Ex Academy car advice
Discussion
Hi all, after far, far too long, I’m seriously considering a Caterham. It will be a change from my near 2 ton E55!
Looking at an ex academy car at Gatwick Caterham that has full weather gear and windscreen. It’s 3 years old and done few miles.
Questions- very grateful for any advice-
It will be for occasional use- I’m not forced to use it in bad weather… will I miss heated screen? Or heater?
I’m set on the extended showercape from soft bits- recommended?
The car is up for £23995. Seems a lot but obvs warrantied, fairly new and so on. Will they be flexible on price in Jan, or throw in any extra bits?
Do I need to be on top of the chassis condition even with newer caterhams? It will live outside, won’t be driven on salted roads but I’m wondering how much POR15/ luck I’ll need?
Is there anything else I should be asking?
Thank you for any advice. I last drove a Caterham for Evo mag in 2003 so I’ve waited long enough for my own!
Looking at an ex academy car at Gatwick Caterham that has full weather gear and windscreen. It’s 3 years old and done few miles.
Questions- very grateful for any advice-
It will be for occasional use- I’m not forced to use it in bad weather… will I miss heated screen? Or heater?
I’m set on the extended showercape from soft bits- recommended?
The car is up for £23995. Seems a lot but obvs warrantied, fairly new and so on. Will they be flexible on price in Jan, or throw in any extra bits?
Do I need to be on top of the chassis condition even with newer caterhams? It will live outside, won’t be driven on salted roads but I’m wondering how much POR15/ luck I’ll need?
Is there anything else I should be asking?
Thank you for any advice. I last drove a Caterham for Evo mag in 2003 so I’ve waited long enough for my own!
Edited by anonymous-user on Friday 7th January 17:13
The only time I use my Caterham in the wet is if I'm caught in a shower, and if I'm able to keep the speed above 45mph, the rain just goes over my head and I don't need the hood up, hence I've never had to use the heated screen, but I should think it would be essential if you're going to be an all-weather driver with doors and full hood fitted. The heater makes for a very cosy cockpit on a cold day and whilst not a critical piece of equipment, I would definitely recommend it for late Autumn driving.
If you’re not driving it in bad weather then I’d agree a heated screen isn’t essential. But I’d also agree that a heater is a very nice thing to have on a chilly day!
Caterham usually won’t budge on price, at least not in my experience. You’d be better off asking for things to get thrown in such as fresh tyres, items that need tidying up, or things you want to add or change.
If the car is staying outside, then a decent breathable cover would help. Rather than POR15 (which is great stuff) I would recommend ACF50. If you spent a bit of time coating the underside and front suspension twice a year, it would go along way to stopping it getting scabby. It’s amazing stuff and my 9 year old R300 looks brand new underneath because of it. Finally put some in the ‘grot traps’ too which are the gaps between the chassis legs and skin as it’ll help stop corrosion coming through the skin.
Caterham usually won’t budge on price, at least not in my experience. You’d be better off asking for things to get thrown in such as fresh tyres, items that need tidying up, or things you want to add or change.
If the car is staying outside, then a decent breathable cover would help. Rather than POR15 (which is great stuff) I would recommend ACF50. If you spent a bit of time coating the underside and front suspension twice a year, it would go along way to stopping it getting scabby. It’s amazing stuff and my 9 year old R300 looks brand new underneath because of it. Finally put some in the ‘grot traps’ too which are the gaps between the chassis legs and skin as it’ll help stop corrosion coming through the skin.
I have a half hood, and an ex academy. The screen isn't heated, I think in many cases they're just not replaced with heated ones because expensive and vulnerable to stone chips (i.e. something of a consumable). As I understand they need to be heated (for demist) to pass IVA, but thereafter, meh..
I planned to retrofit a heater to mine, but never did. The engine/tunnel kicks off a fair bit of heat, I can't see the heater being very effective except with a full hood, which I don't fancy much.. I have a half-hood (plenty of ventilation) just wear more clothes!
