Need Help Buying a Caterham
Discussion
I am looking for advice from Caterham owners. I want to buy a Caterham but I haven't owned one before. I am looking to spend between £8k and, say, £11k and want something quick. It will be a second car for blasting away stress at weekends. Does anyone have any advice what I should go for and whether my price range is realistic? I would prefer factory built I think - any comments on the pro's and con's here?
Would be grateful to anyone who can help me have some serious fun on four wheels.
Would be grateful to anyone who can help me have some serious fun on four wheels.
Wouldnt worry too much if its factory built or not, you will be buying a car that is probably 10 years old or more, so any build problems will have been ironed out long ago......I would look towards a 1.4 K series Supersport or a 1.6 if you are very lucky (might be a little more than your budget)........they give you all the 7 thrills, are economical to run and shouldnt depreciate too much. Happy hunting.
Thanks for your help. The 1.4 seems to have a bit more bhp than the 1.6 anyway, about 135 compared to 115 on the 1.6 Roadsport I looked at. Sounds like I should be up to the top end of my budget, which I am happy to do and even add a bit if required. What is the depreciation like on these? Thanks for the tip on the factory build thing too.
Thanks. Really getting excited about becoming an owner now. Just want to be able to beat all those Boxster owners of the lights really! A local dealer has a 2004 53 Reg Super Seven 1.6 Roadsport on at £16k. That sounds a bit rich to me and I am concerned about paying over the odds then losing a heap on it in a year or so.
A 1.6 K series... well it could be an ex 'Caterham Academy' car, nothing wrong in that BUT if it is then it would seem a little overpriced.. I know of one that was sold for approx £10k in the last week, a '53' plate with 2050miles. OK, it needed a little bit of 'cosmetic enhancement', but there are some bargains to be had if you know where to look!
One other word of warning with K series engines that have been used for racing/track, there has been an issue with the piston land cracking (mainly due to over-revving on the downchange!) So, always compression test the engine before committing to a purchase - 'tis usually No3 piston that is down...
Hope that helps..?
One other word of warning with K series engines that have been used for racing/track, there has been an issue with the piston land cracking (mainly due to over-revving on the downchange!) So, always compression test the engine before committing to a purchase - 'tis usually No3 piston that is down...
Hope that helps..?
Chunk said:
Thanks mate, that is huge help. I am looking about everywhere I can think of: caterham site, autotrader, x&m, pistonheads (obviously!), woodcote sports cars, blah, blah. Anyone got any other hot sites or tips for places to search 'em out please?
try findit/co.uk, easytrack, bookatrack, racecarsdirect
If you join the Lotus Seven Club you will receive their monthly magazine "Low Flying" and be able to post on their website, www.blatchat.com. Both feature "For Sale" sections.
Even if you don't bother joining the club, you can still access Blatchat and peruse the For Sale section, but you won't be able to post directly to the various forums.
Even if you don't bother joining the club, you can still access Blatchat and peruse the For Sale section, but you won't be able to post directly to the various forums.
Have you thought about a Supersprint. This has a 1.7 crossflow engine, 135bhp and 0-60 in around 5.5 secs. You can pick these up for around the money that you are looking at and they sound fantastic. A little more thirsty than a k-series but well worth considering.
Good luck with the hunt for a car. I would also second the notion of joining the lotus (caterham) 7 club. You will find many helpful people more than happy to give up their time andf knowledge to help an enthusiast. Also you get lowflying and a good discount on insurance for the caterham when you get it.
Good luck with the hunt for a car. I would also second the notion of joining the lotus (caterham) 7 club. You will find many helpful people more than happy to give up their time andf knowledge to help an enthusiast. Also you get lowflying and a good discount on insurance for the caterham when you get it.
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