Opinions on this car please?

[Gromit37]

Hi folks,

http://www.caterham.co.uk/assets/html/preowned/pre...

I'm going to have a look at this car, and was wondering what others think about the price/spec? Is it reasonable? Are there any major issues with the VVC engine?

Thanks

Ian

[Murph7355]

It's an SV.

Put it this way, I'm 6'4" and even at my heaviest (18.25st) I fit properly in an S3 chassis. And felt like I was rattling around in the one SV I've been in.

Also a 5spd. VVC is less needy of the 6spd, but it's still the box to have IMO (this side of a sequential).

[BadgerBill]

You can't do club track days without an FIA bar, so that is perhaps getting them to pop on for you. Not that this is the only way to do track days, but if you are a newbie then they are a nice way to be intorduced.

BB

[BertBert]

lot of money for a Caterham without a 6 speed box.
Bert

[Delbert]

Depends what you want to do with the car

6 speed better for trackdays
eating up Mways down to South of France have the 5 speed every day .
Remeber touring with a 6 speed The guys ears were bleeding at 85 where as I had a comfortable cruise on

Again 6 ft 2 and 19st I can j fit in an S3 but would not want to bang out 400 miles in a day in it though

Would suggest the FIA as well regardless of the club TDS (other trackdays are available at less cost etc etc )
If you ask nicely they will prob fit it for free if you buy the bar, (they did on ZeNA)
If you are new to &s I would suggest they do this for you as ISTR its rear suspension out to get some long bolts in

As for the price , ISTR that CC give 6 month warranty included

Edited by Delbert on Wednesday 8th July 09:28

[Chris71]

Going on previous experience with the factory I'd make sure you see plenty of history and possibly do an HPI check.

What year is it? I'd say it'd have to be a fairly recent one for that sort of price, although SVs do seem to command a premium. The 1.8 is probably a good choice if you need the extra size of the SV as it's a lot more torquey than the 1.6 - not as entertaining IMHO, but usefully gutsier.

[thequietone]

I've never understood the 6speed vs 5speed on the motorway argument. Driven many, many miles in both and as long as the 6speed isnt running a 3.92 final there is only 500 or 600 rpm in it (both between 4200 - 4700).
SV is fine for trackdays, just get it flat floored first. It has the right wheels, tyres and suspension so will make a great all-rounder.

Looks like a nice one to me!

[BertBert]

thequietone said:

I've never understood the 6speed vs 5speed on the motorway argument.

Nor me. I have done many many miles with both boxes, I never felt the 5 speed setup to be a comfortable cruising setup. Still needed earplugs.

I think it's more personal choice of what you prefer. So test drive both and go with whichever you prefer.

Bert

[Chris71]

thequietone said:

I've never understood the 6speed vs 5speed on the motorway argument.

My feeling is that the revvy little 1600 is a natural match for the close-ratio 6 speed 'box. The torquey and slightly less frantic 1800 didn't seem so compromised by the 5 speed unit though.

It's a personal thing though and I hasten to add I'm far from being an expert, I've just gone through the same dilemma recently.

With regards to the noise, 4,000rpm at 70mph is pretty silly, but it's more mechanical sympathy than bleeding ears that prays on your mind. I'm sure it's fine mechanically, but it's a pyschological thing - seems a bit cruel somehow! One comparison that may or may not be of interest is a comparatively sensible, comparitively mainstream Elise S1 actually makes nearly the same noise with the close-ratio 'box in when the hood's down. So there - the Caterham is a refined, long distance tool.

[allen l]

I just noticed the car has been sold (to you?)