Thinking of CAterham/Westfield/other
Discussion
Hey all,
Just recently, I've started thinking about getting one of these little pocket rockets. I drive an Mk IV R32 which is a decent enough daily hack, but I've had her for nearly 4 years now and think more and more about how un-involving the car can be - unless you really crank the speed up. Around country lanes and what have you, you can make it more involving, but I don't know - it feels like there is something missing. I'm not even sure if I know what I'm missing, if you see what I mean, as my last rear wheel drive car was a Mk2 escort van. Everything since has been FWD or AWD.
These little cars strike me as a fairly easy (and cheapish) way to at least drive something interesting, and with Loton Park just up the road from me, a bit of a day out with the potential for a fun thrash. The hill climb needs further investigation regarding B licences, entry req'ts and such.
Initially was thinking of a smaller engine, your 1600/1700 up to 2l - mainly to keep the cost down. Looking at the classifieds, a budget that I have set myself of max £8K seems realistic (there's a few) - but at these prices is there anything to watch out for? I know they say, "engine rebuilt, chassis stripped & resin'ed" etc. - Are there any gotchas? Is the actual marque down to personal preference? CAterham, westfield, Dax, etc. etc.
Cheers in advance, sorry if q's a amateurish :P
Just recently, I've started thinking about getting one of these little pocket rockets. I drive an Mk IV R32 which is a decent enough daily hack, but I've had her for nearly 4 years now and think more and more about how un-involving the car can be - unless you really crank the speed up. Around country lanes and what have you, you can make it more involving, but I don't know - it feels like there is something missing. I'm not even sure if I know what I'm missing, if you see what I mean, as my last rear wheel drive car was a Mk2 escort van. Everything since has been FWD or AWD.
These little cars strike me as a fairly easy (and cheapish) way to at least drive something interesting, and with Loton Park just up the road from me, a bit of a day out with the potential for a fun thrash. The hill climb needs further investigation regarding B licences, entry req'ts and such.
Initially was thinking of a smaller engine, your 1600/1700 up to 2l - mainly to keep the cost down. Looking at the classifieds, a budget that I have set myself of max £8K seems realistic (there's a few) - but at these prices is there anything to watch out for? I know they say, "engine rebuilt, chassis stripped & resin'ed" etc. - Are there any gotchas? Is the actual marque down to personal preference? CAterham, westfield, Dax, etc. etc.
Cheers in advance, sorry if q's a amateurish :P
Edited by Tonsko on Friday 3rd June 11:26
Caterhams are great but keep their value well so at your budget you'll be lucky to get a good car.
My brother bought a Fisher Fury for £8000 18 months ago and it has been excellent. Great fun to drive.
I wouldn't swap my Caterham for it, but I spent a lot more.
The Sylva/Raw(?) Striker is a very similar chassis, and good if you can fit in.
My brother bought a Fisher Fury for £8000 18 months ago and it has been excellent. Great fun to drive.
I wouldn't swap my Caterham for it, but I spent a lot more.
The Sylva/Raw(?) Striker is a very similar chassis, and good if you can fit in.
Live-axle Caterhams with ford crossflow or vauxhall 8v engines regularly come up within budget, and occasionally 1.4 'k'-series cars with the later dedion suspension.
Spec-wise you'd get better value for money from another manufacturer, however the caterham is characteristically the most developed car- offerings from other manufacturers are much more variable in their drive and quality. Also, as has been mentioned, the residuals are much better. Also, there are many workshops up and down the country which look after caterhams so sourcing parts is easy.
In summary, you'll get more bang for your buck with a dax, tiger, MK, Westfield etc and the caterham is the choice for more of a classic car ownership experience.
Spec-wise you'd get better value for money from another manufacturer, however the caterham is characteristically the most developed car- offerings from other manufacturers are much more variable in their drive and quality. Also, as has been mentioned, the residuals are much better. Also, there are many workshops up and down the country which look after caterhams so sourcing parts is easy.
In summary, you'll get more bang for your buck with a dax, tiger, MK, Westfield etc and the caterham is the choice for more of a classic car ownership experience.
I would have thought that with your budget you'd find more choice away from Caterham. Everybody's opinions vary, but Westfield probably the next most commonn/popular. If buying one made up as a 'kit', you'd need to know where the donor parts came from, and who/how they were reconditioned, if at all. Also makes sourcing parts easier later (ie engine, box, axle, brakes etc.) Usual checks for chassis damage.
With a 'factory-build', or built as a kit with all parts supplied new by factory, at least you know the age of all the mechanical bits (but not how they've been treated). Some home build kits will use scrapyard-sourced parts, which may or may not be up to the job. Depends how much work you want to undertake yourself.
As OP says, there are quite a few types about, why not have alook at a few locally to get a feel for the different styles, and keep an open mind about how it's been built, and by whom.
Caterhams appear to have the best resale value, but that makes it more difficult to get into their market.
With a 'factory-build', or built as a kit with all parts supplied new by factory, at least you know the age of all the mechanical bits (but not how they've been treated). Some home build kits will use scrapyard-sourced parts, which may or may not be up to the job. Depends how much work you want to undertake yourself.
As OP says, there are quite a few types about, why not have alook at a few locally to get a feel for the different styles, and keep an open mind about how it's been built, and by whom.
Caterhams appear to have the best resale value, but that makes it more difficult to get into their market.
I remember having similar thoughts when I had my Mk IV R32, also a daily drive. Warm summer (less power) dry roads (too much grip) makes for much less fun! I've got many fond memories of that car but it was at it's best when it was cold and damp, heated seat on with the window down and the milltek exhaust booming!
I changed to a Caterham (an expensive but very quick beast) for a fun car and a diesel for daily use two years ago. You will definitely get more fun out of a Caterham type car during the summer months, regardless of how quick it is. The price of that is the winter and rainy days where you will miss the R32! For track days and sunny days though you will not find a better option.
I've driven a 1.6 125 BHP Caterham and I think you might find it a little sluggish after the R32. Still great fun to drive but not enough go. The 0-60 time might be similar (if your R32 is not modified) but it would have no go after that.
It might be worth trying to find a local meet to speak to some owners and get some passenger rides to find what suits your needs. There are a couple of nice Westfields in the PH classifieds that caught my eye for between £7.5k and £8k, all with 1.8-2l engines. Sadly I don't know enough to offer much advice and only the 1.8 litre mentions the BHP (183) but if you can find a nice one with about that much power I think you'll be very happy. Good luck!
I changed to a Caterham (an expensive but very quick beast) for a fun car and a diesel for daily use two years ago. You will definitely get more fun out of a Caterham type car during the summer months, regardless of how quick it is. The price of that is the winter and rainy days where you will miss the R32! For track days and sunny days though you will not find a better option.
I've driven a 1.6 125 BHP Caterham and I think you might find it a little sluggish after the R32. Still great fun to drive but not enough go. The 0-60 time might be similar (if your R32 is not modified) but it would have no go after that.
It might be worth trying to find a local meet to speak to some owners and get some passenger rides to find what suits your needs. There are a couple of nice Westfields in the PH classifieds that caught my eye for between £7.5k and £8k, all with 1.8-2l engines. Sadly I don't know enough to offer much advice and only the 1.8 litre mentions the BHP (183) but if you can find a nice one with about that much power I think you'll be very happy. Good luck!
Tonsko said:
Well, I've found one that I like, and going to see it soon!
One question that a friend has just mentioned to me, but have not thought of: how do you deal with speed bumps?
Very slowly and carefully. If possible, position the sump between two and drive slowly over them giving the max clearance. The worst are the concrete semi circle type right across the road. I'd look for another route.One question that a friend has just mentioned to me, but have not thought of: how do you deal with speed bumps?
Well I've jumped ship.
I retire in less than 9 months time and decided it was time for a change - something a bit more economical even, so I've sold my 13 year old factory built Westie and ordered a brand spanking new Cat Classic 1.4K with all the bells and whistles, due for delivery when our Indian Summer arrives (!) in a few weeks time.
Sadly the late Mrs C couldn't influence the discussion ( she hated the Westie anyhow )so it was an easy choice. I've chosen a car which on paper appears to give the same sort of performance as the CVH Westie, but with hopefully better residuals. No intention to do track days but a few long trips are expected with frugal fuel use, and for now, cheap tax. When it arrives my current MX5 will go.
So for the sake of all my mates with kids, mortgages, bills, nagging wives, etc I'm living the dream and like Steve McQ, intend to jump that fence. I somehow think that I will have a few offers to ride shotgun too.
Watch out for my new daily driver - an orange jobbie with black pack - I can't wait.
Stay Cool - Keep the faith.
I retire in less than 9 months time and decided it was time for a change - something a bit more economical even, so I've sold my 13 year old factory built Westie and ordered a brand spanking new Cat Classic 1.4K with all the bells and whistles, due for delivery when our Indian Summer arrives (!) in a few weeks time.
Sadly the late Mrs C couldn't influence the discussion ( she hated the Westie anyhow )so it was an easy choice. I've chosen a car which on paper appears to give the same sort of performance as the CVH Westie, but with hopefully better residuals. No intention to do track days but a few long trips are expected with frugal fuel use, and for now, cheap tax. When it arrives my current MX5 will go.
So for the sake of all my mates with kids, mortgages, bills, nagging wives, etc I'm living the dream and like Steve McQ, intend to jump that fence. I somehow think that I will have a few offers to ride shotgun too.
Watch out for my new daily driver - an orange jobbie with black pack - I can't wait.
Stay Cool - Keep the faith.
Hi Bryan,
black pack... I've started to amass the parts to retrofit mine off ebay. I originally went for chrome for the retro look but fancy a change with eventual aim of an aero, just for the experience. Great thing about them is you can turn them into what ever you want to, when you want to. Cant do that with my Focus!
Looking forward to pic's of the new car. You can't fail to enjoy it.
Regards
Andy
black pack... I've started to amass the parts to retrofit mine off ebay. I originally went for chrome for the retro look but fancy a change with eventual aim of an aero, just for the experience. Great thing about them is you can turn them into what ever you want to, when you want to. Cant do that with my Focus!
Looking forward to pic's of the new car. You can't fail to enjoy it.
Regards
Andy
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