New to Caterham help please
Discussion
Hi All,
I’m looking for a new track day/weekend car and I keep coming back to Caterhams. They seem to be a lot of fun and quick around a track and I’m presuming running costs are relatively low. I’ve got a few questions if anyone can share some wisdom:
1. I’ve never been in one, are there any meets in Hampshire or places to hire near? I’ll be hoping there’s a few on my next track day.
2. Looking at second hand prices buying new seems to be the way if I want a modern car, am I missing anything?
3. Im planning on keeping this car so the 420 seems to be something that power wise will keep my interest and I can grow into as my track skills improve. Anyone have a 360 or similar power, thoughts?
4. Spec - what are must haves for the track? R pack, suspension packs? Upgrades brakes? Smaller wheels.
5. My local circuit is Thruxton, with the standard exhaust be on with noise limit? what is the difference with the rear exit exhaust, quieter?
6. What type of roll bar/cage, whatever I feel comfortable with?
7. Are the dealers helpful? My nearest is Gatwick or Bristol
8. Example of cost for track day insurance? Prices seem to vary wildly!
9. Lead times for factory built compared to kits?
Sorry for all the questions but I want to be sure before committing.
Thanks in advance.
Josh
Josh,
The owners club have monthly meets at Warnford and Fordingbridge. If you check out the Caterham and Lotus Seven club website that will have the dates / venues.
Maybe worth joining the club (£49.50 IIRC) as lots more owners with the cars you are looking at who will give an opinion. If I’d spoken to a few owners when I got mine in 1998 I’d have definitely picked different options!
The owners club have monthly meets at Warnford and Fordingbridge. If you check out the Caterham and Lotus Seven club website that will have the dates / venues.
Maybe worth joining the club (£49.50 IIRC) as lots more owners with the cars you are looking at who will give an opinion. If I’d spoken to a few owners when I got mine in 1998 I’d have definitely picked different options!
Paynewright said:
Josh,
The owners club have monthly meets at Warnford and Fordingbridge. If you check out the Caterham and Lotus Seven club website that will have the dates / venues.
Maybe worth joining the club (£49.50 IIRC) as lots more owners with the cars you are looking at who will give an opinion. If I’d spoken to a few owners when I got mine in 1998 I’d have definitely picked different options!
Thanks for the advice. You’ve had yours for a long time then. I can’t see anything else like it for a road legal track car that’ll also do the off euro trip. The owners club have monthly meets at Warnford and Fordingbridge. If you check out the Caterham and Lotus Seven club website that will have the dates / venues.
Maybe worth joining the club (£49.50 IIRC) as lots more owners with the cars you are looking at who will give an opinion. If I’d spoken to a few owners when I got mine in 1998 I’d have definitely picked different options!
9. Lead times for factory built compared to kits?
Thats linked to your point about the price of 2nd hand 420's. I've been looking and reading and 2nd hand prices are high because you can not get new cars. From what I read the lead times are in the multiple months if not in to the year! And thats regardless for kit or factory built.
But I would ring Caterham and ask them, there will be others here that know more than me too.
Thats linked to your point about the price of 2nd hand 420's. I've been looking and reading and 2nd hand prices are high because you can not get new cars. From what I read the lead times are in the multiple months if not in to the year! And thats regardless for kit or factory built.
But I would ring Caterham and ask them, there will be others here that know more than me too.
I ordered mine in autumn 97 for delivery in March 98 - being a small manufacturer it is good to have a full order book providing lead times dont go too far in the future.
Yes I really like my Seven which has evolved massively since I originally built it. They are ideal for tinkering / upgrading / self maintaining.
One thing that is an added benefit for me is that values fluctuate very little and generally do not go down (you might have a small dip on say a new factory build car). Also they are relatively cheap to run and maintain.
I also run a Porsche 996 - engine goes pop (bore score / IMS) £12k rebuild, gearbox £3-4k rebuild. My seven is a quarter of those prices or less.
I like cars and there are lots I’d love to own. The seven is a keeper for life. Not so sure about the 911.
Yes I really like my Seven which has evolved massively since I originally built it. They are ideal for tinkering / upgrading / self maintaining.
One thing that is an added benefit for me is that values fluctuate very little and generally do not go down (you might have a small dip on say a new factory build car). Also they are relatively cheap to run and maintain.
