Buying first Caterham

[Viper1981]

Hi all
Looking at buying a Caterham - it’s my first and with such a wide variety of specs, mileage etc, I’m finding it difficult to understand if prices are fair or not
Have seen this one that I like and make go and see, but seems a bit high price wise for the age, or does it look about right to those in the know? Also, any tips on what to look for in general and also with the k series engine?
Thanks for any help.
https://www.gpsevens.co.uk/portfolio-item/caterham...

[Viper1981]

AVB said:

Seems a bit pricy. I bought in February (from GP7) a 2003, 1.8 K series VVC with 6 speed box, similar miles. for a couple of hundred more.

Which one was it that you bought as I see they’ve got some on there that was sold, so be interesting to compare to this one - if over priced, not worth popping down for a look and tear drive.
Thanks

[Viper1981]

number2 said:

Probably.

But with new Caterham prices ever increasing, major supply problems, and the price of other cars and everything else going up, wouldn't you?

What goes up just come down I guess - that’s inevitable and I’m prepared to lose a bit during ownership, but don’t want that increased if over the top price wise in the first place.

[Viper1981]

DCL said:

If you keep watching them you will see that good cars that are good value will move on quickly and the overpriced stuff will stick around longer. The car in in the link looks like a a good car that probably been cherished by its previous owners, but the price is high for the spec and age. The 5 speed gearbox mated to a K series would put me off, the Caterham Six is really a 'must have' with the K, IMHO. If it was a couple grand lower I would say it was a fair price.

Interesting about 5 speed v 6 speed, I was wondering if I’d miss not having that 6th gear early on and quickly have to change car!! See this one too which has been round for a little while, albeit always at higher price on Caterham Facebook page. Lots of extra and 1.8, but still 5 speed rather than 6
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202304126...

[Viper1981]

AVB said:

Viper1981 said:

AVB said:

Seems a bit pricy. I bought in February (from GP7) a 2003, 1.8 K series VVC with 6 speed box, similar miles. for a couple of hundred more.

Which one was it that you bought as I see they’ve got some on there that was sold, so be interesting to compare to this one - if over priced, not worth popping down for a look and tear drive.
Thanks

This one.

https://www.gpsevens.co.uk/portfolio-item/now-sold...

Although currently back with them being fixed as problem with engine.

Great colour with the black pack! I’ll keep an eye out for you.

[Viper1981]

Turn7 said:

VVC perchance ?

:

Should o be avoiding a VVC??

[Viper1981]

Turn7 said:

Viper1981 said:

Turn7 said:

VVC perchance ?

:

Should o be avoiding a VVC??

Not particularly, no...but I suspect I know who the poster his......


Where are you based ? You need to speak to owners really.

Get on blachat/facebook groups and find the local 7 community.

Theres a lot of small but very active whatsapp groups these days, and everyone wants to help, it’s a great atmsophere.

Surrey - but happy to travel for right car
Thanks for the tip - I’ll get hunting and hope I don’t annoy people with too many q’s! I suspect as weather improves, so will people looking, so will have to act fast on those good ones (if I can work out that they are! 😁)

[Viper1981]

AVB said:

Viper1981 said:

AVB said:

Seems a bit pricy. I bought in February (from GP7) a 2003, 1.8 K series VVC with 6 speed box, similar miles. for a couple of hundred more.

Which one was it that you bought as I see they’ve got some on there that was sold, so be interesting to compare to this one - if over priced, not worth popping down for a look and tear drive.
Thanks

This one.

https://www.gpsevens.co.uk/portfolio-item/now-sold...

Although currently back with them being fixed as problem with engine.

Out of interest - what price on this??

[Viper1981]

ben5575 said:

This one is almost the definition of a cooking Caterham. 1.6k, 14" alloys, 5sp 'box, narrow track, 135bhp, small brakes, no lsd

If it's a k, go 6sp. 5sp works ok with the ford engines. Ideally you want to be around 160/180bhp (without going to silly bhp). 13" is the most flexible wheel size as it gives a much wider choice of proper tyres. Wide track nice to have, big brakes more important as you get to 180bhp. LSD (and other opinions are available) is essential. Leather seats are very nice, Tillets are far more comfortable that they look. Lowered floor is a big plus if you're 6ft+. As is detachable steering wheel.

ETA there is nothing wrong at all with a base spec Caterham, however you will spend a lot of money upgrading it just because. You just have to accept that upgraditus is a part of Caterham ownership

Edited by ben5575 on Friday 28th April 19:33

Thanks for the detail.