If you're going full hood, I think you need one/the other, perhaps both to retain vision..
I planned to retrofit a heater to mine, but never did. The engine/tunnel kicks off a fair bit of heat, I can't see the heater being very effective except with a full hood, which I don't fancy much.. I have a half-hood (plenty of ventilation) just wear more clothes!
If you're going full hood, I think you need one/the other, perhaps both to retain vision..
Thanks for the replies- very helpful. The more I read, the more a half hood seems like a good idea. I’m an outdoor sort of person, so I can take that approach to dressing for the car too!
Didn’t realise that screens were so vulnerable- is it the angle, or the material? Or something else- the low height?
Didn’t realise that screens were so vulnerable- is it the angle, or the material? Or something else- the low height?
I think the specific comment about the screen is mostly related to racing, academy drivers probably go in the gravel a lot 
In my experience on the road, the screens don't seem to suffer much more than other cars. Although they are low down and flat.
They can break in the lower corners either side if people use them as support to get in or out or run with the hood very tight. But again not all that common.
In my experience on the road, the screens don't seem to suffer much more than other cars. Although they are low down and flat.
They can break in the lower corners either side if people use them as support to get in or out or run with the hood very tight. But again not all that common.
The steep angle of the glass and low level of the car means more chips and cracks in a Caterham windscreen. I’ve had a few bird strikes too and they make a mess.
Switching to Brooklands screens has enhanced the drive, but you feel the stones on your forehead, so goggles are a must, and I use a light (snowboarding) helmet for most drives. What ever you choose for a screen, protect your hearing with plugs or headphones. Wind noise can cause tinnitus.
Glass can be replaced, but it’s a specialist job. Full replacement screens are an expensive option, so non-heated glass offers some cost savings. Paint is also a victim of stones. Paint protection film might help if you need it to look prestine.
If driving solo, a half tonneau cover to enclose the cockpit helps keep the rain out and the heat in.
Enjoy the drive.
https://youtube.com/channel/UCLyMVPqGXnNasgXYVeZYh...
Switching to Brooklands screens has enhanced the drive, but you feel the stones on your forehead, so goggles are a must, and I use a light (snowboarding) helmet for most drives. What ever you choose for a screen, protect your hearing with plugs or headphones. Wind noise can cause tinnitus.
Glass can be replaced, but it’s a specialist job. Full replacement screens are an expensive option, so non-heated glass offers some cost savings. Paint is also a victim of stones. Paint protection film might help if you need it to look prestine.
If driving solo, a half tonneau cover to enclose the cockpit helps keep the rain out and the heat in.
Enjoy the drive.
https://youtube.com/channel/UCLyMVPqGXnNasgXYVeZYh...
OP, just go for it, you won’t regret it. I would not worry too much about the spec as stuff can very easily be added later if the base car is right for you.
My car is ex-academy, when I bought it just under a year ago it was very much converted back to road spec, and I’ve added a few bits since for touring comfort. However a previous owner on here spotted it and sent me pics of how it looked in its academy days and there’s obviously been a lot of changes since!
I do use mine all year if it’s dry, and I do really like the heater (this can easily be retrofitted). I’ve very rarely used the heated screen. Half hood is a must (ideally with zips unless you are a skinny contortionist). I have the small shower cap (bought second hand) and it works fine for me, nice and small and goes everywhere so if I leave the car parked up out of sight it goes on to keep showers/bird poo/prying eyes out of the way. If it lived outside I’d probably be going for a full cover.
My car is ex-academy, when I bought it just under a year ago it was very much converted back to road spec, and I’ve added a few bits since for touring comfort. However a previous owner on here spotted it and sent me pics of how it looked in its academy days and there’s obviously been a lot of changes since!
