Kit Car Buying Guide
Discussion
I should be going to see a second hand Tiger Cat in the next few days, I was wondering if anyone had any tips about what to check for when I go, or maybe some web links??
I'm pretty knowledgable about 'ordinary' cars but I want to new if there's anything particular I should pay attention to when going to view a '7'?
Tom.
I'm pretty knowledgable about 'ordinary' cars but I want to new if there's anything particular I should pay attention to when going to view a '7'?
Tom.
ninemill said:
I should be going to see a second hand Tiger Cat in the next few days, I was wondering if anyone had any tips about what to check for when I go, or maybe some web links??
I'm pretty knowledgable about 'ordinary' cars but I want to new if there's anything particular I should pay attention to when going to view a '7'?
Tom.
Best people to ask are the actual ones who have built and owned the cars themselves.
Just be careful, there is an awful lot of tat out there, why not build one yourself? Hard work but very rewarding when done.
Loads of other makes to choose from, Westfield, Birkin, Caterham, MK, the list is endless, I have owned both Westfield and Tiger, very similar imho.
Try: http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/tigerracing/messages
Thanks for the advice WR. I have thought long and hard about building one at home but I really don't think it's a good idea at the moment. Lack of space - [url] www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=60599&f=30&h=0 [/url] , a lack of cooperative parents, and a general reluctance to start a battle with a 15 year old Sierra put me off!!
Don't get me wrong, it's something I see myself doing in a few years time when I've got my own pad and won't have Dad nagging me about oil patches on the drive.
Don't get me wrong, it's something I see myself doing in a few years time when I've got my own pad and won't have Dad nagging me about oil patches on the drive.
ninemill said:
Thanks for the advice WR. I have thought long and hard about building one at home but I really don't think it's a good idea at the moment. Lack of space - [url] <a href="http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=60599&f=30&h=0">www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=60599&f=30&h=0</a> [/url] , a lack of cooperative parents, and a general reluctance to start a battle with a 15 year old Sierra put me off!!
Don't get me wrong, it's something I see myself doing in a few years time when I've got my own pad and won't have Dad nagging me about oil patches on the drive.
I take your point NM, I built my Westfield twelve years ago and vowed never again, too much like hard work.
So, when I decided to try a Supersix earlier this year I waited till a mint secondhand example came along with full photographic build diary from day one. So far, I am delighted with it.
My main advice would be if it's not 100% what you want, LEAVE IT, there are plenty more fish in the sea.
Good luck
>> Edited by Wacky Racer on Sunday 19th October 19:08
I understand what you're saying but it seems whenever I'm buying cars there are precious few about that meet my spec, whether it be price, model, age, location, etc. the end result is that when a suitable one appears in the classifieds I always end up buying it because I'm afraid I won't find another one like it.
It's something I can see myself doing again with a '7'. Even if there are flaws in what I view I will persuade myself that it's not that bad and just focus on the good points, apprehensive that it'll be another month before I find another!!
Still, I'm 2 years older than when I bought my last car so maybe I'm a bit wiser too?!!
It's something I can see myself doing again with a '7'. Even if there are flaws in what I view I will persuade myself that it's not that bad and just focus on the good points, apprehensive that it'll be another month before I find another!!
Still, I'm 2 years older than when I bought my last car so maybe I'm a bit wiser too?!!
ninemill said:
I understand what you're saying but it seems whenever I'm buying cars there are precious few about that meet my spec, whether it be price, model, age, location, etc. the end result is that when a suitable one appears in the classifieds I always end up buying it because I'm afraid I won't find another one like it.
It's something I can see myself doing again with a '7'. Even if there are flaws in what I view I will persuade myself that it's not that bad and just focus on the good points, apprehensive that it'll be another month before I find another!!
Still, I'm 2 years older than when I bought my last car so maybe I'm a bit wiser too?!!
Ok then NM, you seem to have made your mind up.
Just remember, marry in haste, repent at leisure
Buying a secondhand car is a bit like that....
Wise words WR. I've done some investigative work and the engine has got a bit of history/pedigree so the only bit I'm worried about is trying to distinguish a "well built" kit car from "tat"!!! Could be tricky!
My friend who is quite an experienced mechanic says the best way is to just drive it and see how tight it feels on the road. Any thoughts??
Tom.
My friend who is quite an experienced mechanic says the best way is to just drive it and see how tight it feels on the road. Any thoughts??
Tom.
ninemill said:
Wise words WR. I've done some investigative work and the engine has got a bit of history/pedigree so the only bit I'm worried about is trying to distinguish a "well built" kit car from "tat"!!! Could be tricky!
My friend who is quite an experienced mechanic says the best way is to just drive it and see how tight it feels on the road. Any thoughts??
Well, MN, you seem to have your head screwed on, so you should be OK, first and foremost make sure ALL the documentation is in order, ask to see the SVA certificate, although if the car is correctly registered and taxed, this is not essential, but the seller should have it.
Try and go for a decent test drive, not just once round the block, basically I always reckon you know within a few minutes of seeing a car, whether it's the right one for you, if it doesn't set your heart a flutter it probably isn't.
I suppose prices should be at their lowest for the next few winter months, just look before you leap and good luck.
Let us know how you get on
Tom.
I have a feeling that the SVA certificate has to be handed in when registering the car so they may not have it.
Of more importance is to check the logbook states the make of the kit, eg for my Dutton it states 'Dutton 2 seater rigid body sportscar'.
If it says Ford Escort or similar just run away!!
Of more importance is to check the logbook states the make of the kit, eg for my Dutton it states 'Dutton 2 seater rigid body sportscar'.
If it says Ford Escort or similar just run away!!
Peetbee's right unless they had the forethought to make a copy of the SVA certificate there won't be one.
CHeck the V5 like he says for the make/model accuracy.
Also ask for receipts, the builder should have copies of receipts for all major components (to prove age of car/donor).
Are you buying a pre-SVA car (circa 1998 wasn't it?), if so check it meets the fundamental design practices. Always worth reading up on the SVA design standards anyway, get yourself familiar! (look at the pinned thread at top of this forum) so you know what sort of things to look for.
I bought a part-built Super Six and had to ensure that it had been built to spec before parting with my cash.
The advice is right: walk away if its not up to scratch. There are plenty of Cats out there and for every duff one you see, you'll probably find two or three mint ones!
Try to take someone who knows kits or an engineer to look at the cars with you.
You could also ask on the tiger forum about Cats, the owners will know what to look out for when buying one.
Good Luck
Ta.
CHeck the V5 like he says for the make/model accuracy.
Also ask for receipts, the builder should have copies of receipts for all major components (to prove age of car/donor).
Are you buying a pre-SVA car (circa 1998 wasn't it?), if so check it meets the fundamental design practices. Always worth reading up on the SVA design standards anyway, get yourself familiar! (look at the pinned thread at top of this forum) so you know what sort of things to look for.
I bought a part-built Super Six and had to ensure that it had been built to spec before parting with my cash.
The advice is right: walk away if its not up to scratch. There are plenty of Cats out there and for every duff one you see, you'll probably find two or three mint ones!
Try to take someone who knows kits or an engineer to look at the cars with you.
You could also ask on the tiger forum about Cats, the owners will know what to look out for when buying one.
Good Luck
Ta.
I'm always really careful about V5's and that kind of stuff, I would imagine a HPI a waste of time with a kit car?
The ad states the car is about 18 months old and 5,500 miles old on a rebuilt 2lt Pinto (re-built by a guy named Ian Cassapi who it would appear is a very well respected kit builder) so it's quite new I think. I'll be sure to ask to see receipts but I've got a nagging feeling I'm gonna like this one!!
The ad states the car is about 18 months old and 5,500 miles old on a rebuilt 2lt Pinto (re-built by a guy named Ian Cassapi who it would appear is a very well respected kit builder) so it's quite new I think. I'll be sure to ask to see receipts but I've got a nagging feeling I'm gonna like this one!!
ninemill said:
I'm always really careful about V5's and that kind of stuff, I would imagine a HPI a waste of time with a kit car?
The ad states the car is about 18 months old and 5,500 miles old on a rebuilt 2lt Pinto (re-built by a guy named Ian Cassapi who it would appear is a very well respected kit builder) so it's quite new I think. I'll be sure to ask to see receipts but I've got a nagging feeling I'm gonna like this one!!
Well, smile then....
ninemill said:
I'm always really careful about V5's and that kind of stuff, I would imagine a HPI a waste of time with a kit car?
Nope HPI queries data from DVLA and Insurance companies. Some kitcar insurances include salvage rights so any write offs will be apparent from an HPI check.
I don't work for HPI but we use it in our systems for dealing with Total loss vehicles
traction said:
But do they do the HPI check based on the reg number?
'Cos My car was given a different number to the donor(and has different chassis) so presumably there's no history on my car related to the donor?
Does it cross ref the donor info?
Ta.
An HPI check will check the VRM and VIN against their database to check that both match and that there is nothing recorded against either (finance, total loss insurance, stolen recovered). They can also check the engine number against DVLA records too.
However, this will all be on the actual kit, not the donor. If you know the VRM/VIN of the donor you could do a check on that too, I suppose. I would think that quite a few donors used for kits are total loss - doesn't really matter if it's just stripped for parts. I can't imagine too many finance companies coming after you wanting their car back if all that's left is the engine, gearbox and hubs.
I worked in HPI's call centre for a couple of years when I was at school and can't remember a single occasion when I checked a kit car though.
I won't be going to view anyhting this weekend after all! 
I've just done a few sums on a bit of paper and I'm a few hundred quid off the mark, probably thanks to a spark plug snapping off in the cylinder head of my escort during a home service last Saturday
So... expect a similar post in a months time when I get a fresh pay packet in!!
I've just done a few sums on a bit of paper and I'm a few hundred quid off the mark, probably thanks to a spark plug snapping off in the cylinder head of my escort during a home service last Saturday
So... expect a similar post in a months time when I get a fresh pay packet in!!
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