Anyone know this Chimaera?

[plfrench]

Hello all,

Finally taking my first steps towards Chimaera ownership.

This one has caught my eye:

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/t...

Before I go an take a look, I was wondering if anyone knew of it and its history.

Also, would people recommend an inspection over and above assurances by Oakmere?

Thanks!

[plfrench]

Thanks for the reply Bobfather. Question number one to Oakmere was going to be about the outriggers. There's no mention in the description which leads you to think they're original.

Do you have any recommendations for chassis inspections? The car is in Cheshire.

Thanks again.

[plfrench]

Thanks everyone for the replies.

Sounds like there should be some good bargaining to be done.

I'll start proceedings by asking them about the condition of the outriggers and see how they respond.

[plfrench]

Well, there is no sign of the outriggers having been done but they have stated the chassis appears in good condition from their inspections.

I'm intending to pop up next weekend to take a look assuming it is still available, but am not going to rush into anything. If I like what I see, then I'll get a proper inspection done to as suggested to give me more confidence.

[plfrench]

How about this one?

Seems like a good price for a 500, but again, no information about outriggers and the wording at the end of the ad about not being prepped for retail and no warranty makes me wonder about it.

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/t...

[plfrench]

I've dropped them a line. Looks pretty good in the pictures.

[plfrench]

RumbleTumble said:

I had Philip Phedonos carry out an inspection for me recently. I spoke with him about several cars before I finally used his service for the inspection. He was always very helpful, polite and easy to deal with. His site is www.sportscarinspections.co.uk. I've no association with him aside from this, so if positing his website breaks PH rules, please remove the link.

Thanks for the recommendation, much appreciated. I'll take a look.

[plfrench]

Went to see the 4.0 at Oakmere today.

Is was a bit scruffier than I expected at that price and the sales guy stated there would be no movement on price. Wouldn't let me drive it unless we agreed I'd buy either... Maybe I looked like I wasn't serious! As said, many more 400s out there.

I left it there as I want to explore the 500 at Fernhurst next. They'be been open about what needs doing so I'm intrigued.

[plfrench]

DB1960 said:

The Oakmere Chimaera looked great in the photos, so I looked at it a few weeks ago. Got the same attitude from the sales chap but had to point out that although they weren't flexible on price, they certainly were on the advert wording. The car has actually done around 46000 miles IIRC. Quite a difference, but I see they haven't changed the ad.

I came away very unimpressed. I ended up buying the Chimaera 500 from Warren at Topcats. I'm hopeless mechanically, and having had the car serviced, inspected and sold by Warren gave me all the confidence that I needed.

Oh, yes, that was a point - I did the same with pointing out the mileage discrepancy and he just said ' oh, must have got the ad wrong...'

I'm going to look at a 500 at Fernhurst tomorrow assuming I can finish a meeting I have in London in time to get over there

[plfrench]

Hi Starmist and Skateboard, thanks for contacting me. I'm afraid (not really the right wording as I'm actually excited, but you know what I mean ) that I've just left a deposit on the 500 at Fernhurst.

Really impressed with how they went through things with me and were very open about what needed doing. Drove nicely. Pick it up next weekend.

[plfrench]

Mechanically standard, just got a few leven bits inside and ally dash.

Outriggers need doing but ok to wait till the winter, rear screen has come away from the hood surround (will probably get a new hood longer term), some paint cracking on the front left wing. Front wishbones a bit past their best but only surface rust.

I'm getting them to change the driveshaft gaitors, new pads and discs all round and new fuel lines and full service.

Other than that, in pretty good nick really. Gearbox, steering, suspension and engine all in a good state.

I'm happy with the plan to get the important parts sorted this winter and then sort the cosmetic bits later.