Cyberbug Posted March 30, 2012 Share Posted March 30, 2012 (edited) So I have figured out the NJ registration part, lots of options for insurance as well will get to that later. So now deciding what and when. Option 1: New Still deciding if R500 or CSR and what engine to use. This may delay the actual acquisition due to the high overall cost. looking at a tad under $90K so partial financing will be needed. Just finished the build on the other car spending over $100K over the existing $35k car so still recovering from that - not a patient man completed the 7year plan in 3 :blueangel: Option 2: Used Under $50K and upgrade later with titbits and even engine and Tranny. I don't see many CSR used available in US, there is that Yellow one but is RHD its nice but not sure I want to drive a RHD asking on that is $67K but I may not be able to register that as a classic. There are several S3 or S5 not sure, but they are SV. Elan/sevens has two right now, one has 2500miles other 8500miles which has a rebuilt engine at 8000 and tuned by them to produce 200hp at crank. Option 2a: BRG SV 2004 Caterham SV - SVT 185hp 5 speed gear box cloth seats, weather package, spare wheel. 2500miles 3 owners look nice. $45K but I wont be happy the way it is, I will end up putting CF seats, changing the dash to CF probably to R500 spec, putting other CF titbits and will end up changing the engine and tranny to 6 speed, probably diff as well and put in a LSD, upgrade the suspension and wheels as well. Third brake light, roll bar upgrade or roll cage. list will be long. Upgrade brakes etc etc. So will ending up spending close to $40-50K before I am happy with it. Question - what would I lose with this compare to option 1, now and later after all the ugrades, performance/$$$$? Option 2b: silver SV 2003 SV with ford mustang red nose and bonnet, zetec throttle bodies 218hp, 5speed gear box, adjustable leather seats and full weather package. similar spec to other option + leather - $49K Will end up doing all the other stuff to it in upgrades Same Question - what would I lose with this compare to option 1, now and later after all the ugrades, performance/$$$$? I guess what I am trying to figure out is that if I should wait a little longer to get the new or get the older sooner and then work towards upgrades which I don't mind, actually enjoy and have done so in the past as long as I have a good base to work on. I like the clean engine bays of the new and whats not to like about new stuff. There is a new 7 de dion at the delaware dealer I have to ask the price and another 2009 kit asking S46K for the without engine and tranny. Thanks for listening I lack the experience of most on this forum and not rich, but I do have a flaw of only liking the best not satisfied with anything less. Edited March 30, 2012 by Cyberbug Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cyberbug Posted March 30, 2012 Author Share Posted March 30, 2012 Got a lead on another 2005 titled as 2005 - same price range, has 6speed zetec upgraded cams 200hp, lsd and 3.62 Final gear ratio 3000miles. looks better The other two options are already registered as classic so this will be regular registration for now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cyberbug Posted March 30, 2012 Author Share Posted March 30, 2012 On the same note, can the R500 dash fit and work on the say roadster 170 sv? don't want any disappointments later so have to plan all the upgrades in advance before the final buy which could be in a month if all goes well and ofcourse if the price is right Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Croc Posted March 30, 2012 Share Posted March 30, 2012 Do not underestimate NJ registration. :banghead: Too many people have the scars of not being able to register here. It can be done just there are a bunch of obstacles to overcome based on engine age. The rules are self-defined during the inspection by the special inspection stations in Morristown, Asbury Park, etc. As for whether you buy new to the spec you want or buy used and then upgrade, I think the cost probably ends up roughly the same. The issue is one of whether you can find the right chassis that you want. I have only seen 2 CSRs come up for sale in something like 4 years. Not a problem if you want an S3 chassis since they come up fairly frequently as you have discovered. The Stack dash on the R500 can be installed on any seven with the flat dash. The CSR can come in traditional flat panel dash (a la R500 or Roadsport) or in curvy tubular dash like mine. If you get the curvy tubular dash in the CSR then you cannot mount a stack dash like an R500. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cyberbug Posted March 30, 2012 Author Share Posted March 30, 2012 Not going to register in NJ, going to do what you and Karl have done. I like the 2005 SV its the right color, has the 6speed box, lsd and brakes decent engine. I can upgrade the seats, belts and suspension easily myself. It is a S3 SV but price is right. no financing and I can upgrade as funds are available. I do want to change the dash on it to the flat R500 dash with all the buttons and stack display or something similar. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jfgw Posted March 30, 2012 Share Posted March 30, 2012 My car might fit the bill for you if you'd like to chat. I have not been trying to sell it very hard at all as I absolutely LOVE it, but I will let it go for the right deal... http://usa7s.com/vb/showthread.php?t=6768 Thanks, James Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cyberbug Posted March 30, 2012 Author Share Posted March 30, 2012 Nice looks great - added to my short list send me a pm with a number and lets chat :cheers: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lucky dawg Posted March 30, 2012 Share Posted March 30, 2012 If ordering new, you also need to consider the time between placing the order and delivery (6 months+). Then add in build time and you likely won't be on the road until winter. In the long run it may still be better because you have the options you want from the start and know the car you are getting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kitcat Posted March 30, 2012 Share Posted March 30, 2012 JFGW: Coupla questions:What year and what model (and why dont I own it:))? Still looks like a terrific car from where I sit. I mite widen the tires a bit but that's it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cyberbug Posted March 30, 2012 Author Share Posted March 30, 2012 Love to order new, but if I can get a decent car now and upgrade later as time and funds allow it would be better. lots of cars now coming out so that's great.. got a short list of 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jfgw Posted March 30, 2012 Share Posted March 30, 2012 Kitcat - I don't want to hijack this thread so we can talk on the for sale thread I put in my original link. It has a 98 Arch motors frame - carbon spec a la superlight, built by Chris at sevens & elans, 2.1 VX C20XE lump. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yellowss7 Posted March 30, 2012 Share Posted March 30, 2012 I like the 2005 SV. It is a S3 SV but price is right. An S3 SV No such thing. It's either a Fat Bastard/Sumo Version or its not. :jester: Tom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cyberbug Posted March 30, 2012 Author Share Posted March 30, 2012 you are right its s5 sv Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeffs Posted April 6, 2012 Share Posted April 6, 2012 Cyberbug, I'm not sure I would steer you towards new vs. used (its all about whether you could find a used one you like), but I thought I'd correct a few number that might be a little off. My new r500 only came to about 75k (vs a tad under 90k). Certainly that will change a bit with the options and how much CF you use, but its a little cheaper than you've budgeted. Also, when I was out there last, the waiting list wasn't that long...you might be able to get something in the late summer/early fall time-frame (not quoting you a date, just saying you should call them to get a date). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Terry Posted April 6, 2012 Share Posted April 6, 2012 My 2 cents worth If you are over 50, buy the SV The 5 Speed gearbox is much nicer if you want a touring car The CSR is a great touring car The SV is more saleable The R400 power is more than adequate in a road car Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kitcat Posted April 6, 2012 Share Posted April 6, 2012 Terry: Why SV for over 50 years old? I am 65 and have had no issues w/my S3 Cat and now S3 Birkin (except for not enough power:)). Mike M. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Terry Posted April 6, 2012 Share Posted April 6, 2012 Terry: Why SV for over 50 years old? I am 65 and have had no issues w/my S3 Cat and now S3 Birkin (except for not enough power:)). Mike M. Caterham has identified that there is a huge market for the 7 amongst the over 50's maybe its because they have stopped growing up and started growing out. Based on our enquiries we think the SV is more saleable. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cyberbug Posted April 7, 2012 Author Share Posted April 7, 2012 Under 50 don't need touring perfectly comfortable is tight fixed seat power and handle is required Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Terry Posted April 7, 2012 Share Posted April 7, 2012 Under 50 don't need touring perfectly comfortable is tight fixed seat power and handle is required Then a S3 it is. My suggestion even though I'm a racer is avoid the Carbon or composite seats unless you are less than 160 lbs, they are dreadful, the leather is the way to go. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MoPho Posted April 7, 2012 Share Posted April 7, 2012 Then a S3 it is. My suggestion even though I'm a racer is avoid the Carbon or composite seats unless you are less than 160 lbs, they are dreadful, the leather is the way to go. I am 170lbs (and was 185lbs 7 months ago) and I absolutely love the composite seats in my car and find them super comfortable http://www.websmileys.com/sm/sad/533.gif . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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