Kit Car Buying Help

[Too Late]

Hi everyone.

A couple of years ago, a friend and i bought a Tiger Avon 2.0. It was a huge amount of fun but due to an impending house purchase, 12m later it was sold.

I am now wanting to get back in the seat of a 2 seater kit car again. I am looking to purchase later this year but i was wondering if anyone out there can help in a few questions

I have always loved the Westfields, although i have never driven one. I have also seen a read a bit on the MK Indy, other than the brand being different, whats are the pros and cons with the Westfield and the MK Indy?

I have a budget of around 6-8k, what are the main issues with the Westfield or MK Indy i should be looking out for?

Thanks
Nick

[Chris-S]

That's a decent budget that should see you with a pretty reasonable example of either, but as to faults....almost impossible to be specific given how varied they are. They are generally simple things, which helps, so you just need to apply basic principles and keep your eyes wide open. Standard of build is the biggest question that you need to satisfy yourself about. An MOT is no real indicator of anything other than the basics, a car with an SVA/IVA approval is potentially a better built example IMO but there are plenty of pre-SVA/IVA cars that are well built. Probably the best advice I can suggest to to get yourself over to the appropriate owners clubs and ask there. They are often the best place to buy a car like this anyway, as often, a car will be well known or at least you may get offers of assistance to help inspect a car. You can also ask questions specific to the model you are looking at.

Stoneleigh is always worth a visit when you are looking to buy. Even if you don't find a car for sale, you will be sure to see lots of examples to give you a god feel for the breed.

Good luck with the hunt and although I know it isn't easy, try and be patient!

..and please let us know how you get on.

[Ambleton]

From my limited experience i'd be looking at one with higher mileage (for a kit car) - one with at least 10k miles on it.

Usually by this time any niggles have been sorted out, with mechanicals working well and everything bedded in nicely.

With a newer build or one with fewer miles on everything will be a lot more shiny, less stonechips and maybe cleaner underneath, but speaking from experience, don't get drawn into thinking you're getting better value because it's newer.

[Too Late]

Thanks for the reply's chaps.
http://www.nationalkitcarshow.co.uk/ is a very good shout and i will be look into trying to make that now after the suggestion.

I am still shocked at how well the Caterhams hold the value.

I think i need to get out and drive,sit in a few to make my mind up

Thanks!

[Chris-S]

At the very significant risk of igniting the usual furore, which is absolutely NOT my intent....and this is very much IMO...

I can see nothing FUNDAMENTALLY better about a Caterham over a well-built example of a number of 7-esque cars. Some key words in there, mostly the well built bit! Given that all 7-esque cars derived from the original of course, then any half-decent effort at it is going to be pretty similar in many regards you can actually measure.

Of course, intangibles like perceived value, styling etc are another matter and submit to no logic, so you make your choice and pay what is being asked for them.

FWIW, personally, we have a Westfield, have had for 26 years in fact since I first built it, but I find most of the Caterham models visually appealing as well. That said, I don't think I would choose one over a Westfield myself, simply because I personally don't buy in to the whole image thing that accompanies the Caterham so see no reason to pay for it. I'm not against it, it just isn't me. I'd draw a comparison with Morgan in some ways.

I hope all the above is seen as I intend - a 'fair enough' personal opinion without bias or mischief intended.

[ugg10]

Have fun hunting.

Visiting a show is a good shout and talk to as many owners as possible, there are often a few for sale as well.

For 6-8k my money would go on a Sylva/raw striker (if you are not too large in body), with a 4age 20v engine. Arguable the best handling seven car around and good value. Westies at this price will be pretty old and/or flow/pinto/cvh engined. You may squeeze a 1.8 zetec but will not have a nice box or diff or brakes.

And finally, check it has been registered properly I.e. Log book should say Westfield/Sylva/mk etc as the make and seven/striker/Indy as the model and definitely not the donor or dutton.

[Ambleton]

Another good place to look for cars, and usually my preferred option, is owners club forums. You'll generally find better prices and cars that are well known within thier respective clubs are generally the ones to have as its obvious the owners know what they're doing.

One final thought, is don't pick a make/model you definitely want. As a lot of the comments suggest, most kit car chassis are actually pretty similar and the main difference will be the combination of parts used and how well its all screwed together. If I was buying a grp car, I'd be looking at a closed wheel car like the fury or stylus rather than the 7s.

[Birky_41]

I bought one having absolutely no idea and sort of learnt as I went along. Mine was a Mac1 Type 9R which is similar to the MK and I ran the 918 blade engine

I would check the prop, make sure its tight and the nuts dont look like they've been done up a number of times as mine came loose twice

Also the suspension lower arm joints I think they are called - look at the welds. Mine managed to snap braking hard going through the twisties

Other than that I cant really think of much else that was a concern for me other than the obvious rivets, welds etc