More Newbie advice......
Discussion
Hi all,
After many years of wanting a Caterham it looks like I may finally tale the plunge, so a little advice would be gratefully received.
I'm currently considering either a 1.4 K series Classic (5 speed) or a 1.6 Sigma Roadsport. Both cars are pretty new and reasonably comparable in condition and spec, however around £3k different in price.
I've read a fair bit about the K series HG issues and these don't faze me too much. Plus they're more tuneable especially if upgraded to to a 1.6/1.8, but obviously at a cost. The potential lack of power/torque and rev happy nature of the 1.4 is perhaps a little concern, unless I did upgrade in the near future. Again the 5 / 6 speed argument perhaps having a bearing here.
The Roadsport is probably more what I'm looking for in terms of "out of the box" performance, but upgrades appear quite expensive for relatively little gain. But is worth the price differential?
Also how will the Classic compare against the Roadsport in terms of depreciation?
So the question is, for my light on road use should I spend the extra on a Roadsport or buy the Classic and upgrade as I go, if required?
Any thoughts would be gratefully received.
After many years of wanting a Caterham it looks like I may finally tale the plunge, so a little advice would be gratefully received.
I'm currently considering either a 1.4 K series Classic (5 speed) or a 1.6 Sigma Roadsport. Both cars are pretty new and reasonably comparable in condition and spec, however around £3k different in price.
I've read a fair bit about the K series HG issues and these don't faze me too much. Plus they're more tuneable especially if upgraded to to a 1.6/1.8, but obviously at a cost. The potential lack of power/torque and rev happy nature of the 1.4 is perhaps a little concern, unless I did upgrade in the near future. Again the 5 / 6 speed argument perhaps having a bearing here.
The Roadsport is probably more what I'm looking for in terms of "out of the box" performance, but upgrades appear quite expensive for relatively little gain. But is worth the price differential?
Also how will the Classic compare against the Roadsport in terms of depreciation?
So the question is, for my light on road use should I spend the extra on a Roadsport or buy the Classic and upgrade as I go, if required?
Any thoughts would be gratefully received.
Hi and welcome to PH 
It's a difficult question to answer and one that only you can decide, ideally once having driven both. Regarding depreciation, it's extremely difficult to say once you start modifying the cars, however I would imagine neither car would suffer much (assuming they're >5 years old etc).
However I would imagine it being far easier to sell a Roadsport than a Classic. But again, if you're modifying it, then it may technically be a Classic, but could in fact become nearer a Superlight in spec. I would be more inclined to understand what you want from your car, which engine you prefer, and then base it on a particular vehicle rather than a particular specification.
Also get yourself along to a local L7C meet, talk to other owners and get stuck in. You can never do too much research!
Good luck
It's a difficult question to answer and one that only you can decide, ideally once having driven both. Regarding depreciation, it's extremely difficult to say once you start modifying the cars, however I would imagine neither car would suffer much (assuming they're >5 years old etc).
However I would imagine it being far easier to sell a Roadsport than a Classic. But again, if you're modifying it, then it may technically be a Classic, but could in fact become nearer a Superlight in spec. I would be more inclined to understand what you want from your car, which engine you prefer, and then base it on a particular vehicle rather than a particular specification.
Also get yourself along to a local L7C meet, talk to other owners and get stuck in. You can never do too much research!
Good luck
I have to admit I am biased as I have a Sigma 125.
I agree tuning options are very expensive, but I have done 17000 miles in mine and the performance as standard is perfect for road use.
If the 1.4 K series was a superport and had the 6 speed box I would say go for that and spend the money on petrol. However, by all accounts the lack of torque from the smaller K series was the reason they developed the 6 speed, and I would think you'd regret buying a 1.4 with 5 speed and the cost to upgrade is very high as well.
I agree tuning options are very expensive, but I have done 17000 miles in mine and the performance as standard is perfect for road use.
If the 1.4 K series was a superport and had the 6 speed box I would say go for that and spend the money on petrol. However, by all accounts the lack of torque from the smaller K series was the reason they developed the 6 speed, and I would think you'd regret buying a 1.4 with 5 speed and the cost to upgrade is very high as well.
Thanks for all your responses.
I suppose the main reason for my dilemma is the Sigma Roadsport is pushing my budget too much. The Classic would be a cheaper entry car that would give me most of what I'd want and could upgraded in time. After all how slow in real terms could a such a light car with moderate power (200bhp/tonne) be?
DVA do seem to offer a wide range of good power upgrades, which I'm sure would transform the car if needed.
From what I can see the £3k initial cost differential could over a period of time give Roadsport spec and around 150bhp quite easily.
When you say a Classic could prove more difficult to sell is that due to perception that it's inferior even if in reality it's not?Then, I suppose if you're paying less in the first place you can only expect to get less later on. Presumably the same would apply to the new 160, but they seem to be selling like hot cakes.
I suppose the main reason for my dilemma is the Sigma Roadsport is pushing my budget too much. The Classic would be a cheaper entry car that would give me most of what I'd want and could upgraded in time. After all how slow in real terms could a such a light car with moderate power (200bhp/tonne) be?
DVA do seem to offer a wide range of good power upgrades, which I'm sure would transform the car if needed.
From what I can see the £3k initial cost differential could over a period of time give Roadsport spec and around 150bhp quite easily.
When you say a Classic could prove more difficult to sell is that due to perception that it's inferior even if in reality it's not?Then, I suppose if you're paying less in the first place you can only expect to get less later on. Presumably the same would apply to the new 160, but they seem to be selling like hot cakes.
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