Thinking of selling, though reluctantly

[hairball29]

Hi, all

 

I hope you don't mind me asking for a little input on my decision. I have a 2005 Seven with a Zetec SVT motor and 4800 miles. It's basically as I got it, but for an ECU tune (from Turbo Tom in NC), Team Dynamics wheels, new Yokohama tires, LED headlights and an AF gauge.

 

It came from the factory to Mid Atlantic Caterham DE with a 6 speed, LSD, aero front control arms, 4 piston calipers, aluminium flywheel, removable steering wheel, oversize radiator, heater and weather gear. The documents I have for it also state stage 1 cams

 

There is some damage behind the left wheel, it got dented and the metal between the holes for the control arm and the steering arm has split. It's not very obvious, but it's not easy to fix short of welding the metal and repainting the side, so I'm considering selling it as-is. The only other problem I had with it was a frustrating electrical problem related to the Ford immobilizer sensor that was resolved a Lotus dealer in Atlanta. Over all it's in very good shape inside and out and runs and drives well

 

I've found I barely use it, so am considering selling it, though with a heavy heart, and getting a different fun car, perhaps one my 2 and 4 year olds could also enjoy. I wonder what opinion you have on the best place to sell, on its value. Some images: https://photos.app.goo.gl/CjGTmBL6iH9SzAoy7

 

I hope you're all keeping well and enjoying your vehicles.

 

 

 

 

Thanks

[panamericano]

Nice looking car. What is that gadget on the dash in front of the passenger? Appearance is everything to some buyers, but I'd be tempted to leave that little bit of damage. BAT appears to be the place to sell a Seven these days.

[hairball29]

Nice looking car. What is that gadget on the dash in front of the passenger? Appearance is everything to some buyers, but I'd be tempted to leave that little bit of damage. BAT appears to be the place to sell a Seven these days.

 

Thanks, I think you might be right about BaT. I sent it to Carsandbids, and whilst they're interested in marketing it, they want me to agree to a 20k reserve which seems low. that might be fine if bidding gets up there, but it might not and I'll end up paying.

 

Anyway, the device on the dash is my cellphone holder. I used one intended for a bike as it clamps hard to the phone, and i made an L bracket to hold it and avoid drilling the face of the dash.

[Vovchandr]

I would also like to say that if you have OEM headlights, I would put those back in.

 

As above is said, appearance is everything to most buyers of a car like this, and those headlights aren't a good fit. I've had a similar pair and got rid of them for same reason I see on your car. They don't fit well/flush with the OEM buckets. They stick out 1/4 in or so. If they were OEM LED's it could possibly be considered a benefit, but I'm afraid having them in will not benefit the resale.

 

Only you know what money you'd want out of it. Due to the demand and lack of supply you have the ability to sit on the ad until somebody comes along who wants one and will overlook any short comings. If I had to throw a dart at guessing the price I'd say anywhere between $25k minimum guaranteed to $35k or so as the high end.

 

Low miles and SVT motor are huge benefits. What was Tom able to get out of it for HP?

 

Edit: when you do list it, make sure you list that it's wide track front suspension. It's a very common question that gets asked and many people like to have that option.

Edited July 14, 2020 by Vovchandr

[hairball29]

Thanks, Vovchandr

 

You're right about the LEDs not being a great fit, though they're SO much better than the OEMs mine came with. I do have them, still, but they're in bad shape. I think vapor or water got into them and made the lenses milky, plus they're sealed so I can't do a lot about it other than replace.

 

I have not dyno'd the car with Tom, he's a couple of hours away and I never find the time. The feel of it before and after suggests it added a few hp, but I have no supporting numbers.

 

I'm inquiring with local body shops about the repair, but being and odd construction and aluminium, it's a little slow.

 

Thanks

[hairball29]

Actually, i just checked and they're not sealed lights. I'll see if i can pretty them up.

[Kitcat]

In chatting with other sellers, putting the car up here in the For-Sale section gives you a bit of control over who the car goes to. I have sold two se7ens here and neither went to the highest bidder, but both went to a great home.

 

If maximizing $ received is your goal (and I applaud that) BAT seems to be the place, assuming that they are willing to list it. Since they were recently bought out, they appear to be listing more cars.

 

I agree a reserve of $20K seems (very) low, given what Caterhams have gone for there recently. Chris T (Sevens and Elans) is about to list a near-identical Cat to yours on BAT, per his Facebook site.That may be instructive.

 

Where I live, you can get a dyno pull for $100. Probably worth doing that as it may up the buying price considerably (tho not as much as inspired photos).

 

Please, no I-phone shots in the driveway with your reflection in the car, next to the garbage cans....Hire a pro, if you must. The SVT quasi-Caterham that sold recently for $47K(?) was notable only for its iffy authenticity and fabulous photos, AND driving video which, I guesstimate, added $10K-$20K over retail, to the ultimate price.

Edited July 15, 2020 by Kitcat

[Vovchandr]

Where I live, you can get a dyno pull for $100. Probably worth doing that as it may up the buying price considerably (tho not as much as inspired photos).

 

Please, no I-phone shots in the driveway with your reflection in the car, next to the garbage cans....Hire a pro, if you must. The SVT quasi-Caterham that sold recently for $47K(?) was notable only for its iffy authenticity and fabulous photos, AND driving video which, I guesstimate, added $10K-$20K over retail, to the ultimate price.

 

While I agree that good photos are an investment that will pay for itself, I disagree that the video and the photos is what drove the price for the other 7 on BaT.

 

It appears to have been the right car at the right place at the right time, especially after hearing comments from the buyer and runner up. They wanted a 7 and they wanted one now, price wasn't a factor until it became one. Car would have gone higher if there were more disposable funds. Not because of how well it was presented but simply because it was there (the registration loophole also made it more attractive).

 

 

With that said, I agree on getting a dyno if at all possible. The engine output is the single biggest price driving factor option on these cars. A little bit more HP goes a long way to upsell one, and you seem to have a good output HP motor being SVT.

[Croc]

If you go the Bringatrailer route then you should think through a few things:

- photos add to the appeal

- a fun video of backroads driving goes a long way

- Spend time laying out all the options

- Buyers seem to like turn-key cars and less like projects or those needing work - its a fussy audience based on people not necessarily thinking about our types of cars but suddenly exposed to them and liking them.

- convenience also helps - no issues at the DMV to get their new toy out and play

- BAT will want a realistic reserve - they want to sell cars.

- developing a thick skin - some of those BAT commenters are keyboard warriors, ready to flame innocent sellers, kittens, children and fellow enthusiasts

 

 

One thing not covered here, is what is the title showing as? Vintage Lotus? Assembled vehicle? Probably 2005 Caterham 7 if it is one of George's cars? That dents the CA market for you on Bringatrailer as the "whim" crowd could not be bothered with SB100 although the true enthusiasts will not be fazed by the extra steps this entails.

 

If you were selling on this forum, I would probably not bother fixing the sideskin issues. Lot of money for limited return. If you go Bringatrailer I think you probably want to fix it as the first auction commenter will bring it up, then the second, then the fifth, then the sixth...you get the idea

[mrmustang]

Having bought and sold both of my 7's on this site, I can say a target audience will get you a good home for the car. As others have already pointed out, BAT will most likely maximize your dollars realized. However, if going the BAT route, the car better be immaculate, as that is what most impulse buyers are looking for. As far as the side panel, me personally, as a retired body shop owner, I'd be worried about matching that beautiful color, as you cannot just panel paint it, but must blend into adjoining panels. I suspect a coil spring mount let loose to cause that type of damage, or a small shunt to that corner of the car. Still, overall, a great looking car that I would not hesitate to buy when I'm in the market again (back issues almost to that point)....Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

 

Bill S.

[hairball29]

Hi,

 

Thanks, all.

 

I've been thinking about the photos, I'm sure I can find a pro. I live in Asheville, so locations are available so if i do put it on the likes of BaT.

 

I agree with the keyboard warrior point on BaT and honestly it's a disincentive to use them, a few (often) rich guys humbly bragging the time they had to use their Carrera GT as their daily because their kid didn't like using it for college, and so many picking apart the tiniest details to show off their knowledge. You're right, my panel damage will be the talk of the comments for the whole auction. It grates me, but I acknowledge that that's partially pettiness and exaggeration on my part.

 

I experimented on the twisty roads with my go-pro style camera yesterday. The content was good, but the quality was not. Perhaps I'll see if my videographer cousin wants a little side work

 

There are a couple of places near me that have offered to quote on the work to repair the side, including a custom car shop, so i'll see what they say. Honestly I'd like to repair it just out of pride, but it might not be worth it.

 

If by George you mean Alderman, then yes it was. It even has the shadow of the GAR sticker very, very faintly visible on the nose, unfortunately. It is not registered as an old vehicle, and I had a hell of a time getting it on the road in my county in GA.

 

Registering was easy, getting the emissions was not. I had to get the clean air guy to come and meet me and still he could do nothing. They refused to do a tail pipe test, and because there are codes in the ECU related to missing Ford hardware from the donor Focus, and it does not have a physical CEL, they wouldn't sign-off. They had asked me to get a CEL installed! Had i lived in a non-emissions county or state, it would have been fine so it's not a huge problem for everyone, but I dare say it will be CA unless they also exempt kits from emissions as they did here in NC. I had no problems at all when i registered it and got it on the road here. Safety inspection, but no emissions requirements for kits.

 

That green one on BaT was a real outlier, price wise and I found that difficult to explain. The video was fun, the photos are very well done, though a bit 80s wall poster to my eyes, but people buying these often grew up in the 80s! I couldn't even discern its actual build year from the listing. i see the Ford Sierra gear knob, and the 5 spokes, so I'd guess it's a similar year to mine (mine was shipped with those wheels). For me the aero screen added some appeal. i use a Caterham carbon aero screen for a while, but it didn't take me long to get sick of being hit by bugs, gravel and rain so I went back to the glass.

 

I put the original headlights back yesterday, too. Makes it look a little older/classic, but the shape is much better and overall appearance is improved.

 

Anyway, thanks again, everyone. i appreciate your input.