I also run a Porsche 996 - engine goes pop (bore score / IMS) £12k rebuild, gearbox £3-4k rebuild. My seven is a quarter of those prices or less.
I like cars and there are lots I’d love to own. The seven is a keeper for life. Not so sure about the 911.
Paynewright said:
I ordered mine in autumn 97 for delivery in March 98 - being a small manufacturer it is good to have a full order book providing lead times dont go too far in the future.
Yes I really like my Seven which has evolved massively since I originally built it. They are ideal for tinkering / upgrading / self maintaining.
One thing that is an added benefit for me is that values fluctuate very little and generally do not go down (you might have a small dip on say a new factory build car). Also they are relatively cheap to run and maintain.
I also run a Porsche 996 - engine goes pop (bore score / IMS) £12k rebuild, gearbox £3-4k rebuild. My seven is a quarter of those prices or less.
I like cars and there are lots I’d love to own. The seven is a keeper for life. Not so sure about the 911.
All exactly what I want to hear. Maintenance/replacement costs are key and certainly a sound alot more reasonable than more exotic track toys. Yes I really like my Seven which has evolved massively since I originally built it. They are ideal for tinkering / upgrading / self maintaining.
One thing that is an added benefit for me is that values fluctuate very little and generally do not go down (you might have a small dip on say a new factory build car). Also they are relatively cheap to run and maintain.
I also run a Porsche 996 - engine goes pop (bore score / IMS) £12k rebuild, gearbox £3-4k rebuild. My seven is a quarter of those prices or less.
I like cars and there are lots I’d love to own. The seven is a keeper for life. Not so sure about the 911.
DickyC said:
Hire one for a day from Caterham. My sons and I did a Caterham track day where we shared a car and instructor at Silverstone and also hired one each for a day on the road. Highly recommended.
Great idea, might be time for another trip to Scotland when the sun makes an appearance! Gooner11 said:
Thanks for the advice. You’ve had yours for a long time then. I can’t see anything else like it for a road legal track car that’ll also do the off euro trip.
Had mine since 1989, it's done club sprints, track days, raced for years including endurance, I've driven it to France Belgium Germany & Italy for holidays, my advice would be just get one, then modify it as your needs and wants change.
I am the area representative for West Hants Caterham & Lotus 7 Club. We normally meet near Fordingbridge on the 1st Tuesday of the month. Solent 7s meet at Hinton Ampner at the Hinton Arms on the last Friday of the month. You have just missed their February meet and the one I run did not happen this month. If you want a chat then send an email to me at westhants@lotus7.club and I can let you know my number. Happy to answer your questions.
Nick
Nick
WRT number 3- my cars from ‘95 (engines been warmed up, slightly…) able to keep up with 2022 models, looks the same as 1960’s models, all the parts still fit.
I wouldn’t let build year define a 7, some older vehicles are totally original, others have nothing but the VIN number left. Since they’re typically cherished (unlike a daily car) I’d argue many 2nd hand cars are “better” (better built, better maintained, better configured etc) than factory fresh cars.
Definitely go for a drive, also get a passenger ride from an experienced owner- I did a track day in a hire 7 before buying, in hindsight I only accessed 20% of the capability and experience. Someone who’s had one a few years will be able to pedal it like a hirer/test driver shouldn’t ;-) Hopefully it will be an eye-opener.
Good luck
I wouldn’t let build year define a 7, some older vehicles are totally original, others have nothing but the VIN number left. Since they’re typically cherished (unlike a daily car) I’d argue many 2nd hand cars are “better” (better built, better maintained, better configured etc) than factory fresh cars.
Definitely go for a drive, also get a passenger ride from an experienced owner- I did a track day in a hire 7 before buying, in hindsight I only accessed 20% of the capability and experience. Someone who’s had one a few years will be able to pedal it like a hirer/test driver shouldn’t ;-) Hopefully it will be an eye-opener.
Good luck
scubadude said:
I wouldn’t let build year define a 7
It is very interesting about how to choose a Caterham as you are right regarding age. I have a 1995 crossflow 7 that is new to me. Bought end of last summer and I'm doing a winter project, a lot of which is just for fun rather than it needing it. It's only done 9000 miles from new and is in overall great condition and bog standard 1600 crossflow. I'm mostly taking it apart, cleaning it and putting it back together.There are a few generational changes from there to now that might direct one's choice. Bert's very rough and almost certainly wildly wrong guide:...