Forgive the naivety- but what is a cooking caterham?
Height and weight wise (just!) I should be fine without need for lowered floors and detachable steering wheel, so widens options and limits need to make changes if not already the case.

Likewise on brakes/tyres/wheels - will be limited on road as to speed, although want to be safe, so I’m fairly open there too.

Not planning on taking my first caterham on a track (happy to look at those which have been occasionally on there) as want to enjoy round the winding roads in nearby kent mainly and upgrade eventually (if funds allow and I’m better at driving!) to a bigger and better one in years to come and sample a track or 2 then!

So are you saying best to avoid k series rover engine? River engines in standard cars I know were know for head gasket issues, Is ford a better one to look out for to limit risk of shelling out extra funds and/or having it off road more than on?

Thanks

[Viper19]

Tupwood said:

While it looks like a nice clean car, why has it only done 8,000 miles in 23 years? Even if the service schedule and maintenance are rigorous - that is a lot of time static / not being used. For me, I'd like to see a car that has has a bit of mileage added - at least you know then it has been driven and any issues are more likely to have been found and sorted out by previous owners. It probably has the original Avon tyres from 2000 on it too, which will be rock hard and dangerous to use. Yes, some owners are very light users, but less than 500 miles per year (average) is not going to end well when you do start adding your own.

Good point on mileage
Just did online MOT check on a few others from auto trade where reg available…seems a few in later years do little to no mileage between MOT’s. I guess lack of use forces sale or could it be only then used on a track? If I can get warranty then hopefully solves issues for a period of time?!?!?

[Viper19]

mcg_ said:

OP imo if you see the one you've linked, it's in good condition and you like it, just buy it. I've never going to much cheaper really unless you buy off a used seller.

I just bought my first one a couple of weeks back, love it! Bought privately as the price and car was right. If you keep an eye on the facebook for sale page and happy to wait, I'm sure something will coming up privately if you wanted.

What did you go fit as your first Caterham out of interest?

[Viper19]

ben5575 said:

ETA that the roll cage on the last one is great for confidence (you start to realise how vulnerable you are if you were T boned at a roundabout when you're in a seven) but they are a ball ache for everyday use, particularly that style of cage. Bimbling to the pub still possible but standing on your seat to sit on the cage, to swing your legs off to get out of the car is not a convenience. Especially for your wife. Same applies at every petrol station, car park etc etc. It is a strong look that you need to be comfortable with

Edited by ben5575 on Sunday 30th April 10:39

Think for anyone I take out in it, having one with a cage like this would certainly add to the “experience” ha ha .
Some great comparable examples there - thank you!

You’re right - I’m not looking to track it or drive at vast speeds (cough cough maybe a little!) and tend to just enjoy it on the roads making the trips you’ve noted and get to know a Caterham more before upping budget and spec, so an entry level “cooked” Caterham will be ideal for me to begin with.
Think I’ll head over to Kent and look at the one linked in original post and go from there. Based on a couple of comments where people have had issues, a garage purchase looks like the best option to give a bit of protection warranty wise, which would be worth the slightly extra spend.
Fingers crossed I fall in love with something soon to get the most benefit this year with weather improving.

[Viper19]

DCL said:

Just a word of caution on using a full cage on the road. They are designed for use with helmets. The bars are close to your head and driving them without a helmet risks a serious head injury, even in a minor accident. On balance I would replace them with a roll-over bar for road use, or always wear a helmet. But wearing a helmet is not always convenient.

Whilst safer I’m sure in one regard, don’t think one with a full cage is going to be one for me….wearing a helmet won’t be ideal (which I hadn’t considered so thanks) and the in/out process for me others isn’t appealing either.

[Viper19]

ben5575 said:

Best of luck and be sure to update the thread with any purchase!

I've gone for the one in the original post, which hopefully picking up later this week!

[Viper19]

ben5575 said:

Congratulations!

Pictures are obviously obligatory

Will do - fingers crossed for collection this weekend!

[Viper19]

AVB said:

Congratulations. Did you see my one there (probably in bits). Six weeks and counting!

Thanks! Sorry to hear about your one still being back in the garage....do they know the problem yet or is it just a delay on parts??
I'll try and look out for it when I collect

[Viper19]

Steve Campbell said:

I'm guessing the OP has such a silly grin on their face they have forgotten to post pictures and tell us how it went :-)

You’re right I did! A very delayed upload….not the best of pics, but very happy with it! Only parks up a couple of times in public and was surprised with compliments and people looking.