Aardappel

Kitcat: yes, that experience is exactly why I am getting one. I've driven 3 different ones so far, and every time it feels like every second is fun. Especially the steering. I feel like I have the whole car in my hands, directly. I can only imagine what it will be like once I get more used to it, on road and track.

Croc: Thanks for the video! Wow, that looks very high speed compared to my local track, with some super long straights, and some scary near blind sweepers. Only ever driven Spa in game For comparison here's Sears Point (in an Elise): No caterham videos besides this SP with a very unhelpful perspective: KitKat: from reading about it, it does sound like the CSR might be overkill for me, I'm sure a regular 420R is already plenty of car for me, as I don't intend to do any serious "racing". Sequential gearbox would be nice for the track though. As for actually getting the 7, I'd prefer to work with someone as local as possible. NJMP is also a bit far out for me coffee break: damn right.. I'm finally about to make that a reality

(sorry for the late reply, was on a trip) Thanks for the extensive answers! John B: thanks coffee break: I generally agree lower HP is easier to play around with, I've generally selected my cars for weight and handling first (I also had an Elise at some point). That said, power can be addictive, and the 420 can provide both, unlike most regular cars. Vovchandr: Hah, that's a nice way to look at it. I can afford the 420 premium, so maybe that is indeed the safer bet. KitKat: Another good reason for a bit of extra power. I noticed the same effect in the Elise on track to some extend (win in the corners, lose on the straights). Andy69: Totally agree in general. Though I'm not entirely new to the track, I've done a ton of track days in my Elise, Cayman, 350z, Fiesta ST etc. pksurveyor: looks like the 6-speed is not an option anymore? I know I probably don't need the weather stuff, but it is not particularly expensive and makes the car a bit more versatile. Also would be slightly more ok having it parked overnight with its top on (which may happen like once a year). Croc: - The track that I'll spend most of my time on is Sears Point Raceway (formerly Infineon) which is a fairly technical track with less/shorter straights compared to some other tracks. Still, a bit of power won't hurt, and I will occasionally bring it to more HP oriented tracks (Laguna Seca and Thunderhill). - Definitely getting a lowered floor. Custom seat would be an option, but maybe once I have more experience with the car. Likely will start with the leather if that's lowest. - Will ask about the captive nut, that sounds handy. - Sounds like in my case the 5-speed will be fine. The track I go to most is 3rd gear for most of it in most cars I've tried (though all were 6-speed I think), but the 420 will be faster than anything I've driven before, so will spend more in 4th. Will have to experiment. - Will likely spend little to no time in the rain, but the flexibility might be nice. Yes, definitely getting the doors, thanks. - 7 front 9 back.. the standard for 420R in the configurator are "15" Orcus anthracite alloy with Avon ZZS" which I am guessing are 6 front 8 back? - Yes, getting the quick release. - Thanks SO MUCH for pointing out that the Evo article was using ZZRs, that would explain their comments. I can now order a 420 with ZZS with piece of mind Colorado7er: - No doubt the S would do fine too. I did read some reviews that describe the R as giving even sharper feedback, which is kind of what I am getting this kind of car for. I don't mind it being a bit rougher on the road as a consequence. - Upgrading power later sounds like a relatively expensive proposition? Unlike many, I am not that mechanically inclined, so buying a config that "has it all" and is ready for whatever without additional wrenching is attractive to me - Ah, 5-speed it is then - So why is the CSR not available anymore then? If it really is a more advanced 7, I'd imagine it is the one to get.

Hi All! I posted here in 2013 and said "I'll be back when I am finally ready to buy a 7" http://www.usa7s.net/vb/showthread.php?8487-Advice-needed-is-a-Seven-a-good-idea-for-me Well guess what, I'm back, and about to pull the trigger on a Caterham. I would love some advice on whether I am doing the right thing, options wise. So far, I am leaning towards a 420R SV with lowered floor, and the bucket seats substituted for the ones from the S model, and likely other options from the S model like heater, windshield etc. I am 6ft4, so the combination of A) the SV model, B) the lowered floor, and C) the non-bucket seats should add up to enough vertical height that I fit well, even with helmet on for track days. I am choosing the R model as a base, since I will use it for track days as well, and it seems easier to add road-comfort items to the R model than to add track features (LSD etc) to the road model. Does that sound right? Note that I am a pretty casual track user, only go 2 or 3 times a year tops, and my driving style is what often referred to as a "9/10ths driver".. looking for a fun progressive car, not trying to break any records. I picked the 420 since on the track I've noticed that it is easy to crave more power (and also, because both the SV model and myself will add above average weight), but I could also be convinced that I'd be happier in a 360 or even 270. In particular, the description of on the limit handling of the different models in https://www.evo.co.uk/caterham/7/15564/caterham-seven-review-270-360-420-and-more-tested makes me feel like I may prefer the more progressive handling of the lower HP models? It would be fun to play with mini-drifts without having to be very skilled (which I am probably not). Then again, I drove a 420 recently, and that power is certainly addictive, even on the road. Hard to judge. Beyond occasional track I'll be using it for day trips in nice weather almost exclusively. May once a year or so do a longer/overnight trip in it. It will be a second car, so no daily driving duties. It will be stored at or near http://www.kampena.com/ who will also be building and maintaining it. Given the above use case, any advice on must-have options? Anything you'd recommend me to do differently?

