What to look for when buying a used racing car?

[Bongo40]

Assuming that you are aware of a car's pedigree and the components are as advertsied, what are the top5 things people look at when buying a used club level racing car? I assume its things like the harness/extinguisher being in date and no obviouse cracks in welds etc?

[BertMk2]

Originally Posted by Bongo40

Assuming that you are aware of a car's pedigree and the components are as advertsied, what are the top5 things people look at when buying a used club level racing car? I assume its things like the harness/extinguisher being in date and no obviouse cracks in welds etc?

Personally I'd say the seat and harness are irrelevant when buying a car - you don't know the history of those parts so it's better to fit new (also the seat may not be the correct size / location and if you replace and / or move the seat then the belt mounting points may need changing too). The exitinguisher being out of date isn't a deal breaker either - easy enough to get an extinguisher replaced or serviced.

Other than that check the cage is fitted properly (and welds go all the way around) and if you need it may sure it's certificated. See it running if possible (on circuit preferably) that way you've got some idea that the engine and running gear are at least functioning. And of course - check it's eligible for the series you want to race in!

[historic racer]

One really important thing to do is buy the car as it comes off the circuit, having made sure its times are similar to what it normally does. Have seen too many cars put up for sale with all the trick bits removed.

[Al Weyman]

I agree there, I remember someone telling me they bought the old ex-works Opel Commadore which at the time was being used in Road Saloons, when he went to pick it up they had it on the ramp changing over the shockers!

[GTRMagic]

Buy it warm, fresh from running at either a test day or race meeting, with a lap score from digital timing confirming what the car is capable of. You will then get the pukka genuine article, or the deal doesnt happen...

[haggispeed]

If possible see if you can take the car out for a test day (at your expense of course) The last car I bought the guy insisted I took it testing before he let me buy it !

[Al Weyman]

And don't expect what the buyer of my mates car did and that was to allow him to enter it into a race and if it qualified OK he would buy it, my pal obviously didn't allow this!