Vogue Posted January 5, 2011 Share Posted January 5, 2011 (edited) I have decided to part with my Seven, though no fault of the car's. A long-term romance finally turned to wedded bliss, and we need something a bit less crazed. The history of the car is fairly straightforward. The 2000 model year kit was purchased and assembled by a Boeing engineer (and friend of the owner of Caterham USA) with the intent to set up an agency in Seattle. However, he had to give up the plan when his wife took a job in Arizona, requiring his relocation as well. In 2004 He placed the car -- unregistered, untitled, and with only 400 miles on the odo -- on the market, where I found it and made the deal. I then flew out and put 3,000 more miles on it driving back to New York. Following winter storage (which has been indoors each subsequent season), I set about registering and titling the car, a daunting process and not for the impatient. It is classed in NY as a "Custom," the DMV not recognizing the factory chassis plate #. In addition, they gave it a model year 2005 designation, owing to when they granted it status. I have it underwritten by Hagerty Insurance as a "2005 Custom Caterham," the difference provided so as to assure of its proper identity in case of any major claim. Maintenance has been simple, and, except for an early-on too-tight throttle cable (long since adjusted), the car has been trouble-free. I did choose to switch over to Royal Purple synthetic oil at the first change, and later needed to install an Odyssey battery, replacing a dead original. A couple items of note. First, the builder padded the roll bar. He also undercoated beneath both front and rear wings, a great idea for protecting against stone impacts. Lastly, a short time after I put the car on the road I contacted my friend "Voodoo" Bob Kruger (http://www.thompson-automotive.com/voodoo.html) and had him create a krinkle-finish, aluminum shift know to replace the god-awful rubber cube that came on the car. Makes a big difference. The only wear issues are cosmetic, owing to regular use. The curved aluminum ridge under the driver's left tricep area has a few nicks (the nature of aluminum, I'm sure you know. And the steel stone guards on the front face of the rear wings are nicked and scratched due to their performing their purpose. They are pop-riveted on and replacements (including a carbon fiber version) are a phone order away. The roof is in top shape, as are the doors. That is except for the driver's side, where one of the two snaps that hold the door closed is not there. An easy fix, though I never have as one snap is enough to do the trick. Tires are original to the car. There is some slight uneven wear on the inside edge of the fronts, letting me know it's time for an alignment. I'm embarrassed to say that, due to a very busy schedule, the car has never been autocrossed, much less raced. Also, the reasons I've offered it for sale have nothing to do with the car. And should it sell I'll be a little wistful to see it go. Edited January 5, 2011 by Vogue Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
S1Steve Posted January 5, 2011 Share Posted January 5, 2011 (edited) It may help you and a buyer if you posted some photo's. Tell us what engine, gearbox, color, and how much you are asking. Sounds like a nice car, Good luck with your sale. Edited January 5, 2011 by S1Steve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kess Posted January 5, 2011 Share Posted January 5, 2011 Could you post photos and an asking price? What motor is in the car? FI? 5 speed? Color? Thanks! Gary in VT Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vogue Posted January 5, 2011 Author Share Posted January 5, 2011 A few pics... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vogue Posted January 5, 2011 Author Share Posted January 5, 2011 (edited) How could I forget these details? It is a Zetec, with Sierra 5-speed. Current mileage: 8300. The car is located in upstate NY. Asking 34k. Edited January 5, 2011 by Vogue Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
glenntwincam Posted January 5, 2011 Share Posted January 5, 2011 this car has been for sale on the LOONY site for at least 3 yrs. maybe longer. there are more pics of car there. we looked at & drove this car 2 yrs. ago. before buying our current caterham. it is a very basic car in good condition. at the time price seemed a bit high for equipment & condition . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
supersportsp Posted January 5, 2011 Share Posted January 5, 2011 Looks like a very nice car. However, I have to agree with glenntwincam that you are likely on the very, very, very high side for what you might get for the car. I paid $25k for my '97 Zetec powered deDion car with less than 5k on it back about a year and a half ago. If you priced it in the mid to upper $20's, you could probably move it in a month. At this price and at this time of year, well, lets just say it won't be this time of year by the time you sell it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vogue Posted January 6, 2011 Author Share Posted January 6, 2011 Well, there's no saying an "asking price" is a "demanding price." Of course, I will happily entertain offers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sdca7 Posted January 6, 2011 Share Posted January 6, 2011 