Buying first Caterham
Discussion
Hi all
Looking at buying a Caterham - it’s my first and with such a wide variety of specs, mileage etc, I’m finding it difficult to understand if prices are fair or not
Have seen this one that I like and make go and see, but seems a bit high price wise for the age, or does it look about right to those in the know? Also, any tips on what to look for in general and also with the k series engine?
Thanks for any help.
https://www.gpsevens.co.uk/portfolio-item/caterham...
Looking at buying a Caterham - it’s my first and with such a wide variety of specs, mileage etc, I’m finding it difficult to understand if prices are fair or not
Have seen this one that I like and make go and see, but seems a bit high price wise for the age, or does it look about right to those in the know? Also, any tips on what to look for in general and also with the k series engine?
Thanks for any help.
https://www.gpsevens.co.uk/portfolio-item/caterham...
If you keep watching them you will see that good cars that are good value will move on quickly and the overpriced stuff will stick around longer. The car in in the link looks like a a good car that probably been cherished by its previous owners, but the price is high for the spec and age. The 5 speed gearbox mated to a K series would put me off, the Caterham Six is really a 'must have' with the K, IMHO. If it was a couple grand lower I would say it was a fair price.
AVB said:
Seems a bit pricy. I bought in February (from GP7) a 2003, 1.8 K series VVC with 6 speed box, similar miles. for a couple of hundred more.
Which one was it that you bought as I see they’ve got some on there that was sold, so be interesting to compare to this one - if over priced, not worth popping down for a look and tear drive.Thanks
number2 said:
Probably.
But with new Caterham prices ever increasing, major supply problems, and the price of other cars and everything else going up, wouldn't you?
What goes up just come down I guess - that’s inevitable and I’m prepared to lose a bit during ownership, but don’t want that increased if over the top price wise in the first place. But with new Caterham prices ever increasing, major supply problems, and the price of other cars and everything else going up, wouldn't you?
DCL said:
If you keep watching them you will see that good cars that are good value will move on quickly and the overpriced stuff will stick around longer. The car in in the link looks like a a good car that probably been cherished by its previous owners, but the price is high for the spec and age. The 5 speed gearbox mated to a K series would put me off, the Caterham Six is really a 'must have' with the K, IMHO. If it was a couple grand lower I would say it was a fair price.
Interesting about 5 speed v 6 speed, I was wondering if I’d miss not having that 6th gear early on and quickly have to change car!! See this one too which has been round for a little while, albeit always at higher price on Caterham Facebook page. Lots of extra and 1.8, but still 5 speed rather than 6https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202304126...
AVB said:
Viper1981 said:
AVB said:
Seems a bit pricy. I bought in February (from GP7) a 2003, 1.8 K series VVC with 6 speed box, similar miles. for a couple of hundred more.
Which one was it that you bought as I see they’ve got some on there that was sold, so be interesting to compare to this one - if over priced, not worth popping down for a look and tear drive.Thanks
https://www.gpsevens.co.uk/portfolio-item/now-sold...
Although currently back with them being fixed as problem with engine.
AVB said:
Viper1981 said:
AVB said:
Seems a bit pricy. I bought in February (from GP7) a 2003, 1.8 K series VVC with 6 speed box, similar miles. for a couple of hundred more.
Which one was it that you bought as I see they’ve got some on there that was sold, so be interesting to compare to this one - if over priced, not worth popping down for a look and tear drive.Thanks
https://www.gpsevens.co.uk/portfolio-item/now-sold...
Although currently back with them being fixed as problem with engine.
:
Viper1981 said:
Turn7 said:
VVC perchance ?
:
Should o be avoiding a VVC?? :
Where are you based ? You need to speak to owners really.
Get on blachat/facebook groups and find the local 7 community.
Theres a lot of small but very active whatsapp groups these days, and everyone wants to help, its a great atmsophere.
Turn7 said:
Viper1981 said:
Turn7 said:
VVC perchance ?
:
Should o be avoiding a VVC?? :
Where are you based ? You need to speak to owners really.
Get on blachat/facebook groups and find the local 7 community.
Theres a lot of small but very active whatsapp groups these days, and everyone wants to help, it’s a great atmsophere.
Thanks for the tip - I’ll get hunting and hope I don’t annoy people with too many q’s! I suspect as weather improves, so will people looking, so will have to act fast on those good ones (if I can work out that they are! 😁)
Viper1981 said:
Turn7 said:
Viper1981 said:
Turn7 said:
VVC perchance ?
:
Should o be avoiding a VVC?? :
Where are you based ? You need to speak to owners really.
Get on blachat/facebook groups and find the local 7 community.
Theres a lot of small but very active whatsapp groups these days, and everyone wants to help, it’s a great atmsophere.
