Which Westfield?

[gdaybruce]

OK, the new company car is parked in the drive and my beloved Impreza is sold. Trouble is, the company car is a diesel Vauxhall so I need something to keep me happy and a cheap Westfield seems to fit the bill.

Apart from the choice of engine and transmission, looking at the classifieds it appears that the other key factor is whether or not to go for a car with the independent rear suspension. What's the general opinion as to whether or not the irs is worth having?

And, while I'm at it, are there any specific and known problems to look out for on used Westfields?

All help gratefully received ...

[Locoblade]

If you're mostly planning to use it on the road, I'd go IRS as its more compliant on bumpier roads, and that comes from someone who owns a live axle Locost which is almost identical to the SE Westie.

[dern]

gdaybruce said:

Apart from the choice of engine and transmission, looking at the classifieds it appears that the other key factor is whether or not to go for a car with the independent rear suspension. What's the general opinion as to whether or not the irs is worth having?

I've had one of each and I wouldn't say it makes all that much difference. Much more important is that the wide body cars (which are more likely to be irs) will be more comfortable if you're 6'ish and have a wider group of people who will buy it as people seem to be, erm, bulking up a bit.

Have a look on www.wscc.co.uk for opinions and cars for sale.

I personally would be looking for either a 16v, bike or a v8 engined car in preference to something with a crossflow or pinto.