I do use mine all year if it’s dry, and I do really like the heater (this can easily be retrofitted). I’ve very rarely used the heated screen. Half hood is a must (ideally with zips unless you are a skinny contortionist). I have the small shower cap (bought second hand) and it works fine for me, nice and small and goes everywhere so if I leave the car parked up out of sight it goes on to keep showers/bird poo/prying eyes out of the way. If it lived outside I’d probably be going for a full cover.
I’m afraid you’ve all fallen into the stereotype of being helpful, friendly and devoid of ANGRY CAPS unlike other areas of PH these days- thank you.
That ex academy car has transformed! Are those LED headlights? Caterham ones (£450 each I think) or aftermarket?
I like the idea of swapping to aeroscreens just like that. I’ve looked at it appears the AMG W211 aeroscreen option is NLA :-(
That ex academy car has transformed! Are those LED headlights? Caterham ones (£450 each I think) or aftermarket?
I like the idea of swapping to aeroscreens just like that. I’ve looked at it appears the AMG W211 aeroscreen option is NLA :-(
Hi.
When you consider the initial cost of the car, I advise that you should try to find an example including all the items you want. Such as heating, full screen, weather gear, etc. By shopping around you should find that you can purchase a spec,ed car for only a little more or possibly the same cost than those without ( especially this time of the year ). These items are well worth having and give you the option to use them should you wish.
To retro fit them will end up costing you loads more, will involve your time in researching where to get them and who to fit them, and the agro in delivering the car and collecting from the specialist fitter ( that may be several miles from your home ).
My own car is full spec and on the occasions I've used them (especially the doors and heater), I've felt very pleased that I have them.
My car is for sale and I believe that it's the way it drives, the spec and several extras that makes it stand out. So shop around and drive a few, it's not just the spec you should focus on but how it feels to drive. Some are more sorted and better than others.
Happy hunting.
When you consider the initial cost of the car, I advise that you should try to find an example including all the items you want. Such as heating, full screen, weather gear, etc. By shopping around you should find that you can purchase a spec,ed car for only a little more or possibly the same cost than those without ( especially this time of the year ). These items are well worth having and give you the option to use them should you wish.
To retro fit them will end up costing you loads more, will involve your time in researching where to get them and who to fit them, and the agro in delivering the car and collecting from the specialist fitter ( that may be several miles from your home ).
My own car is full spec and on the occasions I've used them (especially the doors and heater), I've felt very pleased that I have them.
My car is for sale and I believe that it's the way it drives, the spec and several extras that makes it stand out. So shop around and drive a few, it's not just the spec you should focus on but how it feels to drive. Some are more sorted and better than others.
Happy hunting.
RelentlessForwardProgress said:
I’m afraid you’ve all fallen into the stereotype of being helpful, friendly and devoid of ANGRY CAPS unlike other areas of PH these days- thank you.
That ex academy car has transformed! Are those LED headlights? Caterham ones (£450 each I think) or aftermarket?
I like the idea of swapping to aeroscreens just like that. I’ve looked at it appears the AMG W211 aeroscreen option is NLA :-(
Thanks! From what I can see it's gained a windscreen, weather gear, 13" wheels and sticky tyres, different front wings, stone guards and leather seats. I have other pictures of it with a different exhaust too.That ex academy car has transformed! Are those LED headlights? Caterham ones (£450 each I think) or aftermarket?
I like the idea of swapping to aeroscreens just like that. I’ve looked at it appears the AMG W211 aeroscreen option is NLA :-(
All I've done in my ownership is the side stripes (bonnet stripe was changed to silver before me), new mirrors (twice!) and some touring/comfort items such as tunnel bag, wind deflector, half hood, handbrake cover, LED headlights and a private plate. I have wrap around carbon stone guards and a carbon dash on order too. I'd like to fit an aeroscreen too for the summer, but I'd quite like a trip in an aero'd car first.
Headlights are cheapo ones off Amazon...they are E marked, and we will see what happens at MOT time!
As above - heated screen a must if you plan to use the roof at all, but otherwise not needed.
