Looking to buy R300...thoughts?

Looking to buy R300...thoughts?

Author
Discussion

WoodenOne

Original Poster:

18 posts

152 months

Thursday 15th March 2012
quotequote all
Hi all, just want to say what a great source of info the site is.

I am currently looking to purchase hopefully an R300 model, I have seen the following car and wonder if anyone knows much about the car..

http://www.specialistcars.net/newspecialistcars/ca...

It is for sale at 'Specialist Cars in the north. I am thinking the price may be a little high..?

Looking forward to meeting some of you at future events once I have my hands on a Seven!

Richard

grenpayne

2,018 posts

169 months

Thursday 15th March 2012
quotequote all
Richard,

car looks nice, it's the standard R300 K series spec and if the history's up to date like the ad says then I think it looks good. However, I'm inclined to agree that it's a bit over-priced and would be better off at around 18K. They probably have bumped it up due to the low mileage and the plate.

That low mileage could be a double-edged sword though, and Sevens definitely benefit from regular use. Bottom line is give it a thorough going over and prefereably take someone along with you who owns a Seven.

BertBert

19,687 posts

218 months

Thursday 15th March 2012
quotequote all
I wouldn't actually expect much to be wrong with low miles I don't think it really harms a 7 per se. But as always buy on condition!

I'd get them to change the plate though so you don't get stopped on the way home!

Also looks strong money, but if it's exactly what you want and you can negotiate on the price a bit, it looks nice. BAd time of year to buy 7s with the fantastic weather arrived!

BB

angusfaldo

2,801 posts

281 months

Thursday 15th March 2012
quotequote all
Don't know the car at all - sorry. But I did feel the need to say how much I loved my K R300 which was almost identical to the one you're looking at. It seemed such a great balance for road use - which is mainly what I wanted it for.

The price doesn't look too outrageous to me. A quick scan of PH adverts shows there's very little out there for sale. Caterham themselves have no R300s. So given the low numbers about and the fact that the sun just came out, it doesn't seem surprising that the price is strong.

It might seem attractive buying it with the cat bypass. My R300 routinely failed MOTs at non-7 MOT garages with the cat in. I'd check that you'll at least get the cat when you buy the car - hopefully carefully bubblewrapped. They can be a bit of a pain to put in as the springs that hold them on are tight. It's quite easy to ping the bodywork when you change.

Be warned - if you're anything like most other 7 owners R300 power will only be enough for a little while smile

Some Gump

12,864 posts

193 months

Thursday 15th March 2012
quotequote all
R300's are great, it'll be a very good car. Looks slightly high priced though - a few higher spec cars on PH at similar money:

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3514252.htm
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3668320.htm
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3712180.htm
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3471470.htm

...And an R300 for a bit less (sold, but shows market ish):
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3556182.htm

IMO the R300 is a fantastic car, but R400 power is even better, especially 2's up. That R400 has leather seats, but if you want tillets, an advert in Blatchat will probably get a swap, maybe even with cash your way.

Whatever you get, you;ll love it!

BertBert

19,687 posts

218 months

Thursday 15th March 2012
quotequote all
Some Gump said:
That R400 has leather seats, but if you want tillets, an advert in Blatchat will probably get a swap, maybe even with cash your way.
I don't think you'll give leather seats and get tillets back in a swap and get money coming your way!!!

Some Gump

12,864 posts

193 months

Thursday 15th March 2012
quotequote all
We did, sold leathers and got tillets, 150 quid our way....

BertBert

19,687 posts

218 months

Friday 16th March 2012
quotequote all
Some Gump said:
We did, sold leathers and got tillets, 150 quid our way....
Awesome, I stand corrected, but confused biggrin

PiersR

108 posts

163 months

Monday 19th March 2012
quotequote all
I belive that about 120 K series R300 were made and they are still in demand, particually original unmolested ones, which this car looks to be. When I bought mine two years ago, it was the only one on the market that I could find and I paid a premium, because that was the car I wanted. Prices hopefully will remain high for the R300, as cars of similar specification with all the bells and whistles added are only a few £k lower.

Wilakroyd

10 posts

178 months

Wednesday 21st March 2012
quotequote all
I know the owner of this car, its beautiful. I wasn't aware he had sold it, wonder if this is an old sale? If it is for sale its a great car!

WoodenOne

Original Poster:

18 posts

152 months

Wednesday 21st March 2012
quotequote all
Many thanks for all the replies, unfortunately following a call to the dealer it was sold a month ago - why they can't say so on their website!

So the hunt continues.....

Richard

Wilakroyd

10 posts

178 months

Thursday 22nd March 2012
quotequote all
more like 18 months ago! Bit of a white lie going on there!