Discussion
Hi all,
Having driven my first Caterham (thanks to the 2024 Big Test Drive event and Williams Automobiles), I am smitten with the idea of buying one.
My pockets aren’t too deep - my budget is probably no more than £18k.
What would folk recommend? It would be a weekend/summer toy with the very occasional track day use - so most likely the S trim. We’ve tried SV and standard, both I like.
I test drove the 170S, that seemed to have plenty of power and so my initial thoughts are something along the lines of a 1.6.
Am I better looking for the newer Ford Duratec? Slightly concerned on parts for the K-Series.
Thanks
SA
Having driven my first Caterham (thanks to the 2024 Big Test Drive event and Williams Automobiles), I am smitten with the idea of buying one.
My pockets aren’t too deep - my budget is probably no more than £18k.
What would folk recommend? It would be a weekend/summer toy with the very occasional track day use - so most likely the S trim. We’ve tried SV and standard, both I like.
I test drove the 170S, that seemed to have plenty of power and so my initial thoughts are something along the lines of a 1.6.
Am I better looking for the newer Ford Duratec? Slightly concerned on parts for the K-Series.
Thanks
SA
Moderator edit: no wanted ads
If you will be driving solo, an S3 will be best, unless you are on the large side. If you will regularly be carrying a passenger the SV will be much easier.
I had a 1600 K Supersport for 18 years until a few months ago and spares are not a problem. Best if you can find one where the head gasket has been replaced by a specialist, not any old garage.
I had a 1600 K Supersport for 18 years until a few months ago and spares are not a problem. Best if you can find one where the head gasket has been replaced by a specialist, not any old garage.
What an incredible colour, really like that. Owners forums on Facebook is an idea - I’d not thought of looking there. I’ve just been browsing the usual ads on PH and AT.
Looks like the 1.6 Sigma or K Series might be the way to go.
Do I need to be mindful of mileage? The ads all seem pretty low. If I can’t find one with the head gasket replacement, what’s the approx cost associated with replacing this?
Thanks everyone.
SA
Looks like the 1.6 Sigma or K Series might be the way to go.
Do I need to be mindful of mileage? The ads all seem pretty low. If I can’t find one with the head gasket replacement, what’s the approx cost associated with replacing this?
Thanks everyone.
SA
Edited by SilverArrow24 on Tuesday 24th September 15:48
Turn7 said:
If it’s a toy that’ll be mainly solo driving get an S3 with K….
The D isn’t a great engine in a 7 IMO.
SV is great if you want a modicum of comfort and plan to tour, also available with the SIgma motor, which is a better engine I think.
that's interesting you say about the D engine ? (Assume you mean duratec). What didn't you like about it? nose weight?The D isn’t a great engine in a 7 IMO.
SV is great if you want a modicum of comfort and plan to tour, also available with the SIgma motor, which is a better engine I think.
I found the Kseries 1.6 great fun, but when I was in 2.0 Duratec, at 177 bhp it was a mega thing - I thought the original 310R was about as perfect as a spec as you could get on a manual gearbox.
The sequential box I don't like (AT ALL) for road use, but great on track.
Echo the sentiments though - I think 120/150bhp is definitely enough for a road Caterham for sure.
My use matches your description.
I've got a Roadsport 140 (Ford Sigma 1.6 140bhp, and a 6 speed box) which I bought back in 2012.
I've covered about 12k in that time (I'm annoyed it's not more!), and we've done plenty of touring (including a 10 day trip in Scotland) and I've done lots of trackdays in it.
I think 140bhp is a good power point, the car is still capable of far more than I am, but I feel I can get much closer to those limits than I would in a more powerful car, and that's where the fun is for me.
I have no complaints about the Sigma. It's been very reliable normal maintenance, revs well and sounds great.
I've never driven a k-series, but I will say 1.8k was the best sounding Caterham I've heard. I went for a Sigma due to the head gasket issues on the k (not a huge issue really so long as you get it done by someone who knows what they're doing), but also the Sigma 1.6 was 120bhp in standard for in the old MK6 Fiesta, and at 140 it's really not all that stressed, it's a solid engine and not many issues have come up on them.
I'm sure you'll be happy with whatever you get. I've said on other threads, get the main specs right - engine, gearbox and seats! Those are probably the most expensive parts to swap.
