rikker Posted May 19, 2014 Share Posted May 19, 2014 Jerry, I think when it comes to an individual selling a car you are correct. It is a different kettle of fish when talking about a manufacturer and it's sales or distribution methods. I would hope that feedback, opinion and personal experience, good , bad or indifferent is a lot of what a forum such as this is all about. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigdog Posted May 19, 2014 Share Posted May 19, 2014 (edited) We have had a tradition on this forum not to negatively compare cars, not to negatively comment on the other person's asking price, and in general to be a bit more gentlemanly in or comments regarding the vehicles and their manufacturers. We are supposed to be supportive of all thing SEVEN. That tradition is being stretched a bit thin regarding the latest Caterham distribution/pricing moves. If Caterham and Superperformance choose to modify their sales structure, the customers (or lack thereof) will send them a clear signal on the success of their plan. I just don't think that negative comments on their policies is in the tradition of the USA7s forum. In his last comment, Randychase took the high road on reporting on his relationship with Caterham and it's distribution network. I am sure he has some juicy stories about the people or the system, but he has chosen to keep them private. Good for him. Lets see what comes out of the new structure and I hope Caterham sells a ton of cars, they are after all, really great cars. While the policy of not disrespecting another persons asking price or their car is fine when it comes to a private listing. I will respectfully have to disagree about complaints lodged about caterham "the company" Why would you think that Caterham or any other professional car business should be protected from criticism just because we like or own the cars they sell. I simply look at the fact that a R620 with solid paint, Weather package, half hood, Heater, Batt. switch. Will set you back mid 90k. And that's with the good guy pricing on the drive train. When that deal goes. one is looking at 118K. Add in a fancy F1 paint job and your at 123K. That's Porsche Carrera, Audi R8 money. Personally if someone handed me 120K and said you can have what ever car you want for that money. I would NOT buy a new Caterham R620. I would opt for the Porsche or Audi R8 that is reliable, Comfy, Cool in the summer, Warm in the winter, Can be taken on holiday, Has a warranty. And are still pretty darn fast cars. When you price your cars at that level. The folks expect more than just a fast car. They expect a bit of service, Support, Warranty. If they were priced at reasonable levels folks would be much more forgiving of the Caterham companies customer support and their cars shortcomings. That's why I'm quite satisfied with my old Caterham. For the cost of the weather package with the carbon Aeroscreen & heater (3.5K) I could or just about fully fund a rebuild of my Xflow engine. My Caterham is 20K worth of fun. But there is no way on God's green earth that it is worth an additional $80,000 to shave my 0-60 by 2/3's. I don't see that as value for money. Esp as the top model is only different from the basic 4 cylinder model in speed. I can't speak for others. But I just see what Caterham is doing and I just scratch my head. I want to see Caterham be successful. But I wonder if they are pricing them selves into a hole. If we as a Caterham fan club are wondering what gives with Caterham these days. What the heck is a new comer to think? It certainly doesn't help that the Caterham F1 team is woeful at best either. Edited May 19, 2014 by bigdog add content Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jlumba81 Posted May 19, 2014 Share Posted May 19, 2014 With their lack of in house manufacturing, I think their "hands in the cookie jar" issue w their suppliers drives up costs a bit. Not enough to justify current prices tho. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kitcat Posted May 19, 2014 Share Posted May 19, 2014 I suspect all of us se7en fans, of every iteration, would like to see Caterham succeed: the more the merrier. The direction that Caterham pricing seems to be going causes some concern about the viability of the Caterham company tho. In many ways, it is pretty amazing that Caterham has gotten this far. I have been enlightened by the discussion on this thread, esp the substantive info Randy has posted. I have no doubt that Caterham and Superformance have had this same discussion amongst themselves, many more times than we have here and have the same concerns/fears (and many more sleepless nights) that we do over it. And since they are gambling their own $ and time, I am at least semi-optimistic they have a viable plan. I am hopeful that these magical little cars will keep being made, somehow, somewhere. I hope w/Superformance at the helm. But if not.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lucky dawg Posted May 19, 2014 Share Posted May 19, 2014 When Superformance became the new US distributor, they appeared to actually look at this forum and make occasional comments. Now we have a thread that directly pertains to them, giving a great opportunity to answer questions and concerns, and not a word. While they have no obligation to us, it would be nice and maybe even a good practice in case potential customers are reading this. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Al N. Posted May 19, 2014 Share Posted May 19, 2014 (edited) "We have had a tradition on this forum not to negatively compare cars, not to negatively comment on the other person's asking price, and in general to be a bit more gentlemanly in or comments regarding the vehicles and their manufacturers. We are supposed to be supportive of all thing SEVEN." +1 on this, Jerry. (Yes, Al Navarro lives! Took the car out for a short blat the other night....gosh Se7ens are automotive crack, aren't they?) Edited May 19, 2014 by Al Navarro Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xcarguy Posted May 19, 2014 Share Posted May 19, 2014 "We have had a tradition on this forum not to negatively compare cars, not to negatively comment on the other person's asking price, and in general to be a bit more gentlemanly in or comments regarding the vehicles and their manufacturers. We are supposed to be supportive of all thing SEVEN." This thread seems to be mainly about the issue of cost, not the car. The Caterham is a fantastic automobile. It's one of the few cars in the world that does exactly what it was designed to do, and it does it very well. If I could afford a second Seven, I'd seriously consider a Cat. However, thinking back, I did mentioned this idea once in the presence of my Storker; it growled and showed me its teeth. :smilielol5: (Yes, Al Navarro lives! Took the car out for a short blat the other night....gosh Se7ens are automotive crack, aren't they?) Indeed, Al . . . . indeed! :auto: . . . . :cheers: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
