rather be able to start with a sensible base price and then do the work that mattered to me.
Base price needs to allow for the work that is needed obviously. Just my thoughts.
That's useful advice and probably gels with the mentality of a lot of caterham owners (i.e. they like to know/understand the cars and work that has gone into them).Base price needs to allow for the work that is needed obviously. Just my thoughts.
Hi, not sure where you are based, I'm Oban.
I built my Caterham in 1990/1 when in NE England, sold it 12 year later but bought it back 5 year ago.
Last year it did about 100 miles, the year before maybe less....
I've just sold my TVR as that wasn't getting used much either, about 1500 miles last year around 2000 year before.
They all cost money to tax, insure, MoT, service etc and as a pensioner costs were all becoming a bit of a concern. Didn't have to sell financially but when you add these to two other cars in my fleet that's getting on for £2k/annum
Trouble is living on the West Coast Scotland it's a long long way to everywhere else and folk don't want to travel a day to see it and a day to get home again.
The TVR was for sale for quite a while and I had to drop the price more than I wanted to let it go.
Think you might find the same with the Caterham.
Of course if you want to buy anything you'll have to travel ......
Just mothball the Caterham for a year
To add, when I bought the Caterham back my son was about 10. I thought a simple car, he can help me "restore" it which would be a useful education for him. It lasted about a week and a half.....interest lost.
Jeez I'm in a miserable mood tonight
I built my Caterham in 1990/1 when in NE England, sold it 12 year later but bought it back 5 year ago.
Last year it did about 100 miles, the year before maybe less....
I've just sold my TVR as that wasn't getting used much either, about 1500 miles last year around 2000 year before.
They all cost money to tax, insure, MoT, service etc and as a pensioner costs were all becoming a bit of a concern. Didn't have to sell financially but when you add these to two other cars in my fleet that's getting on for £2k/annum
Trouble is living on the West Coast Scotland it's a long long way to everywhere else and folk don't want to travel a day to see it and a day to get home again.
The TVR was for sale for quite a while and I had to drop the price more than I wanted to let it go.
Think you might find the same with the Caterham.
Of course if you want to buy anything you'll have to travel ......
Just mothball the Caterham for a year
To add, when I bought the Caterham back my son was about 10. I thought a simple car, he can help me "restore" it which would be a useful education for him. It lasted about a week and a half.....interest lost.
Jeez I'm in a miserable mood tonight
Hey mate - long time no see (Nic, Dunstable!!!!!)
I have had the same feelings - if you remember my old Mango 7, I did sell it and bought a caravan!!! honest I did - I also promised myself a 7 within 18months, that turned into 6 years, but I am back and I have had the current one for nearly 3 years now.
Oh and by the way - did you still have that video of us at Cadwell Park all those years ago?? I cannot find my copy!!!
What I have learnt - It was right for me to sell at the time and the family activity was much better and we still have the caravan. But I did miss the 7 and ended up now with a R500K - another itch scratched.
But again with work etc I am not using it nearly enough of the time. I don't think the word sell has come to mind just yet but I understand the feelings again.
The question I ask myself - is does it owe me anything? and the answer comes back no, I don't need to sell it!!!!
I have had the same feelings - if you remember my old Mango 7, I did sell it and bought a caravan!!! honest I did - I also promised myself a 7 within 18months, that turned into 6 years, but I am back and I have had the current one for nearly 3 years now.
Oh and by the way - did you still have that video of us at Cadwell Park all those years ago?? I cannot find my copy!!!
What I have learnt - It was right for me to sell at the time and the family activity was much better and we still have the caravan. But I did miss the 7 and ended up now with a R500K - another itch scratched.
But again with work etc I am not using it nearly enough of the time. I don't think the word sell has come to mind just yet but I understand the feelings again.
The question I ask myself - is does it owe me anything? and the answer comes back no, I don't need to sell it!!!!
I've had similar thoughts the past few years, I'm using the car less and less.
I would love to swap it for an Elise, but the ones I like the look of are a bit out of budget at the moment, and even then I'm not convinced I'd really use it either!
I've decided to get the car re-sprayed and tidied up in a few months (It's needed it for a while). That'll either re-kindle my love for it or it'll make it easier to sell (or maybe trade) for something else.
