Buying a used Caterham: what to check
Caterhams are simple, tough cars that hold their value well, but no two used ones are the same. Here's what we look at when a car comes into our workshop, and what we'd look at if we were buying one ourselves.
1. Decide what you'll use it for
Start with how you'll actually use the car. Weekend drives and the odd tour suit a Roadsport, Supersport, 270S or 310S, with a full windscreen, hood and heater. Regular track days point towards an R-pack car with a limited-slip differential and better seats. If you want to race, an ex-championship or Academy car is far cheaper than building one. Our Caterham models explained guide covers the differences.
2. The chassis
The spaceframe chassis is the most important thing to check. Look underneath and around the suspension mounts for corrosion, cracks or signs of repair, and check the floor and lower tubes, especially on older cars that have been used in all weathers. Accident damage on a Seven is usually repairable, but you want to know about it, and how well it was done.
3. Engine, gearbox and differential
- Engine: Ford Sigma, Duratec and Rover K-series engines are all well understood. Look for a clear service history, no overheating, oil and coolant in good condition, and correct, even running when warm. K-series engines should have a documented head gasket history.
- Gearbox: listen for whining and check for crunching between gears. Note which gearbox is fitted (Ford Type 9, Mazda five- or six-speed, or a sequential), as spares and running costs differ.
- Differential: clunks on and off the throttle can mean wear. Know whether it's an open or limited-slip diff and what final drive is fitted.
4. Suspension, brakes and tyres
Check the dampers aren't leaking, the bushes and joints aren't worn, and the brakes pull up straight. Tyres tell you a lot: uneven wear can point to poor geometry set-up or a knock. Track-focused tyres can be old but still look fine, so check the date codes.
5. History and paperwork
Look for the V5, service records, MOT history and receipts for major work. Check that the chassis number matches the paperwork. For an ex-race car, ask which championships it ran in, whether it was ever damaged, and when the engine was last rebuilt or refreshed, along with the dates on the belts, seat and extinguisher.
6. Race and Academy cars
Race cars are a great-value way into Caterham motorsport, but check that the engine seals are intact if you want to race in a championship that requires them, and that the cage, belts and extinguisher are in date. Many race cars can be driven on the road too, if they have a V5 and pass an MOT.
7. Get it looked at by a specialist
If you're buying privately, have the car inspected by someone who knows Caterhams. Every car we sell has already been through our workshop, with anything that needed putting right fixed before sale. Road cars come freshly serviced, with an MOT and our 3-month warranty.