Wedges vs Chimaera based on running costs?

[Alez]

Hi All,

I have just opened a thread in the Wedges forum to ask for advice on Wedges vs Chimaera based on running costs:
www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=329415

I would appreciate any comments from you Chim guys.

Cheers,

Alex

Edited by Alez on Thursday 23 November 16:20

[silverback mike]

I've had both, running costs are similar, but it depends on how well each example is looked after.

Wedges are older, and parts can be more difficult to find, but have a great 'enthusiastic' following. The chim is newer, and parts generally are easier to find.

They are very different, to drive a wedge you have to have a afro, chest wig and disco ball to drive a chim you must have a good set of clubs in the boot old boy. (And yes, I do have a set of golf clubs...)

The chimaera is a more modern car and feels so, the wedges are great fun, and an acquired taste. (Me at my diplomatic best)

[Alez]

Thanks for the reply, Mike. I was not hoping to be lucky enough to find anyone who would have had both of them and your opinion is very useful.

Presently I have neither a 'fro nor any clubs so I'll need to have a think about who I am and that

Cheers,

Alex

Edited by Alez on Thursday 23 November 18:19

[terence]

I started with a 350i and moved to a Chim earlier this year. Not really had the Chim long enough to comment on running costs. I had the wedge for about 2.5 years and costs were relatively low as most parts are from other cars. I do my own maintenance and repairs so do not have to cost in labour. On the wedge I replaced both outrigger tubes, rear discs, pads (foot and hand brake) and piston seals, all four drive shaft ujs, stripped and regreased the rear wheel bearings plus fitted new seals, replaced front wheel bearings and dif pimion seal, did two services, fitted two front suspension ball joints and anti roll bar polly bushes and probably a load of other things that I can't remember. But I reccon I spent less that £500 in the two years. I think the only parts I bought from a TVR dealer were the drive shaft UJs all the rest came from the doner vehicle manufacturers or independant specialists for bearings and bushes. Chim wise I changed the radiator but that cost nothing as it is the same as a classic Range Rover and I had a recon lying around. I love the looks and feel of the Chim, and the large boot, but IMHO the wedge beats the Chim on sound any day, mine did have a full stainless system and of course no cats. I could go on for ages but would probably bore you all, if I have'nt allready,. In the end I think it comes down to who does the maintenance and probably most importantly how well the vehicle has been looked after in the past.

[Alez]

terence said:

I could go on for ages but would probably bore you all, if I have'nt allready

I can't speak for others reading but you can't possibly bore me, I read your post with great interest and thank you very much for having taken the time to put the words together for me. Very very useful and much appreciated (two who had the two cars them already!). I had no idea at all that these cars used mostly donor parts just like kit cars and that's most welcome news since I don't have a lot of money.

Cheers,

Alex

[silverback mike]

Feel free to drop me a pm if you want to ask any more questions.

[Alez]

Thanks very much Mike, I will do so if need be

[pwd95]

Good luck Alez with whatever you choose. Let us know how you get on

[Alez]

pwd95 said:

Good luck Alez with whatever you choose. Let us know how you get on

Thanks