Some advice for an ignoramus newbie!
Discussion
More newbie advice I’m afraid! Second post ever and it's a bit long-winded but hoping you'll read it through and give your opinion!
Here are my preferences from reading 36 (of 192) pages worth of blogs here (so still loads to go!). These are what I’ve read other people write so they’re not my opinion but seem to make sense – that said, I’m obviously keen to hear about alternatives.
The considerations:
I am broad-shouldered, 6’2", have a 33-inch waist and weigh 85-kilos
The car will be kept on the road in Tower Hamlets, East London (hoping this isn’t too loony, but think security)
This will be the first car insured in my name; I’m 39
My budget is up to 14K, but ideally around 10K
Flat-out speed is not important to me but I would like great handling and a car that rewards technical driving, and a fantastic engine note!
The preferences (or what I’ve assumed):
Standard S3 chassis (not SV)
Engine: K Series 1.6 or 1.8
5 or 6-speed gearbox
Between 120 and 140 BHP (140 BHP being the ceiling given my insurance criteria)
Tillet seats (height)
At least lowered driver’s side floor (height)
Starter button (nice to have)
Battery isolater / cut off switch (security)
Removable steering wheel (security)
4-into-1 exhaust (engine note)
Heated windscreen (wet weather)
Ex-Academy is acceptable
Buying from a dealer is preferable (warranty)
I’d like minimum running costs and will not be able to tinker much
Some questions:
At 6’2 and with lowered driver’s side and tillet seats, I understand that I’ll be able to fit into a standard S3 – is there a year of build before which this is not true?
Will dealers install tillets and lower floors with a commitment to buy?
How much does a battery isolater / cut off switch cost to install?
What other security measures can I use?
Given that the car will be outside, how can I best maintain the battery?
What other steps should I take to keep the car as healthy as possible (both in terms of set up, maintenance and usage)?
If I choose to buy from a private seller and the car turns out to have problems, what happens?
I have a test drive in an SV at Caterham South (they insisted on the SV) at the end of the month – I understand that after I’ve done that there is no going back!
I’m blowing savings for a mortgage on this so a sale after a year or two at as close to purchase price would be a bonus (assuming I even want to sell…)
Lastly, from what I’ve read of the blog so far, can I comment on what a genuinely decent bunch of people you all seem to be! Any thoughts on preferences, considerations or answers to the questions most appreciated!
Cheers
Here are my preferences from reading 36 (of 192) pages worth of blogs here (so still loads to go!). These are what I’ve read other people write so they’re not my opinion but seem to make sense – that said, I’m obviously keen to hear about alternatives.
The considerations:
I am broad-shouldered, 6’2", have a 33-inch waist and weigh 85-kilos
The car will be kept on the road in Tower Hamlets, East London (hoping this isn’t too loony, but think security)
This will be the first car insured in my name; I’m 39
My budget is up to 14K, but ideally around 10K
Flat-out speed is not important to me but I would like great handling and a car that rewards technical driving, and a fantastic engine note!
The preferences (or what I’ve assumed):
Standard S3 chassis (not SV)
Engine: K Series 1.6 or 1.8
5 or 6-speed gearbox
Between 120 and 140 BHP (140 BHP being the ceiling given my insurance criteria)
Tillet seats (height)
At least lowered driver’s side floor (height)
Starter button (nice to have)
Battery isolater / cut off switch (security)
Removable steering wheel (security)
4-into-1 exhaust (engine note)
Heated windscreen (wet weather)
Ex-Academy is acceptable
Buying from a dealer is preferable (warranty)
I’d like minimum running costs and will not be able to tinker much
Some questions:
At 6’2 and with lowered driver’s side and tillet seats, I understand that I’ll be able to fit into a standard S3 – is there a year of build before which this is not true?
Will dealers install tillets and lower floors with a commitment to buy?
How much does a battery isolater / cut off switch cost to install?
What other security measures can I use?
Given that the car will be outside, how can I best maintain the battery?
What other steps should I take to keep the car as healthy as possible (both in terms of set up, maintenance and usage)?
