To follow your head, or your heart?
Discussion
Hello,
I'm new to the forum although I have been doing a little research on here, and I think I'm finally going to take the plunge and buy a Caterham. However I am still trying to decide if it is a good idea or not, and perhaps some of you guys could offer up your 2p worth?
Firstly, I'm looking at a 1.6 Sigma 125. I've driven a 1.8 K-series previously which I understand is a little quicker (at least to 60, by circa a second); what are your opinions on the 125 - am I going to find that it is noticeably slower? Or does the 125 make up for this with mid-range grunt?
Second, do you happen to know when the Sigma engines were first used by Caterham? One of the cars I'm interested in is a 2005 build, but a couple of people I have spoken to were surprised that they were used this early. It is possible the seller upgraded, I guess.
Third, I have little mechanical knowledge (although willing to learn). Are they easy to maintain? Are they quite time consuming to own? Do you get them serviced?
Fourth, it would be my first time buying a used car privately so I'm erring on the side of extreme scepticism. However, I'm also open to the fact that Caterham owners are enthusiasts and generally take pride in their car; I guess I'm concerned that my lack of mechanical knowledge will lead me to not ask the right questions. On balance, what things do you look out for when viewing a Caterham?
Overall my heart says yes, but my head says no. I'm trying to convince myself that even if I only keep it for a couple of years it will be worth it! I'd appreciate any insights you knowledgable folk have. Drive safe.
B
I'm new to the forum although I have been doing a little research on here, and I think I'm finally going to take the plunge and buy a Caterham. However I am still trying to decide if it is a good idea or not, and perhaps some of you guys could offer up your 2p worth?
Firstly, I'm looking at a 1.6 Sigma 125. I've driven a 1.8 K-series previously which I understand is a little quicker (at least to 60, by circa a second); what are your opinions on the 125 - am I going to find that it is noticeably slower? Or does the 125 make up for this with mid-range grunt?
Second, do you happen to know when the Sigma engines were first used by Caterham? One of the cars I'm interested in is a 2005 build, but a couple of people I have spoken to were surprised that they were used this early. It is possible the seller upgraded, I guess.
Third, I have little mechanical knowledge (although willing to learn). Are they easy to maintain? Are they quite time consuming to own? Do you get them serviced?
Fourth, it would be my first time buying a used car privately so I'm erring on the side of extreme scepticism. However, I'm also open to the fact that Caterham owners are enthusiasts and generally take pride in their car; I guess I'm concerned that my lack of mechanical knowledge will lead me to not ask the right questions. On balance, what things do you look out for when viewing a Caterham?
Overall my heart says yes, but my head says no. I'm trying to convince myself that even if I only keep it for a couple of years it will be worth it! I'd appreciate any insights you knowledgable folk have. Drive safe.
B
Do it and STOP listening to the brain. As far as I know the Sigma was introduced in 2007, I've been wrong before. There is a strong chance that someone on this forum may live near you and would be happy to take a look at it for you. If not get it inspected by an Caterham Dealer. If you but it right and look after it you will most lightly get your money back.
Terry
Terry
1 - I hired a 125 last year on a wet winter's day and it was great. I was surprised how aggressive it was, being the baby of the range I thought it would be much more subdue. It's not. That said in the dry you may want a bit more grunt (I settled for a 150 superlight) but you won't know until you try one.
2 - 2005 seems a little early, I thought it was a few years later. Someone with more knowledge will no doubt clarify.
3 - Me neither. A Caterham will definitely develop your mechanical knowledge, but it's not a requirement for ownership. You can do as much or as little as you desire. I went for a Sigma for the hope of better reliability (it's my only car) time will tell, I've only done 1000 miles.
4 - I bought from Sevens and Classics for peace of mind. You could always ask the forum about the history of a particular car. There's a lot of knowledge around.
2 - 2005 seems a little early, I thought it was a few years later. Someone with more knowledge will no doubt clarify.
3 - Me neither. A Caterham will definitely develop your mechanical knowledge, but it's not a requirement for ownership. You can do as much or as little as you desire. I went for a Sigma for the hope of better reliability (it's my only car) time will tell, I've only done 1000 miles.
4 - I bought from Sevens and Classics for peace of mind. You could always ask the forum about the history of a particular car. There's a lot of knowledge around.
Don't worry about differences in spec - one Seven may feel a bit different from another but the HUGE difference is between a Seven and probably anything else you have ever driven.
Mechanical knowledge - I am bloody hopeless and was worried when I bought my first one nearly twenty years ago that the car would always be breaking down etc. They don't - I am perfectly happy to set off now and drive 500 miles without any concern that I won't get there. Stuff goes wrong sometimes but if you have a friendly garage or, better still , a mate who can help you out you won't have a problem . They are pricey to buy , but cheap to maintain and they depreciate incredibly slowly .
