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Where to start?


Sibbo

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Seeing as there isn't a South Wales group currently, (no idea why as there are loads of fantastic pubs and lanes), and being yet another newbie to the gang I'm going to ask the usual question.... can people give me some pointers on what to look for and where when buying second hand? Going to spend 5 - 6k... it would be good to get some knowledge from people before I make a complete pratt of myself at some specialist or private seller!

Perhaps I ought to set up a South Wales meeting anyway...

Cheers!

sibbo@ntlworld.com

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Only look at YELLOW ones their the best ;)

He He that should start something :0  :sheep:  :arse:

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I'll post a constructive one then shall I? :p

Try these -

www.findit.co.uk/uk/cars/westfield.htm

www.terrynightingale.co.uk

www.findit.co.uk/cars/kitcar/cars.htm

www.findit.co.uk/cars/kitcar/parts.htm

www.findit.co.uk/cars/race.htm

www.hallmarkcars.demon.co.uk

www.autotrader.co.uk

Back of CCC and Westfield World are also other good sources for second hand Westfields.

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Hi

The new edition of Which Kit came out last friday, and there are plenty of wesfields in there for sale.

AJ

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I'm to old for constructive comments :arse:

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OK, as I bought my secondhand Westie in March this year I should be able to remember what it was like....

Look at the things you would on a normal car (tin top) but bear in mind that no two Westfields are exactly alike and the build quality (unless done by the factory) and especially pre-SVA test could be poorer as it's down to the individual who put it together (probably several years ago) and standards may not have been so high although the annual MOT test should pick up any real problems.

Check that the engine runs smoothly and is leak/smoke free once warmed up nicely. Have a look at the wiring and check that everything works (lights, gauges etc.)

Check the bodywork for damage (they will almost all have some crazing in the gelcoat and a few scratches for your budget).

Have a look underneath and see if the floorpan is dented/damaged as some (mine especially!) ride a bit low and on crappy British roads will bash the ground over bumps.

Check the brake lines/calipers etc. for leaks and general condition.

Check the tyres as this will give you an idea about how it's been driven, if the treads are semi-molten looking it's probably had a few track days under its belt to put it mildly.

Lastly, test drive the car but don't forget that it will feel really strange (and probably very fast) after a normal saloon or even something like an MX5 so concentrate on whether it goes in a straight line and stops OK before giving it some stick and if the roads are damp be CAREFUL - when I test drove mine it was in early March in Leeds and the temp was 2 degrees C with no doors or roof  :0  as he had left the car at a friends garage and the other stuff was at his home 20 miles away !

Suffice to say it was exhilarating (and bl**** cold) and after trying two more I rang him back and we agreed a price - luckily it came with a trailer so I could tow it back to West Sussex and I been having a ball in it ever since!

Good luck

:D  :D  

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