Treating myself to a Caterham
Discussion
I fancy splashing out on a nearly-new Caterham, but never having had one would appreciate some advice.
I cannot decide whether to go for a R500 Evolution with 250 bhp or the 260 bhp Cosworth-engined later model.
It seems that the former is actually the quicker car, from what i can find on the various search engines.
Any Caterham experts care to offer advice?
I want something devilishly quick and good handling and am not bothered about much else.
I cannot decide whether to go for a R500 Evolution with 250 bhp or the 260 bhp Cosworth-engined later model.
It seems that the former is actually the quicker car, from what i can find on the various search engines.
Any Caterham experts care to offer advice?
I want something devilishly quick and good handling and am not bothered about much else.
You'll be doing well to find at R500 Evo - they only made a handful. Equally, there aren't many secondhand CSRs around.
The characters of the K and the Ford engined cars are quite different - there's a real bang in the back from a tuned K, the Duratec's power is delivered in a far more linear way. Also, the R500 will be narrow chassised, the CSR in SV form. Whilst I haven't yet driven a CSR, my recent run out as a passenger in one confirmed that the car was deceptively quick and far less nervous around the front end than a tuned K (but this may be as much to do with it being an SV as any inherently changed handling characteristics that the inboard front suspension offers).
Best you get yourself down to Caterham Cars and prebook test drives in the cars that you think you want
The characters of the K and the Ford engined cars are quite different - there's a real bang in the back from a tuned K, the Duratec's power is delivered in a far more linear way. Also, the R500 will be narrow chassised, the CSR in SV form. Whilst I haven't yet driven a CSR, my recent run out as a passenger in one confirmed that the car was deceptively quick and far less nervous around the front end than a tuned K (but this may be as much to do with it being an SV as any inherently changed handling characteristics that the inboard front suspension offers).
Best you get yourself down to Caterham Cars and prebook test drives in the cars that you think you want
nothing planned.... after 9 non-stop years im taking a much needed break. May get something next year but it will prolly be a sort of emotional/classic buy if i see something that really hooks me in & something more to do with nostalgia and the simple pleasure of just owning it i.e. not for tracking or driving hard.
In the last few years ive seen a few cars that fit that bill, cars that i would have bought on the spot had i not had the Duratec: a yellow esprit sport 300, a pistachio Elan S4 sprint FHC, a mint green 930 turbo, a riviera blue 968cs with blue alloys etc... Its a case of waiting for soemthing to come along that you simply cannot 'not own'.
In the last few years ive seen a few cars that fit that bill, cars that i would have bought on the spot had i not had the Duratec: a yellow esprit sport 300, a pistachio Elan S4 sprint FHC, a mint green 930 turbo, a riviera blue 968cs with blue alloys etc... Its a case of waiting for soemthing to come along that you simply cannot 'not own'.
My CSR 260 is for sale here on Pistonheads
www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/list.asp?s=39&p=&min=&max=&y1=&y2=&txt=&xsl=list&pagesize=12&filter=TP&o=p&pc=
www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/list.asp?s=39&p=&min=&max=&y1=&y2=&txt=&xsl=list&pagesize=12&filter=TP&o=p&pc=
If you don't mind me asking, what sort of 'coin' are 2nd hand R400s bringing?
Good choice, btw: I found this one the perfect model out of the then three quickies and the chaps at Caterham reckoned it was the best mix of longevity/reliability and power.
Even so, I can't help thinking I'd be better off in one of those supercharged Exiges but every time I water mine, there's something quasi-exoskeletal about the pilchard tin which keeps holding my affections.
Almost nothing beats romping out over a chlly moorscape with that staccatto blatt screaming it's air-tearing response to yon ankle's willing.
Truly world class lunacy.
Good choice, btw: I found this one the perfect model out of the then three quickies and the chaps at Caterham reckoned it was the best mix of longevity/reliability and power.
Even so, I can't help thinking I'd be better off in one of those supercharged Exiges but every time I water mine, there's something quasi-exoskeletal about the pilchard tin which keeps holding my affections.
Almost nothing beats romping out over a chlly moorscape with that staccatto blatt screaming it's air-tearing response to yon ankle's willing.
Truly world class lunacy.
derestrictor said:
If you don't mind me asking, what sort of 'coin' are 2nd hand R400s bringing?
I've seen them for £19k - earlier ones. SLRs are the best bargain can be bought for £13k now. Graham Hathaway has an R400 that's only ever been used on track - he's trying to sell it at the moment for circa £16k but I think would take less for it.
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