I've got a Roadsport 140 (Ford Sigma 1.6 140bhp, and a 6 speed box) which I bought back in 2012.
I've covered about 12k in that time (I'm annoyed it's not more!), and we've done plenty of touring (including a 10 day trip in Scotland) and I've done lots of trackdays in it.
I think 140bhp is a good power point, the car is still capable of far more than I am, but I feel I can get much closer to those limits than I would in a more powerful car, and that's where the fun is for me.
I have no complaints about the Sigma. It's been very reliable normal maintenance, revs well and sounds great.
I've never driven a k-series, but I will say 1.8k was the best sounding Caterham I've heard. I went for a Sigma due to the head gasket issues on the k (not a huge issue really so long as you get it done by someone who knows what they're doing), but also the Sigma 1.6 was 120bhp in standard for in the old MK6 Fiesta, and at 140 it's really not all that stressed, it's a solid engine and not many issues have come up on them.
I'm sure you'll be happy with whatever you get. I've said on other threads, get the main specs right - engine, gearbox and seats! Those are probably the most expensive parts to swap.
SilverArrow24 said:
Do I need to be mindful of mileage? The ads all seem pretty low.
My personal experience is not to worry too much on mileage, with most cars, and, certainly not a Caterham. Edited by SilverArrow24 on Tuesday 24th September 15:48
High mileage lowers the price you pay and the price you sell it for. If you buy a car with low mileage, each mile you enjoy will lower the value.
I’d worry about a car doing less than 2k a year and few Caterhams are sold doing more than that.
Factor in the reliability of the Speedo/ number that get disconnected when racing. Mine is a ‘12 car showing circa 14k miles and I don’t believe that number.
The engine, gearbox and diff in most Caterhams are designed for very high miles (Focus/ MX5/ Sierra). The parts of a Caterham that suffer from age seem more to do with care.
Buy it, enjoy it, and you’re unlikely to lose much on resale beyond dealer profit margins.
As someone else said, most of the specifications are easily changed. So think about what you’re going to use it for, and pick the best Engine, Gearbox, Cage or Bar and Seats for that job.
The Selfish Gene said:
Turn7 said:
If it’s a toy that’ll be mainly solo driving get an S3 with K….
The D isn’t a great engine in a 7 IMO.
SV is great if you want a modicum of comfort and plan to tour, also available with the SIgma motor, which is a better engine I think.
that's interesting you say about the D engine ? (Assume you mean duratec). What didn't you like about it? nose weight?The D isn’t a great engine in a 7 IMO.
SV is great if you want a modicum of comfort and plan to tour, also available with the SIgma motor, which is a better engine I think.
I found the Kseries 1.6 great fun, but when I was in 2.0 Duratec, at 177 bhp it was a mega thing - I thought the original 310R was about as perfect as a spec as you could get on a manual gearbox.
The sequential box I don't like (AT ALL) for road use, but great on track.
Echo the sentiments though - I think 120/150bhp is definitely enough for a road Caterham for sure.
Based South Gloucestershire, not far from Millwoods.
I’ve seen a few that seem to meet my criteria, though I can’t post links as my account is new!
PH listing 17372832
3x Turn7 - a 174, 190 and a 125
Out of interest, is there a ‘better month’ to buy a Caterham. Going into the winter, I’m not expecting to be able to use it in anger until next March. Presumably values drop ever-so slightly around now? I did look at new but the basic models seem to have increased in cost significantly over the last 5 years.
I’ve seen a few that seem to meet my criteria, though I can’t post links as my account is new!
PH listing 17372832
3x Turn7 - a 174, 190 and a 125
Out of interest, is there a ‘better month’ to buy a Caterham. Going into the winter, I’m not expecting to be able to use it in anger until next March. Presumably values drop ever-so slightly around now? I did look at new but the basic models seem to have increased in cost significantly over the last 5 years.
Edited by SilverArrow24 on Wednesday 25th September 13:44
Like all cars, the new prices have gone up a lot over the past couple of years.
As such, residuals are high too.
Bought mine for 17k in 2012. I had it repsrayed 2 years ago, it was valued at 24k after being resprayed. It probably owes me 30k in total with the sets of tyres, wheels, the paint job, 10 years of servicing and bits and pieces I've bought for it. Compared to most other cars it's very cheap to run though.
