Should I buy a 420r?

[undred orse]

Hello all,
I’m hoping for some advice from the experts.

I’ve never had a Caterham but have lusted after one for many,many years. As my profile shows I’ve had lots of cars of various types over the years and currently use a polo gti every day with a boxster 718gts and a 19999 Mini Cooper as the toys. The mini has only done 6,000 miles from new.

I have the chance of getting a new 420r and I’m a bit nervous about whether it’s the right thing to do. It would be as well as not instead of what I already have. If in a year or two I was not using the boxster I’d be happy to sell it and stick with the caterham or vice versa or I’d keep both if they were both getting use.

I’ve not done track days but would look to with the Caterham.

One worry I have is about the size of the caterham. I’m about 6 feet tall but quite wide - former rugby prop forward and I don’t fit well in an Elise and even an mx5 is a little snug. Would an SV be essential. The car I’ve seen isn’t an SV. Would an SV still be tight in comparison with the 2 I’ve mentioned? I know the best thing is to go and try but if it’s a non starter I’d rather not have that direct disappointment.

Any other general advice for a novice would be welcome.

Thanks.

[agatebox]

As for sizing, I’m 6ft, around 175lb, not what I’d describe as a stocky build. I’ve got a 420R SV with lowered floors.

I’ve driven / fit in a “standard” S3, the extra width of the SV however for me allows you somewhere to rest your arms and generally for feel much more comfortable place to be. If you are only going to use the car just for the odd quick blast then you may be willing to sacrifice some comfort.

Regardless of chassis size I’ve found the standard Caterham bucket seats just don’t agree with my body shape, putting pressure on certain areas and hence become uncomfortable after about an hours driving. Whereas with the standard leather seats in my 420R I can spend hours driving if I want.

In the cold and wet a 420R needs to be treated with respect otherwise you’ll end up in the hedgerows or worse!

If you cherish your hearing a set of earplugs/headphones are required, noise levels can exceed 100db easily.

Finally I would never recommend someone to buy a Caterham without trying one for at least half a day. They are like Marmite you’ll either love it or hate it!. Also if possible if you haven’t used a 4point harness before try those as well, again some people just cannot get on with them. You only have to look at the classified to realise that a lot of Caterham’s bought no doubt with fine intentions ultimately hardly get used over the years.

Good luck whatever you choose

[sjl1]

Strongly agree with advice that you should test drive a few cars so you can understand the differences.

I am 5’10” and 90kg and have an s3 after previously hacing an sv and frankly regret the change, the s3 is great on the track but frankly uncomfortable on longer journeys. Most new cars sold are SV’s now ...

Regards power, the sweet spot for these cars is 160bhp and i would recommend you try a 310r with a six speed box if you can. The 420 is very powerful and will bite, fine if you like that sort of thing but not great if thats not your cup of tea. Having had both i would now fo back to the 310.

[PiersR]

You don’t mention where you are based. There are a number of specialists that deal only in 7’s and you need to visit and try some for size. I would go for the SV with lowered floors, if you are a large chap. Sevens & Classics at Brands Hatch or GP Sevens also in KENT are a good starting point.

[anonymous-user]

sjl1 said:

Strongly agree with advice that you should test drive a few cars so you can understand the differences.

I am 5’10” and 90kg and have an s3 after previously hacing an sv and frankly regret the change, the s3 is great on the track but frankly uncomfortable on longer journeys. Most new cars sold are SV’s now ...

Regards power, the sweet spot for these cars is 160bhp and i would recommend you try a 310r with a six speed box if you can. The 420 is very powerful and will bite, fine if you like that sort of thing but not great if thats not your cup of tea. Having had both i would now fo back to the 310.

There’s no objectively agreed sweet spot. I couldn’t live with only 160bhp (incidentally the 310 is only 152).

My R400, one of the last so basically the same as a 420, is a 220bhp 6 speed.

With a light foot it’s easy to potter along safely in any conditions but it’s rarely left breathless on track or a dry road.

I’m not recommending it to everyone, you need to try a couple of cars and decide for yourself but I’ve always thought it’s easier to modify your throttle control than an underpowered car!

[undred orse]

Thanks to all. That’s all great advice. I think they next step is to try to sit in both and get a drive in whichever “fits”better. In terms of power I certainly know my limitations so a 420 would be the max I’d look at. I will also think about other options. I’m in South Wales so a trip will be on the cards.

Thanks again.

[BertBert]

It's a personal choice and like people are saying you have to try out for size and power really. I got up to 230 bhp in a series of cars and then settled back to 135 or whatever the 1600 k ss makes. That was perfect fun to me. Also I preferred the smaller tyres on 6" rims for the road as the limit of grip is much more accessible than on 8" rims. I never found it boring on track either. But all personal choice.

Bert