Advice needed

[Morley]

Hi next year I’ll be getting my first Westfield. I’m constantly looking at what’s out there seen one on autotrader just wondered what pit falls there might be with it and what I should look out for? I’ve got it my mind I’d like a 2.0ltr duratec or zetec. https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201910293812069

 

[Kingster]

That one isn't a "proper" Duratec - it's an ST170. Mr Ford called it a Duratec just to confuse us!

 

Nowt wrong with ST170's - but they are based on the Zetec - just so you are aware, because an "all steel" Duratec would be an expensive build (ask @Meatibald Archpants)

 

I'd like to see the receipts so that the claims made about the internals stack up - but on the face of it, not a bad price. Would need to be viewed by someone who knows a bit about our cars IMO.

[TAFKARM]

I looked the pictures and wanted to love that...

 

"duratec 2lt [Its not a Duratec its an ST170 like Chris says] engine all steel ( bullitproof ) [haha] its the one with bigger valves [The ST150 has better flowing head than a standard Duratec but this isn't an ST150] and higher compression , its had approx £6000 spent on various parts plus the cost of the engine .

 

That said, ST170 is a great engine and lots of people have them and they go really well, the advert just seems a bit misleading. And its suspiciously cheap?

 

Have you viewed any yet?

 

That one is worth a view, and perhaps a chat with NMS / Boggs. Make sure you take a club member with you if you do take a look - its good to be reigned in sometimes, especially when you aren't use to the performance so even a bad one will feel like a rocketship!!!

[Kingster]

4 minutes ago, Meatibald Archpants said:

its the one with bigger valves

The ST170 has bigger valves than a blacktop Zetec - so maybe that’s what he’s referring to?
 

The “all steel” bit might be referring to the different con rods that the ST used and he’s ”bigging it up”.

 

Worth a look, but I think it will be a bit tired under the glossy GRP - wiring and plumbing certainly look none too tidy in my view. 

[SXRORY]

That is cheap if it all stacks up....as Chris has said build quality is a Biggie. 

When I bought mine I like the fact it has been used a lot since it was rebuilt.  a decent amount of miles each mot and the previous owner (before the guy I bought off) had also blogged on the car about its use. It's deffo not  the deciding factor but something to consider. 

If something's a pain do you use it? 

[Morley]

28 minutes ago, Meatibald Archpants said:

I looked the pictures and wanted to love that...

 

"duratec 2lt [Its not a Duratec its an ST170 like Chris says] engine all steel ( bullitproof ) [haha] its the one with bigger valves [The ST150 has better flowing head than a standard Duratec but this isn't an ST150] and higher compression , its had approx £6000 spent on various parts plus the cost of the engine .

 

That said, ST170 is a great engine and lots of people have them and they go really well, the advert just seems a bit misleading. And its suspiciously cheap?

 

Have you viewed any yet?

 

That one is worth a view, and perhaps a chat with NMS / Boggs. Make sure you take a club member with you if you do take a look - its good to be reigned in sometimes, especially when you aren't use to the performance so even a bad one will feel like a rocketship!!!

Not viewed it yet, I’ll not have free cash till next year but just want to know if I’m looking in right ball park. To be fair I’d rather view/buy one off of the forum as I know it will (fingers crossed) better as they wouldn’t get away selling something it’s not right 

[Morley]

4 minutes ago, SXRORY said:

That is cheap if it all stacks up....as Chris has said build quality is a Biggie. 

When I bought mine I like the fact it has been used a lot since it was rebuilt.  a decent amount of miles each mot and the previous owner (before the guy I bought off) had also blogged on the car about its use. It's deffo not  the deciding factor but something to consider. 

If something's a pain do you use it? 

That’s very true if it’s pain why would you drive it. 

[Morley]

Thank for that everyone 👍👍

[SXRORY]

16 minutes ago, Morley said:

That’s very true if it’s pain why would you drive it. 

 

It's not the be all and end all as there is plenty that don't move much. But has it not done much after spending loads on an engine, did it change hands after doing an engine etc. Try and apply logic....hard when you want one and you have one in front of you. 

 

Saying that I bought the second one I saw Lol , but it felt right 👍

[Kingster]

19 minutes ago, Morley said:

just want to know if I’m looking in right ball park

In big broad sweeping strokes you’re looking at £8-12k for a half decent Zetec powered Westy with independent fuel injection. More if it’s fairly new and well built. 
 

Things like BGH/SPC gearboxes, LSD diffs, decent shocks, nice wheels, and other desirable mods will often add to that figure.

 

Things like tatty wiring, rusty chassis, tired components etc will lower it. Also be aware of what ECU is with it as some are a pain or impossible to access. 

 

For a Duratec you probably need to budget £10k and up. But that’s a proper Duratec with a driver-side exhaust!

 

Engine tuning will not add as much as it costs to the overall value and can possibly make a car less reliable. 
 

Age is also less of a factor than build quality and condition. But you need a keen eye and knowledge to appreciate the difference between a well polished car and a well built one!

[TAFKARM]

12 minutes ago, Chris King - Webmaster and Joint North East AO said:

Engine tuning will not add as much as it costs to the overall value and can possibly make a car less reliable. 

 

That’s the opposite to what I told my wife...

[Kingster]

40 minutes ago, Archibald Jinglepants said:

That’s the opposite to what I told my wife...

obviously. Along with “it was only £30 dear”

[TAFKARM]

She knows the price...!

[Morley]

Some great advice as always thank you people 👍👍 the search continues after Christmas 🎄 

[Rob Hunter - Club Secretary]

I paid 8k for my 2.0 Zetec Westfield SEIW about 4 months ago. For my budget at the time it was the best I could afford (at the low end for a Westfield). 

 

Cosmetically it's not perfect but then its 23 years old!

Previously it was owned by 2 club members.

 

When I viewed it, John (the owner) presented me with 2 boxes of history, from MOT's and servicing to rolling road plots, original build receipts and even back copies of the WSCC magazine and calendar! 

 

John couldn't have been more helpful and was genuinely upset to part with it, we have even stayed in contact since!

 

I saw a number of others, mainly xflow and the odd low spec 1.8 zetec. Some were cosmetically stunning but we're missing items I wanted like an LSD, good lightweight wheels, good spec coilovers, wide track front end, doors and weather gear etc. 

 

My advice would be to listen to the great people in the club, they are genuinely the nicest and most helpful bunch! 

 

Also, tag along to one of the Peak District runs and take look at a few cars when you can. 

 

For your budget, it will always be a compromise on what you value the most, but I can't recommend ownership enough! Good luck with the search!