Hi, it's my first post here, so please be kind!
I've been thinking of buying a kit car for a while now and due to time-constraints and my limited mechanical knowledge thought I'd go for a
ready-built, second-hand car for my first one. After about a week of browsing classifieds websites and reading build manuals and blogs I've
realised that the only way to get a feel for what makes a good finished car is to get out there and start looking at them and getting taken on some
test drives.
As a result, I'm going to view this car tomorrow and would like some advice on what to look for.
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2655277.htm
Firstly, what are your expert opinions? To my untrained eye it looks like a little bit of a hotch-potch of different parts (especially some of the
engine parts that he's mentioned) but is that necessarily a bad thing? Will the non-standard parts that he's mentioned (cosworth pistons
etc) make it a lot more expensive to get insured on compared to an unmodified pinto engine?
Secondly, like most first-time-kit-car-buyers I'm a bit nervous about buying an engine that could've already clocked up several hundred
thousand miles. The seller says it was 'rebuilt' by the original builder prior to fitting to the car, what would this typically involve and
since it's only covered 5200 miles since, I assume it should be in good running condition?
And finally, what kind of questions should I be asking the seller when I go to view it? I'm going to do the obvious things like check for rust,
oil & water levels, tyre wear, no rattling or knocking from the engine, smooth gear changing, no leaks etc. But what else should I be looking
for.
Many thanks in advance for your help.
Adam
Hi and welcome
I think that was a members on here, it looks OK enough.
Dont forget Newark show at the weekend lots to look at there...
Things to look for are rust, unlikely, but will gauge the care and use and that thisngs look well put together without too many tie wraps hoding
important bits on
The engine should not make any bad noises and it shoud drive smoothly if not quietly 
[Edited on 13/6/11 by ReMan]
that scuttle dosnt look like an indy to me....
HI Adam,
I would ask to see any receipts for the work done on the Engine, and ask if he has any receipts, and photos of the build. If you can get up to
Newark, have a look around and don't be frightened to ask questions. Most Kit Car owners are happy to talk about their cars.
By the way where are you located?
Cheers Eric.
Hi,
Thanks for the replies. I'm based in London, so Newark might be a bit far to travel without a car! Are there any shows down south in the near
future?
I'll ask him about paperwork tomorrow, but I assume the general rule is not to just take their word for it.
Adam
you just missed the detling show. get the train up or hitch a lift off someone on here.
Adam
Welcome and look no further! you know you want to 
quote:
Originally posted by graememk
that scuttle dosnt look like an indy to me....
It is hard to tell from the pics but if it is an Indy it is an early one.
As said above the scuttle doesn´t look like a current Indy one as the current ones have a step on them for an aeroscreen to fasten to.
The top wishbones also look like round tube and the most recent ones use oval tube.
None of the above are reasons not to buy it, but the seller should have a story that fits.
Not sure when the Indy changed but mine was bought in 2005 and has the later parts so this one is definitely older than that.
Stu
Haha, I saw your Indy R1 Davg, it looks absolutely fantastic. How long did it take you to build it? And was that your first BEC?
It's a shame you're at the opposite end of the country cos I'd love to come and see it.
I am sorely tempted to build my own. If I start now it could be ready for next summer (maybe)!
i wouldnt spend 5K on that, it just dont look right
quote:
Originally posted by adam86
I am sorely tempted to build my own. If I start now it could be ready for next summer (maybe)!
quote:
Originally posted by Strontium Dog
Lol! You have a lot to learn! Good to see such optimism though, or do you have nothing else to do?!Lol!