The best Caterham?

[Jimmy the Gent]

I have a budget of around £13k, and a need a Caterham!...Any advice on best for my money/ones to avoid? I'm interested in the 1700 Supersprint cos it seems to be the quickest on paper, for the money. Also, how much do Caterham charge for servicing etc? Any help is appreciated. Thanks chaps.

[rubystone]

Post (whilst you can) on www.blatchat.com for advice - if you were really lucky you could pick up a tatty Superlight for that money too (none around at the moment AFAIK, but they do come up). An ex race VX 2 litre with up to 190 bhp is yours for that cash too.

[stiglet]

Although Zetec is not an obvious choice see:-

www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/detail.asp?i=34689&s=39

I know this car and it's a corker!

I'm sure James Whiting would look after it (or any other Caterham) for you. Good Luck

[budding911man]

The original 1.6 K series Caterham Superlight ('96-2001) - durable, reliable, quick, nible, reasonable spec price, holds value long term - that's my vote (might cost you a bit more than you have to spend, but save another £2k as the difference is well worth it over a basic or 'historical' engined 7 - I know because I've had 5x 7s now)

[Eric Mc]

At this stage in the history of the Seven I wouldn't really bother with the Crossflow variants. Even though I own one and they have their charms, they are very much old technology in this day and age. Many will not have been converted to run on unleaded either which is pretty much a necessity these days.
£13,000 would be too much for a Supersprint too. They are more likeley to be in the region of £10,000 or so.

[seventorque]

1600 or 1800 K with 6 speed box.

You can find them for 12 or 13k but maybe not at this time of year - you will save money if you buy in October or November.