Taken the plunge - the saga of an initiation (sorry - long)
Discussion
Hi guys
Well I've finally taken the plunge and treated myself to a Chimaera. I really liked the Cerbera but on reading about their expensive maintenance and many niggles, decided to go for a Chimaera. OK, I realise the Chimaeras are just as niggly but maybe not as cash hungry.
I'd just missed out on Parrot of Doom's car the other week, but the test drive he took me on sold me on the model. He also put me in touch with Ian of Midlewich who I found very helpful. Anyway, on Sunday I drove from Manchester to London to look at this car and after a good look around, a test drive and a bit of haggling, I started my 250 mile drive back up north in my 'new' car. I'd had a good bit of advice from Ian at Middlewich on what to look out for - he actually said he'd have come with me if it had been nearer - and I reckon that I've got myself a good deal although there are a few jobs that I know will need doing, but have hopefully accounted for these in my haggling. I'd left at 8.30am and arrived home at 3.15am and was pleased with the trouble free trip home and 26mpg.
The seller had said he'd have a lump in his throat to see it go - I have to admit I had a lump in my trousers when I got home! This is definitely something I should have done years ago.
Monday morning I drove to work in heavy traffic and after 5 years of driving an automatic and with cramp starting in my left calf, began to wonder if I'd done the right thing. I also had to change my route in order to avoid the usual speed bumps I'd previously sped over in contempt. My first port of call had an entrance with a short steep ramp which I negotiated successfully, very slowly. On the way out, however, I managed to bottom out somewhere at the rear of the car. I had a similar problem later on that morning. The grin on my face was fading with the realisation that I was going to have this problem at 3 out of the 6 places I regularly visit in the week.
But then came lunchtime and I'd parked 25 yds away from a school into which I was due to call. About 10 lads came walking down as I unlocked the door and I heard one lad say, 'hey, wait here - just listen to this when he starts it up' Well, my chest swelled and I chuckled within as I started the car. Of course, I never actually trickled the 25 yds to the entrance, I hit the throttle and drove off down the road, feeling totally uplifted. I came back to the school half an hour later, after the kids had gone back in, just so I wouldn't look silly.
I've now started to notice blinds and curtains moving when I get out of the car, and heads turning as I drive by. I'm on a high and I think I'll never come down while I own this car.
I found this site very helpful in my research prior to my life changing decision and hopefully will find it more so as my journey continues. And to all who've read this far - well done! I'm not usually a long letter writing person but this car has brought out the author in me. I'll try to keep any future posts short and sweet, as for now, I'm off for a spin.
Happy motoring - I know mine will be!
Well I've finally taken the plunge and treated myself to a Chimaera. I really liked the Cerbera but on reading about their expensive maintenance and many niggles, decided to go for a Chimaera. OK, I realise the Chimaeras are just as niggly but maybe not as cash hungry.
I'd just missed out on Parrot of Doom's car the other week, but the test drive he took me on sold me on the model. He also put me in touch with Ian of Midlewich who I found very helpful. Anyway, on Sunday I drove from Manchester to London to look at this car and after a good look around, a test drive and a bit of haggling, I started my 250 mile drive back up north in my 'new' car. I'd had a good bit of advice from Ian at Middlewich on what to look out for - he actually said he'd have come with me if it had been nearer - and I reckon that I've got myself a good deal although there are a few jobs that I know will need doing, but have hopefully accounted for these in my haggling. I'd left at 8.30am and arrived home at 3.15am and was pleased with the trouble free trip home and 26mpg.
The seller had said he'd have a lump in his throat to see it go - I have to admit I had a lump in my trousers when I got home! This is definitely something I should have done years ago.
Monday morning I drove to work in heavy traffic and after 5 years of driving an automatic and with cramp starting in my left calf, began to wonder if I'd done the right thing. I also had to change my route in order to avoid the usual speed bumps I'd previously sped over in contempt. My first port of call had an entrance with a short steep ramp which I negotiated successfully, very slowly. On the way out, however, I managed to bottom out somewhere at the rear of the car. I had a similar problem later on that morning. The grin on my face was fading with the realisation that I was going to have this problem at 3 out of the 6 places I regularly visit in the week.
But then came lunchtime and I'd parked 25 yds away from a school into which I was due to call. About 10 lads came walking down as I unlocked the door and I heard one lad say, 'hey, wait here - just listen to this when he starts it up' Well, my chest swelled and I chuckled within as I started the car. Of course, I never actually trickled the 25 yds to the entrance, I hit the throttle and drove off down the road, feeling totally uplifted. I came back to the school half an hour later, after the kids had gone back in, just so I wouldn't look silly.
I've now started to notice blinds and curtains moving when I get out of the car, and heads turning as I drive by. I'm on a high and I think I'll never come down while I own this car.
I found this site very helpful in my research prior to my life changing decision and hopefully will find it more so as my journey continues. And to all who've read this far - well done! I'm not usually a long letter writing person but this car has brought out the author in me. I'll try to keep any future posts short and sweet, as for now, I'm off for a spin.
Happy motoring - I know mine will be!
For full effect take 1 part Chimaera, 1 part nutter , mix with super unleaded and deposit in the nearest multi-story carpark. Proceed with extreme prejudice to wheelspin , rev and hoon up and down the levels , stopping briefly on each level to wave to admirers, respond to applause and hear those words of awe *ffs whos the prick in the noisy thing* * I think that exhaust is broke mate* *my false teeth just fell out*
*oh F**k he's coming back and I think he heard what we said*
Edited to add - Remember to insert 7 year old son in passenger seat first to take the blame for making you rev it
>> Edited by bigdods on Tuesday 22 November 22:24
*oh F**k he's coming back and I think he heard what we said*
Edited to add - Remember to insert 7 year old son in passenger seat first to take the blame for making you rev it
>> Edited by bigdods on Tuesday 22 November 22:24
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