Well, as you all guessed, I chickened out of the seven idea, and yesterday I bought a 2011 Elise (in Ardent red http://imageshack.us/a/img850/3130/dsc01287w.jpg

If I may interrupt this fine conversation about Dolly Parton lookalikes: Had a fantastic time yesterday when rnr was so kind to lend his time and his Superlite for some test-driving, and it reminded me just how special these kind of cars are. It's so much fun feeling the excitement of how the car drives, and then looking around and noticing that you're hardly going faster than the rest of traffic. This thing makes any driving fun, without needing a track or a massive speeding ticket. It cemented my thinking that I WILL own one of these kinds of cars... one day. Sadly, yesterday also reminded me of the endless list of impracticalities this car has compared to the Elise that was conveniently sitting next to it. Combine that with living downtown SF, with no convenient/affordable private garage nearby, no mechanical ability (yet), and it being my only car (and thus needing it for practical purposes once in a while), I decided that it may be a bit dumb to buy one right now. So the verdict is, likely Elise now, 7 later, when I don't live downtown anymore, and have a garage where I can have it as my 2nd car, and take my sweet ass time working on it if need be. I'll sell the Cayman S in July, and probably buy an Elise right after. I'll maybe organize some test drives in the time in between, to ensure it is really what I want, but I can't imagine there are any alternatives. Oh and maybe I should take the Cayman to the track one more time before I sell it Thanks everyone for their comments, y'all made making an informed decision about this very easy, and hopefully I'll be back in a few years or so

steveengines: Delaying my decision at least until I meet rnr this thursday to experience his Ultralite. So far, my search for garages around here is not looking good, the ones that are truely private are few, and the only suitable one I have found so far is 700$/month, which may be a bit much for a hobby. I'll keep looking and for sure report back here

Wow, impressed by the warm welcome I am getting on this forum, the feedback has been awesome to help make up my mind... thanks everyone! --- yellowss7: yup, I know I would enjoy that, and 80hrs is not bad. All depends on a garage, and also from a reliability pov having it done by a pro might be preferable. timax: yes, seems the height problem can be solved depending on how much I want to spend (SV with lowered floor would probably be best but isn't cheap). Asking if I can park it myself would be a step forward, but sounds like I might realistic need a garage anyway for other reasons (insurance, and being able to work on it), so that now becomes the #1 problem first and foremost. IDreamOfChapman: yes, the insurance I will need to call around before pulling the trigger. Having a second car is not going to work for me. slomove: yup, I can always try it, and sell it if I don't like it. Thing is, I already know I'll like it. First need to figure out the garage/maintenance angle on it. blubarisax: thanks, thats good to hear. I'm sure an SV with lowered floor would be the awesome, just not cheap. stevengines: wow, your stalker looks very suitable for a tall person with that windshield! --- so, my current plan: figure out if I can find a private garage to rent, reasonably close & cheap. Figure out if I can insure one of these things as a single car in CA. If any of that fails, it's looking for Elises for me. choose which one to get (all the way from getting something cheap and worry about the height problem later, to getting an SV made for me with lowered floor).

Klasik-69: I'd actually be down to learn about mechanicals, especially if learning would start with putting a kit together. But this requires lots of time and a private garage with space for tools & parts etc, which may be too much to ask at this point in life. Definitely a dream I have for the future. Thanks, I'll ask him. Yup, not too worried about the weather aspect. jeffs: yup, the more I read y'alls advice, the more I think it is a tall order. Unless I can somehow find a good garage etc etc... so yes, once I decide against it, I'll be looking for a well sorted Elise.

