turnip&chips Posted July 21, 2020 Posted July 21, 2020 Hi there, thought I'd introduce myself new member from Peterborough. I had a pre-lit westfield (Xflow) back in 2003 for a couple of years and have that itch to get back into one. Funnily sold it to a friend who also kept it a couple of years before selling and hasn't been MOT'd since.... Q933 GJA Prisoner spec Green with yellow nose. Budget of 8 to 10k looking for a Zetec or Vauxhall red top wide body car, touring spec rather than track and happy with something that needs tidying if the price reflects this. I'm not in a rush so if anyone has anything coming up for sale in the next month or so let me know. I'm keeping my eye on all the usual sites and a few I have my eye on. A question from a newbie (I'm sure there will be more). 1. My budget puts me at a late 90s to early 2000s car, would a 9-10 owner car be a put off? I can appreciate being the type of car they can end up going through a few keepers. I completely understand going on condition and history are the best bet, but do have a thought on re-sell. Quote
Dave Eastwood (Gadgetman) - Club Chairman Posted July 21, 2020 Posted July 21, 2020 1 hour ago, turnip&chips said: 1. My budget puts me at a late 90s to early 2000s car, would a 9-10 owner car be a put off? I can appreciate being the type of car they can end up going through a few keepers. It raises a minor flag, but only in so much as to take a bit more time looking closely at it, and maybe arranging a slightly longer shake down/test drive AND check the spec and set up of the car closely, it may just be that it's been set up, or built around one persons specific needs, and that hasn't suited many others. It could be the sign of a hidden issue that no one got to the bottom of, but probably isn't! Usually, it tends to happen when you have an outwardly very appealing to the new to Seven's/Classic cars owner type Westfield, that rapidly turns out to be not what they expected; may be a bit too raw, maybe they've never driven older cars with carbs and can't get used to it, maybe they just can't get used to the lack of driver assistance etc. Sometimes, it's just because no one understood to get things like geo set up, and/or the engine mapped/carbs tuned properly. It does happen where cars go through a few owners in quick succession before they find the right "fit" with someone. (This is especially true with cars that escape the specialist/enthusiast market and go through main stream dealers, that end up being bought by people expecting a plug and play sports car, having owned MX5's, Boxsters, Z3/4's and similar production sports cars.) The great news is that they're usually so essentially "simple", mechanically, and electrically, that with a little work/expense, there's not much that can't be put right. It's only really with the more exotic, unique spec cars that they get complex to sort out. 1 Quote
Mighty Mart Posted July 21, 2020 Posted July 21, 2020 (edited) Overall condition and history are the main points to consider, but I personally wouldn't be put off by numerous owners with a Westfield - other cars, yes! Tin hat on now..... IMHO Westfields can change hands quite often, and for every long term owner, there are quite a few who move on quickly. I think its an itch with a lot of people and once it gets scratched, the relative impracticality cuts in with some. Its a lot more affordable than say, a Caterham, in general too, which is why I believe Caterham owners tend to hang on to theirs a lot longer. You will not find better 'bang' for your money, and unlikely to loose out if you sell on too. Good luck, Mart. Edit - Great answer from Dave above too..... Edited July 21, 2020 by Mighty Mart Quote
Dave Eastwood (Gadgetman) - Club Chairman Posted July 21, 2020 Posted July 21, 2020 4 minutes ago, Mighty Mart said: I think its an itch with a lot of people and once it gets scratched, the relative impracticality cuts in with some. Aye, and when bought by none enthusiasts, or even enthusiasts that have just never had anything similar before, there can be a real rose tinted glasses view of them - summer Sunday runs to the pub sort of thing. The novelty can very quickly wear off when they realise their significant other etc refuses to even set foot in the car! Let alone go touring. Or the other common one, is that cars get "upgraded" way past what the owner is comfortable with actually driving. 1 Quote
turnip&chips Posted July 21, 2020 Author Posted July 21, 2020 Completely agree with you both, wouldn't dream of buying a normal performance car with that many owners but then again I am looking at something that is in excess of 20 years old. I'm seeing so many that are either listed as 5 plus owners (Autotrader) or they omit it completely. Only had mine 2 years last time but I was in my 20s with limited funds and no garage at the time so had to go eventually. Quote
Gary Taylor Posted July 21, 2020 Posted July 21, 2020 Welcome from sunny Scotland and good luck with your search Quote
SootySport Posted July 21, 2020 Posted July 21, 2020 Hi De Hi from Essex. 8 to 10k will buy a really good Zetec or Redtop, be prepared to travel a lot to seek out the best ones. Good luck. Quote
Rory's Dad Posted July 22, 2020 Posted July 22, 2020 Have you seen mine?? I could sell the trailer, I might have sold the Coscast engine and we are then getting close to 10k. Its a cracking car but has been immobile since the beginning of March so I'd need some notice before we go for a drive... Quote
turnip&chips Posted July 22, 2020 Author Posted July 22, 2020 56 minutes ago, Rory's Dad said: Have you seen mine?? I could sell the trailer, I might have sold the Coscast engine and we are then getting close to 10k. Its a cracking car but has been immobile since the beginning of March so I'd need some notice before we go for a drive... Hi Rorys Dad I did see yours, assumed it had sold when it disappeared off ebay...I could be interested, I cannot PM on here can you PM me your email address or put it up on here briefly? Quote
Rory's Dad Posted July 22, 2020 Posted July 22, 2020 Tut tut you should be a full time member! My email is mavanzeller@sky.com. Looking forward to hearing from you. Quote
turnip&chips Posted July 22, 2020 Author Posted July 22, 2020 Haha, I was planning on signing up once i've actually purchased one, email noted. Quote
Howsafe Workwear and Safety Equipment Posted July 22, 2020 Posted July 22, 2020 Hi - I am in Yaxley not too far away - I used to be the area organiser until life/work got in the way Happy to help if I can 👍 Quote
turnip&chips Posted July 22, 2020 Author Posted July 22, 2020 10 minutes ago, Howsafe Workwear and Safety Equipment said: Hi - I am in Yaxley not too far away - I used to be the area organiser until life/work got in the way Happy to help if I can 👍 Hi I used to be in Hampton Vale now in Eye....I was only in Howsafe a couple of weeks ago. Quote
Howsafe Workwear and Safety Equipment Posted July 27, 2020 Posted July 27, 2020 On 22/07/2020 at 16:14, turnip&chips said: Hi I used to be in Hampton Vale now in Eye....I was only in Howsafe a couple of weeks ago. Not too far away 🙂 Hope you manage to get sorted Quote
turnip&chips Posted July 27, 2020 Author Posted July 27, 2020 11 hours ago, Howsafe Workwear and Safety Equipment said: Not too far away 🙂 Hope you manage to get sorted Yes, new pair of safety shoes. 😉 1 Quote
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