Tips on new car collection
Discussion
CraigyB said:
Take it easy. The suspension geometry was way out on mine straight from the factory, with tons of rake to the front, meaning it wanted to step the back end out at every opportunity. Then get it flat floored as soon as you are able
That's good advice - don't assume anything is correct, just because it is a factory car. It is likely to need quite a lot of TLC to get it driving and working properly, and if you are new to Caterhams that can be quite daunting, but often part of the fun too.Edited by DCL on Tuesday 15th August 10:42
Hi, I sincerely hope the build quality doesn't force me to spend weekends travelling over a hundred miles back to Crawley for adjustments. Youre probably all chuckling to yourself at that comment..
Should I approach the collection as if I'm buying an older car from a private seller? Making checklists and stuff?
You have me worried now that I'll drive it 3 miles down the road and it will fall apart like a laurel and hardy comedy car sketch.
Also, any reccomendations for garage internal covers? The thread I found was 5 years old and some of the links no longer work.
Thanks
Should I approach the collection as if I'm buying an older car from a private seller? Making checklists and stuff?
You have me worried now that I'll drive it 3 miles down the road and it will fall apart like a laurel and hardy comedy car sketch.
Also, any reccomendations for garage internal covers? The thread I found was 5 years old and some of the links no longer work.
Thanks
Definitely narrow shoes - I drove my first one the 150 miles home in bare feet. I bought my second one new from Cat Midlands in 2007- this is what happened-
- no fuel; 4 litres I think
- door straps on drivers door pulled out the next day , and rubber trim fell off wings(I'm told (not by Caterham ) it was meant to as only there to pass SVA. Really ? ) ,
- handbook given on request only , and then for wrong car
- no explanation given on how to use Stack - dusty copy of manual located in boss's office
- Stack dash speedo - I hit 525 mph the next day on local high street; I took the car back (150 miles trip again ) to get it fixed. and realised on way home that now under reading by 20%.Went into meltdown - took it back yet again and they fixed it .
- selling experience hopeless; no suggestion that sir may need a lowered floor , which I did. I didn't ask for one as my old car had been fine without but stuff changes.
- unlike Morgan et al the only contact at all during build period was to ask for money.
- first track day produced giant clouds of oil smoke. Apparently a breather caused this, and the problem was inherent (Club told me this , not Caterham )It was easily fixed but why did it happen at all ?
It was the biggest purchase I have ever made for me alone . I adore the car but I felt let down by utterly crappy customer service and poor attention to detail. I only hope matters have improved - but check every single thing works and take the proverbial fine tooth comb . My spies tell me that attention to detail is still not CC's forte .
- no fuel; 4 litres I think
- door straps on drivers door pulled out the next day , and rubber trim fell off wings(I'm told (not by Caterham ) it was meant to as only there to pass SVA. Really ? ) ,
- handbook given on request only , and then for wrong car
- no explanation given on how to use Stack - dusty copy of manual located in boss's office
- Stack dash speedo - I hit 525 mph the next day on local high street; I took the car back (150 miles trip again ) to get it fixed. and realised on way home that now under reading by 20%.Went into meltdown - took it back yet again and they fixed it .
- selling experience hopeless; no suggestion that sir may need a lowered floor , which I did. I didn't ask for one as my old car had been fine without but stuff changes.
- unlike Morgan et al the only contact at all during build period was to ask for money.
- first track day produced giant clouds of oil smoke. Apparently a breather caused this, and the problem was inherent (Club told me this , not Caterham )It was easily fixed but why did it happen at all ?
It was the biggest purchase I have ever made for me alone . I adore the car but I felt let down by utterly crappy customer service and poor attention to detail. I only hope matters have improved - but check every single thing works and take the proverbial fine tooth comb . My spies tell me that attention to detail is still not CC's forte .
Don't be afraid to check really basic stuff. I picked up my 620S the other day and the front and rear number plates didn't match! Luckily fixed on the spot but could have warrantied another trip back. Equally, check for scratches and small dents in the bodywork.
Also, check the current wait times for servicing and if necessary book in your 1000 mile service there and then based on predicted mileage.
A friend and I bought Caterhams at the same time a few years ago and we joked that it was the hardest we'd ever had to work to spend cash; they don't return phone calls, answer emails or generally seem to care about selling any cars! Very frustrating outfit.
Also, check the current wait times for servicing and if necessary book in your 1000 mile service there and then based on predicted mileage.
A friend and I bought Caterhams at the same time a few years ago and we joked that it was the hardest we'd ever had to work to spend cash; they don't return phone calls, answer emails or generally seem to care about selling any cars! Very frustrating outfit.
coppice said:
Definitely narrow shoes - I drove my first one the 150 miles home in bare feet. I bought my second one new from Cat Midlands in 2007- this is what happened-
- no fuel; 4 litres I think
- door straps on drivers door pulled out the next day , and rubber trim fell off wings(I'm told (not by Caterham ) it was meant to as only there to pass SVA. Really ? ) ,
- handbook given on request only , and then for wrong car
- no explanation given on how to use Stack - dusty copy of manual located in boss's office
- Stack dash speedo - I hit 525 mph the next day on local high street; I took the car back (150 miles trip again ) to get it fixed. and realised on way home that now under reading by 20%.Went into meltdown - took it back yet again and they fixed it .
- selling experience hopeless; no suggestion that sir may need a lowered floor , which I did. I didn't ask for one as my old car had been fine without but stuff changes.
