Good point and bad? Should I buy one...
Discussion
Should I buy one...well I think the answer is yes!
The key things I'm intrested in are quite simple really, as anything mechanical I will find fun to fix (honest).
Do the hoods leak? If they do are they VERY bad, like old 60's british sports cars - I have a TR6 atm.
75% of the year I will be out of the country with the car on the drive, thus deteriation due to water ingress is a major concern. Other than that, how do I know from MY etc... if the beast will have power steering and a/c, was it ever standardised?
Last of all what's the best chimp to plumb for, an early 4.3 a bog std 4.0 ? I was considering a Tuscan, but couldn't stomach not owning a V8 :-)
Alastair
Dudley, West Midlands
+ Lincoln!
The key things I'm intrested in are quite simple really, as anything mechanical I will find fun to fix (honest).
Do the hoods leak? If they do are they VERY bad, like old 60's british sports cars - I have a TR6 atm.
75% of the year I will be out of the country with the car on the drive, thus deteriation due to water ingress is a major concern. Other than that, how do I know from MY etc... if the beast will have power steering and a/c, was it ever standardised?
Last of all what's the best chimp to plumb for, an early 4.3 a bog std 4.0 ? I was considering a Tuscan, but couldn't stomach not owning a V8 :-)
Alastair
Dudley, West Midlands
+ Lincoln!
Looking on these threads, it seems that most leaks seem to come from poorly sealed cable entries and brake/clutch fluid tanks where they go through bodywork than the roof.
How about a 4.0 HC, we`ve got a 94 model and its doing us proud. The wife also drives ours and has no need for power steering, personal choice really. Just make sure you get a good one. Where abouts in Lincoln are you? There a few of us with Tivs (Chims and a Griff) around Kings Lynn in Norfolk.
How about a 4.0 HC, we`ve got a 94 model and its doing us proud. The wife also drives ours and has no need for power steering, personal choice really. Just make sure you get a good one. Where abouts in Lincoln are you? There a few of us with Tivs (Chims and a Griff) around Kings Lynn in Norfolk.
Mine leaks a bit, but if I left it outside all the time it would be a bigger problem than it is. Use a car cover if you're leaving it for a long time.
4.0's are the most common, so all other models seem to have a bit extra appeal. My previous car was in the bhp range of a 4.0, so I was particularly looking to move up. I was in the market for a 4.0HC, 4.5, or 5.0. Ended up with 5.0 because it seemed the best value for money of the one's I looked at. The other engines all have their merits. 4.0 better economy, 4.5 improved driveability, 5.0 that extra whack of power and the satisfaction that you didn't compromise.
Power steering is a desirable option that makes a difference to the price and likelihood of a quick sale.
Happy hunting
Andy
4.0's are the most common, so all other models seem to have a bit extra appeal. My previous car was in the bhp range of a 4.0, so I was particularly looking to move up. I was in the market for a 4.0HC, 4.5, or 5.0. Ended up with 5.0 because it seemed the best value for money of the one's I looked at. The other engines all have their merits. 4.0 better economy, 4.5 improved driveability, 5.0 that extra whack of power and the satisfaction that you didn't compromise.
Power steering is a desirable option that makes a difference to the price and likelihood of a quick sale.
Happy hunting
Andy
I leave my TV on the street all year round and have had no problem with leaks. The odd time when very cold you get a little ice on the rear screen inside, but it is fine. Wirth spraying a hose over the car when you look at buying one, and you can usually tell by the smell of the car or the stains. They do not have to leak!
T-J-K
T-J-K
Hi, I've just got a 4.0.... was assured it doesn't leak but I've been using a cover every night anyway - which also helps against birds mess, tree sap & eggs from neighbours!
I questioned the PAS myself, ended up without purely on the price of the one I got.... but it is a little heavy, especially if you're used to PAS and if you need to tight park a lot it could be a pain?
One reason I went for a 4.0 was that I was told they don't overheat as much/so easily - but I guess all the experienced 5.0 owners will jump on me now???
I admit to still being a learner with these beasts - but it has been great fun so far - wish the bloody rain would let up for a day though!!
I questioned the PAS myself, ended up without purely on the price of the one I got.... but it is a little heavy, especially if you're used to PAS and if you need to tight park a lot it could be a pain?
One reason I went for a 4.0 was that I was told they don't overheat as much/so easily - but I guess all the experienced 5.0 owners will jump on me now???
I admit to still being a learner with these beasts - but it has been great fun so far - wish the bloody rain would let up for a day though!!
[quote=ajmac]
75% of the year I will be out of the country with the car on the drive, thus deteriation due to water ingress is a major concern.
quote]
The other thing to consider here is that these cars like / need to be driven. In my experience, the greatest problems have been directly linked to not driving the car often enough - battery going flat so not being able to get in, start it etc. If it is going to be parked on the drive, is there any way of running out a battery conditioner to it – they cost c. £50 but are well worth it!
75% of the year I will be out of the country with the car on the drive, thus deteriation due to water ingress is a major concern.
quote]
The other thing to consider here is that these cars like / need to be driven. In my experience, the greatest problems have been directly linked to not driving the car often enough - battery going flat so not being able to get in, start it etc. If it is going to be parked on the drive, is there any way of running out a battery conditioner to it – they cost c. £50 but are well worth it!
Alistair, I have had my 4.3 for 2 and a bit years. My plan was to keep the car for one year and then be strong enough to sell it if things weren't working out. I've been pleased with my purchase, running costs are less than I envisaged and (touch wood) I have not had any costly problems.
My car lives out, spending about half its life under a cover. Never noticed any leaks, possibly the rear screen might need a wipe in the winter.
Power wise the car has always performed well. At Duxford I wasn't aware of a faster Chimaera. Maybee they were all 4ltr cars that I was lining up against - if so it did seem to demonstrate the difference in BHP.
These cars do like to be used, I probably don't get to use mine enough. Certainly after a couple of days of rest it runs like a pig for the first few miles - but is fine after that.
Although you will pay a premium for 4.5 or 5 ltr models, it seems to me that the older 4.0HC or 4.3's fetch little or no premium over the 4.0 so are worth a look.
Everyone will advise you to drive lots, but I suspect I'm not alone in falling for the first one I saw.
My car lives out, spending about half its life under a cover. Never noticed any leaks, possibly the rear screen might need a wipe in the winter.
Power wise the car has always performed well. At Duxford I wasn't aware of a faster Chimaera. Maybee they were all 4ltr cars that I was lining up against - if so it did seem to demonstrate the difference in BHP.
These cars do like to be used, I probably don't get to use mine enough. Certainly after a couple of days of rest it runs like a pig for the first few miles - but is fine after that.
Although you will pay a premium for 4.5 or 5 ltr models, it seems to me that the older 4.0HC or 4.3's fetch little or no premium over the 4.0 so are worth a look.
Everyone will advise you to drive lots, but I suspect I'm not alone in falling for the first one I saw.
My Griff (same hood design) leaked a bit due to water wicking up the inside of the velcro strip on the nearside. A bead of silicone on the bottom edge helped a bit but I use a Leven hood cover as it lives on the drive as well. The cover has been faultless and I can thoroughly recommend it.
Despite the few problems of ownership they are worth every penny when you start that 8...
Despite the few problems of ownership they are worth every penny when you start that 8...
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