JFDI- you will not regret it for one second
Mechanical knowledge - I am bloody hopeless and was worried when I bought my first one nearly twenty years ago that the car would always be breaking down etc. They don't - I am perfectly happy to set off now and drive 500 miles without any concern that I won't get there. Stuff goes wrong sometimes but if you have a friendly garage or, better still , a mate who can help you out you won't have a problem . They are pricey to buy , but cheap to maintain and they depreciate incredibly slowly .
JFDI- you will not regret it for one second
As Apexcone says the Sigma was only introduced in 2007 so you won't get one earlier than that. I had a 150(when dynoed it turned out to be 138.4) and it was a fine little engine but needed a remap to make it more drivable as the kangaroo hop was quite apparent. The 125 didn't suffer from this and a lot of owners prefer it so I'd go for one of those.
I have a Sigma 125 and it's a great motor for road use. Very flexible and easy to drive, but when you go for it, it sounds great and is surprisingly rapid.
As far as choosing a car goes, a lot of the chassis is visible, so look for signs of repair or corrosion. Otherwise, look at the water in the expansion tank, clean oil on dipstick, no horrible noises or jumping out of gear on test drive. But mainly, get a feel for the owner and why they're selling.
As far as choosing a car goes, a lot of the chassis is visible, so look for signs of repair or corrosion. Otherwise, look at the water in the expansion tank, clean oil on dipstick, no horrible noises or jumping out of gear on test drive. But mainly, get a feel for the owner and why they're selling.
I've just upgraded my sigma from 125 to 140 - remember that's a relatively low cost option if you do find you get bored after a while.
I find that even a 125 is simply too fast on the roads... I cannot have fun in it without being in seriously license losing territory, you're always stuck behind someone until you get to the motorway when you've really brought the wrong tool for the job.
In those few minutes when you have a clear road though, it's glorious. Or, on the track of course - once you're used to it and have a couple of lessons you'll be eating Subarus and baby Porsche's for breakfast.
I find that even a 125 is simply too fast on the roads... I cannot have fun in it without being in seriously license losing territory, you're always stuck behind someone until you get to the motorway when you've really brought the wrong tool for the job.
In those few minutes when you have a clear road though, it's glorious. Or, on the track of course - once you're used to it and have a couple of lessons you'll be eating Subarus and baby Porsche's for breakfast.
Another 125 Sigma driver here. I have driven a 140 and whilst it's obviously quicker once wound up, the 125 provides all the acceleration I need for road use and is more driveable at low speeds.
Having owned similar lightweight cars with 160bhp and more, the secret of a Caterham is in the excellent chassis and suspension in my opinion. If you get a 125 and feel the need for more power there's a pretty straightforward upgrade.
Having owned similar lightweight cars with 160bhp and more, the secret of a Caterham is in the excellent chassis and suspension in my opinion. If you get a 125 and feel the need for more power there's a pretty straightforward upgrade.
Camoradi said:
Another 125 Sigma driver here. I have driven a 140 and whilst it's obviously quicker once wound up, the 125 provides all the acceleration I need for road use and is more driveable at low speeds.
Having owned similar lightweight cars with 160bhp and more, the secret of a Caterham is in the excellent chassis and suspension in my opinion. If you get a 125 and feel the need for more power there's a pretty straightforward upgrade.
If you feel the need for even more than the Caterham 140 upgrade PremierPower have an excellent selection to choose from.Having owned similar lightweight cars with 160bhp and more, the secret of a Caterham is in the excellent chassis and suspension in my opinion. If you get a 125 and feel the need for more power there's a pretty straightforward upgrade.
http://www.premierpowerengines.com/products/1.6Sig...
The Sigma 125 is a great car. The engine is very torquey and suits the car well.
I hired one for a weekend and made the following video which, I hope, shows what fun it can be.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sqy3P3CDmt0
I hired one for a weekend and made the following video which, I hope, shows what fun it can be.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sqy3P3CDmt0
The First 125 Sigma demo car was on a 56 plate but I don't know whether the Sigma 125 Race Cars came before this or after I think it was before so there may have been some race academy cars on 05 plates.. but then Rover went down in 05 with Caterham buying up engine stock from Powertrain hmmmmm!!!??... the chassis number VIN will reveal all you need to know.
Edited to add the 8th and 9th digits on the VIN tell you which engine it is...
see below begins with R its a Rover begins with S its a Sigma.
RD Rover VHPD
RI Rover K-Series 1.4l (post1992)
RJ Rover K-Series 1.4l 2002 onwards
R3 R300
R4 R400
R5 1800 VHPD (230 HP) Rover K-Series (R500)
R6 Rover 1.6l
R8 Rover 1.8l
SE Sigma, Euro 4 emissions
SF Sigma, Euro 5 emissions
S0 Sigma
S1 Sigma 125 HP
Edited to add the 8th and 9th digits on the VIN tell you which engine it is...
see below begins with R its a Rover begins with S its a Sigma.
