new 1.4 classic vs more exotic used
Discussion
It looks like you can get a new 1.4 classic for about £16k all-in. (There are a couple of unregistered ones on the caterham website, in the pre-owned section). I'm genuinely interesting in buying one of these. Having a new car, 12mth warranty and zero miles is v attractive in my eyes.
Is this sensible? Am I missing out massively by not choosing to buy used? It just seems that there's so little depreciation in Caterhams, to get something significantly better than the classic, I'd be buying something that is at least 10yrs+ older.
Even if I wanted a 125 Roadsport, I'd probably be looking at something that is 5-6yrs old for equivalent money.
Thoughts appreciated.
FYI - car would be 99% for road use.
Is this sensible? Am I missing out massively by not choosing to buy used? It just seems that there's so little depreciation in Caterhams, to get something significantly better than the classic, I'd be buying something that is at least 10yrs+ older.
Even if I wanted a 125 Roadsport, I'd probably be looking at something that is 5-6yrs old for equivalent money.
Thoughts appreciated.
FYI - car would be 99% for road use.
If you fancy a new Classic, go and test drive it and if you like it buy it 
Don't worry about what you "should buy", buy what you want to buy!
Remember, a 1.4 Classic with De Dion chassis wouldn't be that difficult to upgrade with a larger K series in the future if you decided you wanted more power.
Don't worry about what you "should buy", buy what you want to buy!
Remember, a 1.4 Classic with De Dion chassis wouldn't be that difficult to upgrade with a larger K series in the future if you decided you wanted more power.
downsman said:
If you fancy a new Classic, go and test drive it and if you like it buy it
Don't worry about what you "should buy", buy what you want to buy!
Remember, a 1.4 Classic with De Dion chassis wouldn't be that difficult to upgrade with a larger K series in the future if you decided you wanted more power.
The 1.4 SS upgrade offered by Dave at DVA Power transforms the car.Don't worry about what you "should buy", buy what you want to buy!
Remember, a 1.4 Classic with De Dion chassis wouldn't be that difficult to upgrade with a larger K series in the future if you decided you wanted more power.
mdowning said:
Out of curiosity, how much does the super sport conversion cost, and what is the increase in power vs 105hp std?
It takes the power up to 130 bhp, (maybe optimistic) upgrade consists of ECU, Cams, vernier Cam wheels. What it does is make the motor come alive. If I remember correctly it was about $1500 CDN about £700Edited by apexcone on Saturday 4th April 14:01
Edited by apexcone on Saturday 4th April 14:08
I had a Classic 1.4 from new and it had its first MOT 2 weeks ago which makes it 3 years old with just short of 12000 miles on the clock.
Agree that a new one is a powerful drug. I moved from a Westie 1600CVH ( which incidentally sold the same day on PH's adverts ) and a some new cash added to meant a pre-retirement treat was closer. I thought the same or similar bhp would give similar performance but no - you have to rev the K a bit more and you soon get used to it. The 6 month wait was tedious. Incidentally, they told me that mine might be one of the last as they were running short of K engines and might have to upgrade FOC to a 1.6. Shame but I shrug now.
I had a budget of 20K and upgraded with low floors, leather, black pack, full weather including tonneau, heater, paint - I chose Orange and CC midlands suggested that being a big fella I should also have a momo wheel to aid getting in and that lot just about broke my budget.
I don't do track days but the old gal can still blat along and show a clean pair of heels when needed in regular traffic. Most of my motoring is just blatting about and touring. Two months into ownership, did the Santander ferry trip and home driving through France, and quite adequate for Le Mans every year.
Do have a test drive and make your mind up about the 5 speed but you don't have to drive everywhere at 7000rpm. I don't miss an extra cog as there is quite enough poke for my motoring although the price above for 25 extra horses from DVA seems a bargain. Is that right ?
Extra bonus points for 50mpg on a long run and for a poor guy like me, £135 annual road tax helps put another crust on the table.
Whatever Cat you drive, you are the envy of nearly everybody on the planet cos it is a unique experience.
Ready for collection..
Stay Cool
Agree that a new one is a powerful drug. I moved from a Westie 1600CVH ( which incidentally sold the same day on PH's adverts ) and a some new cash added to meant a pre-retirement treat was closer. I thought the same or similar bhp would give similar performance but no - you have to rev the K a bit more and you soon get used to it. The 6 month wait was tedious. Incidentally, they told me that mine might be one of the last as they were running short of K engines and might have to upgrade FOC to a 1.6. Shame but I shrug now.
I had a budget of 20K and upgraded with low floors, leather, black pack, full weather including tonneau, heater, paint - I chose Orange and CC midlands suggested that being a big fella I should also have a momo wheel to aid getting in and that lot just about broke my budget.
I don't do track days but the old gal can still blat along and show a clean pair of heels when needed in regular traffic. Most of my motoring is just blatting about and touring. Two months into ownership, did the Santander ferry trip and home driving through France, and quite adequate for Le Mans every year.
Do have a test drive and make your mind up about the 5 speed but you don't have to drive everywhere at 7000rpm. I don't miss an extra cog as there is quite enough poke for my motoring although the price above for 25 extra horses from DVA seems a bargain. Is that right ?
Extra bonus points for 50mpg on a long run and for a poor guy like me, £135 annual road tax helps put another crust on the table.
Whatever Cat you drive, you are the envy of nearly everybody on the planet cos it is a unique experience.
Ready for collection..
Stay Cool
Having driven a Sigma-powered Academy car (just like the one in your link) and a 1400ss, I'd take the 1400 any day. The Sigma engine seemed to hate its life when pushed up to the final 1000rpm.
Regarding power, if you're a fan of bhp, then after a year you'll probably want a little more out of the 1400. If you bought a 140ish horsepower 1600 or 1800 car, then after a year..... you'd probably want a little more. Buy the 1400 and learn not to want more.
Regarding power, if you're a fan of bhp, then after a year you'll probably want a little more out of the 1400. If you bought a 140ish horsepower 1600 or 1800 car, then after a year..... you'd probably want a little more. Buy the 1400 and learn not to want more.
Edited by panickyjabofoppo on Saturday 4th April 22:10
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