I appreciate that you guys may honestly be trying to help the seller by giving advice on price, but really? For someone looking for a solid, slightly used Caterham in NY, already licensed and ready to drive, this is not an unreasonable starting point. At least not so much as to publicly post a reply. Good luck with the sale on a very nice and desirable car! Justin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LongTimeLurker Posted January 6, 2011 Share Posted January 6, 2011 If it has indeed been listed for 3 years at this price logic would tell me that the starting price is not too reasonable. :blueangel: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vogue Posted January 7, 2011 Author Share Posted January 7, 2011 Thanks for the thoughts, Justin. I had listed the car previously when I was looking to finance a home improvement project, something I eventually took care of a different way. Also, when I placed that advert, my dad objected strenuously, insisting I should keep the Seven. Seeing how I love the car and my father (who was living out his final months), it wasn't difficult to cause me to waver on several offers. I expect all would agree that duplicating a car (or thereabouts) new would be quite a bit costlier, never mind the headaches of waiting time, build, as well as titling and licensing. Should any item be priced down to where it generates more interest? That's possible, I suppose. But that thinking would seem to be an inexact science. Nevertheless, I like to hope this thread will not wander off and become a debate. Incidentally, nice forum! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kitcat Posted January 7, 2011 Share Posted January 7, 2011 Most Forums have a rule that says the for-sale section is not a place to offer opinions on the car, the seller, the car's price, etc. Seems like a good rule. Regardless of what any of us think, this car will sell based on its perceived value to the buyer/seller. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnCh Posted January 7, 2011 Share Posted January 7, 2011 Actually so does this one. Rule number 5 reads: 5- For sale section - Let's keep each post about the specific item for sale. If you don't like the price being asked, or see something wrong with the listing, take it to PM. The full is available here. -John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MHKflyer52 Posted January 7, 2011 Share Posted January 7, 2011 I expect all would agree that duplicating a car (or thereabouts) new would be quite a bit costlier, never mind the headaches of waiting time, build, as well as titling and licensing. Vogue, I have to agree with you and I feel you car is a good value and will be for someone and it will take time but will sell to the correct person. Most Forums have a rule that says the for-sale section is not a place to offer opinions on the car, the seller, the car's price, etc. Seems like a good rule. Regardless of what any of us think, this car will sell based on its perceived value to the buyer/seller. Kitcat, Very well put and I have to agree. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
glenntwincam Posted January 7, 2011 Share Posted January 7, 2011 my apologies to everyone , thought I was helping . I'll be more careful in the future !! especially regarding rule #5 . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
powderbrake Posted January 7, 2011 Share Posted January 7, 2011 glentwincam's apology to the calmly stated rules, along with Vogue's calmly worded replies once again shows what a fine group of gentlemen populate this forum. :hurray::hurray: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
supersportsp Posted January 9, 2011 Share Posted January 9, 2011 I agree with rule 5, and I broke my own personal rule not to respond about pricing on for sale listings. I too was trying to be helpful. It isn't like you can look theses cars up on NADA or KBB to get current market prices. I posted mainly to give the OP some info based on my 18 month search for a used Caterham. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
b81smith Posted January 27, 2011 Share Posted January 27, 2011 Am I missing something because I cannot find a price any where? Can we get a starting price on this? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kitcat Posted January 27, 2011 Share Posted January 27, 2011 $34K ($34,000.00), post 5. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
480rider Posted January 28, 2011 Share Posted January 28, 2011 "glentwincam's apology to the calmly stated rules, along with Vogue's calmly worded replies once again shows what a fine group of gentlemen populate this forum." I've only had my 7 for a year, and ran it hard on the race track last year. After problems with the radiator, transmission, fuel system, stack, brakes, and a mysterious electrical demon which continues to frustrate me, I seriously considered selling it and racing my Honda S2000 instead. Even with all the issues, I've decided to keep the 7 and sell the Honda. A major reason is the high level of courtesy in this and other 7-related forums. It truly is a pleasure to read the posts, and learn from those with positive attitudes and genuine respect for the opinions of others. Troy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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