- unlike Morgan et al the only contact at all during build period was to ask for money.
- first track day produced giant clouds of oil smoke. Apparently a breather caused this, and the problem was inherent (Club told me this , not Caterham )It was easily fixed but why did it happen at all ?
It was the biggest purchase I have ever made for me alone . I adore the car but I felt let down by utterly crappy customer service and poor attention to detail. I only hope matters have improved - but check every single thing works and take the proverbial fine tooth comb . My spies tell me that attention to detail is still not CC's forte .
@ OP: Make sure you address/raise as many issues as you can with them (including your expectations re amount of fuel in the tank, documentation, etc) PRIOR to collecting the car. You will have then provided ample warning....- no fuel; 4 litres I think
- door straps on drivers door pulled out the next day , and rubber trim fell off wings(I'm told (not by Caterham ) it was meant to as only there to pass SVA. Really ? ) ,
- handbook given on request only , and then for wrong car
- no explanation given on how to use Stack - dusty copy of manual located in boss's office
- Stack dash speedo - I hit 525 mph the next day on local high street; I took the car back (150 miles trip again ) to get it fixed. and realised on way home that now under reading by 20%.Went into meltdown - took it back yet again and they fixed it .
- selling experience hopeless; no suggestion that sir may need a lowered floor , which I did. I didn't ask for one as my old car had been fine without but stuff changes.
- unlike Morgan et al the only contact at all during build period was to ask for money.
- first track day produced giant clouds of oil smoke. Apparently a breather caused this, and the problem was inherent (Club told me this , not Caterham )It was easily fixed but why did it happen at all ?
It was the biggest purchase I have ever made for me alone . I adore the car but I felt let down by utterly crappy customer service and poor attention to detail. I only hope matters have improved - but check every single thing works and take the proverbial fine tooth comb . My spies tell me that attention to detail is still not CC's forte .
It's worth also doing a quick torque reading check on all major bolts when you get a chance. This will also familiarise your self with the car (calipers, suspension pick ups, wheels, etc.
Good luck.
These are all such fantastic replies, thank you all so very much. I think I'll make myself a small checklist as I'm sure the day will be quite emotional and I'll forget everything. Was told yesterday that the IVA test has been completed so it will be a few weeks before v5 and pickup.
Check it's the spec you actually ordered and paid for...seriously. My car was second hand from CC Midlands and although I should have done my initial research better, I was told it was dry sumped. It wasn't, it had the apollo tank instead which I mistook for a DS tank when I test drove it. Lots of hassle and snotty letters to sort out.
When I collected the car, they also tried to fob me off that the Cat was inside the silencer when I knew for a fact it wasn't. I insisted I wanted it (as it was listed in the spec listing in the particulars and I needed it for the MOT). Although they relented and gave me one, it was the wrong type, so more arguments before I finally got the right one.
It was a shame as I'd wanted a Seven for over 10 years and it should have been a brilliant experience. Instead I drove home feeling pretty pissed off and wondering if I'd done the right thing!
When I collected the car, they also tried to fob me off that the Cat was inside the silencer when I knew for a fact it wasn't. I insisted I wanted it (as it was listed in the spec listing in the particulars and I needed it for the MOT). Although they relented and gave me one, it was the wrong type, so more arguments before I finally got the right one.
It was a shame as I'd wanted a Seven for over 10 years and it should have been a brilliant experience. Instead I drove home feeling pretty pissed off and wondering if I'd done the right thing!
Hi,
One of things I wish I'd known when I picked mine up from Caterham was about the fuel filler. It was 2011 so I don't know if it's been changed now but the restrictor in the fuel neck to prevent you filling with diesel also did a very good job of preventing me filling it with petrol. I was unable to get an unleaded nozzle into the tank, it's something to do with the angle.
Really caused an issue on the way back to Wales as made it to M4 services and discovered I couldn't refuel - period. Had to resort to buying a fuel can, filling that then decanting that into the tank. First bit of modification was to take a bloody great chisel to it to remove it.
Really would check you can fuel it before a long trip back or take a nozzle from a fuel can to make it easier. Of course this was a few years ago & Caterham may have fixed it, in reality I expect that is as likely as my unicorn farm getting a development grant.
The only other thing I would add is if you are going to pass any tolls make sure you have the money all bundled up ready in a little bag. Very entertaining trying to unbuckle, get out to pay as you can't reach, struggle to get back in & get going - yes Severn Crossing - you know I'm talking about you...
One of things I wish I'd known when I picked mine up from Caterham was about the fuel filler. It was 2011 so I don't know if it's been changed now but the restrictor in the fuel neck to prevent you filling with diesel also did a very good job of preventing me filling it with petrol. I was unable to get an unleaded nozzle into the tank, it's something to do with the angle.
Really caused an issue on the way back to Wales as made it to M4 services and discovered I couldn't refuel - period. Had to resort to buying a fuel can, filling that then decanting that into the tank. First bit of modification was to take a bloody great chisel to it to remove it.
Really would check you can fuel it before a long trip back or take a nozzle from a fuel can to make it easier. Of course this was a few years ago & Caterham may have fixed it, in reality I expect that is as likely as my unicorn farm getting a development grant.
The only other thing I would add is if you are going to pass any tolls make sure you have the money all bundled up ready in a little bag. Very entertaining trying to unbuckle, get out to pay as you can't reach, struggle to get back in & get going - yes Severn Crossing - you know I'm talking about you...
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