Off shopping for Chimaeras tomorrow

[KateV8]

In case you were wondering what a red/burgundy roof looks like. Haartz fabric (same as Merc and Audi use) fitted by D+C Trim earlier this year.

[KateV8]

Ps forgot to add, enjoy the drive home! We're in sunny Cheshire too which is surprisingly sunny this morning . Work for me today but we'll be out around Lymm/High Leigh tomorrow.

[TR4man]

Chimaeras are going to be oh so common in Cheshire!

I'm just south of you near Nantwich.

Hope the homeward journey went well.

[FlyingPanda]

Journey home went well apart from awful traffic on M1. Was getting a bit warm but fans always kicked in as needed (but pleased to find I have an override switch hidden under the steering column, just in case!)

Things I have learned so far:

Chimaeras don't really like sitting in traffic, and neither do I.
The heater reflects what is happening in the engine bay, so you almost don't need a temp gauge.
People look at you funny at filling stations when you appear to be filling the boot up with fuel
They are actually really smooth and comfortable (on standard wheels and tyres)
The throttle needs a really hefty shove to get it properly moving, but it will really reaaaaaally move when you ask it
You can adjust the height of all the pedals for perfect heel and toeing
Fish tailing out of junctions is fun
Your better half's first trip with the roof off shouldn't be just after she's had her hair done

[s p a c e m a n]

Open the bonnet, throttle linkage is up next to the passenger wiper. There are 2 big heavy duty springs on it for people driving range rovers with boots on, remove one spring. Quickest, cheapest and best modification you can do

[Squirrelofwoe]

FlyingPanda said:

Things I have learned so far:

The throttle needs a really hefty shove to get it properly moving, but it will really reaaaaaally move when you ask it

I thought exactly the same after my first drive home too

I've got used to it now though, and when I get back into my Accord it feels oh so delicate!

[Ptr400J]

FlyingPanda said:

Journey home went well apart from awful traffic on M1. Was getting a bit warm but fans always kicked in as needed (but pleased to find I have an override switch hidden under the steering column, just in case!)

Things I have learned so far:

Chimaeras don't really like sitting in traffic, and neither do I.
The heater reflects what is happening in the engine bay, so you almost don't need a temp gauge.
People look at you funny at filling stations when you appear to be filling the boot up with fuel
They are actually really smooth and comfortable (on standard wheels and tyres)
The throttle needs a really hefty shove to get it properly moving, but it will really reaaaaaally move when you ask it
You can adjust the height of all the pedals for perfect heel and toeing
Fish tailing out of junctions is fun
Your better half's first trip with the roof off shouldn't be just after she's had her hair done

Oh yes! Got all these etched in my brain too ! (Also newly acquired 450 )

Plus an additional one to add to better halfs quotes. .what! Another British two seater

[FlyingPanda]

s p a c e m a n said:

Open the bonnet, throttle linkage is up next to the passenger wiper. There are 2 big heavy duty springs on it for people driving range rovers with boots on, remove one spring. Quickest, cheapest and best modification you can do

Thank you for that, yes - made a big difference!

Had a quick 5-hour blast today (I know, we were only going out for 'an hour or so').

Other than a slight struggle with the alarm (wouldn't set, then wouldn't unset) all went very well...

[2 sMoKiN bArReLs]

Looks lovely!

(Don't be tempted to change those wheels....they really suit the car!)

[Squirrelofwoe]

2 sMoKiN bArReLs said:

Looks lovely!

(Don't be tempted to change those wheels....they really suit the car!)

I keep seeing pictures of different wheels on Chimaeras and thinking how good some of them look- but then I get my standard ones properly cleaned up and realise they actually suit the car perfectly.

[Steamstar]

Hello, I'm new to this forum. I owned this car for 5 years, always good to me, I'd have it back in a blink of an eye if I could it was that good. Hope you're still enjoying it.

[QBee]

Steamstar said:

Hello, I'm new to this forum. I owned this car for 5 years, always good to me, I'd have it back in a blink of an eye if I could it was that good. Hope you're still enjoying it.

Begs a rather obvious question.....why did you sell it?

[citizen smith]

FlyingPanda said:

Thank you for that, yes - made a big difference!

Had a quick 5-hour blast today (I know, we were only going out for 'an hour or so').

Other than a slight struggle with the alarm (wouldn't set, then wouldn't unset) all went very well...

Nice to hear that another Chimaera 450 owner is enjoying life in the fun lane.

To make driving even more enjoyable, just remove one of the throttle return springs - you'll be surprised by the difference that this one little job makes!

I remember seeing your car @ Earls Barton Subaru Dealers, early last year.

[Steamstar]

Very good question, I hardly ever used it, but that in hindsight was not a good enough reason to sell. I now get the horsepower from an AMG, which is great, but not the same. It was my second Chimaera, my first was in 1998, second in 2010, third is coming....

[QBee]

Steamstar said:

Very good question, I hardly ever used it, but that in hindsight was not a good enough reason to sell. I now get the horsepower from an AMG, which is great, but not the same. It was my second Chimaera, my first was in 1998, second in 2010, third is coming....

[FlyingPanda]

Steamstar said:

Hello, I'm new to this forum. I owned this car for 5 years, always good to me, I'd have it back in a blink of an eye if I could it was that good. Hope you're still enjoying it.

Hi Steamstar, thanks for your message and great to hear from you. I have sent you a separate response, but I’m sorry to say she won’t be leaving me any time soon!

All the best

FP