Which Lotus 7 derivative?

[willdew]

I'm looking to buy a lotus 7 derivative, but am unsure what to go for. I'm looking for a used car and have a budget of around £6k - £7k.

I'm 6'2" and 16 stone and find the regular Caterham a little too small. I'm thinking a Westfield could be the best option. Can anyone advise me of there's I should be looking at??

Thanks,
Will.

[willdew]

Mark B said: If your after opinions, go for a Sylva Genre car. If you definately want a 7esque car, then the Striker. I am 6'2" as well and I fitted my old Striker like a glove. They will run rings round Westies and Caterhams and you'll pick up an excellent car for £6k, if you can find one.

Also, being on the 'heavier' side yourself (I am also 16 ish stone) the Strikers weigh less than typical Westies and caterhams so power to weight will still be good, giving you the acceleration you are after.

Only an opinion, but that's what your after.

I hadn't really thought about the Striker. I don't think I've seen one in the flesh; but my perception of them is that they look a little "rougher around the edges" than the Westies or Caterhams. I appreciate that with my budget, that might be how it has to be though.

And I'm not some massive porker! Just find the standard Caterhams a little too cosy in the elbow room and foot-well departments.

[willdew]

Mark B said: Wildew,

No offence meant, being 6'2" 16 stone and I wouldn't describe myself as a heffa.

Re the Striker - They can be a little rough around the edges but for the money you're looking to spend you would get a very good car, well built and with a good motor/transmision. Well worth a try out though.

No, I'm only kidding!

I've just had a look at [url]www.findit.co.uk/cars/kitcar/cars.htm[/url] and they have a few things under their Kit Car section that look interesting. There's a CBR engined Striker there for £6500 built by a Sylva engineer. Are the bike engined cars a good option? I've got a little technical knowledge, but not with bike engines and would fear about it's reliability.

>> Edited by willdew on Wednesday 27th November 13:42

[willdew]

The car's only for "fun" use. I'd intend to do a few track days, but weekend road use is all I really have it in mind for.

The motorcycle engines appeal to me as they seem to be so quick and sound amazing. I don't think I'll be doing much town driving so I'm not too worried about driving in traffic or pulling away from a stand still.

[willdew]

juansolo said: As for engines, again it depends what you're going to do with it.

My opinions have changed slightly of late and I'd veer away from anything too expensive unless you are planning to compete in some form of motorsport in which case it goes with the territory. If you are wanting it for trackdays and road use my advice would be to get something cheap and as stock as possible. This means for car engines I'd be looking at; Vx 2.0 XE, Zetec 2.0 or Toyota 4AGE. For a BEC it'd be a Fireblade or if I was pushing the boat out, a R1 both of which you can get away without dry sumping.

That's the main reason my budget's at the £6k - £7k bracket. I don't see the need to spend more for what I'm looking for. It's for me to have some fun in. Otherwise I'd happily pay a bit more as I know it won't depreciate much.

I'm looking for something with 140-180 bhp and would rather it wasn't too stressed, so a 1.8 or 2ltr lump sounds right. I don't know any of the engines well enough to have a preference which engine I go for at present.

[willdew]

Does anyone have any experience of the Tiger? There are quite a few about on www.findit.co.uk and they're in the right price bracket. IMO they look better proportioned than the Striker; which although not my primary concern is a consideration.

[willdew]

And what about the Dax Rush? I really need somewhere to compare all the variants side by side. Are there any dealers in the London area that would have a range? I think a copy of Kit Car on my way home is called for.

Although I've just spotted this which looks interesting
www.findit.co.uk/cars/westfield/467211.htm

>> Edited by willdew on Thursday 28th November 18:18