Olly

As a garage toy, nothing more. What do you reckon?

Not looking for any alternative suggestions, I've already been there. Just opinions of both.

The head says VX. Already owned a n/a VX220, which I prefer to the turbo, so it's a known quantity. The way I see it, a VX would be easier to own, easier to drive, more practical, more modern looking, cheaper to buy and run, and the car you would prefer to drive to the south of Spain in.

But heart says Caterham. I have always wanted one, and the desire has never wained. Only briefly driven one (an HPC) a few years ago but loved it to bits. Would be looking at a road based version (track days are not for me), probably a HPC or Roadsport with all the "creature comforts" (heater, hood, seats). Yes the VX would probably trump it in many ways, but would it be as pure a driving/owning experience? I reckon not.

Any thoughts?

The Chief

Cheaper to buy and run? are you sure?

ok maybe the initial purchase price. but insurance on kit cars is normally under the 200 quid mark.

Dont fancy a V8 Dax Rush do you?

Andy M3

I think caterhams are fantastic, and I would imagine cheaper to run than a VX. They hold there money well, use old sierra parts and thanks to 1/2 a tonne kerb weight go through sticky tyres ever 20k!

Shark Man

Silly as it may seem, but my deciding factor would be the British weather. Unless teh caterham has wet weather gear, you are alot more dependant on having a sunny weekend to be able to use it, and no doubt sods law would dicate it would start raining whilst your out anyway Based on that the VX would probably get more use.

So imo, if you can cope with that: Caterham, If not VX220

MooseRacer

Caterham everytime if it's purely to be used as a toy. Loved my Westfield and it got used rain or shine all year round.

Brun

I'd love a Caterham with a Busa engine or similar

Olly

Equivalent year VX's are cheaper to initially buy than, say a Roadsport with all the gear, although insurance was around £440 for my old VX, compared to around £200 maybe? You could argue that a HPC on twin carbs would sup fuel at double the rate of a catalysed 2.2 Vauxhall lump, but what would you rather listen to? Exactly.

One thing I haven't considered is that all of my no claims bonus is on my daily driver Passat: this would have to be transferred onto the VX policy and a new one created for the VW . Would this be the case for a Caterham??

Depreciation is a factor too. Don't think it will be many years before we see £5k VX's, yet 25 year old Caterhams still fetch more than this.

And it would be used wet or dry, one reason why the motorbike has just been sold.

Anyone know about Caterham luggage space?

MooseRacer

Not in my experience - to get the best deal on a Caterfield you need to go to specialist insurers. I know with mine I couldn't use or accrue NCB, but as a result it was mega cheap. (May not be the case for all insurers though)


Perfectly possible to go touring in them with judicious use of a few bungee straps

Jay m A

iTrader: (2)

From a previous Westfield owner, if its purely a road car and needs to endure wet weather and trips to Spain - go for the Vx

To do that with the Caterham means becoming a diehard enthusiast, which entails accepting woeful wet weather protection (and a constant steamed up screen) and a divorce from turnkey motoring - also the realisation that you will never explore the cars full potential on a road.

All IMO, I loved every minute of my ownership experience.

billythekid

Caterham, then you can do LEJOG with us next year

LEJoG 2007

MooseRacer

Did I see you chaps on the A30 across Bodmin moor on Saturday morning in the pi*sing rain?

If it was you then topmarks to the one nutter who didn't have his roof up

billythekid

It was

We had about 4 hours of sunshine on the whole trip, but it was worth it!

Raised over 6 grand for charity too.

MooseRacer

Excellent, some of them sounded pretty naughty

billythekid

One was 270+bhp, which I can tell you in a 500kg car gives some interesting moments over the course of a 1500 mile trip! Esp as the driver is crazy and would make Sato look like a grandad out for a sunday drive!

CrisPDuk

For christ's sake will just get a fecking Caterham bought

You've been dithering about one for the last 15+ years, if you leave it much longer you'll be too old and too blind to use it properly, like your Old Man

Or you could look at it this way; If you keep driving his boat like you do, and your Mum finds out you'll be too dead to be using a car of any description So save your money and buy a decent coffin

CrisPDuk

PS: If you do buy a Caterham before she kills you, can I have it in your will

Don't forget to buy the wide-bodied one though