My generation is live axle, Ford crossflow, triumph front suspension bits, Ital axle. Variants include cosworth or lotus twincam and Zetec as a more modern upgrade
Then the engines changed to VX2.0 and k-series and the chassis changed to allow DD rear and the front suspension got much stronger, ford type 9 box. There was also the wheezy VX 1600.
Then the superlights came with the demise of the VX2.0. The utterly fantastic k-series 1600 superlight up to the initially frail R500. The Caterham 6-speed box had arrived, and Caterham broke out of the 165bhp "barrier"
Then came the metric chassis, the duratec and sigma engine line up and even more ballistic power
Then the demise of the Caterham 6 speeder and the sigma engine which is where we are now.
Also in there is the tiny turbo'ed car and a whole raft of special editions, backdates, forward dates all sorts.
I suspect that I will have as much fun in my crossflow, live axle, 4 speed escort box Caterham as in any of them. I know the modern idiom is big power, but that's not of interest to me, but everyone is different.
Not sure any of this is of any use to the thread, but it just came out!
Edited by BertBert on Saturday 5th March 17:27
Gooner11 said:
Hi All,
I’m looking for a new track day/weekend car and I keep coming back to Caterhams. They seem to be a lot of fun and quick around a track and I’m presuming running costs are relatively low. I’ve got a few questions if anyone can share some wisdom:
1. I’ve never been in one, are there any meets in Hampshire or places to hire near? I’ll be hoping there’s a few on my next track day.
As I said give me a shout and I can try and clarify a few things and may be able to arrange a passenger ride, unfortunately I am unable to drive mine at the moment as I am recovering from a heart operation.
2. Looking at second hand prices buying new seems to be the way if I want a modern car, am I missing anything?
Only trouble with new is the long lead time from Caterham which is not getting shorter due to Caterham’s new Japanese owners wanting more cars in Japan. There are always nearly new and very low mileage cars that come up, best to speak to the likes of Millwoods, GP Sevens, Sevens and Classics, PT Sportcars to let them know the spec you want and hopefully they will find you a car.
3. Im planning on keeping this car so the 420 seems to be something that power wise will keep my interest and I can grow into as my track skills improve. Anyone have a 360 or similar power, thoughts?
420 is a sweet spot car in the range however it is quite powerful for a first 7. Not sure what your driving history is but 180bhp(360) is a nice amount for the road and should you want more it can be upgraded to 420 spec in the future but it will cost quite a lot and you are unlikely to recover those costs when you sell.
4. Spec - what are must haves for the track? R pack, suspension packs? Upgrades brakes? Smaller wheels.
Must haves - Trackday roll bar. Nice to have - Good tyres, 13” wheels helps with this. LSD, possibly 4 pot brakes although standard ones are fine. Think the R pack gives you most of what you need, best to look on the Caterham Cars site. Basically any Caterham should be fine on track.
5. My local circuit is Thruxton, with the standard exhaust be on with noise limit? what is the difference with the rear exit exhaust, quieter?
Thruxton is not a great circuit for a 7, not enough changes in direction. Rear exit exhaust will be quieter or you could look at a Raceco titanium silencer to help you get through noise tests.
6. What type of roll bar/cage, whatever I feel comfortable with?
FIA approved roll bar/ cage is best for track use. Not sure about a cage on the road without wearing a helmet but really up to you.
7. Are the dealers helpful? My nearest is Gatwick or Bristol
Depends on what you call helpful. Don’t expect a discount from Caterham Cars, although this does mean used prices remain good. Independent dealers like Millwoods are more likely to give better customer service.
8. Example of cost for track day insurance? Prices seem to vary wildly!
Try and get insurance that offers 4/5 track days a year included. Normally the insurance has a largeish 10% of cars value excess, but worth every penny if you smash it into a barrier.
9. Lead times for factory built compared to kits?
Not sure it’s much different, you just get a build slot for receiving the kit or Caterham starting the build of your car.
Sorry for all the questions but I want to be sure before committing.
Thanks in advance.
