Scottyboy Posted August 25, 2015 Share Posted August 25, 2015 Hi All, I am a long time admirer of the Westy and what it offers. I have owned many 2 seater sports cars but nothing quite as raw as a Westy. I am really looking to buy this summer, or wha'ts left of it, but find PH, AT and ebay a complete mind field of choice. Pinto, Zetec, wide bodied, narrow bodied, throttle bodies....the list goes on. I am afraid that without any detailed knowledge of the market I will pounce on a rubbish car and live to regret it. Is there anybody in the North East with a Westy who would be willing to advise and maybe even provide a passenger ride,?? cheeky, but its so hard getting the right car. My daily is a Lotus Exige S240, so happy to reciprocate on the ride, if any body wants one. Other than that, hello! I expect this is a good place to be so will hopefully add value myself over the coming months. Cheers Scott Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kingster Posted August 25, 2015 Share Posted August 25, 2015 Hi Scott - just been through this exercise with another new member from Houghton le Spring. Happy to help, PM me for contact info. As others will no doubt testify, if you are new to Westfields and want to buy one, this is the best place to start and will easily be worth the year's membership fee let alone the trial one Rule number one: don't be in a hurry! There will be plenty to choose from with patience and the right car will come along - especially at this time of year. Welcome aboard! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Eastwood (Gadgetman) - Club Chairman Posted August 25, 2015 Share Posted August 25, 2015 Welcome! As well as Chris's fantastic offer, if you can make it along to any of the club meets, you'll also get a chance to chat to a few owners, kick tyres and you'll usually find everyone's more than happy to take you for a spin. It is bewildering at first, when you look at the shear variety compared to a production car. But it's the beauty of this type of car too, that lets you personalise them so much. Try and get to see as many as you can, again, that's where meet's score and you'll soon start to get a feel for what the major difference really mean and how important they are. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SootySport Posted August 25, 2015 Share Posted August 25, 2015 from Essex. Which car? hmm, depends on your budget and if you are handy with the spanners. Another question to ask yourself, is the car just for the road or track and road? As Dave said, Local members to you are usually happy to help out with your decision and an it's also an excuse for them to get out out of the hose for a drive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chriss1455 Posted August 25, 2015 Share Posted August 25, 2015 Welcome, as Chris has said I too would be more than happy to help with a ride out if required, would also agree not to rush into any decision when viewing one Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy - a15cro Posted August 25, 2015 Share Posted August 25, 2015 Scott, hi, I'm in the same boat mate, local as well. Had some good advise off here already, met Chris - Kingster and seen his fantastic motor close up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scottyboy Posted August 25, 2015 Author Share Posted August 25, 2015 This is great. Such a friendly and helpful forum, a great reflection on type of people who own these cars. I have been chatting to Chris today, some sage like advice there, which makes me immediately feel more knowledgeable when looking through the ad's and keeping an eye on what to look for. I am starting to form an opinion on what I want, but imagine it will take a little time, same as it did when I first discovered Lotus, some 5 years in and I am still learning. For my first Westy, the budget is more bottom end I am afraid. It wont get tracked, just taken out for a few life affirming drives to remind me how much fun motoring can be. Things may/will change as my very young family grows up and I can start to get them interested in all things automotive. However, until then, I need to get out and enjoy every spare second of life on the road. The Exige is a monster and loads of fun, but I come from a bike background early on and I think a Westy is closer to that thrill than the Lotus. I will soon find out by the looks of it. Thanks so much Kingster 996 (Chris) and Chriss1455 for the offer of a pax ride. I will hopefully be able to take you both up on the offer as keen to sit in a few and see the differences. Even though I may not drive it much as the family takes up a lot of time, I do get the evenings for tinkering and searching so the hobby continues. a15cro, how is the search mate? you found the beast yet? be good to see how these things pan out and if there are any surprises along the way. Thanks again Scott Thanks again all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scottyboy Posted August 26, 2015 Author Share Posted August 26, 2015 Many thanks tonight to Chris King who very kindly took me out in his cracking Westy. I have to say I am smitten. The buzz of full acceleration from 2-3-4th is an amazing feeling and the noise is fantastic, so addictive. What a great sorted car you have Chris, lots of time and thought gone into it and it shows. I must get me one of these. Still happy to take my time over it I think. I am not too much of a fan of going to see cars 200-400 miles away to come back empty handed. So hopefully one or two more come up nearer the North East. 100-150 miles would be ideal. Even though there is a beaut on PH at £5.5k its in Cheltenham and I am not sure I can find the time to go and see it. Shame as it looks really good value. Thanks again Chris. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mirror11 Posted August 27, 2015 Share Posted August 27, 2015 Hi Scott this is a great place for advice etc. if you would like to see another one or have a chat I'm just outside of newcastle. I would be more than willing to help. I could let you have my number if you want. Kind regards John. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kingster Posted August 27, 2015 Share Posted August 27, 2015 Happy to oblige Scott and thanks for the reciprocal spin in your lovely Exige, always did fancy one of those as I said! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Onliest Smeg David Posted August 27, 2015 Share Posted August 27, 2015 Yep, as has been said.... try as many as you can as they're all so different. Even seamingly similarly spec'ed ones can give a very different driving experience. Buy blind and trust to luck! I bought mine on first day of viewing cars, and thankfully was very very lucky as with a few tweek I have a very good Westie. It could have so easily been a complete dud through. With hindsight I would have spent a lot longer experiencing as many different Westies as possible. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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