Which would you buy.......opinions please

[pmason74]

Previously owned a 7 Classic, starting in 105bhp guise which was subsequently upgraded to 138bhp - both with 5 speed and open diff. Sold many years ago after much fun to purchase a house.

In the market again, ready to buy, looking at 3 cars (all of which are 1.8k's, 6 speed, LSD). Probably will never be tracked (maybe a 1 off at Croft at some point, but an exception rather than the rule) so looking for fun drive across and around the North East's beautiful scenery and roads with the occasional burst of speed

Option 1, 2002 R300
Option 2, 2004 Tracksport (170BHP map & dry sump)
Option 3, 1999 Superlight R (200BHP map, dry sump + some other trick bits)

All roughly the same price ballpark (Tracksport cheaper but literally £200 between the other 2), all similar mileage, known history and nothing seemingly scary. I'm just scratching my head on which way to go. Off to see all in a week or so, so will probably know when 1 see, feel and touch all 3.

Would appreciate thoughts and any advice from those more familiar with the models and their road manners. All 3 will have capability far far beyond where I will use them, but want it that way rather than coming from the other way and then wanting to upgrade.

Thanks in advance

[pmason74]

Many thanks

Not sure whether the R300 is a roller barrel. That car and the Superlight R are both at the same dealer so I will ask the question.

As I am aware, the R300 is a standard as delivered car and the mods on the Superlight R is an Emerald ECU and remap, R500 exhaust, aero suspension and Nitron Shock absorbers

[pmason74]

V7SLR said:

If condition is not an issue, assuming the R300 is the original rollerbarrel version, I'd go for that. From what you say you're unlikely to modify it so it's value will be pretty bombproof and it'll probably suit best what you intend to do with it.

The SLR would be my second choice but in modified form the value can be affected. Has the SLR had a rollerbarrel conversion?

V7SLR - dealership has advised both cars are roller barrel

Thanks again

[pmason74]

Many thanks G7

Indeed, correct on all counts, that is the Tracksport and there are a couple of cars at Chapman 2 (couple of R300's and the SLE) as well as another R300 elsewhere.

Aiming to get a car that I never want/need to upgrade, however fully aware that may well change post purchase!

[pmason74]

Many thanks analog_me. Haven't seen any of the cars in the flesh as yet, but all seem to be broadly same condition and similar specs, though the SLR has the highest power and some additional suspension and carbon bits, albeit the oldest car. All 3 I am sure would be brilliant hence why I'm struggling a little to decide. I'm sure when I see them face to face, I'll be able to make a decision, but in the meantime interesting to read everyone's thoughts/views so appreciate that.

G7, don't know in terms of reliability/engine stress, as you say the price point is higher and that's my limiting factor so at this spec level I can only see K series cars. Lots of duractec cars about, but haven't found one yet with the combo of power/gearbox/lsd etc that I'm after

[pmason74]

Wow! That looks fabulous Sundance. I didn't even know people put Honda engines in Caterhams. I do like the thought of the SLR (and I say this accepting of my limited knowledge on such things) as being the most extreme of a pretty extreme bunch of choices, however I'm also aware that I am considering something which I will never experience full potential of (though that is the same for all 3 choices in reality).

Whichever way I go, and when I have seen all 3 I'm sure I'll be able to make the final choice, I know I'll be re-starting a magical and memorable ownership journey

Thanks for your thought, appreciated and thanks for the pictures too

[pmason74]

knight said:

That could be my old Tracksport, if so the only reason I changed it was that Callum twisted my arm into buying an R500

He did say the previous owner of the Tracksport bought a R500

[pmason74]

Many thanks Green George. Interesting read that.

I'm not knowledgeable enough to know, but there is a certain something about the SLR, but in fairness all 3 specs/types are very special so I guess it's trying to pick the best from an excellent selection

Thanks for your thoughts

[pmason74]

sundance002 said:

Have been thinking of selling mine, as now I would like to find another SLR and put the new Honda 2.4ltr Engine, capable of 360bhp 60 more than my K20
With paddle shift.
So a sensible offer could buy mine
There is a thread on here showing the full build.
300bhp 200ftlb torq
4 power settings adjusted via dial on dash
Life f88 Ecu



[footnote]Edited by sundance002 on Saturday
2nd September 14:44[/footnote]

As appealing as the offer is, having seen yours and hearing about the spec, I suspect it's somewhat out of my price range mores the pity!

[pmason74]

Thanks V7SLR for the tip re: dry sump maintenance, when I see the cars (3 of the ones I am now looking at are dry sumped) I can review the history to see if I can see if this has been done

[pmason74]

V7SLR said:

Titan who made the scavenge pumps will refresh them at a cost of around £100 (last time I had mine done).

Assuming the oil level is correct, if there's some dropping of the oil pressure under heavy breaking, the scavenge pump needs a refresh.

Many thanks for the info V7SLR - will be useful as a couple of cars I am looking at (next week) are dry sumped (and guessing it will be the Caterham system) and one is an Apollo installation. To be honest, for my use I suspect the dry sump is overkill as my meagre cornering speeds on account of limited bravery/talent will not create much centrifugal force, but if they come with it, so much the better and if I ever did take to a track (although unlikely) there's peace of mind its all covered

Also be looking at a very nice looking Duratec car later this week which has an epic looking spec - I'm very lucky in being somewhat spoiled for choice!

Appreciate everyone's help and guidance

[pmason74]

Just wanted to say a very big thank you to everyone who has given advice both on here and the myriad of PM's I've sent out asking for various bits of info and advice subsequently

Today, I have placed a deposit and it's not on any of the cars I originally asked about! Have seen some fabulous cars and in the end have gone for one which I didn't think I ever would and not one on my original must have's list

But, today, despite my head saying otherwise, I was bowled over by the look of a particular car and then driving it made everything else go out of the window. Felt so right, felt confident and comfortable driving it, felt absolutely spot on, so ignored my head and just did it! Not sure what it was about the car, but it just clicked and I knew it was "the one"

Thanks again everyone, and the Caterham ownership experience starts again! (Well in a week or so anyways!)

[pmason74]

Just wanted to say a very big thank you to everyone who has given advice both on here and the myriad of PM's I've sent out asking for various bits of info and advice subsequently

Today, I have placed a deposit and it's not on any of the cars I originally asked about! Have seen some fabulous cars and in the end have gone for one which I didn't think I ever would and not one on my original must have's list

But, today, despite my head saying otherwise, I was bowled over by the look of a particular car and then driving it made everything else go out of the window. Felt so right, felt confident and comfortable driving it, felt absolutely spot on, so ignored my head and just did it! Not sure what it was about the car, but it just clicked and I knew it was "the one"

Thanks again everyone, and the Caterham ownership experience starts again! (Well in a week or so anyways!)

[pmason74]

A red (not a preferred colour of mine at all but looks stunning on this car), fairly extensively upgraded (again, not something I was looking for) supersport. Fantastic looking and brilliant to drive so I had to do it.

[pmason74]

Thank you Green George. Would never have thought I would have liked a red car, so surprised when I liked the look of it so much.