Realistically How Long Should a Caterham 7 Last?
Discussion
Hi,
I've just ordered my new Caterham 7 kit (270s, Yellow and Carbon), but I've been reading quite a lot about rust. Now I know they are not 'normal' cars when it comes to rust, but I was hoping to keep it approx 25 years (by which time I'll be too old to get in and out of it!) and was wondering realistically how long might my new car last before...
a) Rust is making it look tatty
b) Rust is causing it to fail MOT
c) Rust is beyond economical repair.
...obviously, the way it's used and looked after will have most bearing on this so, here is the pertinent info about how the car will be used and maintained...
- It will be garaged in a warm, dry garage. The garage is integral to the house so doesn't ever get really cold in there. I've got various metal objects in there (mainly tools) and they never get surface condensation, but I'd be happy to run a dehumidifier or heater if it would make a big difference.
- It will be a 3rd car and so considered a 'toy' ie it will not have to do any journeys where the weather is not nice. That said, I do intend to do some 'Grand Tours' of UK and Europe with it, so it may well get caught out in the rain from time to time.
- I won't drive it in the winter unless roads are completely dry and salt free. (but might occasionally blat through the Alps!)
- I'm happy to perform one day's worth of winter storage prep - ie spraying underneath with something, plus touching up chipped powder coating.
- I'm going to do about 5k per year in it.
- My garage is brick build, but quite small (as there's other stuff in it) so I won't have space for a 'cacoon' thingy.
- I don't intend to track it, it's purely a road car used for blatting and touring.
I've heard people refer to Caterhams as 'Triggers Broom' ie all the bits get replaced over time, but are there bits of the chassis where it's just too expensive (e.g. >£15k) to strip down and replace?
Any other hints or tips to make it last longer than me would be appreciated! ;-)
Regards
Dave
I've just ordered my new Caterham 7 kit (270s, Yellow and Carbon), but I've been reading quite a lot about rust. Now I know they are not 'normal' cars when it comes to rust, but I was hoping to keep it approx 25 years (by which time I'll be too old to get in and out of it!) and was wondering realistically how long might my new car last before...
a) Rust is making it look tatty
b) Rust is causing it to fail MOT
c) Rust is beyond economical repair.
...obviously, the way it's used and looked after will have most bearing on this so, here is the pertinent info about how the car will be used and maintained...
- It will be garaged in a warm, dry garage. The garage is integral to the house so doesn't ever get really cold in there. I've got various metal objects in there (mainly tools) and they never get surface condensation, but I'd be happy to run a dehumidifier or heater if it would make a big difference.
- It will be a 3rd car and so considered a 'toy' ie it will not have to do any journeys where the weather is not nice. That said, I do intend to do some 'Grand Tours' of UK and Europe with it, so it may well get caught out in the rain from time to time.
- I won't drive it in the winter unless roads are completely dry and salt free. (but might occasionally blat through the Alps!)
- I'm happy to perform one day's worth of winter storage prep - ie spraying underneath with something, plus touching up chipped powder coating.
- I'm going to do about 5k per year in it.
- My garage is brick build, but quite small (as there's other stuff in it) so I won't have space for a 'cacoon' thingy.
- I don't intend to track it, it's purely a road car used for blatting and touring.
I've heard people refer to Caterhams as 'Triggers Broom' ie all the bits get replaced over time, but are there bits of the chassis where it's just too expensive (e.g. >£15k) to strip down and replace?
Any other hints or tips to make it last longer than me would be appreciated! ;-)
Regards
Dave
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