I Wish I Knew This Before Buying A Caterham 7

[@robmurg]

Great video. I would suggest: Carry a large umbrella tucked down the back of the passenger seat. Rain protection when the heavens open and you're caught stationary and with the addition of a couple of windscreen poppers at the front and a para-cord tether to the back an even faster way of protecting the cockpit when you park the car than a half-hood. Specify a heater if you can. The added months you can drive the car on the road more than compensates for a theoretical 10th of a second on the track. In sunny weather protect your head from the sun with a hat. A brim that protects the top of your ears is useful too. Still enjoying my Caterham 15 years after building it, best crazy idea I ever had!

[@ACaterhamCalledFern]

Hi some great advice there. I'm glad you are still enjoying your Caterham. I can't see me being without Fern. I bet you have been on some good adventures.

[@tonyd.7088]

Converse All-stars are good for cheap driving shoes

[@ACaterhamCalledFern]

Hey yes that's a good shout. I do think the speed cats are alot better though personally, but they are a bit more money.

[@davideyres955]

1) you will get upgradeituus. Just go with it 2) assume people have not see you so when they do pull out youve already worked out what you are going to do to avoid it. 3) it will brake, get used to it 4) cold, get used to it 5) at some point it will piss down with rain on you and you wont be able to stop and get the roof up. 6) it will reward you like no other car. 7) never sell it.

[@ACaterhamCalledFern]

Hi David some great points there especially upgradeitus 😆 that happened to me very early on. Not being seen is also a very important one.

[@dstewusa7054]

I’ve had a CSR 260 with an aeroscreen, 6speed box and a 3:92 LSD - I’ve tracked it for past 10 years and given it everything it needs to stay on the asphalt - not a cheap pastime! There are very few faster cars around a given circuit, but even the ones that are quicker, I doubt they’re having as much fun!!

[@ACaterhamCalledFern]

Oh wow 10 years that's ace. Yes I totally agree. Even at 30mph I bet us Caterham owners are having more fun than most other drivers. They are great little cars aren't they.

[@olivertaylor4779]

That's my lottery win car, imo it's better than the bonkers 620 as I would think driving at 9 or 10/10 is more rewarding than driving something faster at 7/10, I did a track day years ago in a Caterham challenge race car it was one of the best experiences.

[@ACaterhamCalledFern]

@olivertaylor4779 hi I totally agree. I would think its probably boring being the fastest car on a track day with everyone else being in the way. I'd rather rev the bleep off a lower powered car. Caterhams can all corner at the same speed or near as dammit. Plus the best way to get quicker on track isn't extra bhp, it's driver tuition.

[@WhiteRoseDrives]

Another acronym you’ll learn at some point in a Caterham (and sadly James, I know you know this one 😮) SMIDSY. Sorry Mate I Didn’t See You. To your point about bright, visible colours for a Caterham 😊 The Caterham owner community is ace, yes! In my approaching-three-years of ownership it’s been fab fun fettling and changing things to suit my preferences better. It is absolutely half the fun of ownership!

[@ACaterhamCalledFern]

They are all so personal aren't they and a car that you can probably paint any colour and it will look good still. They community is ace isn't it. Very special little cars.

[@john_martin]

Great video again James…. And all absolutely true! 👍🏼👍🏼😂 Not necessarily something I wish I’d known because it would have changed my buying decision, but something that has become apparent, is how much it has become a part of my life, in a good way!

[@ACaterhamCalledFern]

Thanks John and I would say that's a good thing. Amazing little cars 😀

[@statustrade4901]

Another fantastic video James , as said before many thanks for taking the time to make and share it, I will look forward to watching your next video 👍👍

[@ACaterhamCalledFern]

Thanks. I know I would have really appreciated a video like this before buying Fern. It was hard getting the balance of saying what I wanted without babbling on about things. I tried to keep it short.

[@statustrade4901]

It’s good to know what small things are of huge benefit before setting out on the road of caterham ownership, it’s also part of the fun finding and adding items to your car ownership to add to the owner’s experience 👍

[@ACaterhamCalledFern]

@@statustrade4901 yes for sure. If I had just known about the Puma speedcats before test driving a caterham that would have been really helpful. Hopefully this video will help some people.

[@solacedagony1234]

Not a Caterham owner (considering) but I agree 100% to your comment that a car is a COMPLETELY different animal on track then any spirited driving you can do on a public road. If you have any sports car, you owe it to yourself to do at least 1 track day to see what that feels like.

[@ACaterhamCalledFern]

Hey yep that's completely true. It's hard to explain until you have driven on track and got everything warm.

[@solacedagony1234]

@@ACaterhamCalledFern Beyond everything being warm, you're able to push to velocities/accelerations that you'd go to jail for on the street.

[@ACaterhamCalledFern]

@solacedagony1234 haha true.

[@solacedagony1234]

@@ACaterhamCalledFern Have you driven Miatas or other small sports cars? If so, can you compare the Caterham to the experience of driving those?

