Caterham ? Other ? Advice and opinions reqd pls !

[nevpugh308]

This weekend I got to drive a Caterham round Mallory Park for a bit (1.8 K series, about 140bhp, newish model). BOY AM I HOOKED ! Oh, do I want one of these as a track day car now, or what ?!?

Thing is, looking at the prices of nearly new Caterhams, you're talking more than I can afford for a track toy at the moment (14k+).

So, bearing in mind I'd like something around the same in terms of speed / bhp (i.e. 0-60 in 5.3, 120+ mph or there abouts) what options have I got ? Want to spend about the 7 or 8k mark.

I could go for an older Caterham (late 80's, early 90's) ... or are these a bad idea ? Has the handling or design changed significantly ? Are the older engines just as good, or do they seem archaic now ?

What about Dax or Westfield (or similar) ? Will I get the same level of handling and quality as I found with the Caterham, or are they really a "poor second cousin" ? What about engine options ?

All thoughts, opinions and feedback gratefully received, esp from people who have driven Caterhams and others.

Thanks !
Nev

[fizz]

I saw a Dare G4 about one year old for about 15K.

A bit more I know, but when it rains, you will be glad

[DavidP]

I paid just less than 8k for my 1988 1700 x-flow about 3 years ago. No problems with it. Just lots of fun. The x-flow engine is bomb proof and very tuneable. Lots of induction noise from the webbers and flames from the exhaust. The later cars have uprated front suspension with modified anti-roll bars and adjustable wishbones etc, but the early setup is still fine IMO.

Once you've decided on the engine, you need to decide which back axle to get. I have the older live axle, which gives a very positive ride. The newer cars have the de Dion, but many experts, when speaking honestly say they prefer the feel of the live axle.

Good luck with your choice.

[ATG]

Given these cars are available as kits, I'd guess it might be reasonably easy to buy an older car and then upgrade it if that seemed sensible at a later date? For example, would an older car take the new front suspension components?

[nevpugh308]

ATG - very good question ... are these machines pretty uprateable (is that a word ?) anyone ?

DavidP - what do you mean by "very positive ride" ?

Thanks everyone, N

[DavidP]

Most are very uprateable, although once you've chosen the back axle (I think) that's pretty much it. Other stuff, like radiators, oil coolers, ignition, induction, front suspension weather gear etc etc can all be uprated fairly easily. I've done quite a bit to mine.

I struggled finding the words to describe the live axle feel and ended up with positive. I think the best way to describe the difference is that the live axle has more of a go-cart feel than the de Dion. When driven hard, it feels a bit like it skips sideways...not in a bad way, it is easy to step the back out using the gas, and very catchable. The de Dion gives a more conventional ride. Hope that explains it a bit better. Try both before deciding which you prefer.