1st Caterham, New or Used
Discussion
New to the Caterham scene and decided to go for either a Roadsport or Supersport with the 1.6 sigma engine (140), I'm still investigating all the detail, but my interest is mainly In the driving experience and less in speed at this stage. At least until I really learn to handle the car correctly either on road or track. Initially I'd be looking at 75%\25% road /track usage.
However, I'm still unsure whether I should go new or used. I am quite practical so NEW does greatly appeal. But on the other hand, a cheaper 2nd hand car would allow me learn more about caterhams and go all out next time. Budget is 20-30k.
Interested in everyone opinion about where to start. New self build or second hand?
However, I'm still unsure whether I should go new or used. I am quite practical so NEW does greatly appeal. But on the other hand, a cheaper 2nd hand car would allow me learn more about caterhams and go all out next time. Budget is 20-30k.
Interested in everyone opinion about where to start. New self build or second hand?
Hi Ant looking at your occupation I would say building one would be an obvious way to go I would build the Supersport 145 having owned my Orange Supersport for over 2 years now it was the original orange press car it's a very accomplished and highly addictive machine I even had an R300 D for a week and much preferred the Supersport when I got back in it.... So why build one , well, hardly any come up for sale, at least with building one you can have the spec and colour you want ....go and order one and Enjoy StEVEN Eastkent AR
Hey Ant,
I've just been through this deiberation and after years of planning on having one "one day" and a few hours down at Caterham South, my logic was this:
- With the car predominantly for road use, but with the occasional track day and tuition (being one of the main reasons for getting the car) the Sigma Roadsport seemed logical over the more track focussed set ups and revvy K series engines - although I didn't test anything else, the Sigma 140 and 125 in standard Roadsport guise felt great for what I was after
- The 140 was great, but the 125 was also lot of fun and enough power for a first Caterham - having less power means that you can use more of what you've got on the road, and once you're used to 125, Caterham do a simple upgrade kit to bring it to 140
- I preferred the S3 to the SV - the SV felt a bit "baggy" while the snugness of the S3 meant I felt more connected with the car
- I liked the idea of a new car (no unknown history) and thought a self build would be rewarding and an awesome way to get to know the car (especially with your expertise) so that was what I had originally thought to do, but there's a long lead time on new kits, so the build wouldn't start til winter, so no driving til next year probably
- Caterham South had a ready built car in stock, in 99% the spec I was thinking of, built by a local technical college but run through the factory and IVA'd by Caterham. For sale at a significant discount from the list price with a 12 month warranty, available as soon as its registered by the DVLA (with me as the first registered owner) and with my other half having loved her test drive too it was a no brainer I put the deposit down there and then. Starting with a built 125 I'll get to learn the car. In time I'm sure I'll want to build my own, but for now this suits me!
After that, what I'd say is have a test drive to see what engine/set-up works for you, think about when you want it and how important it is that you build it, and have fun choosing!!
I've just been through this deiberation and after years of planning on having one "one day" and a few hours down at Caterham South, my logic was this:
- With the car predominantly for road use, but with the occasional track day and tuition (being one of the main reasons for getting the car) the Sigma Roadsport seemed logical over the more track focussed set ups and revvy K series engines - although I didn't test anything else, the Sigma 140 and 125 in standard Roadsport guise felt great for what I was after
- The 140 was great, but the 125 was also lot of fun and enough power for a first Caterham - having less power means that you can use more of what you've got on the road, and once you're used to 125, Caterham do a simple upgrade kit to bring it to 140
- I preferred the S3 to the SV - the SV felt a bit "baggy" while the snugness of the S3 meant I felt more connected with the car
- I liked the idea of a new car (no unknown history) and thought a self build would be rewarding and an awesome way to get to know the car (especially with your expertise) so that was what I had originally thought to do, but there's a long lead time on new kits, so the build wouldn't start til winter, so no driving til next year probably
- Caterham South had a ready built car in stock, in 99% the spec I was thinking of, built by a local technical college but run through the factory and IVA'd by Caterham. For sale at a significant discount from the list price with a 12 month warranty, available as soon as its registered by the DVLA (with me as the first registered owner) and with my other half having loved her test drive too it was a no brainer I put the deposit down there and then. Starting with a built 125 I'll get to learn the car. In time I'm sure I'll want to build my own, but for now this suits me!
After that, what I'd say is have a test drive to see what engine/set-up works for you, think about when you want it and how important it is that you build it, and have fun choosing!!
Would have loved to build mine, but got a far better deal second hand as the car would have cost a small fortune new.
Keep and eye on the market. A few cars will pop up at the end of the summer. You'll struggle to find that many Sigma 140's, but you may get lucky as I did. Getting a 125 and then budgeting for the 140 upgrade may be a good option. Sticking with the Caterham upgrades will help keep the value, but there are other options such as Premier Power if you plan on keeping the car!
