Old Biker Posted January 6, 2010 Share Posted January 6, 2010 You have all probably noted this ad on Piston Heads - http://www.pistonheads.com/SALES/1277003.htm . Can I ask for the group's first impressions on this. Looks clean and from the detail in the ad it is probably worth a look. New to this game so would appreciate a steer on value for money and integrity of dealer. Thanks in advance (banter included!). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
James Posted January 6, 2010 Share Posted January 6, 2010 There was some discusion about this guy a few months ago, I havent had any personal dealings with him but from what others have said beware! He does like to embelish his ads somewhat for instance MT75 gearbox 5 speed with quickshift,(The prefered choice) WHY? Webcon Alpha management system with laptop output for remapping (costly but superb) What he's not telling you is that you cant do this yourself (the software is locked) and only a certain few can play with the map (not the best choiceof ECU) rare westfield 4 pot alloy brake calipers Better let the factory know this then ducted nose cone houseing alloy Polo rad (so no 2.0l overheating probs) What overheating problems go in with your eyes wide open! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
7sRWild Posted January 6, 2010 Share Posted January 6, 2010 Hi Biker, Steve here. Check in the Newbies section, page 2 I think, this debate about Toybox has come up before. Good to see that you are looking seriously. My baby will be with me in March... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack T Posted January 6, 2010 Share Posted January 6, 2010 Def sounds like a typical dealer! But still a not bad car for the cash just be catious tho cos as James says he clearly has no clue what he is talking about! Jack Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old Biker Posted January 6, 2010 Author Share Posted January 6, 2010 James, Thanks for this. Saw a few comments about this fella when browsing through the site so wanted to see what the more experienced members thought. I have to admit that some of the comments made were lost on me. Googled the ECU detail but didn't get anything pointing to it being locked, although at my stage in my kit car career I'm not sure I would be tinkering just yet! Thanks for that insight though. As you say 'be careful'. Paul Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old Biker Posted January 6, 2010 Author Share Posted January 6, 2010 Not typing fast enough. Two more replies while typing for the first! Your ref was where I picked up the earlier talk. All comments understood. Thank you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JeffC Posted January 6, 2010 Share Posted January 6, 2010 I would forget the seller its the car you are interested in, go in with your eyes open and use your own judgement, imho at face value it looks tidy. dont think there is anything obvious that would stop me from taking a look, I dont like the wheels but thats a personal thing Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Loudon - Sponsorship Liaison Posted January 6, 2010 Share Posted January 6, 2010 Agree with Jeff. On the face of it the car looks OK and now that you know a little about the guy selling it you have a slight upper hand Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark (smokey mow) Posted January 6, 2010 Share Posted January 6, 2010 I would forget the seller its the car you are interested in, go in with your eyes open and use your own judgement, imho at face value it looks tidy. dont think there is anything obvious that would stop me from taking a look, I dont like the wheels but thats a personal thing I agree with Jeff, look at the car on it's merits and compare it with what else you can get for similar money or spec. The guy may be a dealer but I'll doubt he'll be offering you any warranty or guarentee so bear this in mind when looking. And also consider that he probably hasn't owned it that long so would likely know a lot less about the car (and it's history) than a private seller. It's worthwhile if you can to get a local member along with you to look over the when viewing. Don't be destracted by a shiny exterior, it's east to fit a new set of wheels a newer roll bar but check the general condition of the car and the quality of the build. A lot of owners keep all the build history, recepts and documentation for their cars and work that's been done so see if these are available and if any performance figures are quoted look for the rolling road printouts to back these up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick Algar - Competition Secretary Posted January 6, 2010 Share Posted January 6, 2010 Agree with the others. But also it looks a pretty OK car and not stupid money for what you get. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markcoopers Posted January 6, 2010 Share Posted January 6, 2010 just a comment on the alph ECU to provide the other side of the same coin. Yes Alpha have the ECU's coded so that only autherised alpha specialists can change the maps, but like the vast majority of people, touching the map is not something they want to do anyway, so rather a pointless/lacking restriction. On the + side they are very very reliable, which is why they powered Aston Martin's and John Clelends vauxhall touring car amoung other machiens. Also why Westfield and other small manufactures use/used them as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vice Chairman Posted January 6, 2010 Share Posted January 6, 2010 Agree with Mark - don't let the Alpha put you off. My 2L VX runs on twin 45's with Alpha management - I have had this set up for about 5 years. Every time I have the car tuned on the rolling road, the response from the engineer is to leave the Alpha alone as it does it's job well and a re-map would only produce marginal gains. BTW - always take my car to Aldon Automotive in Brierly Hill - they are Webcon specialists. Looks like a tidy car to me, and reasonable money too - but as said before, take a local Westie owner with you if you decide to view it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markcoopers Posted January 6, 2010 Share Posted January 6, 2010 Looking at the add, it sounds exerlent and good value. I like a seller talking up the points of the car, actually selling for a change, comment on detachable arches is very true. I can see why some are sceptic (prefered choice gearbox and overheating comments), but the spec is a good one, so "rare" calipers or not, they are good etc.... As others have said, ignor the dealer aspect and purchase with head. Check that the chassis, V5, MOT's, Tax and recipts all have the same chassis and reg numbers. Check recipts for what is fitted and examine the build quality and teh chassis for rust/damage.......this is by far the most important aspect. engines are £200, gearbox £100.....Chassis are a few grand. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twcullen Posted January 6, 2010 Share Posted January 6, 2010 Weird thing is I phoned up about that car maybe 2 months ago, only to be told that it had been sold....................He could however have sold me a 1.8 Zetec live axle the he did have in stock for the same money! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old Biker Posted January 6, 2010 Author Share Posted January 6, 2010 Thank you for all of your excellent replies. It is good to know there are wise heads out there that us novices can be guided by. I appreciate the comments. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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