jeffs

Well, the race is now on. I just ordered a mini as my new 'practical' car. The mini is in queue to be built and then shipped, the caterham waiting to be shipped and then built. I think we all know which one is likely to win the race

Cyberbug, I'm not sure I would steer you towards new vs. used (its all about whether you could find a used one you like), but I thought I'd correct a few number that might be a little off. My new r500 only came to about 75k (vs a tad under 90k). Certainly that will change a bit with the options and how much CF you use, but its a little cheaper than you've budgeted. Also, when I was out there last, the waiting list wasn't that long...you might be able to get something in the late summer/early fall time-frame (not quoting you a date, just saying you should call them to get a date).

I just went through the same decision tree that you did (though I don't plan on any auto-x). The only one I would shy away from would be the SV chassis. You will fit well in a series 3 chassis, so getting the larger SV would seem like a waste to me. Why burden yourself with the extra weight if you don't need it? I was lucky enough to spend a bit of time in both the CSR and the series 3, and both are really great cars. I was so prepared for the comfort in the car to be compromised that I was shocked when sitting in a CSR how roomy it was. It actually felt just as comfortable as my Elise. The S3 felt like you were putting on a glove in comparison...well they both fit well, maybe the S3 is like a glove one size smaller. I don't think there is a wrong answer between the two, its just personal preference. The CSR looks to be much more composed than the S3 (again, its personal preference). I waffled back and forth for over a month before I made my decision, and ultimately I went with the S3 because I liked the r500 dash better My recommendation would be to try and sit in both an S3 and a CSR if you can. Post your location... many of the members here are happy to show off their cars and if there is someone local to you I'll bet they will let you try the fit. If you are near Denver, the folks at Caterham USA are really nice and helpful too. When I stopped by last month they had a CSR and a few r500s in build. They weren't at a point where someone could sit it them, but they might be now if they aren't already finished.

They asked me if I wanted to come out to Colorado to unwrap it, but I decided pictures were good enough LOL, not quite every box, but I checked a few boxes that weren't even on the sheet. It was every bit of fun you said it would be I just spoke to Hagerty about insurance (wow, less than my jeep). I thought someone said they covered track days (I was surprised by this), but when I spoke with them today they said they didn't. Is anyone here covered for track days?

After all the helpful advice, I thought I'd share my update. After much internal debate, a couple of rides with Sabbot and Croc (thx again guys) and Monday afternoon in Denver with Jon and Cody, I placed my order for a new R500 (yellow/black). It's nice to no longer be waffling on which model R400/R500/CSR and instead just counting the days to arrival. I hope to see you all out on the street soon....it feels like it wont be soon enough

I'd like to publicly thank Croc for taking the time to show me his CSR, and even taking the time to go for a ride on a cold Feb afternoon. I was ready for a ride that was much more jarring and harsh than my Elise, but it didn't feel that way at all. It took a long time for the grin to leave my face, but to be fair it may have been frozen that way The visit was really helpful and any doubts I may have had about getting a Caterham are now long gone. Thanks!

Yeah, I pretty much have. I have to say though, that could be the best car ad I've ever seen.

I wish I could make it out there for the 3rd, but unfortunately I can't. I'll definitely take you up on the offer to meet up on the 5th though. I'll send you a PM.

Wow, thank you for all for the suggestions and for the offers to check out your cars. Croc, I was actually contemplating the trip to the UK for a test drive too I will read up more on the NJ changes, and croc thank you for offering to discuss as well. I read though a number of comments on this last summer and it did sound like a PITA. One upside is that I live fairly close to an official inspection station. When is the NJMP event? Is it open to just 7s? I certainly hope to have made my decision by then, though if building may not have it in hand. Skip, thank you for the offer. I'm going to be out in CO on the 5th, and I'm just figuring out how to sneak away from the mandatory meetings I'm pretty sure I can make it over to CaterhamUSA, but I'm not sure I'll be able to make it up to Erie. I really appreciate the offer though. Thanks rnr. It's funny, I'm used to giving people warnings about the Elise, been a while since I've gotten the "are you sure you want to do this" myself. Am I sure? No, but I think so. I'm assuming, perhaps incorrectly, that the the caterham is going to be a lot most like the open wheel car that Skip Barber uses. Certainly less comfortable and less waterproof than the Elise (who ever thought that would be said), but after spending 3 days in that car it made the Elise feel soft and bloated. What I loved most about that car was how recoverable it was, it was so easy to make mid-turn corrections. Watching the videos of the caterhams on the track it appears to have that type of handling. One of the reasons I didn't go with the Atom was too many people warned me that line between tons of grip and a spin is too thin. I like the Elise, and its a decent track car, but its expensive to fix if something goes wrong. Have I considered a clone? I have, and I've been lurking on the boards for quite some time now looking at what was for sale. My preference is not to go with a clone, but if the right one at the right price came along I was going to consider it. Have I sat in one? No. I'm 5'8" so I'm not too worried, but it is one of the reasons for my trip to CaterhamUSA (and maybe a question I'll get answered here locally sooner). Yes, I agree, all the modifications are cool, but very confusing for someone new to all of this. blubarisax, thank you for that offer. I'll give them a call. Thank you for the offer to check out the CSR croc, I will definitely be giving you a call. You know, its funny, I watched both the r500 lap and the csr lap on the top gear track, and I walked away with a little different view. I did walk away believing I would be very happy with a CSR, but that lap by the Stig makes me drool every time. There is just something about being able to overcook it into every corner and with a little flick of the steering wheel recover with no problem. I'm assuming the CSR would do the same thing if pushed to that limit? I will take your advice with the sequential. I liked it on the track when going full throttle, but found it very annoying at slower speeds. When you say aeroscreen, do you mean the wind deflectors? I was considering a full windscreen for street use, but going with the wind deflectors for the track sdca7, can you say a little more about the difference in feel between the csr and r500? Again, thank you all for the help. As sdca7 says, I'm sure I will be happy with any of these cars. Of course I would have been much happier if I made up my mind 6 months ago

Last summer I had the fortunate/unfortunate experience of going to Skip Barber open wheel racing school. It was a blast, however it made me realize that my Elise is just too practical. I waffled on the Atom/Caterham decision for a long time, and I've finally decided to go with the Caterham...only which one? I'll be going out to Colorado next month and hope to check out a few in person while out there, but I was hoping that I might be able to get some recommendations before I went. Some info: If I make it to the track 3-4 days a year, its a good year. Let's say price isn't a major factor. It is a factor, but everyone values money differently so its tough to judge in a forum. I will also have a "practical" car, if one considers a jeep practical My commute to work is relatively short (5-6 mi) over back roads. Some questions: Are the superlights, lets say the R500, too harsh for the street? Are the roadsports left wanting when going to the track? Is there a noticeable difference performance or enjoyment-wise between the r500 and the CSR on the track? Are there certain must-have options to get (such as LSD)? Some of the reviews make the sequential shifter sound noisy and annoying for street use, is that true? Any help or feedback you can give is appreciated. Hopefully I will be one of you soon...assuming I stop chasing my tail on which one to get.