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Buying A Robin Hood


Guest Paul Philpot

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Guest Paul Philpot

I'll be looking to purchase a Robin Hood to coincide with a major birthday in 12 months time.

 

I've looked at Caterham's and Westfield's but cannot justify spending £10,000's on a car that will be used for weekends away and days out.

 

The Robin Hood looks ideal for my needs (wants!)

 

I'll be looking at spending around £5000. My garage door opening is small 1950cm. The garage will be heated and locked.

 

Ideally I'd be looking for a 2 litre, full weather gear including tonneau, standard analogue dash, any colour etc

 

Any advice/ideas/suggestions would be appreciated. I know the purchase is a long way off but I want to get things in place. I'm based in Surrey/Sussex (Gatwick airport)

 

Paul

 

 

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I was in the same mind as you, had sold my hot hatch as I didn't need it for work but still wanted something I could use for fun. Your budget will get you a good car, I opted for a cheaper doer upper!. There may even be somebody on here who has something suitable for sale when you are ready. There are plenty of people who can tell you what to look out for but the principle one is that it has been correctly tested and has the correct details on the log book. There are a few dodgy ads that appear on places like eBay but they are usually spotted by somebody. Don't be afraid to ask, this is an infinitely useful forum for anything you mIght need to know.

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Best place to see more Robin Hoods than you could dream of, will be at:

 

The National Kitcar Motor Show held at Stoneleigh (nr. Kenilworth) 1st and 2nd May.

 

It's a long way for you to travel up but the advice and support you will get from club members will be invaluable! I would suggest stopping overnight Sunday before leaving about midday Monday.

More often than not, some club members have their cars up for sale. There will be other 'independent' members who will check the cars over and give you sound advice.

 

It is WELL worth a day out (or two) ... many of us camp on site overnight, so you could enjoy a 'drink or two' if you are that way inclined!

 

Alan

 

p.s. you are more than welcome to drive mine around to see what you think and you will get other offers - if nothing else you can see how well you fit into the cars!

Edited by alanh65
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First it is very very good that u come on this site before u bought something cos very often it is other way aroud and then its too late..

Like above u need make sure it says robin hood in tax book not sierra dutton etc and whatever ovner say if its not robin hood just walk away...u can get very good robin hood for ghat money if u have interest to work with them i woud look for robin hood 2b for around 3k to 3.5k and spend extra money on your ovn touches like gauges seats wheels or engine upgrades like carbs cams..or nice coilovers..

I bought one registred without tax book and end up loosing my registration as chassie number was not readable..lost money after battle with dvla sold kit and bought another one..

If u find some ad post in this topic and people here will help u and let u know what to look for..

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Guest 2b cruising

Hello Paul.

With £5000 you could easily get a very good car.

Even possibly with the Zetec 1800 or 2000. Not a lot of difference depending on the tune.

Some even go Vauxhall or rover k series.

The best all rounder if wanted for cruising in my and many others opinion would be the Zetec.

I would also look for front double wishbone suspention

Like any other car, take somebody local with you to look it over for you.

Check for any leaks on engine or driveline.

Suspension rubbers are usually quite good

Many club members would do this for you. Even members in Scotland if you go that far.

I would be willing if it's anywhere between yourself and me or even possibly a bit beyond. Retired now so lots of spare time.

As others have said make sure it has all the right numbers and the log book says Robin Hood.

If you buy one not properly registered or a unfinished project be prepared to spend.

Some people might fire back at me for this but out of all models, the 2b is the strongest and most sturdy in any kind of unfortunate accident.

DO NOT BUY A LIGHTWEIGHT. They were originally designed (supposedly) for track events and throw away after one season. If you were very very lucky, you might just get one season out of it.

Good luck. Don't rush into anything and as said, get someone to go with you.

Generally, if it's a club member, the car would be an honest sale, probably with lots of paper records on modifications and repairs.

Don't be shy. Keep in contact.

All the best in you future venture, Ken.

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Hi Paul

 

I'm only 2 years into this hobby and picked up a Westfield for £8k ish.

 

Just thought i'd pass on some findings after my buying experience.

 

1) You dont NEED the weather stuff, I too hung on for a car including it, since then I have replaced the doors anyway, thrown away the deteriorating crumbly hood, and got a half hood (thats been used twice only).

2) Whichever car you choose, howerver perfect it looks, you will want to upgrade/change it a fair bit.

3) however closely you inspect it there will be things that you only learn from putting miles in to the car.

4) you'll get frustrated at times but push through, its a great thing to waste weekends on.

 

Above all enjoy yourself

Edited by Fossett
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Hi Paul

 

I'm only 2 years into this hobby and picked up a Westfield for £8k ish.

 

Just thought i'd pass on some findings after my buying experience.

 

1) You dont NEED the weather stuff, I too hung on for a car including it, since then I have replaced the doors anyway, thrown away the deteriorating crumbly hood, and got a half hood (thats been used twice only).

2) Whichever car you choose, howerver perfect it looks, you will want to upgrade/change it a fair bit.

3) however closely you inspect it there will be things that you only learn from putting miles in to the car.

4) you'll get frustrated at times but push through, its a great thing to waste weekends on.

 

Above all enjoy yourself

5 always lie how much bits cost to SWMBO ,she does it with clothes!

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Guest Ian & Carole

With 5K to spend you will be able to pick up a cracker, a lot including mine have been sold for a lot less during the last 12 months.

 

This was ours and it went to Holland back in the summer for £3600.00

 

2015-06-25%2015.12.45_zpstqgxgtef.jpg

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Guest Paul Philpot

Thanks everybody. You've convinced me that a Robin Hood is the right purchase. Looking at some of your pix and reading your comments the RH is an really understated car.

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