Mileage/resale & buying from Caterham
Discussion
Howdy
I suddenly find myself hopefully in the market for a 7, and hoping you guys can answer a few questions
I have 1/2 an eye on this: http://www.caterham.co.uk/assets/html/preowned/pre...
but see it has covered 26k , now thats obviously not massive miles in the grand scheme of things, but I would guess above average for a 7 of that age? Now I am planning much usage of my 7, and would hope to cover 8-10k miles in the next 12 months. My concern is that if I sell in say 12 months on 36k ish, is the value going to drop a lot? As looking through the classifieds on here, there are a lot of older cars with less mileage on.
Also what are your thoughts on buying from Caterham direct? Obviously it's nice and easy, and gives peace of mind (although the 3 month warranty sees a bit tight!) but I don't want to be paying too much over the odds? TBH, to me with slightly limited 7 knowledge, it seems like a good spec/price for a fast road/occasional track 7? and i cannot find anything quite the same privately to compare prices.
My mate has just bought a 120bhp 5spd Roadsport, would the extra bhp and 6 spd make a noticable difference in performance? I have driven his 7 a couple of times (he's a top bloke!), and was suprised how rapid it was, but feel I want something with a bit more shove to keep me interested long term.
Finally, my 7 will have to live outside, with a decent car cover, should this create any issues? As above I will be trying to use it 2-3 times a week, so it will not be standing for long periods.
Sorry for all the questions, but I was on the verge of buying a VX220 until I realised I can physically fit in and drive a non-sv 7, so now my plans have changed!
Cheers
Will
I suddenly find myself hopefully in the market for a 7, and hoping you guys can answer a few questions
I have 1/2 an eye on this: http://www.caterham.co.uk/assets/html/preowned/pre...
but see it has covered 26k , now thats obviously not massive miles in the grand scheme of things, but I would guess above average for a 7 of that age? Now I am planning much usage of my 7, and would hope to cover 8-10k miles in the next 12 months. My concern is that if I sell in say 12 months on 36k ish, is the value going to drop a lot? As looking through the classifieds on here, there are a lot of older cars with less mileage on.
Also what are your thoughts on buying from Caterham direct? Obviously it's nice and easy, and gives peace of mind (although the 3 month warranty sees a bit tight!) but I don't want to be paying too much over the odds? TBH, to me with slightly limited 7 knowledge, it seems like a good spec/price for a fast road/occasional track 7? and i cannot find anything quite the same privately to compare prices.
My mate has just bought a 120bhp 5spd Roadsport, would the extra bhp and 6 spd make a noticable difference in performance? I have driven his 7 a couple of times (he's a top bloke!), and was suprised how rapid it was, but feel I want something with a bit more shove to keep me interested long term.
Finally, my 7 will have to live outside, with a decent car cover, should this create any issues? As above I will be trying to use it 2-3 times a week, so it will not be standing for long periods.
Sorry for all the questions, but I was on the verge of buying a VX220 until I realised I can physically fit in and drive a non-sv 7, so now my plans have changed!
Cheers
Will
WillG said:
Howdy
I suddenly find myself hopefully in the market for a 7, and hoping you guys can answer a few questions
I have 1/2 an eye on this: http://www.caterham.co.uk/assets/html/preowned/pre...
but see it has covered 26k , now thats obviously not massive miles in the grand scheme of things, but I would guess above average for a 7 of that age? Now I am planning much usage of my 7, and would hope to cover 8-10k miles in the next 12 months. My concern is that if I sell in say 12 months on 36k ish, is the value going to drop a lot? As looking through the classifieds on here, there are a lot of older cars with less mileage on.
Also what are your thoughts on buying from Caterham direct? Obviously it's nice and easy, and gives peace of mind (although the 3 month warranty sees a bit tight!) but I don't want to be paying too much over the odds? TBH, to me with slightly limited 7 knowledge, it seems like a good spec/price for a fast road/occasional track 7? and i cannot find anything quite the same privately to compare prices.
My mate has just bought a 120bhp 5spd Roadsport, would the extra bhp and 6 spd make a noticable difference in performance? I have driven his 7 a couple of times (he's a top bloke!), and was suprised how rapid it was, but feel I want something with a bit more shove to keep me interested long term.
Finally, my 7 will have to live outside, with a decent car cover, should this create any issues? As above I will be trying to use it 2-3 times a week, so it will not be standing for long periods.
Sorry for all the questions, but I was on the verge of buying a VX220 until I realised I can physically fit in and drive a non-sv 7, so now my plans have changed!
Cheers
Will
That car looks OK ish for the money (from a dealer), I sold my 2000 roadsport with 33,000 on the clock for £11,450 last year and this car has lower miles, 6 spd box, more power but is five years older. A mate of mine has just bought a 1998 SS with 6spd for £11,250 with 12,000 on the clock, which makes the CC car look expensive, but that's the premium you pay for the warranty and knowing it should have been prepped correctly.I suddenly find myself hopefully in the market for a 7, and hoping you guys can answer a few questions
I have 1/2 an eye on this: http://www.caterham.co.uk/assets/html/preowned/pre...
but see it has covered 26k , now thats obviously not massive miles in the grand scheme of things, but I would guess above average for a 7 of that age? Now I am planning much usage of my 7, and would hope to cover 8-10k miles in the next 12 months. My concern is that if I sell in say 12 months on 36k ish, is the value going to drop a lot? As looking through the classifieds on here, there are a lot of older cars with less mileage on.
