Think I am your newest member, do not own a 7 yet, and as a belated 50th birthday present to myself have been searching for somewhat of a regular street driver. Power is not very important; just want something solid, reliable and resaleable, i.e., the best "bang for the buck" in the $20K-$30K range. I am 6'0" 180 pounds, and have been considering the following:
1. This 1993 Caterham (2,500 miles and Cosworth 1.7 BDR) $? [guessing $25,000-$30,000]
2. 2007 Westfield SEi ("new" with 1,300 miles and 1992 100K+mile Mazda 1.6, et al.) $21,900
3. 2004 Birkin S3 (new with 0 miles and rebuilt low-mile 200HP Zetec) $29,900
4. 2003 Superformance S1 (4,500 miles with "stock" 148HP Zetec) $25,400
5. 2001 Superformance S1 (new 0 miles with Webcon FL1 175HP Zetec) $29,995
6. Other [open to your collective suggestions]
Westfield clearly is lowest price and enough power for me, but I am not sure what to think about longevity and resalability with all of the old high-mileage parts, its fiberglas skin, and it not being able to garner more than $19,100 on several eBay auctions. I do not know how much to make of Superformance no longer being made vis-a-vis replacements/repairs and resalability. Birkin seems to approximate Caterham most closely and to be sufficiently stable in the big picture despite dealer issues. The Caterham obviously is a classic, though I am not sure what replacements, et al. to expect with the relatve age and non-use. I do not know what else might fit my bill that is available right now or shortly, though the Robin Hood on eBay concerns me mainly for its lack of the usual tubular chassis and secondarily for its locost finish.
Your various viewpoints from technical, practical and all other standpoints would be appreciated greatly. Thank you very much for helping to get me started right.
