lucky dawg

Having too much fun driving to stop for many pics. Here is the only other one we took. The roads were so quiet, wife could stand on the centerline to pose for photos. And she is really trusting. http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y44/c5dawg/_20140514_203657_zps0a7a88cb.jpg

A great drive on a beautiful day with a wonderful wife in a fast car. All of these adjectives are interchangeable. http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y44/c5dawg/IMG_20140514_204634_zpsbf64ed73.jpg

Still expensive, but $41,000 for the 280 + $4500 for the drivetrain = $46,500 by my calculations.

They will now have a much higher profit margin on every car they don't sell.

Randy - You might want to clarify if these are actually rollers (needing only a drivetrain dropped in) like current Caterhams, or full kits like in the past (requiring substantially more work and frustration). Also, your Zenos link is not working.

Just read on the site that they claim the 480 is the fastest naturally aspirated Caterham they have ever sold, with a 0-60 of 3.4 and top speed of 140. Must have already forgotten about the 500 and CSRs. Perhaps they need a historian or at least a proof reader.

Randy - How was it determined that these are $15k below the new prices since CSRs are no longer part of the Caterham lineup in the US? With Caterhams usually being "bespoke" purchases, were these ordered by customers who changed their minds?

Cool street rod, but just imagine the oil a Caterham would be leaking on customers below. Even completely drained, it would find a way.

That was impressive.

Was your car actually built by Caterham or did it arrive in boxes and then assembled in the US?

Unless you tow on a frequent basis, can the better mileage come close to justifying the increased cost of the Diesel option? Add in that the fuel is usually about 15% more expensive.

Not OSHA approved.

Saudi versions of "Hey Bubba, watch this": LiveLeak.com - Saudi Drift Fails Montage What surprised me is how few spectators try to get out of the way.

So where is the video? At least he is in favor of family values.

K69 - That's what keeps things interesting.

Not a problem at all, though it did move in an unexpected direction.

I'm impressed that a Ferrari owner came out to an open track day.

The problem with that and similar theories is, at least in the US, sales are quite low. Caterham didn't go for a different distribution model because they were making too much money. As for spanking Ferrari's, how often is that really happening? Caterhams are likely bought for a wide range of reasons, ego being low on the list since few onlookers have any idea what it is. Fewer still would ever believe the cost, thinking it is an old MG or a plastic kit car. I think people buy these cars simply because they are fun to drive, on the track or street. And that's why we disregard the required issues of Caterham ownership (oily garage floors, engine based audio system, mininal weather protection, short tire life, etc.), the car is just pleasing to our automotive senses.

Rikker - You can save $4000 by having the wheels repaired instead of replaced. We had that done, guy came to the house with a small machine shop in his trailer. Cost was about $150 per wheel and the repairs are invisible. As for tires and brakes, you can probably do much much better away from the dealer.

I have no major problem figuring out the Superformance site. I am in disbelief that they are charging $23,000 for a 240hp engine and 6 speed trans. All of a sudden my Cosworth seems like a bargain.

My wife has a 2008 280SLK that she loves. The biggest downsides I see are: 1) Excessive maintenance costs, check your local dealer to avoid future shock; 2) Poorly designed cupholders that block your view of the road; 3) Limited headroom.

The good news: A brief mention of Caterham in the current current Car & Driver; The bad news: The R500 isn't a US model anymore and they didn't mention the base price does not include the drivetrain. Could be a major shock if anyone actually tries to buy one. Maybe Superformance can use this opportunity to contact C&D and get a real review. Car & Drive.pdf

Sorry to hear that, what year Caterham is it? Has the engine deteriorated much since your test drives before buying it? I hope the price you paid was in line with the issues the car has.

The Volt automatically runs the engine if it determines the fuel is getting old. I believe this kicks in if the engine has not been activated for six months. The tank is also pressurized to further preserve the gas. Amazing to have a car where you may drive for half a year on no gas.

Seems reasonable enough. Using your assessment and the 496 active members on this forum (some having multiple 7s and some having none), it appears you believe there are about 5000 Lotus, Caterhams, Birkins, Westfields, etc. in the US and Canada (the primary member location). Of course this does not count any of the 2300+ inactive members who may still have cars. I don't know if 5000 is about right. Does anyone have an idea on the number of 7s out there based on something other than a SWAG?