If I choose to buy from a private seller and the car turns out to have problems, what happens?
I have a test drive in an SV at Caterham South (they insisted on the SV) at the end of the month – I understand that after I’ve done that there is no going back!
I’m blowing savings for a mortgage on this so a sale after a year or two at as close to purchase price would be a bonus (assuming I even want to sell…)
Lastly, from what I’ve read of the blog so far, can I comment on what a genuinely decent bunch of people you all seem to be! Any thoughts on preferences, considerations or answers to the questions most appreciated!
Cheers
Hi, a few thoughts from an insomniac!
Depends on the insurance company but many don't take into account the bhp figure, so if the right car comes up don't let that worry you too much.
S3 vs SV. Ignore everyone's personal prejudices and try both. Height wise, assuming your height isn't all in your legs, then you should be ok in an S3 with a lowered floor, and the tillets will help. There is also the option of a tall roll bar if necessary but you don't want to be bending down to see through the windscreen!
If you have long legs then you may be more comfortable in an SV, with a lowered floor (and the windscreen on an SV is slightly taller as well.
Be sure to try the S3 with a passenger as well, as the shoulder room can be a bit restrictive.
I don't think there's any problem installing tillets or lowered floor in any year car.
Battery isolator. You can have a caterham FIA one that costs about £20 and a couple of hours to fit, or if it's only for security then you can fit a simple non-FIA one for a few quid, and locate it out of sight.
With a battery switch you shouldn't have any problems with battery maintenance, as long as you drive it once a month.
As for security, a full cover might be a good deterrent although may get vandalised? Www.softbitsforsevens.co.uk do a shower snood that covers the boot, cockpit, and bonnet louvres which is what I use when I keep my 7 on the drive during the summer.
In general I've always found sevens are much less likely to get damaged by people on purpose than expensive tin-tops, which seem to attract the jealous keying type.
You may want to consider locking catches for the bonnet, although I've never seen one with them fitted, it would be another deterrent.
There are self contained trackers that can run of their own internal batteries for several weeks, so one of those may be a good investment.
Finally the best bit of advice I can give you is to join the Lotus 7 Club and get along to a few meetings for a natter. (You'll also get a discount on insurance, tracker, etc).
Best of luck in finding the right car, and start saving for the mortgage deposit, as you won't want to sell it!
Depends on the insurance company but many don't take into account the bhp figure, so if the right car comes up don't let that worry you too much.
S3 vs SV. Ignore everyone's personal prejudices and try both. Height wise, assuming your height isn't all in your legs, then you should be ok in an S3 with a lowered floor, and the tillets will help. There is also the option of a tall roll bar if necessary but you don't want to be bending down to see through the windscreen!
If you have long legs then you may be more comfortable in an SV, with a lowered floor (and the windscreen on an SV is slightly taller as well.
Be sure to try the S3 with a passenger as well, as the shoulder room can be a bit restrictive.
I don't think there's any problem installing tillets or lowered floor in any year car.
Battery isolator. You can have a caterham FIA one that costs about £20 and a couple of hours to fit, or if it's only for security then you can fit a simple non-FIA one for a few quid, and locate it out of sight.
With a battery switch you shouldn't have any problems with battery maintenance, as long as you drive it once a month.
As for security, a full cover might be a good deterrent although may get vandalised? Www.softbitsforsevens.co.uk do a shower snood that covers the boot, cockpit, and bonnet louvres which is what I use when I keep my 7 on the drive during the summer.
In general I've always found sevens are much less likely to get damaged by people on purpose than expensive tin-tops, which seem to attract the jealous keying type.
You may want to consider locking catches for the bonnet, although I've never seen one with them fitted, it would be another deterrent.
There are self contained trackers that can run of their own internal batteries for several weeks, so one of those may be a good investment.
Finally the best bit of advice I can give you is to join the Lotus 7 Club and get along to a few meetings for a natter. (You'll also get a discount on insurance, tracker, etc).
Best of luck in finding the right car, and start saving for the mortgage deposit, as you won't want to sell it!
