Where to start on this car?

[Guest smigga]

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201150434807665/sort/priceasc/usedcars/make/westfield/radius/1501/page/1/postcode/l356da/quicksearch/true?logcode=p

Going to see this next week, its got a stage 2 crossflow and has had £2k of recent cosmetics and engine work with receipts, its from a dealer, he took it in px 8 months back used it for summer and now wants to see what its worth, been up since Nov I posted a link once before.

I like its look and looks like its had attention to detail given to it. Its a 1990 factory built.

Id like any help in what to look/listen for?....

I keep lokking at others and did think Id go for a newer engine but something about it keeps drawing me back...Could be a bag of spanners but well see, never driven a 7 type before so really appreciate any help...

Smigga

[Mark (smokey mow)]

Have a read through this thread and also look at the the FAQ section of the forum.

Most importantly I would say is to check the overall condition, build quality and paper work. It might have been originally factory built but in the 22 years of its life a a lot could have been changed by persons less knowledgeable and experienced.

[Martin Keene]

Dodgy link, is it this one:

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201150434807665/sort/priceasc/usedcars/make/westfield/radius/1500/quicksearch/true/page/1/postcode/pe100le?logcode=p

If so, there is better out there for similar money or a little more. That may well have a stage 2 head, whatever that means, but it only has a single carb. It has also been converted from swept wings.

Something like this would be much better:

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2844420.htm

Or, for a little bit more money, and a lot more serious car, there is this:

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3520364.htm

Both of them have aeroscreen's, but converting back to a normal screen is not hard.

[davidgh]

Smigga

If you're anywhere remotely near Oxford, I would go and look at Steve Clark's car (the last mentioned by Martin). I can testify that it has always appeared well maintained. Also, I wouldn't worry over much about the accident (ask Steve what he does for a living ). I can also testify that it's no slouch (I run a similar spec engine in the Speed Series). In comparison with the car you are looking at, you would get a more modern engine, 16 valves, fuel injection, fully "mappable" ECU, a gearbox specifically designed for the needs of kits, an LSD, and lots of other good "bits". Even if you and Steve can't agree a price, it will still give you a good idea of what you can really have for your money .

HTH David

[Pistol Pete]

There was a similar aged westy for sale in WSCC mag last time, was a bit more classic looking with swept wings, but only about £3500.

[Dave the Sparky]

Thanks guys all usefull stuff, Martin, yes thats it, and yes that second car looks very clean, thanks for the links, the last car looks awsome but is out of my league!

I set perhaps an unrealistic budget of £6k for my next toy but I have seen tons of other stuff for £5-6k albeit not Westfields and not sure what to do. Its always the way that your budget will not get you what you really want but I just wanted a cheap 2k a year toy that ows me nothing and costs little to run. The trouble is it seems the only really good looking kits Ive seen are Westies! and that budget is a bit low.

Is it a bad thing that the front wings have been changed? I know it hasnt got the best engine setup and it does look a bit unkempt but for a Sunday toy if the price comes down a bit could it not suffice? Daft question I know, each to there own and all but I wont be tracking or doing much motorway...Im certainly not sold on it yet Im just interested in opinions...

Smigga

[Dave the Sparky]

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3393813.htm

Looking at this it does seem well over priced?

Im definitely going to see it if just for a bench mark but I definitely wont be taking any cash either.....

Smigga