Every time I get in the car though I wonder if I'm going mad by thinking about selling it
I would love to swap it for an Elise, but the ones I like the look of are a bit out of budget at the moment, and even then I'm not convinced I'd really use it either!
I've decided to get the car re-sprayed and tidied up in a few months (It's needed it for a while). That'll either re-kindle my love for it or it'll make it easier to sell (or maybe trade) for something else.
Every time I get in the car though I wonder if I'm going mad by thinking about selling it
brums evil twin said:
Hey mate - long time no see (Nic, Dunstable!!!!!)
I have had the same feelings - if you remember my old Mango 7, I did sell it and bought a caravan!!! honest I did - I also promised myself a 7 within 18months, that turned into 6 years, but I am back and I have had the current one for nearly 3 years now.
Oh and by the way - did you still have that video of us at Cadwell Park all those years ago?? I cannot find my copy!!!
What I have learnt - It was right for me to sell at the time and the family activity was much better and we still have the caravan. But I did miss the 7 and ended up now with a R500K - another itch scratched.
But again with work etc I am not using it nearly enough of the time. I don't think the word sell has come to mind just yet but I understand the feelings again.
The question I ask myself - is does it owe me anything? and the answer comes back no, I don't need to sell it!!!!
Hello hello!!I have had the same feelings - if you remember my old Mango 7, I did sell it and bought a caravan!!! honest I did - I also promised myself a 7 within 18months, that turned into 6 years, but I am back and I have had the current one for nearly 3 years now.
Oh and by the way - did you still have that video of us at Cadwell Park all those years ago?? I cannot find my copy!!!
What I have learnt - It was right for me to sell at the time and the family activity was much better and we still have the caravan. But I did miss the 7 and ended up now with a R500K - another itch scratched.
But again with work etc I am not using it nearly enough of the time. I don't think the word sell has come to mind just yet but I understand the feelings again.
The question I ask myself - is does it owe me anything? and the answer comes back no, I don't need to sell it!!!!
Sorry to everyone - I posted this thread in deepest darkest February and then ghosted...As you may all have noticed the world has changed a bit since then! While there's an awful lot of bad news in the world it meant I was travelling a lot less and had more time to be at home and get my energy levels back up.
Despite a leaky fuel tank for the second time I got the car up and running nicely and had a few good trips in it!
Nic - it's awesome to hear from you! I still think back to some of the trips and trackdays that we did together! I will dig out the cadwell footage and figure out a way to transfer it. It was all on old DV tape so gigabytes in size!
I'm glad you bought the caravan and had fun with the family in it, and even more glad that you bought at r500k that is a PROPER caterham! Mine is still original superlight spec, albeit a new engine as the old one had a moment on the m6 near lancaster a few years ago.
I moved up to scotland many years ago now and have been commuting down to london 3 dpwk ever since.
I live very near dukes pass - which comes up regularly as one of the top driving roads in scotland, so that is my typical trip now! A far cry from the A4 oh something from st albans to hatfield!
Skyedriver said:
Hi, not sure where you are based, I'm Oban.
I built my Caterham in 1990/1 when in NE England, sold it 12 year later but bought it back 5 year ago.
Last year it did about 100 miles, the year before maybe less....
I've just sold my TVR as that wasn't getting used much either, about 1500 miles last year around 2000 year before.
They all cost money to tax, insure, MoT, service etc and as a pensioner costs were all becoming a bit of a concern. Didn't have to sell financially but when you add these to two other cars in my fleet that's getting on for £2k/annum
Trouble is living on the West Coast Scotland it's a long long way to everywhere else and folk don't want to travel a day to see it and a day to get home again.
The TVR was for sale for quite a while and I had to drop the price more than I wanted to let it go.
Think you might find the same with the Caterham.
Of course if you want to buy anything you'll have to travel ......
Just mothball the Caterham for a year
To add, when I bought the Caterham back my son was about 10. I thought a simple car, he can help me "restore" it which would be a useful education for him. It lasted about a week and a half.....interest lost.
