Finally taking the plunge...

[timbobalob]

Finally looking to seriously get a Chimaera...

Seen an 1995 4.0 that looks pretty good with 47k on the clock from a dealer for £12995 (good price?).

A couple of things concern me and I was hoping that you guys could help with...

There is a small hole in the back screen (a few mm accross if that) is this anything to worry about?

The leather especially on the drivers side looks a bit cracked (cream), which I can expect from this age, but is treatable?

It may sound stupid, but what is the standard ground clearance, as my road has some mean speed bumps that make my astra ground if I go over them any speed over 10 mph...

Also, my work is only 2 miles away that I will have to use it for everyday - can I expect a painful mpg, and potentially knacker the engine, as I have read on here that the v8's like to be warm?

This one that I have seen has no PAS, is this a real problem parking? Ideally I would like it I think - but I will hopefully be going out for a test drive some time this week or next so I will see then...

And finally... I only have on road parking available (outside my house), so it will not be garaged. I think the area is ok, so expect too many problems with security, but constantly been in wet? I'm not too sure...

However, I am still very keen to get one, if none of these problems are too big (I think that the v8 roar will sway my decision though ...

I apologise for asking so much in a single post, but if anyone can help with any of these problems, I will very grateful!

Cheers,

Tim

[wiggymotors]

hi, only been with mine for about 2 weeks, use it every day for a 3 mile drive to work an back and parked outside, at the moment. from what i have been able to deduce from my short time on here it is better to use it than stash it for high days an hols. it has been outside in a total sideways downpour and not a trace of water in side, think i am just lucky on that one. hope this helps, i am sure that there will be more views along shortly. you wont regret it, they make you smile even at 5am when you go to work, funny how next door has stopped talking to me tho

[5ltr-chim]

timbobalob said:

Seen an 1995 4.0 that looks pretty good with 47k on the clock from a dealer for £12995 (good price?).

Look in the PH classifieds for comparison.

timbobalob said:

There is a small hole in the back screen (a few mm accross if that) is this anything to worry about?

Some insurance companies will allow replacement under windscreen cover.

timbobalob said:

The leather especially on the drivers side looks a bit cracked (cream), which I can expect from this age, but is treatable?

Yes and there are specialist places than can recover/repair.

timbobalob said:

It may sound stupid, but what is the standard ground clearance, as my road has some mean speed bumps that make my astra ground if I go over them any speed over 10 mph...

4" when new - slightly less as shocks/springs wear.

timbobalob said:

Also, my work is only 2 miles away that I will have to use it for everyday - can I expect a painful mpg, and potentially knacker the engine, as I have read on here that the v8's like to be warm?

You'll be taking the much longerrrrr... route so don't panic.

timbobalob said:

This one that I have seen has no PAS, is this a real problem parking? Ideally I would like it I think - but I will hopefully be going out for a test drive some time this week or next so I will see then...

Just be careful where you park QED.

timbobalob said:

And finally... I only have on road parking available (outside my house), so it will not be garaged. I think the area is ok, so expect too many problems with security, but constantly been in wet? I'm not too sure...

Mine lives outside - treat them mean and keep them keen!!.

One drive by you and it'll be sold to YOU!.

[wiggymotors]

ps dont worry about the lack of pas, puts hair on ya chest and is in all honesty no heavier to paralel park than my mums ford ka, least thats what she told me