Keep and eye on the market. A few cars will pop up at the end of the summer. You'll struggle to find that many Sigma 140's, but you may get lucky as I did. Getting a 125 and then budgeting for the 140 upgrade may be a good option. Sticking with the Caterham upgrades will help keep the value, but there are other options such as Premier Power if you plan on keeping the car!
Thanks for the feedback,
I'm currently less concerned with the wait time for a kit itself, and thankfully now have the garage space following moving home this year. I'm less clear regarding the cost of tools and addition kit needed build the car, so any insight in this regard would be very helpful as it would eat into my budget.
A 2nd hand car would allow me to learn much more about caterham ownership and decide exactly what I want should I change in future. Looking at a spec and even hiring a car can only tell me so much. I would also feel disappointed if quickly I found that the ride or driving position wasn't to my liking after a short space of time. I don't think I'll be going back to a traditional sports car afterwards some how.
The comments about the engines are very helpful and while my budget is reasonable I do seem to be talking myself down the range (in terms of power). I would also be interested to know how you value a used caterham, particularly with so many options. Many cars are simply tailor made.
I'm currently less concerned with the wait time for a kit itself, and thankfully now have the garage space following moving home this year. I'm less clear regarding the cost of tools and addition kit needed build the car, so any insight in this regard would be very helpful as it would eat into my budget.
A 2nd hand car would allow me to learn much more about caterham ownership and decide exactly what I want should I change in future. Looking at a spec and even hiring a car can only tell me so much. I would also feel disappointed if quickly I found that the ride or driving position wasn't to my liking after a short space of time. I don't think I'll be going back to a traditional sports car afterwards some how.
The comments about the engines are very helpful and while my budget is reasonable I do seem to be talking myself down the range (in terms of power). I would also be interested to know how you value a used caterham, particularly with so many options. Many cars are simply tailor made.
my spending priorities were:
new, self-build
used
new, factory-built
I wanted to build a car more than I wanted a 7 in all honesty. I loved building mine last year and love it now it's built!
There was minimal financial benefit of the self-build (compared to a new factory-built car; the £3k extra disappears very quickly) and a premium compared to something a couple or more years old but it was an experience and provided a bond with *my* car...
Have a look at past posts/blogs of Tomwoodis... he detailed the costs and, from memory, the kit list needed (I had most of the tools anyway having kept my student car on the road, ahem, several years previously but still spent another £100-odd on bits and pieces plus hire of hoist etc)
Bottom line, my Supersport 140 SV cost pence shy of thirty big ones...
new, self-build
used
new, factory-built
I wanted to build a car more than I wanted a 7 in all honesty. I loved building mine last year and love it now it's built!
There was minimal financial benefit of the self-build (compared to a new factory-built car; the £3k extra disappears very quickly) and a premium compared to something a couple or more years old but it was an experience and provided a bond with *my* car...
Have a look at past posts/blogs of Tomwoodis... he detailed the costs and, from memory, the kit list needed (I had most of the tools anyway having kept my student car on the road, ahem, several years previously but still spent another £100-odd on bits and pieces plus hire of hoist etc)
Bottom line, my Supersport 140 SV cost pence shy of thirty big ones...
BertBert said:
I'm probably just an old has-been, but I couldn't spend 30k one a new 140 which would do exactly the same job as a late 90s 1.6k supersport for 13k.
Bert, you're right but I spent £30k on building a car I had dreamt of for longer than I care to admit! Having done so, I also now have a 7!BertBert said:
I'm probably just an old has-been, but I couldn't spend 30k one a new 140 which would do exactly the same job as a late 90s 1.6k supersport for 13k.
Bert
That's always the new vs used argument though Bert
. Some people will always prefer a new car over one pushing 15 years old.Anthillmob said:
I'm less clear regarding the cost of tools and addition kit needed build the car, so any insight in this regard would be very helpful as it would eat into my budget.
FWIW .... I'm on my 2nd Caterham and both have been 2nd hand. No regrets...I just don't have the time or patience at the moment to build. Also more likely to get something "more" for your money. In the end it would likely come down to whether you "wanted" to build or not.Ref the tools...a good socket set + the usual garage stuff (which you may already have) is all that's required + a couple of specials. If you join the club, someone local (or through the club) will no doubt be able to lend you an engine crane which is the 1 thing you're not likely to have for the build....otherwise I think you can hire them.
Even starting from an empty toolbox, I'd say you'd be fine with 300-400 quid for tools so it's not "material" in the overall costs (including a jack, stantions, socketset etc). Somewhere on the t'internet I remember seeing someone post a full list of tools that are required. Watch out at Halfords for their special offers on the Professional socket set.....like now ! This covers almost all the spanner / socket requirements.
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/...
Edited by Steve Campbell on Thursday 22 May 17:58
Edited by Steve Campbell on Thursday 22 May 17:59
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