RD Rover VHPD
RI Rover K-Series 1.4l (post1992)
RJ Rover K-Series 1.4l 2002 onwards
R3 R300
R4 R400
R5 1800 VHPD (230 HP) Rover K-Series (R500)
R6 Rover 1.6l
R8 Rover 1.8l
SE Sigma, Euro 4 emissions
SF Sigma, Euro 5 emissions
S0 Sigma
S1 Sigma 125 HP
Edited by StEVEN7 on Wednesday 8th April 13:05
StEVEN7 said:
The First 125 Sigma demo car was on a 56 plate but I don't know whether the Sigma 125 Race Cars came before this or after I think it was before so there may have been some race academy cars on 05 plates.. but then Rover went down in 05 with Caterham buying up engine stock from Powertrain hmmmmm!!!??... the chassis number VIN will reveal all you need to know.
Edited to add the 8th and 9th digits on the VIN tell you which engine it is...
see below begins with R its a Rover begins with S its a Sigma.
RD Rover VHPD
RI Rover K-Series 1.4l (post1992)
RJ Rover K-Series 1.4l 2002 onwards
R3 R300
R4 R400
R5 1800 VHPD (230 HP) Rover K-Series (R500)
R6 Rover 1.6l
R8 Rover 1.8l
SE Sigma, Euro 4 emissions
SF Sigma, Euro 5 emissions
S0 Sigma
S1 Sigma 125 HP
That's very helpful info, thanks. Edited to add the 8th and 9th digits on the VIN tell you which engine it is...
see below begins with R its a Rover begins with S its a Sigma.
RD Rover VHPD
RI Rover K-Series 1.4l (post1992)
RJ Rover K-Series 1.4l 2002 onwards
R3 R300
R4 R400
R5 1800 VHPD (230 HP) Rover K-Series (R500)
R6 Rover 1.6l
R8 Rover 1.8l
SE Sigma, Euro 4 emissions
SF Sigma, Euro 5 emissions
S0 Sigma
S1 Sigma 125 HP
Edited by StEVEN7 on Wednesday 8th April 13:05
Bogle said:
Hello,
I'm new to the forum although I have been doing a little research on here, and I think I'm finally going to take the plunge and buy a Caterham. However I am still trying to decide if it is a good idea or not, and perhaps some of you guys could offer up your 2p worth?
Firstly, I'm looking at a 1.6 Sigma 125. I've driven a 1.8 K-series previously which I understand is a little quicker (at least to 60, by circa a second); what are your opinions on the 125 - am I going to find that it is noticeably slower? Or does the 125 make up for this with mid-range grunt?
The 125 is a great car. I hired one for a day and found it to be huge fun. I was lucky enough to find a 140 for sale when I went to buy a month later. It's an easy upgrade path if you do find yourself wanting more power.I'm new to the forum although I have been doing a little research on here, and I think I'm finally going to take the plunge and buy a Caterham. However I am still trying to decide if it is a good idea or not, and perhaps some of you guys could offer up your 2p worth?
Firstly, I'm looking at a 1.6 Sigma 125. I've driven a 1.8 K-series previously which I understand is a little quicker (at least to 60, by circa a second); what are your opinions on the 125 - am I going to find that it is noticeably slower? Or does the 125 make up for this with mid-range grunt?
Bogle said:
Second, do you happen to know when the Sigma engines were first used by Caterham? One of the cars I'm interested in is a 2005 build, but a couple of people I have spoken to were surprised that they were used this early. It is possible the seller upgraded, I guess.
That does seem a bit early as others have said. Worth checking the chassis information mentioned above.Bogle said:
Third, I have little mechanical knowledge (although willing to learn). Are they easy to maintain? Are they quite time consuming to own? Do you get them serviced?
I don't have much mechanical knowledge of cars. I try to do as much as I can (brake pads, fluid, oil - I even took the rocker cover off a few months back). You'll be surprised how much you'll learn, but it might be worthwhile finding a local specialist to have a look over it when you get the MOT done each year. Servicing is cheap as are many of the replacement parts.Bogle said:
Fourth, it would be my first time buying a used car privately so I'm erring on the side of extreme scepticism. However, I'm also open to the fact that Caterham owners are enthusiasts and generally take pride in their car; I guess I'm concerned that my lack of mechanical knowledge will lead me to not ask the right questions. On balance, what things do you look out for when viewing a Caterham?
Overall my heart says yes, but my head says no. I'm trying to convince myself that even if I only keep it for a couple of years it will be worth it! I'd appreciate any insights you knowledgable folk have. Drive safe.
B
You'll not want to part with it Overall my heart says yes, but my head says no. I'm trying to convince myself that even if I only keep it for a couple of years it will be worth it! I'd appreciate any insights you knowledgable folk have. Drive safe.
B
I bought mine privately (my first private purchase too) and it was easy. I drove from Cardiff to Tunbridge Wells to collect it. The car drove well but needed some TLC to bring it upto standard. I absolutely love it now and I can't see myself parting with it. It'll be getting a new paint job in a few years time. I keep considering more power, but the car is such fun as it is, I'm afraid it would ruin the balance.
You won't regret it
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