Josh
I’m looking for a new track day/weekend car and I keep coming back to Caterhams. They seem to be a lot of fun and quick around a track and I’m presuming running costs are relatively low. I’ve got a few questions if anyone can share some wisdom:
1. I’ve never been in one, are there any meets in Hampshire or places to hire near? I’ll be hoping there’s a few on my next track day.
As I said give me a shout and I can try and clarify a few things and may be able to arrange a passenger ride, unfortunately I am unable to drive mine at the moment as I am recovering from a heart operation.
2. Looking at second hand prices buying new seems to be the way if I want a modern car, am I missing anything?
Only trouble with new is the long lead time from Caterham which is not getting shorter due to Caterham’s new Japanese owners wanting more cars in Japan. There are always nearly new and very low mileage cars that come up, best to speak to the likes of Millwoods, GP Sevens, Sevens and Classics, PT Sportcars to let them know the spec you want and hopefully they will find you a car.
3. Im planning on keeping this car so the 420 seems to be something that power wise will keep my interest and I can grow into as my track skills improve. Anyone have a 360 or similar power, thoughts?
420 is a sweet spot car in the range however it is quite powerful for a first 7. Not sure what your driving history is but 180bhp(360) is a nice amount for the road and should you want more it can be upgraded to 420 spec in the future but it will cost quite a lot and you are unlikely to recover those costs when you sell.
4. Spec - what are must haves for the track? R pack, suspension packs? Upgrades brakes? Smaller wheels.
Must haves - Trackday roll bar. Nice to have - Good tyres, 13” wheels helps with this. LSD, possibly 4 pot brakes although standard ones are fine. Think the R pack gives you most of what you need, best to look on the Caterham Cars site. Basically any Caterham should be fine on track.
5. My local circuit is Thruxton, with the standard exhaust be on with noise limit? what is the difference with the rear exit exhaust, quieter?
Thruxton is not a great circuit for a 7, not enough changes in direction. Rear exit exhaust will be quieter or you could look at a Raceco titanium silencer to help you get through noise tests.
6. What type of roll bar/cage, whatever I feel comfortable with?
FIA approved roll bar/ cage is best for track use. Not sure about a cage on the road without wearing a helmet but really up to you.
7. Are the dealers helpful? My nearest is Gatwick or Bristol
Depends on what you call helpful. Don’t expect a discount from Caterham Cars, although this does mean used prices remain good. Independent dealers like Millwoods are more likely to give better customer service.
8. Example of cost for track day insurance? Prices seem to vary wildly!
Try and get insurance that offers 4/5 track days a year included. Normally the insurance has a largeish 10% of cars value excess, but worth every penny if you smash it into a barrier.
9. Lead times for factory built compared to kits?
Not sure it’s much different, you just get a build slot for receiving the kit or Caterham starting the build of your car.
Sorry for all the questions but I want to be sure before committing.
Thanks in advance.
Josh
Gooner11 said:
Hi All,
I’m looking for a new track day/weekend car and I keep coming back to Caterhams. They seem to be a lot of fun and quick around a track and I’m presuming running costs are relatively low. I’ve got a few questions if anyone can share some wisdom:
1. I’ve never been in one, are there any meets in Hampshire or places to hire near? I’ll be hoping there’s a few on my next track day.
As I said give me a shout and I can try and clarify a few things and may be able to arrange a passenger ride, unfortunately I am unable to drive mine at the moment as I am recovering from a heart operation.
2. Looking at second hand prices buying new seems to be the way if I want a modern car, am I missing anything?
Only trouble with new is the long lead time from Caterham which is not getting shorter due to Caterham’s new Japanese owners wanting more cars in Japan. There are always nearly new and very low mileage cars that come up, best to speak to the likes of Millwoods, GP Sevens, Sevens and Classics, PT Sportcars to let them know the spec you want and hopefully they will find you a car.
3. Im planning on keeping this car so the 420 seems to be something that power wise will keep my interest and I can grow into as my track skills improve. Anyone have a 360 or similar power, thoughts?
420 is a sweet spot car in the range however it is quite powerful for a first 7. Not sure what your driving history is but 180bhp(360) is a nice amount for the road and should you want more it can be upgraded to 420 spec in the future but it will cost quite a lot and you are unlikely to recover those costs when you sell.
