Buying advice - is this one to go for?

[Foggy748]

I’m new to the Caterham scene, told to have a try of one by my brother as we both loved our biking days and he reckons a 7 is the closest thing to it. Currently own a Lotus Exige 350 and was looking at this car:
https://www.williamsautomobiles.com/current-stock/...

I would welcome people’s opinions/comments please re price and what to look for etc.
How do I know if this car is not an ex track animal for instance (going by the mileage, would that be unlikely?)
I don’t intend to track the car; just nice roads on an early weekend morning.

Thanks in advance.

[voram]

For simple cars like these I'd prefer a private purchase to take out the dealer margin.

[Foggy748]

So would I but at the moment they are very thin on the ground!

[Tupwood]

The 420R you've selected looks great. To be fair, all Caterhams are so much more of an experience than 'regular' cars, so its worth checking out a variety of specs and models before you buy. Hire one for a day or weekend - and find the perfect car for you.

Mine is a Roadsport 140, and while it's not the quickest, it is beautifully balanced. Don't forget to check out the independent specialists for a broader selection of cars.

[keo]

I want a Caterham I was thinking of a 420R but this may be to much for on the road. Not sure. I have driven a 270 and loved it but was just a little slow for me.

[simonw67]

keo said:

I want a Caterham I was thinking of a 420R but this may be to much for on the road. Not sure. I have driven a 270 and loved it but was just a little slow for me.

Definitely not, just needs a little respect in the wet.

[vourin]

Having just bought a Caterham (SV / S5) I would definitely recommend you see if you fit / how you would get on with an S3. I was set on getting an S3 (the proportions look better to me and more choice) but it was too small - my head was outside the roof and critically above the roll bar (I am only 5'10").

Mileage isn't a give away for track cars as the odometer is commonly disconnected - CC have a 2010 academy car with just 3k miles for sale at the moment.

Williams are a CC franchise so perhaps provides more assurance when buying your first it isn't a lemon.

Edited by vourin on Wednesday 11th August 21:58

[Foggy748]

Thanks for your comments guys.
Well, today I tried the 420R. What can I say? Jesus H. Christ! What a raw and rabid machine! It was too raw for me, it left me mentally knackered after an hours test drive and I wasn’t even brave enough to rev it out. I guess I’m too old for this sh*t…but in an earlier life I would have loved it! I know that an hour in a 7 is nowhere near enough but for me, having had a big accident on a bike 19 yrs ago and the injuries it’s left me with, it was too much.

[Luke-36]

Foggy748 said:

Thanks for your comments guys.
Well, today I tried the 420R. What can I say? Jesus H. Christ! What a raw and rabid machine! It was too raw for me, it left me mentally knackered after an hours test drive and I wasn’t even brave enough to rev it out. I guess I’m too old for this sh*t…but in an earlier life I would have loved it! I know that an hour in a 7 is nowhere near enough but for me, having had a big accident on a bike 19 yrs ago and the injuries it’s left me with, it was too much.

I've an S2 SC 220 Elise & have been debating a switch to a Caterham. Haven't gotten around to driving one yet but was torn between a 310 or a 420 S/R. I'll have a go on one but feel as though Lotus have got a great balance between 'raw' and 'can use when it is raining & the missis won't totally hate it'.
I'll likely upgrade to an Exige 350 instead!

[coffeekid]

I have a 2018 360S that I am considering selling, although haven't totally made up my mind. Owned from new and just under 4000 miles on it.

Tempted to list it for sale but then I keep changing my mind lol

[SidewaysSi]

Luke-36 said:

Foggy748 said:

Thanks for your comments guys.
Well, today I tried the 420R. What can I say? Jesus H. Christ! What a raw and rabid machine! It was too raw for me, it left me mentally knackered after an hours test drive and I wasn’t even brave enough to rev it out. I guess I’m too old for this sh*t…but in an earlier life I would have loved it! I know that an hour in a 7 is nowhere near enough but for me, having had a big accident on a bike 19 yrs ago and the injuries it’s left me with, it was too much.

I've an S2 SC 220 Elise & have been debating a switch to a Caterham. Haven't gotten around to driving one yet but was torn between a 310 or a 420 S/R. I'll have a go on one but feel as though Lotus have got a great balance between 'raw' and 'can use when it is raining & the missis won't totally hate it'.
I'll likely upgrade to an Exige 350 instead!

Lotus is far better than a Seven for usability of course.

[blackmamba]

If anyone is considering the 420R in the original ad, it used to belong to a friend of mine and is a great car. Used as intended but always well cared for. Lovely in every way.

[the av8er]

Have you bought something yet?
Or seen something you feel is " the one " ?