Caterham Vs (insert small company here)

[DemoKnight]

After a lot of googling I found a few people that makes 7 type things. Now the question is do I go with Caterham or one of these small time shops that say there stuffs better? Its such a hard choice. Could any one make recommendations to ether Caterham or whatever company for my Seven build?

[Mondo]

Look in the General Section as there is a discussion on this vary topic. Basically boils down to what you want to use it for, if pedigree is important, and how big you are (including feet;) )

 

There also are a couple great deals on a Deman & Ultralite in the for sale section.

 

http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/Default.aspx?g=posts&t=2517

 

 

 

 

 

[Avery Waterman]

I posed an analogous question last month late in the replies to "Yupe...Alabama" and then in "FIRST-TIME 7 PURCHASE ADVICE WANTED" under "Cars for Sale". Good luck. Sandy

[Al N.]

Demo-

 

Everyone has their preferences, but this forum isn't really about making comparisons or promoting/bashing various marques. So I doubt you'll get any ammo to help make your decision....at least not publicly.

 

As with "normal" cars, every Se7en marque has its pros and cons...the choice of Se7en really comes down to a personal decision — aesthetics, budget, and intended use.

 

Don't be fooled by the perceived size of an operation...regardless of your choice, in the end, much of the support you will get will come from fellow owners.

 

Many of the members here have been around all sorts of Se7ens and I think we have respect for them all, including — in and in some cases, especially — the home builts.

 

So, do your homework....see as many cars as you can, visit a dealer...then jump in! There really isn't a wrong choice (besides buying a car that's been misrepresented and/or improperly built/repaired).

 

The Philly and DC Auto-Xs are great occasions to see a variety of cars upclose...I see Caterhams, a Birkin, and a WCM in the recent shot from DC...and two Loti and a WCM in the Philly one (usually a Cat or two there, also).

 

Best of luck. As a newly "former" Caterham owner, I can say that life with any Se7en is richer than life without one.

 

-Al

[JBH]

I would make the decision based on build quality above all else. Look carefully at the components used in the build, who did the build, the quality and care used in the build and the source/age of the components.

 

After that, it is a matter of preferences (appearance, size, hp. wheel size, etc.) and use (street, track, AutoX). I would not assume one manufacturer is necessarily better than another.

 

 

[yellowss7]

Demo, come on out to the next Philly Region SCCA Autox, in Warminster on July 13th. EvilRome0 and I will probably be there so you can see an Ultralight and a Caterham up close. Tom

[CrewsT-SPS00014]

Demo, come on out to the next Philly Region SCCA Autox, in Warminster on July 13th. EvilRome0 and I will probably be there so you can see an Ultralight and a Caterham up close. Tom

 

Tom, do you Philly area AutoX guys get together in Warminster regularly? Distance from me is definately doable, just for the sake of seeing more 7s if nothing else.

[yellowss7]

CrewsT, yes I'm at almost all the events, with the exception of the next one due to vacation. EvilRome0 has been there this year as well as an original seriers IV and a 62 series II. Still waiting for Steve and a couple other local guys to make it this year. I'll send you a reminder for the next one.

 

Tom

[CrewsT-SPS00014]

CrewsT, yes I'm at almost all the events, with the exception of the next one due to vacation. EvilRome0 has been there this year as well as an original seriers IV and a 62 series II. Still waiting for Steve and a couple other local guys to make it this year. I'll send you a reminder for the next one.

 

Tom

 

Excellent... Thanks, and sorry about the delay in responding.

[yellowss7]

Next Philly region event is at Warminster on Sunday 8/31. Let's see if we can you Steve out in your S1's along with Roman and me. I'll try to nudge one other Caterham SV owner who lives in the area and hasn't been out in a while.

 

Hope to see you there.

Tom

[DB6]

Hi Demo,

I agree with Al and the others here, it's all about what you feel is best for you,so many variables (not forgetting the big ones of budget and what is available at the time you want to buy).

I do not think you need worry about feeling you have something less worthy if you buy anything other than a Caterham,there really is not the snob factor with 7 owners you may find in other make clubs(plus who cares as long as you are happy); in fact there are a lot of bloody stupid things on any Caterham that many micro builders addressed where as Catreham can often be "well this is the way it is, we have always done it this way,like it or leave it", kinda like dealing with the French.,lol.

I take my hats off to the guys that build from scratch, partic the "Locost" style cars, that is way beyond my skill level but I think the best thing to do is one, set a budget and try to stick with it, and allow a few grand in the bank for fixes , mods and repairs in the first few months, then decide what the car will be used for; then go out and drive the little buggers, and these buggers can be little; it does not matter how fast or good the car looks, if it's not comfortable dont buy it.And oh, try and get as much history on the car as ppl love to tinker with these and you may well find yourself spending time and money putting right previous owner's improvements.Ideally take someone who has owned one with you before you part with your cash.Good hunting.

PS, Craigslist is a good source, it can be a pain as you have to target area by area but mnay are listed on there, as many if not more tha ebay I would say.

[DeanG]

I think the biggest problem with choosing a Se7en is figuring out how you will use it (the same problem as choosing a boat). Its all about the difference between how you will use it and how you fantasies about using it. Think, what’s your poison: auto-cross, track days, race, concourse, show and shines, formal car shows, Sunday drives… I was lucky, I knew exactly what I wanted (a series 1 Lotus Seven) for Sunday drives and eventually concourse.

[BusaNostra]

After a lot of googling I found a few people that makes 7 type things. Now the question is do I go with Caterham or one of these small time shops that say there stuffs better? Its such a hard choice. Could any one make recommendations to ether Caterham or whatever company for my Seven build?

 

 

Been driving a 7 since the 70's but never heard 7 clones manufacturer bashing its other....never!

 

Gather all the 7 clones and compare. Whichever you like then investigate the support.

This is more important to your build than anything else.

 

Mine is a Westfield, during my build I have problem communicating in England. Sometimes I had too much to ask. There is also a time constraint, parts & donor is also different from the States. I think I got more help from a guy name Brian Anderson (another 7 clone manufacturer).