xcarguy: yeah, parking the cayman already costs a lot, and having the 7 for sunday drives would mean I only use the cayman for... getting to the 7 (and shopping maybe), so that's not practical. It's gotta be a 1 car solution. I happen to live very central in SF so getting a private storage space or garage within reasonable distance is problematic (I looked yesterday on craigslist). If insurance requires that, that might be a dealbreaker. Rikker: SF Bay Area... climate here is good, little rain, if anything SF itself can be a bit cold for an open car, but generally great once you drive out of it. scannon: well, those valets have had my cayman for almost a year now, and they will have whatever else I buy next, e.g. an elise if not a 7. rnr: so the list of requirements increases: besides finding someone who can help me work on it, I will need my own private garage (for unsurance and to not have others touch it), and I'll need to keep a regular car (I guess I'd swap the cayman for a mazda 2 or whatever, since it be purely a grocery getter at that point). Hmm, that's going to be quite the commitment. centerfireman: thanks for the tip! That'll be very useful. Yes, certainly not looking at this too rationally, I know a 7 will give me more joy than anything else I could practically afford (a BAC Mono is way out of my range! blubarisax: I've already had that first drive, which is why I am so seriously considering overcoming these obstacles at all Oh, are you the person with the lowered floor? Do you have any post anywhere explaining some details of that? danilo: eek.. no rain driving then. The birkin I drove for 2hrs or so, and at no point did I feel noise was an issue, I guess it had a well sorted exhaust. The only thing I remember was engine heat in the footwell wasn't ideal for driving in 90f texas weather I will look at caterhams if I go for it.. if I can cover the initial outlay I am sure depreciation is low. kitkat: yes, be fun to see how different rnr's car feels from the Birkin I drove. While bikes are of course awesome, the 7 is about as crazy as I want to go from a safety perspective. Definitely looking to buy used, yes.

rnr: that's very generous of you.. I will certainly pm you, trying a different 7 would help a lot in deciding I am sure. I guess with the brooklands screen you always look over, which means you always wear sunglasses/goggles or helmet? I've driven an Elise only briefly, and while a lot of fun, the difference in "rawness" between it and the Cayman seemed a lot smaller than between it and the 7, but I hope I am wrong. snookwheel: good to hear! I guess these cars could be reliable because they're so simple in design, yet possibly also less reliable because they're individually produced. scannon: this particular garage is managed by valets only (yes, welcome to SF), so not too worried about vandalism etc, but still not ideal relying on them to handle the car. coffee break: good point.. is this to insure it for this kind of car (kit car?). would insurance generally be a lot more expensive than a normal road car of equivalent cost?

Thanks for the responses! Let me be clear to everyone: though this would be my only car, it would NOT be an every day car. I would use it most twice a week, like a sunday drive and maybe 1 trip around town. I use public transport most of the time. So a little unpracticality doesn't phaze me. yellowss7: hadn't thought of that. I had certainly planned to only use it when chances of rain are near 0, but yes, should be able to drive it with the top up in case of emergency. I guess lowering the floor would be the best option, I'll have to find out how much that costs. supersportsp: thanks for the honest feedback, I need that. Not a daily driver, but yes, if it would require mechanical fiddling constantly then that wouldn't be very practical for me, as it would need to go to the "shop" all the time. anthonyseven: I heard the stalker isn't quite as close to the original 7 as a caterham or birkin... though if it is a lot more practical for me that could be a compelling argument. Is the Stalker considered the roomiest 7? powderbrake: I don't mind some inconveniences. I'm in a situation where I can own a car, but I don't need one for anything practical. But yes, I don't work on cars, so it may be out of my reach for now. The cayman is of course a blast on twisties, but I've had it for 4+ years, and feel like a change.. if I decide against a 7, I'll probably end up getting an Elise or something else crazy just for the experience.

Hi everyone, Would love to hear some opinions on my particular situation: Drove a Seven (a Birkin) about 2 years ago, and fell in love with it. At the time it wasn't practical for me to get one, but things have changed (not commuting by car anymore, for one), so I am considering it again. My 2 biggest issues are: 1) I am quite tall at 6ft5. Legs aren't a problem (the Birkin I drove didn't even have the pedals in the furthest location, yet it was ok to drive), but my eye-height is right at the top of the windshield. I couldn't decide whether it was easier to look over or under the bar (!). The seat already had very little padding, so I'd either need a custom windshield that's a few inches higher (and maybe also the rollbar), or even better, a custom floor that goes lower than usual. Any info on how easy this would be, and cost associated greatly appreciated. 2) I am not mechanically inclined. While I understand more about how cars function than your average driver, I've never done any work on any cars I've owned myself. I don't have my own garage (it will be parked in a parking garage) and I don't have the time for it either. As such, I will be dependent on having a good mechanic somewhere local (SF / Bay Area) that can take care of any and all work for me. Without such a person, a Seven will be too impractical for me. Any pointers to reliable people welcome. It's not sure what Seven exactly I would get, but a Birkin sounds nice, not sure if I am ready for the Caterham premium. Something relatively basic (and thus reliable) would be fine with me, I am specifically NOT looking for top performance and a gazillion upgrades, but more for a package that will allow me to enjoy the awesome handling of a good Seven on the twisty roads around the bay area. It'll be used mostly for day trips and maybe to get groceries occasionally (yes, it will be my only car May take it to the track at some point but that's not a priority. If after reading the above you think that my situation is just not very ideal for a Seven, feel free to suggest a better alternative for someone who is out to get the rawest, most direct handling experience possible (on public roads). An obvious one is an Elise, but I am not sure if the difference with my current car (a Cayman S) is big enough to warrant the switch. Then there's the usual Miata/FR-S/BR-Z/S2000/MR-2 options, but most of those I don't believe will be much of an improvement, only different.