Lightweight car?

[sprinty]

Hi,

I'm looking for a caterfield type car (though not actually a Caterham of westfield as my budget doesn't stretch that far)

But here's the kicker, it will have to sit under a cover outside when not driven as my garage is converted.

Am I crazy to think these will be reliable/not fall apart/rust if left outside? I would love to know if anyone has done this with minimal problems.

The only stipulation would be a proper screen as I can't be faffed to wear a helmet with those aero type screens.

I guess my budget would be 10k, can anyone recommend which way to go?

[HustleRussell]

These cars tend to have steel spaceframe chassis which are vulnerable to rust but this can be managed if properly maintained. The problem with Caterhams is that the aluminium bodywork against the chassis causes galvanic corrosion and of course they're valuable cars so you don't want that. You have a load of options but IMO look for something with a fibreglass body and be prepared to do some extra cleaning / corrosion prevention compared to a normal tintop.

[loskie]

or rent a lock up

[sprinty]

Thanks Russell, I’m not adverse to a spot of cleaning or paying for a decent underbody protection every so often I guess, I suppose a dedicated forum would point me in the right direction.

Just wanted to know if anyone on here had done it before (kit car with no garage) and which cars to steer clear from.

There are no lock ups in the village unfortunately else that would be ideal!

[HustleRussell]

Last time I looked Westfields were doable for £10k, you can get a ropey caterham for £10k too but cheaper options- MK Indy, GBS Zero, Tiger, a well finished 'Locost'? Ones to avoid- Robin Hood, Poorly built Locost.

[sprinty]

Thanks Russell,

Just had a quick look and a Westfield is doable on that budget, I’ll join the forum and pick their brains, cheers.

[Trophy Husband]

What about a Fisher Fury or are you smitten with the open wheeled look?



I think these things look fantastic!

[sprinty]

No not particularly after the open wheel look just low weight hence why I thought that would be the way to go.

Agreed that does look great (as long as it comes with a proper screen) but how would it cope with being under cover all winter? (and most of the summer in this country!)

[Trophy Husband]

There seems to be quite a few iterations of the Fury. Earlier models had a different front. Here are two images, one with full screen, one with roof.





Pretty sure you'd get into a well sorted one for well within your budget.

[sprinty]

They are great looking but what I really need to know is if they can be kept outside under a car cover?

[Trophy Husband]

I don't see why one couldn't be kept outside under cover. They are GRP bodied as far as I know.

[caelite]

Mx5? With change for a set of track whee&tyres, quality coilovers, a half cage and potentially a hard top for outdoor storage.

[sprinty]

Mx5 is certainly a good shout but I’m quite tall and when the missus used to have one I had to look over the screen when driving it, plus I know it’s the answer to every question but fancy something more raw

[andyf1140]

There's a debate running on the Marlin Owners Club forum about the effects of covers on the paint with some getting micro-blistering after they have been stored under covers for a while. I would suggest one of the temporary tent type covers would be a good compromise.

PS I would seriously consider a Fury they're nice cars and faster than a Caterham

[sprinty]

Hi Andy, yes that did run through my head about it marking the paint but by its very nature (i.e. being kept outside) I'm not looking for a garage queen, I would rather just sort out the paint when/if it came time to sell.

Regarding those tents I'd have one in a shot but it wouldn't be feasible for where I'm planning to keep it unfortunately.

Fisher Fury is now firmly on the list of possible cars!