Prices probably fluctuate a bit over the year, I guess you'll find people looking to sell now, at a slightly lower cost now that summer is over. But also I suspect the number of cars on sale will drop over the winter, and rise again next spring/summer.
I personally wouldn't go less than a 1.6 K or Sigma if you're looking to do trackdays. I'm sure the Suzuki 170 is fun on the road, but you'll be wantiing more ooomph on straights!
Like I said though, figure out which seats you find the most comfortable, which engine/gearbox combo you want, and keep an eye out. One will be on the market at some point.
As such, residuals are high too.
Bought mine for 17k in 2012. I had it repsrayed 2 years ago, it was valued at 24k after being resprayed. It probably owes me 30k in total with the sets of tyres, wheels, the paint job, 10 years of servicing and bits and pieces I've bought for it. Compared to most other cars it's very cheap to run though.
Prices probably fluctuate a bit over the year, I guess you'll find people looking to sell now, at a slightly lower cost now that summer is over. But also I suspect the number of cars on sale will drop over the winter, and rise again next spring/summer.
I personally wouldn't go less than a 1.6 K or Sigma if you're looking to do trackdays. I'm sure the Suzuki 170 is fun on the road, but you'll be wantiing more ooomph on straights!
Like I said though, figure out which seats you find the most comfortable, which engine/gearbox combo you want, and keep an eye out. One will be on the market at some point.
You are in a buyers market for sure. A few have been for sale on the Caterham Club website, and the prices have been dropping.
You will also notice that every time anyone asks - which Caterham to buy, every response says the one they bought is fine.
Lots of comments about this or that BHP is great, happy with this power, sweet spot and so on. Some love the 6 spd some the 5 spd.
Basically what that means is that everyone is happy.
I've chased a few of different engine sizes, they all go round corners at the same speed, they all give you a massive smile.
However, torque is always good, especially mid range for road use. Not BHP at the red line, unless you are buying for a track day weapon.
I chose the 420R Duratec on the basis that it had more torque than I needed, so I wasn't left feeling I may want to upgrade later.
Join the Club, there will be loads of members happy to take you for a spin.
You will also notice that every time anyone asks - which Caterham to buy, every response says the one they bought is fine.
Lots of comments about this or that BHP is great, happy with this power, sweet spot and so on. Some love the 6 spd some the 5 spd.
Basically what that means is that everyone is happy.
I've chased a few of different engine sizes, they all go round corners at the same speed, they all give you a massive smile.
However, torque is always good, especially mid range for road use. Not BHP at the red line, unless you are buying for a track day weapon.
I chose the 420R Duratec on the basis that it had more torque than I needed, so I wasn't left feeling I may want to upgrade later.
Join the Club, there will be loads of members happy to take you for a spin.
AinsleyB said:
You are in a buyers market for sure. A few have been for sale on the Caterham Club website, and the prices have been dropping.
You will also notice that every time anyone asks - which Caterham to buy, every response says the one they bought is fine.
Lots of comments about this or that BHP is great, happy with this power, sweet spot and so on. Some love the 6 spd some the 5 spd.
Basically what that means is that everyone is happy.
I've chased a few of different engine sizes, they all go round corners at the same speed, they all give you a massive smile.
However, torque is always good, especially mid range for road use. Not BHP at the red line, unless you are buying for a track day weapon.
I chose the 420R Duratec on the basis that it had more torque than I needed, so I wasn't left feeling I may want to upgrade later.
Join the Club, there will be loads of members happy to take you for a spin.
Years ago I always wanted an R500, but now I do wonder if one of those is probably a bit too much for the road though. I'd imagine that it would be ace fun trying to tame it to be fair though! You will also notice that every time anyone asks - which Caterham to buy, every response says the one they bought is fine.
Lots of comments about this or that BHP is great, happy with this power, sweet spot and so on. Some love the 6 spd some the 5 spd.
Basically what that means is that everyone is happy.
I've chased a few of different engine sizes, they all go round corners at the same speed, they all give you a massive smile.
However, torque is always good, especially mid range for road use. Not BHP at the red line, unless you are buying for a track day weapon.
I chose the 420R Duratec on the basis that it had more torque than I needed, so I wasn't left feeling I may want to upgrade later.
Join the Club, there will be loads of members happy to take you for a spin.
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