5k Westfields ?

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Discussion

nevpugh308

Original Poster:

4,414 posts

276 months

Tuesday 23rd July 2002
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Is a 5k Westfield (there are a few of them about, generally base 1.8 models) worth buying as a first track day car ?

Or do I wait 1 year until I can afford a better/faster 8-10k car, or a couple of years for a 14k+ car .... ?

Is it worth buying a base 1.8 model (120bhp or there-ish) and upgrading the performance over time with mods, or is that throwing money away ?

V8Bert

37 posts

269 months

Wednesday 24th July 2002
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I'd say a base Westfield would be a great place to start.

I used to have a base 1.6 CVH powered Westie which was the first 'quick' car I owned. The CVH was a complete dog of an engine, but the later 1.8s are much better.

I owned that car for 4 years - even using it as an everyday car for 9 months - and loved it. The only reason I changed it was that I was using a Golf VR6 as my main car and the Westie wasn't really a lot quicker (but still much more fun in the right weather).

I've got an SEiGHT now which is a complete beast on the road, but for track work it's probably no better than a good 4 cylinder model.

nevpugh308

Original Poster:

4,414 posts

276 months

Wednesday 24th July 2002
quotequote all
quote:

even using it as an everyday car for 9



My, you're brave !

Thanks for the feedback

mhibbins

14,055 posts

286 months

Wednesday 24th July 2002
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Can these cars be insured cheaply as a 2nd or 3rd car with little or no no claim bonus?

Thanks,

Mark

V8Bert

37 posts

269 months

Wednesday 24th July 2002
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Insurance is ridiculously cheap!

I pay £220 for my SEiGHT. This is limited to 1500miles, but who'd complain? I couldn't insure anything else for that money.

mhibbins

14,055 posts

286 months

Wednesday 24th July 2002
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Does that require it to be garaged? Are there any other special requirements?

The reason I ask is that I am about to buy 2 cars, one for everyday use and a westfield type thing and I have two lots of ncb to use. One policy has 1 years ncb on it and the other has 7 years. I was going to apply the 7 years ncb to the westfield as it would be the faster car but it looks like the sensible choice would be to use the 1 years ncb and save myself a lot of money on the everyday car by applying my 7 years ncb to that.

Mark

V8Bert

37 posts

269 months

Wednesday 24th July 2002
quotequote all
Mine is garaged and it has an immobiliser.

Talk to Footman James (0121 561 6208). They are virtually next to the factory and have always given me the best deal.

Adrian Flux (haven't got the number to hand) also do a pretty good price.

Also, I must agree with the NCB usage. I have only 2 or 3 years on the Westie. Better to save the 7 year bonus for your everyday car.

>> Edited by V8Bert on Wednesday 24th July 18:16

V8Bert

37 posts

269 months

Wednesday 24th July 2002
quotequote all
I've just noticed that you have an 'S'.

If you're thinking about a Westfield I can definitely recommend them. I drive a Chimaera 500 as an everyday car, but choose the Westie every time if it's not going to rain.

mhibbins

14,055 posts

286 months

Wednesday 24th July 2002
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quote:

I've just noticed that you have an 'S'.

If you're thinking about a Westfield I can definitely recommend them. I drive a Chimaera 500 as an everyday car, but choose the Westie every time if it's not going to rain.


I tend to use my fireblade to commute and used to use the s3 to commute when the weather got bad but it's hopeless in the rain (can't see out of it) so I figured I'd get something normal(ish) for the winter commute and something fun to raz around in like a westfield and for trackdays and the really really hot days when biking leathers are just too much.

Mark

Senake

149 posts

269 months

Thursday 25th July 2002
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I have a fast Saab (Abbott Racing T9 Coupe...230bhp) and a Westie (2L Pinto...only 120bhp) which I bought at the start of June. I use the Westie whenever I can. It's even proved fine on the motorway.

For insurance, it's worth joining Team Westfield so you can get it for £250, unlimited mileage ungaraged. Apparently NCB is irrelevant (1've got 5 years)!!

Sen

PS. I'm trying to sell the Saab so I can get something a bit newer...so let me know if you're interested.

nevpugh308

Original Poster:

4,414 posts

276 months

Thursday 25th July 2002
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Sen,

Have you ever tracked the westie ? If so, did you feel swamped with "only" 120bhp, or was it okay ?

Nev

mhibbins

14,055 posts

286 months

Thursday 25th July 2002
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quote:
PS. I'm trying to sell the Saab so I can get something a bit newer...so let me know if you're interested.
Thanks but I've got a peculiar hankering for a 280 capri.

Mark

oakers

37 posts

274 months

Thursday 25th July 2002
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I have a 2.1 pinto engined Westfield. On the track it is all down to how you drive it. It is not until you get in one on the track that you will get anywhere near the maximum handling etc. I have about 130bhp and last track day I did at Castle Combe there was probably 60 cars and perhaps 20 who passed me evo,s scooby and a seriously quick integra R. You will not be embarrased even by Elises unless they are well driven. Go for It!