Also what are your thoughts on buying from Caterham direct? Obviously it's nice and easy, and gives peace of mind (although the 3 month warranty sees a bit tight!) but I don't want to be paying too much over the odds? TBH, to me with slightly limited 7 knowledge, it seems like a good spec/price for a fast road/occasional track 7? and i cannot find anything quite the same privately to compare prices.
My mate has just bought a 120bhp 5spd Roadsport, would the extra bhp and 6 spd make a noticable difference in performance? I have driven his 7 a couple of times (he's a top bloke!), and was suprised how rapid it was, but feel I want something with a bit more shove to keep me interested long term.
Finally, my 7 will have to live outside, with a decent car cover, should this create any issues? As above I will be trying to use it 2-3 times a week, so it will not be standing for long periods.
Sorry for all the questions, but I was on the verge of buying a VX220 until I realised I can physically fit in and drive a non-sv 7, so now my plans have changed!
Cheers
Will
Condition matters more than miles but be prepared to lose £1,000-2,00 on that with 10,000 more miles on it I would think if you sell privately.
In such a light car the extra bhp does make a difference. The 6 speed box is closer ratio so better acceleration but can be a bit buzzy at motorway speeds, the 5 speed is better for touring.
Should be OK outside under a decent outdoor cover.
Yes, OK money - if it's really a 1995 it'll be an early 1.6 Supersport and is of an era when the powdercoating was especially s
te - so make sure it's OK. At that age and with those miles, also make sure there's no corrosion on any ofthe panels. Typically where the sideskin folds under the car, on the sideskin behind the exhaust, where the rear panel folds under the car.
A good spec car to get started on too - 6 speed box is a joy.
3 month warranty is the legal minimum - so hardly generous!
te - so make sure it's OK. At that age and with those miles, also make sure there's no corrosion on any ofthe panels. Typically where the sideskin folds under the car, on the sideskin behind the exhaust, where the rear panel folds under the car.A good spec car to get started on too - 6 speed box is a joy.
3 month warranty is the legal minimum - so hardly generous!
Will,
That's pretty much the same spec as my car. Mechanically, it's almost the same as the Superlight, which has a very good reputation. The 6 speed is a very close ratio box compared with the 5-speed (6th is the same as the 5-speed's 4th!) and it can seem a bit buzzy on the Motorway (though you'll be wearing earplugs anyway) but I got an average 36 mpg on a 1200 mile trip through France (making progress!).
The ratio's are just right for normal blatting and absolutely perfect for good 0-60 times, as the 5 speed has a big gap betweed first and second.
I've had mine for just over 18 months and am only now beginning to think a bit more power would be nice. A lot of people will tell you it's a good spec for your first Seven; I've certainly been very happy with mine.
That's pretty much the same spec as my car. Mechanically, it's almost the same as the Superlight, which has a very good reputation. The 6 speed is a very close ratio box compared with the 5-speed (6th is the same as the 5-speed's 4th!) and it can seem a bit buzzy on the Motorway (though you'll be wearing earplugs anyway) but I got an average 36 mpg on a 1200 mile trip through France (making progress!).
The ratio's are just right for normal blatting and absolutely perfect for good 0-60 times, as the 5 speed has a big gap betweed first and second.
I've had mine for just over 18 months and am only now beginning to think a bit more power would be nice. A lot of people will tell you it's a good spec for your first Seven; I've certainly been very happy with mine.
Having covered approx 8k miles per year in my Caterhams I can say that the slight decrease in value come re-sale time was more than outweighed by the enjoyment I got out of driving them.
That red Supersport is indeed a super spec with the main yummy bits being -
6 Speed
Supersport
Superlight Suspension
LSD
For road and track usage this will be absolutely spot on, one of the best 7's I owned was my 140bhp Superlight which was very similar spec to the car you mentioned. 135bhp and that box is such a sweet balance of power/grip/handling and has a cetain delicacy that the bigger power 7's miss out on (won't stop you getting upgrade-itis though
).
£11k from Caterham Cars for that spec really doesn't seem too bad at all imho.
That red Supersport is indeed a super spec with the main yummy bits being -
6 Speed
Supersport
Superlight Suspension
LSD
For road and track usage this will be absolutely spot on, one of the best 7's I owned was my 140bhp Superlight which was very similar spec to the car you mentioned. 135bhp and that box is such a sweet balance of power/grip/handling and has a cetain delicacy that the bigger power 7's miss out on (won't stop you getting upgrade-itis though
).£11k from Caterham Cars for that spec really doesn't seem too bad at all imho.
Edited by L100NYY on Tuesday 6th May 17:20
Edited by L100NYY on Tuesday 6th May 17:20
Cheers for the replies
I did think it seemed a reasonable price/spec, but with no two cars quite the same it is diffcult to tell!