They are easy to replace at home - I think an academy racer youtuber did a video on how to do it.
I have a heated screen that is up for sale if you want one - happy to fit for you also if you come to me.
Double check your insurance will let you keep it outside without paying an arm/leg/kidney.
They are easy to replace at home - I think an academy racer youtuber did a video on how to do it.
I have a heated screen that is up for sale if you want one - happy to fit for you also if you come to me.
Double check your insurance will let you keep it outside without paying an arm/leg/kidney.
the av8er said:
Hi.
When you consider the initial cost of the car, I advise that you should try to find an example including all the items you want. Such as heating, full screen, weather gear, etc. By shopping around you should find that you can purchase a spec,ed car for only a little more or possibly the same cost than those without ( especially this time of the year ). These items are well worth having and give you the option to use them should you wish.
To retro fit them will end up costing you loads more, will involve your time in researching where to get them and who to fit them, and the agro in delivering the car and collecting from the specialist fitter ( that may be several miles from your home ).
My own car is full spec and on the occasions I've used them (especially the doors and heater), I've felt very pleased that I have them.
My car is for sale and I believe that it's the way it drives, the spec and several extras that makes it stand out. So shop around and drive a few, it's not just the spec you should focus on but how it feels to drive. Some are more sorted and better than others.
Happy hunting.
What you say has merit.. but I think a lot depends on whether you're the kind of person who wants a 'specialist' to do things, or is happy to get hands dirty; caterhams are delightfully easy to work on compared to anything else. Things like fitting a screen / heater are really trivial tasks - I have the 'easy swap' screen retaining chanels and go from aeroscreen/windscreen as suits me (for instance). Swapping the seats is 'simple' (as in low complexity) but very bloody fiddly.. etc.. When you consider the initial cost of the car, I advise that you should try to find an example including all the items you want. Such as heating, full screen, weather gear, etc. By shopping around you should find that you can purchase a spec,ed car for only a little more or possibly the same cost than those without ( especially this time of the year ). These items are well worth having and give you the option to use them should you wish.
To retro fit them will end up costing you loads more, will involve your time in researching where to get them and who to fit them, and the agro in delivering the car and collecting from the specialist fitter ( that may be several miles from your home ).
My own car is full spec and on the occasions I've used them (especially the doors and heater), I've felt very pleased that I have them.
My car is for sale and I believe that it's the way it drives, the spec and several extras that makes it stand out. So shop around and drive a few, it's not just the spec you should focus on but how it feels to drive. Some are more sorted and better than others.
Happy hunting.
Obviously I'm in the latter camp, but it has expanded my horizons. With a little pushing from the right people it's gone from changing the seats to diy ported head and forged pistons.. not the kind of thing I'd ever thought I'd get up to, and it's been both satisfying and interesting.
Of course individual mileage will vary depending on appetite and desires.. but don't over complicate these cars, they're a breath of fresh air (in more than one way) compared to most 'modern' stuff.
I think both points are valid. They are super easy cars to work on, but you'll never get back what you spend on upgrades and it's quite easy to spend quite a lot in relation to the car. I'm in the process of winter-projecting on the live axle car that I bought last summer from CC on a red-wide fuelled whim. The car is great and I'm very happy with it even though it's in lots of bits at the moment. But I can't resist adding an ATB and upgrading the motor from 1600 sprint to 1700 supersprint-and-a-bit spec. I'm sure I will have spent quite a lot more in total than if I'd just bought a supersprint. But I'm loving the hands on spannering and the ease of everything. I can't quite believe that an early 90's Caterham can be in such great underlying condition with almost nothing seized or rusty!!
Anyway, OT now. My advice on looking is to get as close to the spec you want and then have fun driving and minor tinkering.
Anyway, OT now. My advice on looking is to get as close to the spec you want and then have fun driving and minor tinkering.
Gassing Station | Caterham | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff