New Jersey resource

[Exarkun1178]

Hi all

 

I’ve been considering a caterham for ~6 months. And am ready to buy 

 

I’m nervous about all the tariffs and import process. And want to talk with someone who has done it. 
 

Pre owned selection is pretty limited at the moment. 
 

a few of the user names look familiar from my days on Elise talk.  But it’s been awhile…. 
 

Thank you. 
rob

[CBuff]

I ordered one in 2023 and got it in 2024. Pre tariff madness so can’t speak to that.  Greg at time machines handled it and was great.  I’m am sure he would walk thru the ins and outs. 
 

greg@timemachinesmotorsports.com
1.716.407.0975
https://timemachinesmotorsports.com/contact-us/

 

 

[Exarkun1178]

Thank you 

 

I called into them a few times to verify the last week. But I always get a voice mail. 
 

I’ll try them again  

 

[williamwashere]

I’m getting one now, in factory as we speak. Truth is, we won’t know until it shows up exactly what it is going to cost. Pre-supreme court ruling, Rocky Mountain Caterham had me budgeting about 12% overall. Chassis has a different rate than the engine, so the 12% number is a blended amount. In theory, now that everything is 15%, it is going up.

 

From Rocky Mountain Caterham:

Basically we are seeing appx $1k in tariffs for every $10k in kit cost, plus $1500-$1800 on the drivetrain components. So for example, a $65k 360S kit is seeing about $6500 in tariffs on the chassis portion, and $1500-$1800 on the drivetrain. An $85k 420 Cup is seeing about $8500 on the chassis kit, and $1500-$1800 on the drivetrain. So in aggregate it's probably around 12 percent.

Edited February 24 by williamwashere

[CBuff]

@Exarkun1178 PM Sent with contact info. Hurry up and get it in hand before October 

 

 

[Exarkun1178]

Thank you 

 

That’s helpful. 
 

I see rocky mt all over social. How have they been to work with? 
 

anything learned you wish you knew when your submitting the build sheet & deposit? 

[williamwashere]

7 minutes ago, Exarkun1178 said:

Thank you 

 

That’s helpful. 
 

I see rocky mt all over social. How have they been to work with? 
 

anything learned you wish you knew when your submitting the build sheet & deposit? 

They have been responsive and helpful. I hear back within 48 hours when I ask a question, and they haven’t been pushy. They also give advice that hasn’t always been trying to upsell me, and even talked me out of a few options based on my use case. Had an issue when ordering around paint selection (trying to match the vinyl pinstripe to roll cage color) and proactively relayed some photos he asked the factory to take.

 

Overall, I’ve been satisfied! For them, it will land in Galveston, TX, then go to Colorado, and then comes to me.

 

No advice yet, I don’t know what I don’t know! You’ll spend a lot of time on build blogs waiting for it to ship!

[CBuff]

Josh @ RMC is great. He answered a bunch of questions during my build even though I ended up going with Greg @ Time Machines ( I am in New York and Greg was able to get it inspected and titled since he is also in New York). Either can talk you thru your specs or you can ask the peanut gallery here and they will weigh in. I have found the entire group great and super helpful. I also struggled with the colors since I was trying to match pin stripes, leather stitching, leather gator and roll bar paint. It's hard to tell from the online building tool how the actual colors match. Greg got me photos from the factory with samples next to each other which helped. i ended up shifting my colors to better match.

 

Not sure if you are self building, getting a factory roller or having the importer build it. I got a factory roller and greg installed the engine. I also had him install dated Schroth 6 pt harnesses (needed for some tracks), DPR mirrors and he also got PPF done on it.  He also rhino lined the inside of the fenders (reduce/eliminate spider cracks). I also sourced a soft bits half hood and tunnel bag (both great).

 

@Exarkun1178 I am in NYC and have my 420 here. Happy to talk and walk you through any questions you have. 

 

Charlie

 

Edited February 24 by CBuff

[williamwashere]

58 minutes ago, CBuff said:

I also had him install dated Schroth 6 pt harnesses (needed for some tracks), DPR mirrors and he also got PPF done on it.  

How do you like the harness? I asked Josh to do it for track days, but I keep thinking maybe it was a mistake because I’ll be driving it a lot more often on weekends. Is it too annoying to get on/off?

 

I was also toying with the idea of sending off for some Eccles mirror brackets made from titanium or anodized aluminum, I have the STL files so we could get them made in titanium for about $150/side.

[CBuff]

I love the harness. I got the schroth profi II asm

https://www.hmsmotorsport.com/products/profi-ii-asm

 

I figured I would run it as 4pt on the road and 6pt on the track.  But I actually just run it with 6pt all the time. Surprisingly to me I find it more comfortable.  And piece of mind that the buckle stays low on your abdomen. I had crutch strap holes cut into the leather seats. 
 

I did dpr mirrors on the windscreen frame since I rarely run with doors on. They work great.  Tiny. But solid. 
 

 

here is my post from when I got the car 

 

 

 

[Croc]

11 hours ago, Exarkun1178 said:

I’ve been considering a caterham for ~6 months. And am ready to buy 

 

Welcome to USA7s.

 

So I have to ask, what spec are you thinking of?  

[Exarkun1178]

I am thinking the S3 with the Duratec. 
 

no preference on colors at this time. 
 

wheel size I’m undecided.  I gravitate towards the 13”. But the profile looks way better with the 15” 

 

98% will be street driving. With maybe an occasional track day or autoX. 

 

 

[CBuff]

@Exarkun1178 if you get your order in you will likely still have time to confirm the final specs after our annual get together in October (depending on lead times etc). Millville is under 2 hours from Brick. You could come and see some of the cars with options for final sign off. I think you just need to confirm S3 vs SV in advance but things might have changed in the last year or so. I went down to the annual track day after I ordered and before delivery and found it helpful. Also a chance to meet the, ahem, interesting owners. (Save the date linked above)

[Exarkun1178]

I could fly into miv maybe some one could pick me up at the fbo. 
 

 

[wdb]

22 hours ago, williamwashere said:

I’m getting one now, in factory as we speak. Truth is, we won’t know until it shows up exactly what it is going to cost. Pre-supreme court ruling, Rocky Mountain Caterham had me budgeting about 12% overall. Chassis has a different rate than the engine, so the 12% number is a blended amount. In theory, now that everything is 15%, it is going up.

 

The actual tariff that went into effect today was 10%. Just FYI. I'm sure the importer will have more detailed information as things progress.

[williamwashere]

1 minute ago, wdb said:

 

The actual tariff that went into effect today was 10%. Just FYI. I'm sure the importer will have more detailed information as things progress.

He says 15%. Signs paperwork that says 10%. My car ships in late March, April-ish, it's all a mystery for me, and if for some reason it takes 5-months + 1 day it might be 0% (unless congress extends it, which I doubt). So.... it'll be a surprise for me, or it will be some extra for a dash-cam. I'm glad my business isn't importing things right now.

[slowdude]

S3 w/ 13's is the move. DO IT!

[Exarkun1178]

S3. 620S looks like But looking at the 15” 

 

I’m on my way for a factory tour now to and hope to decide on the last few bits including color/ striping & seat choice 

 

you all have been great.  I started this looking for a pre experienced car. And now looking at an April build slot. Good times 

[slowdude]

2 minutes ago, Exarkun1178 said:

S3. 620S looks like But looking at the 15” 

 

I’m on my way for a factory tour now to and hope to decide on the last few bits including color/ striping & seat choice 

 

you all have been great.  I started this looking for a pre experienced car. And now looking at an April build slot. Good times 

Awesome, when you want to leave the shore and come up into Morris county for some good roads, holler  

[CBuff]

Looking for a tired old model to a s3 620s..... That escalated quickly.  But I can relate. Congrats.