Jeez I'm in a miserable mood tonight
I'm in west scotland but just north of glasgow - so a bit south from you. Love an occasional trip up to rest and be thankful and some of the A roads up that way.I built my Caterham in 1990/1 when in NE England, sold it 12 year later but bought it back 5 year ago.
Last year it did about 100 miles, the year before maybe less....
I've just sold my TVR as that wasn't getting used much either, about 1500 miles last year around 2000 year before.
They all cost money to tax, insure, MoT, service etc and as a pensioner costs were all becoming a bit of a concern. Didn't have to sell financially but when you add these to two other cars in my fleet that's getting on for £2k/annum
Trouble is living on the West Coast Scotland it's a long long way to everywhere else and folk don't want to travel a day to see it and a day to get home again.
The TVR was for sale for quite a while and I had to drop the price more than I wanted to let it go.
Think you might find the same with the Caterham.
Of course if you want to buy anything you'll have to travel ......
Just mothball the Caterham for a year
To add, when I bought the Caterham back my son was about 10. I thought a simple car, he can help me "restore" it which would be a useful education for him. It lasted about a week and a half.....interest lost.
Jeez I'm in a miserable mood tonight
Sorry to hear about your kids and the rebuild :-( i'm hoping mine might get into it a bit when they're older...we'll see.
The travelling and location of me and the car would definitely be a bit of a blocker to selling.
framerateuk said:
I've had similar thoughts the past few years, I'm using the car less and less.
I would love to swap it for an Elise, but the ones I like the look of are a bit out of budget at the moment, and even then I'm not convinced I'd really use it either!
I've decided to get the car re-sprayed and tidied up in a few months (It's needed it for a while). That'll either re-kindle my love for it or it'll make it easier to sell (or maybe trade) for something else.
Every time I get in the car though I wonder if I'm going mad by thinking about selling it
yeah me too - i might even *gasp* pay someone to polish it one day. Nic can tell stories of me going to owners meetings and polishing the car while I chatted to people in the car park - i was trying to be efficient and do two things at once.I would love to swap it for an Elise, but the ones I like the look of are a bit out of budget at the moment, and even then I'm not convinced I'd really use it either!
I've decided to get the car re-sprayed and tidied up in a few months (It's needed it for a while). That'll either re-kindle my love for it or it'll make it easier to sell (or maybe trade) for something else.
Every time I get in the car though I wonder if I'm going mad by thinking about selling it
Definitely keeping the car again for now and hopeful it will be a positive thing for the family over all.
Also if any of you are good at internet detective work i've just posted about another car i'm hoping to get. It's about as far from a caterham as you can get!
Glad to hear to are still alive and had some time to recharge.
That footage of Cadwell would be so cool to see again - how to get it from a DV tape though!!!! LOL that was such a great day out and a right good laugh, you me and Dave having fun!!!
I miss those days and the days out, banter etc.
The R500 is great , well just not at the moment, had the old head gasket fail and its in Northampton MotorSports looking at a few things, they have discovered a broken valve spring and then under deeper investigation different valves and springs across the head - massively cheap fix from a previous owner. So I think I got a bit luck to discover this before a major bang!!!
So I am as my previous post a bit out of love, but on the flip side really missing it as I have for once the time and the weather to be able to use it. BUT its stuck in the workshop!!!! No having the luck !!!
Sounds like you have some amazing roads around you and best enjoy them while you have the time!!
Keep in touch though and again would love to see that old footage!!!!
That footage of Cadwell would be so cool to see again - how to get it from a DV tape though!!!! LOL that was such a great day out and a right good laugh, you me and Dave having fun!!!
I miss those days and the days out, banter etc.
The R500 is great , well just not at the moment, had the old head gasket fail and its in Northampton MotorSports looking at a few things, they have discovered a broken valve spring and then under deeper investigation different valves and springs across the head - massively cheap fix from a previous owner. So I think I got a bit luck to discover this before a major bang!!!
So I am as my previous post a bit out of love, but on the flip side really missing it as I have for once the time and the weather to be able to use it. BUT its stuck in the workshop!!!! No having the luck !!!
Sounds like you have some amazing roads around you and best enjoy them while you have the time!!
Keep in touch though and again would love to see that old footage!!!!
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