Discussion
Hello
I have been looking for a K-series 7 and narrowed it down to the above. I have a few questions I was hoping folks with practical experience might be able to help with. Ideally looking for 180bhp+ and relatively standard spec. Are there any other models I should consider? What are the main differences in driving and ownership experience? Anything else I should be looking out for in terms of spec, history etc?
Choice seems quite limited at the moment. Missed what looked like a nice, privately advertised R400 for sale on here last week. Any places people would suggest looking and any good dealers, ones to avoid etc?
Many thanks
I have been looking for a K-series 7 and narrowed it down to the above. I have a few questions I was hoping folks with practical experience might be able to help with. Ideally looking for 180bhp+ and relatively standard spec. Are there any other models I should consider? What are the main differences in driving and ownership experience? Anything else I should be looking out for in terms of spec, history etc?
Choice seems quite limited at the moment. Missed what looked like a nice, privately advertised R400 for sale on here last week. Any places people would suggest looking and any good dealers, ones to avoid etc?
Many thanks
Prices for SLR's are going up, as it is one of the most sought after K 7 variants. As a good usable investment, the SLR should be a better bet. R300's also seem to be doing well, as far as desirability goes.
Visit Sevens and Classics at Brands Hatch. They are all ex Caterham guys and really know their stuff. If they don't have it in stock, chances are they can find you your perfect 7. I have no connection with S&C other than being a satisfied customer.
Piers
Visit Sevens and Classics at Brands Hatch. They are all ex Caterham guys and really know their stuff. If they don't have it in stock, chances are they can find you your perfect 7. I have no connection with S&C other than being a satisfied customer.
Piers
Thanks for the feedback. Duratec cars are generally more expensive and probably on the wrong side of my budget. Never driven one though - how do they compare? I love the free revving nature of the K series engines.
Very helpful feedback Piers. While I don't view this as an investment, it obviously helps the economics if the car retains value. I think a SLR is probably my first choice - saw a very nice Riviera blue car at Caterham West Sussex but the car sold before I got to see it.
Will call Sevens and Classic as they seem to get good feedback and carry stock. Chapman Cars seems in the same area so I might try and visit them as well - anyone have feedback on them that they can share?
Thank you.
Very helpful feedback Piers. While I don't view this as an investment, it obviously helps the economics if the car retains value. I think a SLR is probably my first choice - saw a very nice Riviera blue car at Caterham West Sussex but the car sold before I got to see it.
Will call Sevens and Classic as they seem to get good feedback and carry stock. Chapman Cars seems in the same area so I might try and visit them as well - anyone have feedback on them that they can share?
Thank you.
I ran an SLR for six years (until I went Duratec a couple of years ago) and think it is the best of all the K series variants. 190bhp is perfect for a light, track-orientated car that's also very useable on the road. If possible go for one that's got a numbered plaque (there are about 150 of them in total from 1998-2002) and look carefully to check whether or not it's an ex- race car. Not necessarily a problem if it is, but worth knowing. Also try to get one that has had an Emerald ECU retrospectively fitted - they are much more user- friendly than the original MBE spec. And as with all high performance K series cars that have enjoyed to the full by previous owners, look out for any signs of head gasket failure.....
FST said:
I ran an SLR for six years (until I went Duratec a couple of years ago) and think it is the best of all the K series variants. 190bhp is perfect for a light, track-orientated car that's also very useable on the road. If possible go for one that's got a numbered plaque (there are about 150 of them in total from 1998-2002) and look carefully to check whether or not it's an ex- race car. Not necessarily a problem if it is, but worth knowing. Also try to get one that has had an Emerald ECU retrospectively fitted - they are much more user- friendly than the original MBE spec. And as with all high performance K series cars that have enjoyed to the full by previous owners, look out for any signs of head gasket failure.....
and on the positive side, any DVA (Dave Andrews) fettlingGood info. Only trouble now is finding one. There was a nice Riviera Blue Car at Caterham Sussex (now sold) and the only car I can see for sale at the moment is the green one at Chapman cars.
Anyone know of anything else for sale or coming to the market? Where else is a good place to look?
Thanks
Anyone know of anything else for sale or coming to the market? Where else is a good place to look?
Thanks
Have you seen this one in also riviera blue http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C926797 posted a few days ago.
Looks top spec.
Looks top spec.
If not buying for investment potential and just to use I would buy one that you can use without fear of damaging it's value.
I bought a supersport r (essentially an r300 without the price tag!) And it is currently for sale 😉
A quick upgrade to the engine and you have r400 performance for less outlay.
Definitely making the right choice with the k series. Fantastic fun engine!
Dave
I bought a supersport r (essentially an r300 without the price tag!) And it is currently for sale 😉
A quick upgrade to the engine and you have r400 performance for less outlay.
Definitely making the right choice with the k series. Fantastic fun engine!
Dave
Interesting that you say some models are appreciating. I can see prices for some models and 7s generally are pretty steady but I hadn't realised some were appreciating. I assume the gains are small but at least it offsets some of the running costs.
Dave - Thanks for your feedback. Do you have a link to your car for sale? Your not the first person to suggest a Supersport and I am sure it would be great to drive. My gut feel is I would happy to spend the extra on a Superlight but could be convinced if the right car came along.
Regards
Dave - Thanks for your feedback. Do you have a link to your car for sale? Your not the first person to suggest a Supersport and I am sure it would be great to drive. My gut feel is I would happy to spend the extra on a Superlight but could be convinced if the right car came along.
Regards
blackmamba said:
Interesting that you say some models are appreciating. I can see prices for some models and 7s generally are pretty steady but I hadn't realised some were appreciating. I assume the gains are small but at least it offsets some of the running costs.
Dave - Thanks for your feedback. Do you have a link to your car for sale? Your not the first person to suggest a Supersport and I am sure it would be great to drive. My gut feel is I would happy to spend the extra on a Superlight but could be convinced if the right car came along.
Regards
I'm not sure if I'm allowed to share a link on here. It in the classifieds though. Blue supersport r up for 17,250. A bit down on the power of the superlight but has all the expensive bits there ripe for engine upgrade if desired.Dave - Thanks for your feedback. Do you have a link to your car for sale? Your not the first person to suggest a Supersport and I am sure it would be great to drive. My gut feel is I would happy to spend the extra on a Superlight but could be convinced if the right car came along.
Regards
Dave
Since its been bumped way down the page thanks to dealers refreshing their ads every blooming day here it is...
https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...
https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...
Gassing Station | Caterham | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff