dreamer

I am lining up some viewings of a Westfield and a couple of Caterhams for the weekend.

They are varying prices and specifications, and I won't be able to drive any of them (I'll get a passenger ride and a sit in the drivers seat), but that's ok for an initial look.

So far I know I want a car which is primarily for the track, but which will be driveable and useable on the road.

What sort of things should I be looking for on an initial viewing?

a) driveability
b) power and fun factor
c) car's history and reliability - mot records etc. etc.
d)........ ??

Caterham 1) is by far and away the prettiest car, but also the lowest power (150bhp), Caterham 2) needs respraying but has had the engine replaced to bring it to 185bhp, and the Westfield surpasses them all but looks brutal rather than pretty.

Any tips to add to the ones I have already !?

Nick Graves

You probably know already that Caterhams are considered better engineered & hold their value better.

It doesn't actually mean there's anything wrong with Westies and their fans will tell you why they're better than C7's.

Given their naked nature, things bent in prangs should be easy to spot.

Check for neatness of wiring - you'll find things not working a bit of a PIA after the Honda.

Really, it's which fits your body the best. They all seem to vary slightly.

So I am told. I cannot fit in an original C7!

Kelk

But Nick can you fit in an original C5 though?

Nottm_S2

i've been pondering this.. it's more long term as i'm planning a new garage first so I have room to store it..

I am hankering after the better engines.. pondering the bike engined ones as for a track i don't think you'll find quicker

the Vaux 2.0 16v ones are supposed to be a hoot. one called a JPE is very quick..

i think i'd avoid crap engined ones (ford xflow rubbish)

quality of build job should be apparent like Nick says, you can't really hide much.. go to the manufacturers site and research a bit is m advice

then buy a MEGABUSA

Nick Graves

Do you mean the Sinclair or that ridiculous-looking death trap that sank without trace from Citroen?

dreamer

My budget means I could just about stretch to a 1.8K series Caterham (if they'd take an offer), but for a coupla grand less I could get a much higher spec'd lower mileage Westfield.

Much as I prefer the look of the Caterhams - neater, tidier and prettier looking - it seems alot of money to pay for prettiness but less power.

Nick Graves

You're not far from Caterham's showroom;

They are very helpful/knowledgable (well, they were!) so go kick some tyres Saturday!

Crusoe

check insurers first too, some need to go through caterham insurance as nobody else weems to want to touch them. Mate with a one of the higher powered r400s had to get a lower powered one for a minimum of 6 months before they'd cover him to insure the quick one.

S11LMX

I'm currently in the swing of buying my uncles 3.5l Rover V8 specd AC cobra, fancied something with more show than go, it's no slouch either. Sounds like the end of the world when it starts up (side pipes).

Love the look of the Westfield/Caterhams but like the burble of the Cobra more

Nick Graves

Excellent post!