powderbrake Posted May 20, 2014 Share Posted May 20, 2014 Jerry, I think when it comes to an individual selling a car you are correct. It is a different kettle of fish when talking about a manufacturer and it's sales or distribution methods. I would hope that feedback, opinion and personal experience, good , bad or indifferent is a lot of what a forum such as this is all about. I cannot argue with this comment, and others opinions regarding the service, parts availability, pricing etc. I was just a bit concerned that it was turning into a Caterham/Superformance bashing, and that we had not yet seen the results of this new collaboration (outside of the new higher pricing),or any personal experiences. Keep calm and carry on, gentlemen. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blokko Posted May 20, 2014 Share Posted May 20, 2014 Help me here, guys. The order form off the US website is showing $41k for the base rolling chassis. That's £25k without engine and gearbox Would that price be inclusive of taxes, or would they be added on top? I've had a mooch around the website and I can't see any info about tax.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yellowss7 Posted May 20, 2014 Share Posted May 20, 2014 Most likely doesn't include sales tax. Might want to check if it includes custom fees or shipping charges. :puke: Tom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scannon Posted May 20, 2014 Share Posted May 20, 2014 Help me here, guys. The order form off the US website is showing $41k for the base rolling chassis. That's £25k without engine and gearbox Would that price be inclusive of taxes, or would they be added on top? I've had a mooch around the website and I can't see any info about tax.... If you are going to import it to Germany I think you should be looking at getting it direct from Caterham in England. Since it will be exported out of England you would not have to pay their VAT. I suspect Germany will want some kind of big tax on it. Looking on the UK Caterham site you can get a Roadsport 175 for £25.4k and it appears to include the 175 HP engine and transmission. http://uk.caterhamcars.com/cars/roadsport-175 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blokko Posted May 20, 2014 Share Posted May 20, 2014 I might be looking at a Westie running a Flyin' Miata refreshed engine then. More in my price bracket, and presumably easier to register in MA? I don't have the brand issue that a lot of Brit Caterham owners have (touring with the Se7ens List knocks that out of you ). My only issue with the Westie is that the cabin isn't as big as the Caterham SV that I've got used to.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blokko Posted May 20, 2014 Share Posted May 20, 2014 Skip, I'm in the process of relocating from the UK to Boston, MA. I'm on a 3-5 year assignment and having owned a Caterham for the last 7 years I dearly want to own a sevenesque car for my stay in the US - assuming I can purchase within my budget limitations, I can get accommodation with a garage and can overcome any registration issues! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yellowss7 Posted May 20, 2014 Share Posted May 20, 2014 (edited) I may know of of a Very nice one owner, Rover K series engine car that may become available later this summer. :seeya: Do you like Yellow? :jester: Tom Edited May 20, 2014 by yellowss7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blokko Posted May 20, 2014 Share Posted May 20, 2014 (edited) My current car in the foreground. Does this answer your question, Tom :-) Edited May 20, 2014 by Blokko Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yellowss7 Posted May 20, 2014 Share Posted May 20, 2014 :cheers: Tom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigdog Posted May 20, 2014 Share Posted May 20, 2014 (edited) Skip, I'm in the process of relocating from the UK to Boston, MA. I'm on a 3-5 year assignment and having owned a Caterham for the last 7 years I dearly want to own a sevenesque car for my stay in the US - assuming I can purchase within my budget limitations, I can get accommodation with a garage and can overcome any registration issues! I hate to rain on your parade, But you can't overcome any registration issues, As it would never leave the US port and make it to MA. unless it's at least 25 years old or has EPA, DOT approval. Or Buy one already here in the US. Or is made for the track only, Which means it has to be in a state that prevents it from being returned to street use. I'm doing that this summer. As the wife and I are moving back to America from Germany. Found in our research that the best prices on any seven or equivalent was in the UK. In the US seven's seem to sell for big dough. Edited May 20, 2014 by bigdog Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NVP66S Posted May 20, 2014 Share Posted May 20, 2014 I might be looking at a Westie running a Flyin' Miata refreshed engine then. More in my price bracket, and presumably easier to register in MA? I don't have the brand issue that a lot of Brit Caterham owners have (touring with the Se7ens List knocks that out of you ). My only issue with the Westie is that the cabin isn't as big as the Caterham SV that I've got used to.... I received my Westfield kit in February and am doing my own donor car refurbishment. I'm not going to comment on car makes on this site and in particular on this thread, but you're welcome to PM me about my experiences. Also, he hasn't been here recently, but MPG is building a Flyin' Miata Westie near Boston. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blokko Posted May 20, 2014 Share Posted May 20, 2014 I hate to rain on your parade, But you can't overcome any registration issues, As it would never leave the US port and make it to MA. unless it's at least 25 years old or has EPA, DOT approval. Or is made for the track only, Which means it has to be in a state that prevents it from being returned to street use. Mmmmmm.... My assumption from previous threads and other investigations I've done is that a new kit with a '96 or earlier engine and transmission would be ok. If I've got that wrong then maybe I should do what several people have recommended and get some American metal instead (a Corvette maybe ) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yellowss7 Posted May 20, 2014 Share Posted May 20, 2014 It seems like two different options are being discussed here. Bigdog is right in saying that you can't import, i.e. ship a car in from outside the US unless it is over 25 years old. You CAN buy a new Kit, minus engine and gearbox and have it shipped to the US as it comes in as "auto parts" not a car. You then have to jump thru the hurdles of the local State registration process. Which are different in each state. You should research MA. regs as to registering a new kit or transferring in a used built car. IMO. Tom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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