First time buyer advice
Discussion
Ok, I've decided I am defiantely buying a chim now, target date to have one is by the middle of May, when I've earnt another years no claims (good things come to those who wait i suppose!).
So, what would you all say the best way is to go about finding a decent chimaera? I've read on here about people who can source cars for you, is this worth it? I've been looking at the pistonheads classifieds and most for sale seem miles away. and autrader doen't have too many listed either
I've got loads of time and really don't want to buy a dog (just had an MGF), so any words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated!
My budget is £8,000 max - will I be able to get a decent one for this amount? What are the common pitfalls of first time chimaera buyers?
Cheers
James
So, what would you all say the best way is to go about finding a decent chimaera? I've read on here about people who can source cars for you, is this worth it? I've been looking at the pistonheads classifieds and most for sale seem miles away. and autrader doen't have too many listed either
I've got loads of time and really don't want to buy a dog (just had an MGF), so any words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated!
My budget is £8,000 max - will I be able to get a decent one for this amount? What are the common pitfalls of first time chimaera buyers?
Cheers
James
Hello James,
The general consensus is newver buy the first one or third one for that matter. Obviously drive a few of them as each one can be a bit different being hand built cars. Buy on condition and make sure there are plenty of receipts for work done.
Always check the chassis especially the outriggers and where they meet; just behind the front wheels and in front of the the rears. If you can get it on a ramp all the better otherwise be prepared to crawl around with a good pokey thing in hand. Check for 'orange' peel paint jobs and over spray. The chassis is open to the elements and obviously prone to rusting if the powder coating is peeling away. So the condition of the chassis is very important unless you want to go into some body off restoration.
Make sure the cooling system fan kick in at about the 90-95 mark. After stopping with the engine at the full temperature, switch off the engine and wait about 5 mins and try to strat it again. If it doesn't it's usually a symptom of heat soak in the engine, which is not a bit problem, but might also indicate the starter motor is 'sticky. Mod-wright do a simple fice kit which should help.
Small oils leaks from the sump gasket should not be a major worry.
Check for musty smells in the cabin, which suggests mould and therefore a leaky car. Check the boot as well for the same and cheak either side of dampness.
It all depends on the car you want to by, but you should be able to pick one up for that amount. Better to buy a good 'um and stretch the buget a bit rather than buy a 'dog'. Always have an eye on how well it's been looked after. Fernhurst and Offord usualy come recommended. Mileage is not always a problem and Chim are better off being driven.
Better to take your time.
Hope this helps somewhat. No doubt others will add
Kim
The general consensus is newver buy the first one or third one for that matter. Obviously drive a few of them as each one can be a bit different being hand built cars. Buy on condition and make sure there are plenty of receipts for work done.
Always check the chassis especially the outriggers and where they meet; just behind the front wheels and in front of the the rears. If you can get it on a ramp all the better otherwise be prepared to crawl around with a good pokey thing in hand. Check for 'orange' peel paint jobs and over spray. The chassis is open to the elements and obviously prone to rusting if the powder coating is peeling away. So the condition of the chassis is very important unless you want to go into some body off restoration.
Make sure the cooling system fan kick in at about the 90-95 mark. After stopping with the engine at the full temperature, switch off the engine and wait about 5 mins and try to strat it again. If it doesn't it's usually a symptom of heat soak in the engine, which is not a bit problem, but might also indicate the starter motor is 'sticky. Mod-wright do a simple fice kit which should help.
Small oils leaks from the sump gasket should not be a major worry.
Check for musty smells in the cabin, which suggests mould and therefore a leaky car. Check the boot as well for the same and cheak either side of dampness.
It all depends on the car you want to by, but you should be able to pick one up for that amount. Better to buy a good 'um and stretch the buget a bit rather than buy a 'dog'. Always have an eye on how well it's been looked after. Fernhurst and Offord usualy come recommended. Mileage is not always a problem and Chim are better off being driven.
Better to take your time.
Hope this helps somewhat. No doubt others will add
Kim
Hello James,
The general consensus is newver buy the first one or third one for that matter. Obviously drive a few of them as each one can be a bit different being hand built cars. Buy on condition and make sure there are plenty of receipts for work done.
Always check the chassis especially the outriggers and where they meet; just behind the front wheels and in front of the the rears. If you can get it on a ramp all the better otherwise be prepared to crawl around with a good pokey thing in hand. Check for 'orange' peel paint jobs and over spray. The chassis is open to the elements and obviously prone to rusting if the powder coating is peeling away. So the condition of the chassis is very important unless you want to go into some body off restoration.
Make sure the cooling system fan kick in at about the 90-95 mark. After stopping with the engine at the full temperature, switch off the engine and wait about 5 mins and try to start it again. If it doesn't it's usually a symptom of heat soak in the engine, which is not a bit problem, but might also indicate the starter motor is 'sticky. Mod-wright do a simple fice kit which should help.
Small oils leaks from the sump gasket should not be a major worry.
Check for musty smells in the cabin, which suggests mould and therefore a leaky car. Check the boot as well for the same and cheak either side of dampness.
It all depends on the car you want to by, but you should be able to pick one up for that amount. Better to buy a good 'um and stretch the buget a bit rather than buy a 'dog'. Always have an eye on how well it's been looked after. Fernhurst and Offord usualy come recommended. Mileage is not always a problem and Chim are better off being driven.
Better to take your time. The Chimaera pages also has a 'what to look for' bit.
Hope this helps somewhat. No doubt others will add
Kim
The general consensus is newver buy the first one or third one for that matter. Obviously drive a few of them as each one can be a bit different being hand built cars. Buy on condition and make sure there are plenty of receipts for work done.
Always check the chassis especially the outriggers and where they meet; just behind the front wheels and in front of the the rears. If you can get it on a ramp all the better otherwise be prepared to crawl around with a good pokey thing in hand. Check for 'orange' peel paint jobs and over spray. The chassis is open to the elements and obviously prone to rusting if the powder coating is peeling away. So the condition of the chassis is very important unless you want to go into some body off restoration.
Make sure the cooling system fan kick in at about the 90-95 mark. After stopping with the engine at the full temperature, switch off the engine and wait about 5 mins and try to start it again. If it doesn't it's usually a symptom of heat soak in the engine, which is not a bit problem, but might also indicate the starter motor is 'sticky. Mod-wright do a simple fice kit which should help.
Small oils leaks from the sump gasket should not be a major worry.
Check for musty smells in the cabin, which suggests mould and therefore a leaky car. Check the boot as well for the same and cheak either side of dampness.
It all depends on the car you want to by, but you should be able to pick one up for that amount. Better to buy a good 'um and stretch the buget a bit rather than buy a 'dog'. Always have an eye on how well it's been looked after. Fernhurst and Offord usualy come recommended. Mileage is not always a problem and Chim are better off being driven.
Better to take your time. The Chimaera pages also has a 'what to look for' bit.
Hope this helps somewhat. No doubt others will add
Kim
James, look here... very useful info... www.chimaerapages.com/resources_buyers.php
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