First things first go on line there are lots of company's that Let Garages keeping a 7 on the road all year in Tower Hamlets is bonkers
If it doesn't get stolen it will get vandalised something your Insurance won't cover, The difference in premiums for Garaged and kept on the road will help pay for the Garage rental.
If it doesn't get stolen it will get vandalised something your Insurance won't cover, The difference in premiums for Garaged and kept on the road will help pay for the Garage rental.
Edited by BSA on Thursday 12th September 10:47
Regardless of the vandalism/theft aspect, I don't think I'd want my 7 exposed to the weather all year round.
I'm not precious about it in the slightest, it's driven in all weather, but I'm glad it can be garaged and dry and night.
That said, when we're touring, I am occasionally nervous about leaving it parked in hotel car parks. But we've had no trouble so far.
I'm not precious about it in the slightest, it's driven in all weather, but I'm glad it can be garaged and dry and night.
That said, when we're touring, I am occasionally nervous about leaving it parked in hotel car parks. But we've had no trouble so far.
Thanks for the responses so far.
Adrian Flux offered me a £100 saving for it being garaged year-round so I'll try a few others and see if I can find an improved offer which covers a larger part of the garage fees (and depending on the model/year etc their quote was between £600 and £900!)
Adrian Flux offered me a £100 saving for it being garaged year-round so I'll try a few others and see if I can find an improved offer which covers a larger part of the garage fees (and depending on the model/year etc their quote was between £600 and £900!)
I think most people have covered off your list but what I will say is that, when down at Caterham South, there will be loads of different cars that you can sit it. Try a few as you'll be quite surprised at how different they feel.
I hired an SV from them a year or so ago. I'm just about to complete the build of an S3. I wasn't sold on the SV so you might not be either. I'm not sure why but the salesman seem to be pushing the SV's more at the moment. Have a go in both and see what you think. Admitedly you are larger than I am (I'm 5'8) so found I rattled around in the SV a bit too much. You may not though. Sholder room is indeed an issue sometimes if you have a passenger on board even if you aren't that tall. Good excuse to leave the wife at home of course
Also, for your intended budget I'd probably be looking at going private to purchase it as Caterham's prices are usually are both high and firm.
Tom
I hired an SV from them a year or so ago. I'm just about to complete the build of an S3. I wasn't sold on the SV so you might not be either. I'm not sure why but the salesman seem to be pushing the SV's more at the moment. Have a go in both and see what you think. Admitedly you are larger than I am (I'm 5'8) so found I rattled around in the SV a bit too much. You may not though. Sholder room is indeed an issue sometimes if you have a passenger on board even if you aren't that tall. Good excuse to leave the wife at home of course
Also, for your intended budget I'd probably be looking at going private to purchase it as Caterham's prices are usually are both high and firm.
Tom
To be honest, I really want to fit in an S3.
Anyone disagree with the engine etc?
I was looking at this with some interest...
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/c...
Anyone disagree with the engine etc?
I was looking at this with some interest...
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/c...
yeah that looks like a nice choice. I think initially that engine ocnfiguration will be fine although I suspect you will get quotes of a simialr amount even if you go for a bigger engine. I might be inclined to try and get a 1.8 k series if possible as they have a bit more torque but otherwise looks good. Only thing I would say is that at this power level, the 6 speed box is likely to make it feel quite a bit quicker than the 5 speed would.
Depends what you want it for though, if its not predominantly for track work then perhaps less of an issue. You will have fun in whatever you buy I'm quite sure. The car I rented initially that sold me on the idea of a Caterham was a 1.6 Sigma based SV and that was certainly not slow.
Depends what you want it for though, if its not predominantly for track work then perhaps less of an issue. You will have fun in whatever you buy I'm quite sure. The car I rented initially that sold me on the idea of a Caterham was a 1.6 Sigma based SV and that was certainly not slow.
I have an ex-academy(which is my first 7), and unless you have an issue with it being on the track before(they are designed for it of course), and I think they are excellent value. Yes, they maybe a little scruffier than a garage queen owned by an ex-polisher, but they generally have been well looked after mechanically. Mine had a engine refresh done by Minster and forged pistons dropped in too. They tend to come with quite nice kit too ie Tillets, Lowered floors, push button, FIA switch, good tyres etc.
