Caterham without history

[sutchy]

Hi all

Am looking at purchasing a Caterham from a dealer for a car without any history. Its an 09 plate one owner car with 4500 miles on it.

According to the dealer its been garaged by the owner for most of its life. If I were to proceed I would want a full service completed together with all fluids being replaced plus an engine diagnostics report.

What is the collective view on how this might impact value and is there anything else I should be wary of?

Thanks!

[sutchy]

DE15 CAT said:

Top lurking 1st. post in 14yrs. on P.H.

Is the dealer a Caterham dealer or sells many different vehicles may be a consideration.
Do you know much about Caterhams.
Look at the Cats. for sale here to see how it compares price wise for age, mileage, spec.

Have you asked the dealer if he minds you contacting previous owner for background, you may get a feeling on his reply.

Yes first post has been a long time coming hasnt it?! I am a master of lurking...

This is the car:
https://www.oakmeremotorgroup.co.uk/cars/prestige/...

I think price wise, at face value, its in line with other R500s for sale recently. My question around value related to whether you would consider it priced on the high side given its lack of history.

Thanks for your response

[sutchy]

REALIST123 said:

Not sure what you're asking about with regard to impacting on value?

If it's the mileage and age, there are plenty of 7s with that sort of history. A fellow L7C member recently bought a car (R400D) of similar age with less than 1k miles. The builder built it then became ill and just stored the car.

It's new owner gave it a thorough check but it's been fine.

A service and fluid change is a given, if only so that you know where you are, but that's easy enough to do.

If it's been poorly stored I would think the signs will be easily recognised, dirt, dust, corrosion maybe?

Which engine is it?

Hi, thanks for your response. its an R500 duratec engine. (link above in previous post) It was stored on axle stands apparently to stop the tyres from flat spotting. Regarding the other items you mention, I would need to check those over when I go for a look.

[sutchy]

Thanks for all your comments so far, which have been really helpful.

Interesting point re the track day noise tests being an issue for the R500D, I hadnt considered that. Does the R400 have the same issue?

I have decided to wait to see what else comes up for sale over the the next few months. I am looking for an R400D or R500D so if anyone is considering selling please let me know.

Thanks