£8k Chim.... What should i expect?

[alan-87]

Evening all.

Am looking at getting into Chim ownership but only have a budget of about £8k. There are a few about at that price bracket but it is obviously at the lower end of the market. Is there anything i should prioritise at this level?

Also does anybody recognise or know this car?

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014...

[Seandenyer]

Don't like the colour of the inside, looks to plain and bright if you know what I mean, where abouts are you

[TVRJAS]

Seandenyer said:

Don't like the colour of the inside, looks to plain and bright if you know what I mean, where abouts are you

Problem solved... I'm great at spending other peoples money £500

[KEVTVR]

Got this 1993 Chimaera 2 years ago for £6500. In that time I have only replaced the alternator and fuel pump. Runs superb, great V8 burble, 18 service stamps in the book and is well looked after. You can get some good ones at this price.....
Kev

[bababoom]

Looks clean and looked after but photos can be very deceiving, I'd agree to the inside looks to bright for me need some darker colours to help break it up.

[alan-87]

Seandenyer said:

Don't like the colour of the inside, looks to plain and bright if you know what I mean, where abouts are you

I agree about the interior, the stainless doesn't match the cream seats. Am based near Southampton.

Kev - that looks a great example, and an absolute bargain! I am slightly concerned that I'm looking to buy during the warmer months, and so cars will command a bit of a premium.

[alan-87]

bababoom said:

Looks clean and looked after but photos can be very deceiving, I'd agree to the inside looks to bright for me need some darker colours to help break it up.

I've just spoken to the chap and am going to see the car tomorrow. He's owned the car for a couple of years and is selling it because he's bought a bristol. Be interesting to see what the "amazing service history" turns out to be like. He's assured me the chassis is absolutely solid, and its just had new bushes....the R888's are an interesting choice of tyre for a 72 year old. :-)

[KEVTVR]

It was fully restored by the previous owner. And his business is restoring old classic BMW,s and even featured in the BMW car club magazine. So very well looked after and yes a bargain.....any excuse for another photo....

[QBee]

He's 19 inside, like me. I go through a set of track tyres every year on track days, and am already getting free prescriptions by age. R888s are excellent road tyres if you only drive it in the dry. I run mine on track tyres on the road.

Good luck!

[caduceus]

Take the seats and centre console out, and die the carpets black. Job done. The rest of the interior looks ok to me.
Don't like the outside colour though. Not a lover of green. Which is why I'll be colour changing mine when I get the chance.

[Seandenyer]

alan-87 said:

I agree about the interior, the stainless doesn't match the cream seats. Am based near Southampton.

Kev - that looks a great example, and an absolute bargain! I am slightly concerned that I'm looking to buy during the warmer months, and so cars will command a bit of a premium.

There's a nice one in the PH adds in Hook near Basingstoke

[alan-87]

sean - i spoke to the chap about that one yesterday. Although its still up for sale they have already taken a deposit which is a shame.

[Seandenyer]

alan-87 said:

sean - i spoke to the chap about that one yesterday. Although its still up for sale they have already taken a deposit which is a shame.

That's a shame, looked good and just 5 mins down the road from me,


My interior

[ianwayne]

Age is no hurdle. I know of a 79 y.o. with Speed Six Cerbera. Loves it!

For the first time in over 30 years of driving, I may have bought a car at about the right time. Bought my 2000 reg 4.0 Chimaera in Dec 2013 for £6950.

Spent a grand on exhaust manifold gasket replacement, a service, clutch slave cylinder and starter motor since, but all in all I don't think £8k should be the lower end of the market at all but it seems to be.

The ratty ones were going for £5k to £6k 2 years ago but they seem to want £7k to £8k now for the same cars. Only really good ones in fine fettle are worth over £10k really, with 450s and 500s more again, all IMHO of course!

Edited by ianwayne on Wednesday 3rd June 23:39

[Chuffmeister]

Realistically... to budget another £5k.

[900T-R]

Chuffmeister said:

Realistically... to budget another £5k.

You might well end up with a better car, though, than if you spent £13K outright - which is counter-intuitive but an indicator of a market where perceived value and quality are still all over the place. (y)

[J400GED]

TVRJAS said:

Problem solved... I'm great at spending other peoples money £500

£20

Ged

[J400GED]

[quote=KEVTVR]It was fully restored by the previous owner. And his business is restoring old classic BMW,s and even featured in the BMW car club magazine. So very well looked after and yes a bargain....

How long ago was it "fully restored" and what is a "full restoration"?

Look at the chassis paying particular attention to the outriggers, seatbelt rear brackets and front wishbones. I would be wary of any chassis that is smothered in waxoyl or underseal.

[Chuffmeister]

900T-R said:

Chuffmeister said:

Realistically... to budget another £5k.

You might well end up with a better car, though, than if you spent £13K outright - which is counter-intuitive but an indicator of a market where perceived value and quality are still all over the place. (y)

Sorry what a meant was, on top of the £8k you've just spent

[900T-R]

Chuffmeister said:

Sorry what a meant was, on top of the £8k you've just spent

That's what I meant, too £8k purchase + £5K for sorting & tidying vs. £ 13K purchase...

Normally, the adagium 'buy the best you can' would apply but here the extra money mainly buys you lower mileage, a later date on the V5, maybe shinier paint and a nicer interior and/or the owner/dealer's perception of its worth

You will still have to do the outriggers, you still need to sort the suspension and you still will have to trace electrical and engine management/running issues (the latter two will more likely crop up with garage queens than properly exercised examples)