[@araarathisyomama787]

@@solacedagony1234 As a Miata owner - I'd say try Miata before you go with Caterham - on the track as well - maybe you don't need to go that far to get that high. What I mean - it seems easier to get in on a whim, easier to get out if you get bored - both literally and metaphorically. In general a lot of what he said about "the experience" of the car and the people sounds awfully similar to what I found about the Miata, but maybe those things are stronger with Caterham. Seems to me like both communities would love to hang out together - at least from my side 😅, but maybe to Caterham guys we're not prestige enough 😆, I don't know.

[@bremms1]

I have two pair of speed cats for driving and flying our 7AC Champ. My feet are size 13 and I drive a home built Seven with a standard width chassis. I did make the pedal box a wide as possible and was careful with the width and placement of the pedals.

[@ACaterhamCalledFern]

Sounds good.

[@lateralg3169]

Interesting video for me. Im a petrolhead that suffers with acute anxiety and just sitting in that place in the countryside in my 7 would suit me for a while. Depressing music at the end though.

[@ACaterhamCalledFern]

Hey yer I agree I like seeing the countryside rather than cities. It's just relaxing I think. When we did the NC500 that was the best for views. The views went on for days and there was something about the lochs which I found relaxing. Wales is also very good. Sorry you think my end music is depressing I quite like it.

[@bustab8649]

I also carry a spare clutch cable, as I have had two snap on me 😞. The AA can put together a temporary cable, it's a lot less hassle if you can ask them to fit a new one on the roadside. Otherwise, I hope you continue to enjoy your Caterham. I have had mine (1997 Superlight with the Rover 1.6 K series engine) for over twenty years, and enjoy it more every year. PS I am fitting a Meteor Motorsport aeroscreen shortly, having watched your video showing how straightforward it is to fit (this is a a result of my windscreen being smashed by a pigeon and replacements being on a 6 - 8 week delivery).

[@ACaterhamCalledFern]

Hey a clutch cable is a good idea if you have one. A friend of mine has had his snap on him. Fern doesn't have a clutch cable it's fluid. I really like my meteor motorsport aeroscreen. A clear one just makes sense. I would advise having someone help you fit it if you can. Just so you can see both sides. Measure lots drill once 😀

[@ACaterhamCalledFern]

Have you tried redline for a windscreen? I think redline provide most of the windscreens for insurance.

[@bustab8649]

@@ACaterhamCalledFern Thanks. I will look into it.

[@lukesaunders9321]

Once I finally get my garage built I WILL get a Caterham. It's been some years since I have been part of a car club and crave it again :)

[@ACaterhamCalledFern]

Hi you won't regret it and I bet you will wish you had bought one earlier. The Caterham community is great and there are brilliant events which happen every year.

[@Pegarignol]

Great video James, Bought a new 1920 275S (France) All this is so exactly true, Thank you for sharing it. So glad I own one! Jacques

[@ACaterhamCalledFern]

Hi thanks and they are great cars aren't they. Are there many in France? Do you have a local group?

[@nickhenstock710]

Another great video. And it's sparking a debate which is always good.

[@ACaterhamCalledFern]

Thanks Nick. I know I would have found this video helpful before I bought a Caterham. Even just the shoes.

[@Very_Grumpy_Cat]

It is nice to know that a Caterham can be used as a trackcar

[@ACaterhamCalledFern]

I would say, daily car, track car, touring car, race car, or all of the above 😀🏎

[@ianscott3180]

I hear what you are saying about the full hood. I have full weather on my ageing Cosworth BDR but rarely use it. I did have studs fitted for a tonneau cover which I use almost every time I park. It zips down the middle and in cold weather leaving the passenger side on when driving is great. I have a heater and it is toasty in the winter. Everyone should have a 7 at least once in their life, you don't need to spend a fortune. Get an older one, they are usually low mileage and there is not much to go wrong. I have had mine for over 25 years and I would get more for it now than I paid. It is not my daily drive, Hyundai takes care of that.

[@ACaterhamCalledFern]

I've not tried a tonneau yet but I like the idea. The half hood works so well for how I use Fern though. I agree that everyone should own a caterham at some point. Is there anything quite like it?

[@guss2099]

I have a Westfield and made the half hood myself. It’s way nicer than a full one..

[@ACaterhamCalledFern]

Hi that's great if you managed to make one yourself. I personally feel a bit confined in the full hood, so I don't use it. The half hood is better I think as you still get some air flow.

[@BERTVVANHORCK]

I completely agree about the half hood being the best and the necessity of LED lighting all around including a 3rd rear break light.... Wish I had ordered a long shower cap..... Meanwhile I see you are well over 900 subscribers, it is high time you reach 1000+! Can the current subscribers help in any way!?

[@ACaterhamCalledFern]

I know I'm so close to 1k subscribers which was my goal this year. If anyone would like to share any videos anywhere that is always helpful. Especially places that I can't like piston heads for instance. Alot of places won't let you self promote.

