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Caterham Midlands
DarrenW - 16/5/08 at 11:01 AM

I called into Caterham this week on way to Bristol, dropping off some bits for a mate. What a fantastic team they have their. Rather than just give the parts and wave me off they made me a coffee and welcomed me.

Some gorgeous cars in the showroom. All looked quality and worth every penny. I especially liked a viper blue lightweight with silver stripe over it. Front of nose was exposed Carbon. Very nice indeed.

I bet the guy had to get his mop out after i left - i was drooling over al the cars.

Not as big a place as i was expecting but looked well run and slick. Some nice customers and race cars in the workshops too.


I know there will be loads of replies about how much they cost blah de blah, but seeing them well prepped for sale you have to acknowledge they do look quality. The interior on the CSR260 was beautiful - i wouldnt like to guess what it would cost me to achieve the same.


donut - 16/5/08 at 11:10 AM

I live about 2 mins from Caterham town where the showroom is. It's also where the Stig left from when the boys were building the car in Scotland.

Every time i pass the showroom i gawp at the CRS chassis. One day i'll have an accident!!


mookaloid - 16/5/08 at 11:13 AM

Just because they are expensive it doesn't mean I wouldn't want one


Pdlewis - 16/5/08 at 11:18 AM

I live a couple of mins from there and they are always out test driving them they are sweet


procomp - 16/5/08 at 11:56 AM

Hi you do get what you pay for and thier service is always excelent ect. It's also worth noting that not all thier parts are that expencive. For instance there are certain parts they do that can not be brought cheaper anywhere else.

cheers Matt


blakep82 - 16/5/08 at 12:19 PM

quote:
Originally posted by donut
Every time i pass the showroom i gawp at the CRS chassis. One day i'll have an accident!!


of the trouser variety? hmmmmm?


Bluemoon - 16/5/08 at 12:20 PM

Agree with procomp, there rear lights are cheap and good (18 quid each) actually cheaper than lolocost! Bought a few other bit's two. There chassis is really nice it must be said, quite different from the other's and it's not welded...

Dan


Rek - 16/5/08 at 12:24 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Bluemoon
Agree with procomp, there rear lights are cheap and good (18 quid each) actually cheaper than lolocost! Bought a few other bit's two. There chassis is really nice it must be said, quite different from the other's and it's not welded...

Dan



Im going to be probably the only person who doesnt know... but if it's not welded how is it done?


iank - 16/5/08 at 12:30 PM

It's bronze welded http://7faq.com/owbase/ow.asp?NotesOnWelding

To be honest if you take into account the additional money you get when you sell again (and can afford to tie up that money for a few years) they aren't as dear as some make out. But it's a rather different, and less challenging (IMO), hobby building and owning a caterham.

Much the same as an Ultima, construction consists mostly of opening a cardboard box, pulling out new/clean components and bolting them into position where they actually fits first time.



[Edited on 16/5/08 by iank]


nick205 - 16/5/08 at 01:47 PM

I'm inclined to agrre that they are well made and in real terms offer pretty good value for money.

The thing that always surprises me about them is how much smaller they are than the MK, MNR, GTS, MAC1 etc. It may be an illusion, but they always seem tiny to me. Also, the roll bars/cages seem to be made from much smaller diameter tubes, but that may be relative.

Personally I'm still very taken with the Donkervort myself, particularly with a hard top


DIY Si - 16/5/08 at 03:59 PM

I wouldn't mind a Caterham one day as they are very good cars. Only problem is I'm 6'3" and don't fit in them.


Kriss - 16/5/08 at 04:06 PM

Si, you would fit in their SV models.

They basically add a few inches to the width and length. They also have a lowered floor for the seat mounts. I test drove one for a day and it convinced me to get a "7". Well out of my price range, so I opted for a Brand new built MK Indy with details similar to the tastey CSR. (Lightweight seats, snap off wheel, anthracite wheels, carbon parts, nicer colour schemes etc)

Oh, and BEC performance!