Inspection of Chassis Prior to Purchase

[Mr Wilks]

Post no.1 and I guess just a little further on the road to buying my first Chimaera! The amount of info in here is vast and essential reading to someone like me; thanks for all the inspiration that exists in this forum.

There is much written about the potential for corroding chassis on the Chimaera, in particular the outriggers (thread "OUTRIGGERS.......AAAGGHH!". Most of this coverage is about after the problem has been found or what to do about preventing it.

I'm considering buying a Chim, 1999 or 2000 from a well known dealer. Other than finding out how the chassis has been protected, what inspections can I make myself? Is it a realistic test to get the car up on the lift and have a prod with a screwdriver? Are there parts of the chassis that are vulnerable to corrosion that cannot be viewed in this way? Any more tips?

Many Thanks
SW

[Big Al.]

Welcome to the fascinating world of PH,

I shouldn’t be too concerned about outriggers on a 2000 car, especially if your buying from a dealer IMHO.

[shpub]

go to www.tvrbooks.co.uk. There is a buyers guide and the S series sample chapter is all about the chassis and goes through where the weak points are. They are the same for the Chimaera/Griff etc.

[bjwoods]

Big Al. said:

Welcome to the fascinating world of PH, I shouldn’t be too concerned about outriggers on a 2000 car, especially if your buying from a dealer IMHO.

It's 6 years old, may have lived by the seaside ??


if main dealer - May be worth poking about on the service ramp, every little bit of surface rust you might spot (or wishbones) means a little bit extra haggle room /and/or get ittreated.

B

[threespins]

At six years old if the chassis was not wax oiled from new or been renovated it will from my experience more than likely require attention.

[Red V8]

I wouldn't assume anything just because it's from a dealer or because of its age... put on some old clothes, equip yourself with a good torch, ask the salesman to stand to one side, the lie down and have a good look around. Then ask lots of questions, and if the answers don't sound right, then be ready to walk.