[@DMAcidRacing]

Another great video mate 🤙🏻🏎

[@ACaterhamCalledFern]

Thanks. Can't wait to see you racing next year. Looking forward to seeing your livery as well. Green is the best colour for race cars 😀💚

[@lesliegee3621]

Hi loved video was a Morgan owner for 2 yrs with 1600 Duratec engine Mazda 5 speed gearbox. That was a yr ago am looking at Caterhams . Like you with Morgan im, not a mechanic done a short course, at Brands Hatch Morgan so carried out maintenance myself so buying a Caterham I already have the tools and grease guns, lol like tips you gave for new owners and yes .how much are replacement Tyres. ??

[@ACaterhamCalledFern]

Depending on which caterham you buy wearable parts are normally quite cheap. Also because they are so light they use brakes/tyres less than heavier cars doing track days. I think the last set of tyres I got was just over £600. It depends which ones you buy.

[@lesliegee3621]

@ACaterhamCalledFern Thankyou so much ..yep don't use brakes much in normal car probably will more in Caterham depending what gearbox and type so may have to brake more .yep sounds like normal stuff Morgan 900kg with me in it .Caterham has far superior power .so assume back poops out a bit on bends if not careful .Morgans more so as 1st roundabout at 25 started to go .so done track day with it to learn more .

[@lesliegee3621]

@ACaterhamCalledFern is winter routine same pump tyres up .full tank fuel . Role wheels back and forth leave handbrake off . Put monitor Charger on for battery ??

[@THE_NAYK3D_1]

Hello, i have always wanted to have a go in a Caterham but unsure if i would actually be able to fit in it and drive it. I am six foot three, would i be able to do both?

[@ACaterhamCalledFern]

Hi there are two chassis sizes S3 and SV. Fern is a S3 but SV's are slightly wider and longer. You can also get lowered floors which would help. The best thing to do would be to get a test drive in a SV that has lowered floors. Different seats fit different body shapes as well. Do you have a Caterham dealer near you so you could sit in a few?

[@WhiteRoseDrives]

I’m sure James won’t mind me mentioning another channel in this instance, so take a look at Turn 7’s guide to chassis sizes. You should be able to get an idea of what you need/want kzbin.info/www/bejne/h5yUXpaaqZ2Vm6c

[@1silvervespa]

If throttle cables fail (short life) check routing and try to get as smooth a route as possible . Also maybe work a graphite lube into it . Motorcycle cable lube block might make it easier to force lube in ... I have 60,ooo km use on a clutch cable same concept smooth route & lubed regularly .

[@ACaterhamCalledFern]

Hi yes that's some good advice there. Funny how when something breaks you think more about it. I check mine regularly now.

[@flytoday]

Motorcycle helmet for cold weather driving

[@ACaterhamCalledFern]

Hi is that for use with an aeroscreen or windscreen when it's cold?

[@C42ST3N]

or buy a real racecar helmet if you plan to do track days so you don´t have to buy two helmets.

[@ACaterhamCalledFern]

@@C42ST3N that's some good advice.

[@chrischadwick5395]

one thing I wish I knew.... The Titan LSD's are shit, really shit, loud whiney, clunky, knocky etc... Some people might be lucky and have one thats OK but I would budget for changing it for a tracsport diff as the titan is not fit for purpose

[@ACaterhamCalledFern]

I'd love a tracsport diff. Fern has an open diff at the moment because my LSD broke. They don't seem to last very long.

[@chrischadwick5395]

@@ACaterhamCalledFern my previous caterham had an open diff, ended up upgrading to a 310R, which had a broken diff so it was fully rebuilt for me before I took the car. It’s still awful. Titans are just no good. If I had known at the time I would have asked the dealer to put that money towards a tracsport and I would have contributed the difference! Deffo something you should save up for for fern, will change the car again completely!

[@glenncampbell2626]

What is a long nosed shower cap

[@ACaterhamCalledFern]

Hi here is a link to the long nose shower cap that I have. It's great to use when parked up for long periods. I use mine all the time when I'm parked even if it's a nice day. www.softbitsshop.co.uk/long-nose-shower-cap---door-mounted-or-tripod-mirrors-776-p.asp

[@g4okt]

All true!🤣

[@ACaterhamCalledFern]

The shoes especially. I wish I knew about the shoes before going for a test drive in socks 😆

[@raptoranderson]

As a long time petrolhead, I can confirm that I’ve never actually had to buy any car parts: I’ve only ever swapped parts with other people 😉

[@ACaterhamCalledFern]

Ha ha thats brilliant. Even better if you are swapping parts for safety 😆

[@andysteggals2745]

If you haven’t got the wherewithall to service a Caterham yourself…..probably best you don’t buy one!

[@1silvervespa]

Footware ... try Bowling shoes also. Easily found .

[@ACaterhamCalledFern]

Hi I've not heard of using those, but whatever works and is narrow enough.