With an FIA switch the batteries tend to last well, though I keep mine on trickle through the winter. If I had mine on the street I'd be inclined to put a full cover on due to the more open nature of the car.
Good luck with the search and +1 on the joing the 7 Club. Great bunch of lads and a good resource.
With an FIA switch the batteries tend to last well, though I keep mine on trickle through the winter. If I had mine on the street I'd be inclined to put a full cover on due to the more open nature of the car.
Good luck with the search and +1 on the joing the 7 Club. Great bunch of lads and a good resource.
Thanks BraddersCat7
Last question from me then:
Is there much difference between a 5-speed and 6-speed for the K Series?
Or if you were going with the K Series which is the best Gear / Engine size combo?
1.4 in 5 speed / 6 speed?
1.6 in 5 speed / 6 speed?
1.8 in 5 speed / 6 speed?
I read a post that said a 6-speed was a must have in a 1.6 or 1.8 as it at least doubles the fun....
But that a 1.4 sounds like a race car...
Cheers all
Last question from me then:
Is there much difference between a 5-speed and 6-speed for the K Series?
Or if you were going with the K Series which is the best Gear / Engine size combo?
1.4 in 5 speed / 6 speed?
1.6 in 5 speed / 6 speed?
1.8 in 5 speed / 6 speed?
I read a post that said a 6-speed was a must have in a 1.6 or 1.8 as it at least doubles the fun....
But that a 1.4 sounds like a race car...
Cheers all
K's like to be revved!
I have a 6-speed in a 1.6 supersport used mainly for spirited road driving and touring.
6th is roughly equal to 4th on a 5-speed, so if you spend a few hours on motorways/autoroutes then it will be a bit tedious, however sevens shluld be banned from such roads
so if you take advantage of the D roads in France for example you'll have a much more comfortable and enjoyable drive.
I have a 6-speed in a 1.6 supersport used mainly for spirited road driving and touring.
6th is roughly equal to 4th on a 5-speed, so if you spend a few hours on motorways/autoroutes then it will be a bit tedious, however sevens shluld be banned from such roads
so if you take advantage of the D roads in France for example you'll have a much more comfortable and enjoyable drive.My personal opinion would be to stay away from the 1.4 engine. My understanding from DVA power's site it that the tuning potential is limited. The 1.6/1.8 being a better block.
If you were to go with 1.4 I think the 6 speed would be best as you'd need to wring it's neck more.
I'd think where and how you are going to drive it. If it's going to see some track work and the rest on country roads, a 6 speed might be best. If you are intending on going any distances with dual carriageways or more general fast road stuff the 5 speed might be a better option. If you are happy to really work the box to maintain revs the 6 speed is for you, but when you are not completly "on it" the 5 speed is better to use the torque and not as tiring.
If you were to go with 1.4 I think the 6 speed would be best as you'd need to wring it's neck more.
I'd think where and how you are going to drive it. If it's going to see some track work and the rest on country roads, a 6 speed might be best. If you are intending on going any distances with dual carriageways or more general fast road stuff the 5 speed might be a better option. If you are happy to really work the box to maintain revs the 6 speed is for you, but when you are not completly "on it" the 5 speed is better to use the torque and not as tiring.
Helluvaname said:
K's like to be revved!
I have a 6-speed in a 1.6 supersport used mainly for spirited road driving and touring.
6th is roughly equal to 4th on a 5-speed, so if you spend a few hours on motorways/autoroutes then it will be a bit tedious, however sevens shluld be banned from such roads so if you take advantage of the D roads in France for example you'll have a much more comfortable and enjoyable drive.
+1 What he said I have a 6-speed in a 1.6 supersport used mainly for spirited road driving and touring.
6th is roughly equal to 4th on a 5-speed, so if you spend a few hours on motorways/autoroutes then it will be a bit tedious, however sevens shluld be banned from such roads
so if you take advantage of the D roads in France for example you'll have a much more comfortable and enjoyable drive.Gassing Station | Caterham | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff