Keeping a Caterham outside

[MGYoung]

Hi there,

I have previously owned both a Caterham se7en and a Westfield. Sold the last one around 3 years ago for various reasons. The bug to get another Caterham has bitten but I no longer have my lock-up garage. I do have secure parking (residents car park) at my address so I'm not too worried about the car getting stolen or vandalised, however it will have to be left outside at least during the summer months. I might be able to use my sisters garage during the winter months when the car isn't being used.

Does anyone keep their car outside and if so what protective cover do you use and how much did it cost?

I am on a reasonably limited budget so will be looking for a late live axle car. I do want a painted body although this is probably the only criteria that I will stick rigidly to when buying a car.

Thanks and all the best.



>> Edited by MGYoung on Tuesday 4th April 06:58

[Shaun_E]

The three I have seen/heard of are:
Cover Systems (about £100)
Covercraft (about £200)
Soft bits for Sevens
Caterham sell one which I think is the Covercraft one.
Plenty of people keep their 7's outside and some don't even use a cover but just put hood or tonneau on. I probably wouldn't recommend that for the long term effect on the car.

>> Edited by Shaun_E on Tuesday 4th April 11:47

[Kiltie]

[murph7355]

Having owned both types of cover I can assure you that the Cover Systems cover is every bit the equal of the Covercraft one. Only it costs half the amount.

It also protects the car pretty well when outside.

Main corrosion issue on 7s is of the bi-metallic variety where ali panels meet steel chassis via rivetting. Most cars will eventually succumb. Looks worse than it is usually. But better to own a Caterham and store it under cover outside than not own one at all...