My first Caterham, help please

[Rutlandracing]

Hi

I am thinking about my first Caterham. I drove one on a CAT drifting course and absolutely loved it. I saw this, what does anyone think? http://pistonheads.com/sales/2488590.htm

Is the live axle a problem? I would use the car for summer fun and occasional track day or hill climb.

Does anyone recognize the car?

Best

David

[sjmmarsh]

David

I haven't seen this car around but it looks to be in good condition. I wouldn't worry too much about the fact that it has been tracked and live axles are fine as long as you don't put too much power through them.

Your handle suggests that you are not too far from me (I am in Stamford). Let me know if you need any help.

Steve

[Rutlandracing]

Steve

Thanks for the swift reply. I'm in Stamford as well! In fact we have met, I think you organise the car show...I parked my minty green porsche 911 RS replica next to your yellow Caterham a couple of years ago!

I am severely tempted by the advertised car, looks like a bargain. I'm waiting for a reply from the vendor and will then go and check it out.

best

David

[Fishy Dave]

Hi David,

As an alternative look at this one - http://pistonheads.com/sales/2493919.htm

It's owned by a friend of mine. It is how my car started (1400 Supersport), and is a good basis for being upgraded should you feel the need for more power.

Cheers, Dave

[Rutlandracing]

Dave

thanks, looks good, about the same money but the silver one is close to where I live...Wiltshire is a haul for me! This is intriguing.....

http://pistonheads.com/sales/2426192.htm also on ebay, looks great, new, but hasn't passed approval...does anyone know if approval is loads of hassle??

David

[7 Sevens]

Thats a rather large price difference between the live axle and sv. Have you fixed your budget?

[Rutlandracing]

Yep I agree, not sure of budget, they hold their value well so I guess if you buy well then little if any depreciation. This is something I've learnt from my other cars, I've got a Porsche 993 as my daily driver and it has probably gone up in value since I've owned it. The SV is on for less than advertised, it doesn't have IVA and think there could be problems in getting it without being forced into a Q plate, which I guess is pretty bad for future valuation!

Does anone have experience of getting approval on a part finished car? Could be a lot of trouble I guess?

[BertBert]

You can't seriously be considering both cars? An 8k VX 1600 and a 27k 2.3 Duranail?

I'd work out what kind of Caterham you want before going any further! And yes the depreciation can be good, but you need to buy well.

Bert

[Tango7]

Rutlandracing said:

The SV is on for less than advertised, it doesn't have IVA and think there could be problems in getting it without being forced into a Q plate, which I guess is pretty bad for future valuation!

Does anone have experience of getting approval on a part finished car? Could be a lot of trouble I guess?

Unless I'm mistaken, the IVA is nothing to do with a Q reg but ensures the car meets certain criteria for its build. The Q plate is issued when the car is built from parts of an indeterminate age i.e you can't say how old the car is if its built from a variety of used parts (you are allowed so many if they are reconditioned and have receipts available). Not passing the IVA will mean you have a car suitable for track use only...

WRT finishing a part built car and getting it through IVA, for a Caterham like that it really shouldn't be a problem as ultimately it could be returned to the factory for them to get it through if you were prepared to pay for the service. Otherwise there is a lot of help and assistance around if you joined the club and asked on Blatchat

T

[sjmmarsh]

David

There is a big difference between the two cars you are looking at - I'd be careful with the SV as it needs an IVA (but they describe it as needing the old SVA), has a standard roll bar (not an FIA roll bar) and hasn't been driven, so may need a bit of work to get it roadworthy (but there isn't too much you can get wrong on a Caterham build).

rutlandracing said:

I parked my minty green porsche 911 RS replica next to your yellow Caterham a couple of years ago

Steve

Edited by sjmmarsh on Wednesday 16th February 21:35

Edited by sjmmarsh on Wednesday 16th February 21:37

[Rutlandracing]

Steve

Yep that's my car. I've also got a 993 as a daiIy driver. Fancy the caterham for more track focussed. The Porsche is just too expensive to damage/replace brakes and tyres. I guess I fancy a project so I don't mind doing the work on the sv or getting the 1800 up to snuff. I'd enjoy doing the fiddling with either! Have you still got your yellow caterham?

[7 Sevens]

I moved from an Elise to a 993 as a daily driver and yes 993 prices are very good. For whatever reason my C4 didn't really excite me enough so I switched to a daily hack and a 160bhp Roadsport 7.

Whilst looking for the 7 I did see some very high spec cars on eBay and thought I could get them at a very good price. I never did, so don't think there are loads of bargains to be had as the residuals can be very strong.

I would visit a few dealers and work out what type of car suits your needs.

[sjmmarsh]

Yes, I still have the yellow caterham - up to 17k miles in it now and still enjoying it!

Steve