Thanks for the tip - I’ll get hunting and hope I don’t annoy people with too many q’s! I suspect as weather improves, so will people looking, so will have to act fast on those good ones (if I can work out that they are! ??)
https://www.caterhamlotus7.club/area-meetings/surr...
Facbook group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/318610305307075
AVB said:
Viper1981 said:
AVB said:
Seems a bit pricy. I bought in February (from GP7) a 2003, 1.8 K series VVC with 6 speed box, similar miles. for a couple of hundred more.
Which one was it that you bought as I see they’ve got some on there that was sold, so be interesting to compare to this one - if over priced, not worth popping down for a look and tear drive.Thanks
https://www.gpsevens.co.uk/portfolio-item/now-sold...
Although currently back with them being fixed as problem with engine.
Viper1981 said:
Hi all
Looking at buying a Caterham - it’s my first and with such a wide variety of specs, mileage etc, I’m finding it difficult to understand if prices are fair or not
Have seen this one that I like and make go and see, but seems a bit high price wise for the age, or does it look about right to those in the know? Also, any tips on what to look for in general and also with the k series engine?
Thanks for any help.
https://www.gpsevens.co.uk/portfolio-item/caterham...
This one is almost the definition of a cooking Caterham. 1.6k, 14" alloys, 5sp 'box, narrow track, 135bhp, small brakes, no lsdLooking at buying a Caterham - it’s my first and with such a wide variety of specs, mileage etc, I’m finding it difficult to understand if prices are fair or not
Have seen this one that I like and make go and see, but seems a bit high price wise for the age, or does it look about right to those in the know? Also, any tips on what to look for in general and also with the k series engine?
Thanks for any help.
https://www.gpsevens.co.uk/portfolio-item/caterham...
If it's a k, go 6sp. 5sp works ok with the ford engines. Ideally you want to be around 160/180bhp (without going to silly bhp). 13" is the most flexible wheel size as it gives a much wider choice of proper tyres. Wide track nice to have, big brakes more important as you get to 180bhp. LSD (and other opinions are available) is essential. Leather seats are very nice, Tillets are far more comfortable that they look. Lowered floor is a big plus if you're 6ft+. As is detachable steering wheel.
ETA there is nothing wrong at all with a base spec Caterham, however you will spend a lot of money upgrading it just because. You just have to accept that upgraditus is a part of Caterham ownership
Edited by ben5575 on Friday 28th April 19:33
ben5575 said:
This one is almost the definition of a cooking Caterham. 1.6k, 14" alloys, 5sp 'box, narrow track, 135bhp, small brakes, no lsd
If it's a k, go 6sp. 5sp works ok with the ford engines. Ideally you want to be around 160/180bhp (without going to silly bhp). 13" is the most flexible wheel size as it gives a much wider choice of proper tyres. Wide track nice to have, big brakes more important as you get to 180bhp. LSD (and other opinions are available) is essential. Leather seats are very nice, Tillets are far more comfortable that they look. Lowered floor is a big plus if you're 6ft+. As is detachable steering wheel.
ETA there is nothing wrong at all with a base spec Caterham, however you will spend a lot of money upgrading it just because. You just have to accept that upgraditus is a part of Caterham ownership
Thanks for the detail.If it's a k, go 6sp. 5sp works ok with the ford engines. Ideally you want to be around 160/180bhp (without going to silly bhp). 13" is the most flexible wheel size as it gives a much wider choice of proper tyres. Wide track nice to have, big brakes more important as you get to 180bhp. LSD (and other opinions are available) is essential. Leather seats are very nice, Tillets are far more comfortable that they look. Lowered floor is a big plus if you're 6ft+. As is detachable steering wheel.
ETA there is nothing wrong at all with a base spec Caterham, however you will spend a lot of money upgrading it just because. You just have to accept that upgraditus is a part of Caterham ownership
Edited by ben5575 on Friday 28th April 19:33
Forgive the naivety- but what is a cooking caterham?
Height and weight wise (just!) I should be fine without need for lowered floors and detachable steering wheel, so widens options and limits need to make changes if not already the case.
Likewise on brakes/tyres/wheels - will be limited on road as to speed, although want to be safe, so I’m fairly open there too.
Not planning on taking my first caterham on a track (happy to look at those which have been occasionally on there) as want to enjoy round the winding roads in nearby kent mainly and upgrade eventually (if funds allow and I’m better at driving!) to a bigger and better one in years to come and sample a track or 2 then!
So are you saying best to avoid k series rover engine? River engines in standard cars I know were know for head gasket issues, Is ford a better one to look out for to limit risk of shelling out extra funds and/or having it off road more than on?
Thanks
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