I have however found out that although that 7 was manufactured in 1996, it was not actually registered until 1998, which combined with the spec, leads me to suspect that's it either been a track car, or a Caterham experience car, or similar - I seem to remember Silverstone track running a few red/white stickered 7's in the mid/late 90's. Which is a little concerning, I might give Caterham a call and ask.
Also, what is the superlight suspension? is it the springs and damper units, or the actual hardware (wishbones etc)?
Have also spotted:
http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/cars/CATE...
which looks a similar spec, bar the slippery diff, and is nicer looking car too (imho), but the "dealer" looks a bit suspect to me?
Cheers
Will
I did think it seemed a reasonable price/spec, but with no two cars quite the same it is diffcult to tell!
I have however found out that although that 7 was manufactured in 1996, it was not actually registered until 1998, which combined with the spec, leads me to suspect that's it either been a track car, or a Caterham experience car, or similar - I seem to remember Silverstone track running a few red/white stickered 7's in the mid/late 90's. Which is a little concerning, I might give Caterham a call and ask.
Also, what is the superlight suspension? is it the springs and damper units, or the actual hardware (wishbones etc)?
Have also spotted:
http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/cars/CATE...
which looks a similar spec, bar the slippery diff, and is nicer looking car too (imho), but the "dealer" looks a bit suspect to me?
Cheers
Will
That silver car does look lovely, in fact my cousin had two 7's that looked almost identical to that.
Me personally would feel happier putting my money into the car at Caterham Cars, ask the sales guys there what the history of the car is, I'm sure that they will be more than happy to elaborate.
Having bought a few ex-track cars (incl non 7's) myself over the years I wouldn't be unduly worried about it on a car like this, as long as the car has been maintained and prepped properly and has no chassis damage then it shouldn't be a problem.
Me personally would feel happier putting my money into the car at Caterham Cars, ask the sales guys there what the history of the car is, I'm sure that they will be more than happy to elaborate.
Having bought a few ex-track cars (incl non 7's) myself over the years I wouldn't be unduly worried about it on a car like this, as long as the car has been maintained and prepped properly and has no chassis damage then it shouldn't be a problem.
Edited by L100NYY on Wednesday 7th May 08:37
WillG said:
I seem to remember Silverstone track running a few red/white stickered 7's in the mid/late 90's. Which is a little concerning, I might give Caterham a call and ask.
Have also spotted:
http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/cars/CATE...
Will
Didn't Johnny Le Roux tend to paint his Bookatrack track day hire cars silver... Have also spotted:
http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/cars/CATE...
Will
Not that I'm saying this car would have been one, but who knows?....
If the Caterham Cars one was registered in 1998, why does it bear a 1996 number plate?
Do bear in mind that there are plenty of 7s running around out there with long front-end replacements - a consequence of road or race shunts. Don't dismiss a car 'cos it has had a race history.
Both cars see pretty good value at £11k to be honest - their specs are right, but as I said before, they were both built when Caterham's powdercoating was poor and I'd want to have a thorough check on their condition.
Dunno the dealer - looks like he keeps his cars in lock-ups though!
Turns out I was right! The red one was a Silverstone track car from new until around 12 months ago, when it was sold back to CC, where it had an engine & box rebuild, new seats & general referb - which had it have been paid for @ retail would have cost around £10k (seems alot, but that's what the guy @ CC told me!!).
Was then sold to chap who did not get much use out of it, so sold it back.
I cannot work out is this is likely to be a good thing, or not!
I guess Silverstone would have maintained it well, and I'm not going to find many £11k cars that have a had recent factory overhaul, but then again how many cars spent probably the 1st 25k of their life being abused round a track by every tom, dick & harry on some corporate jolly!
Was then sold to chap who did not get much use out of it, so sold it back.
I cannot work out is this is likely to be a good thing, or not!
I guess Silverstone would have maintained it well, and I'm not going to find many £11k cars that have a had recent factory overhaul, but then again how many cars spent probably the 1st 25k of their life being abused round a track by every tom, dick & harry on some corporate jolly!
rubystone said:
WillG said:
Didn't Johnny Le Roux tend to paint his Bookatrack track day hire cars silver... Not that I'm saying this car would have been one, but who knows?....
sfaulds said:
rubystone said:
WillG said:
Didn't Johnny Le Roux tend to paint his Bookatrack track day hire cars silver... Not that I'm saying this car would have been one, but who knows?....
rubystone said:
sfaulds said:
rubystone said:
WillG said:
Didn't Johnny Le Roux tend to paint his Bookatrack track day hire cars silver... Not that I'm saying this car would have been one, but who knows?....
Thanks for the spelling tip - every day's a school day round here.
sfaulds said:
LOL - did I say you did? You did however pose the question "who knows?", and since I do, I posted the answer.
Thanks for the spelling tip - every day's a school day round here.
Sure - I shouldn't have made it personal - just wanted to make the OP aware that just 'cos a car may have been tracked, that's not necessarily a bad thing - and that there are people running about out there who are unaware that their cars have been right royally thrashed round a track.... Thanks for the spelling tip - every day's a school day round here.
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