4. Spec - what are must haves for the track? R pack, suspension packs? Upgrades brakes? Smaller wheels.
Must haves - Trackday roll bar. Nice to have - Good tyres, 13” wheels helps with this. LSD, possibly 4 pot brakes although standard ones are fine. Think the R pack gives you most of what you need, best to look on the Caterham Cars site. Basically any Caterham should be fine on track.
5. My local circuit is Thruxton, with the standard exhaust be on with noise limit? what is the difference with the rear exit exhaust, quieter?
Thruxton is not a great circuit for a 7, not enough changes in direction. Rear exit exhaust will be quieter or you could look at a Raceco titanium silencer to help you get through noise tests.
6. What type of roll bar/cage, whatever I feel comfortable with?
FIA approved roll bar/ cage is best for track use. Not sure about a cage on the road without wearing a helmet but really up to you.
7. Are the dealers helpful? My nearest is Gatwick or Bristol
Depends on what you call helpful. Don’t expect a discount from Caterham Cars, although this does mean used prices remain good. Independent dealers like Millwoods are more likely to give better customer service.
8. Example of cost for track day insurance? Prices seem to vary wildly!
Try and get insurance that offers 4/5 track days a year included. Normally the insurance has a largeish 10% of cars value excess, but worth every penny if you smash it into a barrier.
9. Lead times for factory built compared to kits?
Not sure it’s much different, you just get a build slot for receiving the kit or Caterham starting the build of your car.
Sorry for all the questions but I want to be sure before committing.
Thanks in advance.
Josh
I’m looking for a new track day/weekend car and I keep coming back to Caterhams. They seem to be a lot of fun and quick around a track and I’m presuming running costs are relatively low. I’ve got a few questions if anyone can share some wisdom:
1. I’ve never been in one, are there any meets in Hampshire or places to hire near? I’ll be hoping there’s a few on my next track day.
As I said give me a shout and I can try and clarify a few things and may be able to arrange a passenger ride, unfortunately I am unable to drive mine at the moment as I am recovering from a heart operation.
2. Looking at second hand prices buying new seems to be the way if I want a modern car, am I missing anything?
Only trouble with new is the long lead time from Caterham which is not getting shorter due to Caterham’s new Japanese owners wanting more cars in Japan. There are always nearly new and very low mileage cars that come up, best to speak to the likes of Millwoods, GP Sevens, Sevens and Classics, PT Sportcars to let them know the spec you want and hopefully they will find you a car.
3. Im planning on keeping this car so the 420 seems to be something that power wise will keep my interest and I can grow into as my track skills improve. Anyone have a 360 or similar power, thoughts?
420 is a sweet spot car in the range however it is quite powerful for a first 7. Not sure what your driving history is but 180bhp(360) is a nice amount for the road and should you want more it can be upgraded to 420 spec in the future but it will cost quite a lot and you are unlikely to recover those costs when you sell.
4. Spec - what are must haves for the track? R pack, suspension packs? Upgrades brakes? Smaller wheels.
Must haves - Trackday roll bar. Nice to have - Good tyres, 13” wheels helps with this. LSD, possibly 4 pot brakes although standard ones are fine. Think the R pack gives you most of what you need, best to look on the Caterham Cars site. Basically any Caterham should be fine on track.
5. My local circuit is Thruxton, with the standard exhaust be on with noise limit? what is the difference with the rear exit exhaust, quieter?
Thruxton is not a great circuit for a 7, not enough changes in direction. Rear exit exhaust will be quieter or you could look at a Raceco titanium silencer to help you get through noise tests.
6. What type of roll bar/cage, whatever I feel comfortable with?
FIA approved roll bar/ cage is best for track use. Not sure about a cage on the road without wearing a helmet but really up to you.
7. Are the dealers helpful? My nearest is Gatwick or Bristol
Depends on what you call helpful. Don’t expect a discount from Caterham Cars, although this does mean used prices remain good. Independent dealers like Millwoods are more likely to give better customer service.
8. Example of cost for track day insurance? Prices seem to vary wildly!
Try and get insurance that offers 4/5 track days a year included. Normally the insurance has a largeish 10% of cars value excess, but worth every penny if you smash it into a barrier.
9. Lead times for factory built compared to kits?
Not sure it’s much different, you just get a build slot for receiving the kit or Caterham starting the build of your car.
Sorry for all the questions but I want to be sure before committing.
Thanks in advance.
Josh
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