Planning to Return to Chimaera Ownership
Discussion
Having recently sold my Westfield I am planning to return to Chimaera ownership having had both a 400 and 500 in the past.
I've got a budget of up to maybe £10K and would ideally like a 450 or 500 as I'm a little worried that a 400 may feel slow having had a 500 in the past.
I'm wondering is my budget is realistic given that I don't want a car that's been to the moon and back or suffering from what sounds quite common a rotten chassis.
I'd appreciate some advice on what to look out for and whether I'm going to get a useable car within my budget.
If anyone knows of a car which may suit my needs please let me know.
I've got a budget of up to maybe £10K and would ideally like a 450 or 500 as I'm a little worried that a 400 may feel slow having had a 500 in the past.
I'm wondering is my budget is realistic given that I don't want a car that's been to the moon and back or suffering from what sounds quite common a rotten chassis.
I'd appreciate some advice on what to look out for and whether I'm going to get a useable car within my budget.
If anyone knows of a car which may suit my needs please let me know.
domV8 said:
Check meatballs's car out...
Might suit your criteria..?
+1. There was also a fully refurbed Chim in the classifieds...Might suit your criteria..?
And this has to be worth a look:
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/t...
Edited by chris1972 on Sunday 28th July 23:55
Just bought a Chimaera with a similar budget and from studying the market over recent weeks I would say that £10k will get a good 4.0 but I think you may be a little short for a 500.
I tried a 500 before buying my 4.0 and personally I think the 4.0 is plenty quick enough and I actually preferred the power delivery as the engine seems a bit more free revving. Having had a Sagaris and a Griff 500 in the past I do not feel that the 4.0 is wanting in any way as a road car. On track may be different but no plans to take mine there as it is just to enjoy on the road.
I was advised to buy on condition rather than on which engine it has in it and that made sense to me.
I tried a 500 before buying my 4.0 and personally I think the 4.0 is plenty quick enough and I actually preferred the power delivery as the engine seems a bit more free revving. Having had a Sagaris and a Griff 500 in the past I do not feel that the 4.0 is wanting in any way as a road car. On track may be different but no plans to take mine there as it is just to enjoy on the road.
I was advised to buy on condition rather than on which engine it has in it and that made sense to me.
If you have owned a Chim previously i guess you will already be aware of the technical bits to look out for during your purchase decision.
I would personally suggest you look at the larger engines options otherwise you are possibly going to be disappointed with power delivery quite quickly & spend more than otehrwise on a 450/500 upgrading a 400.
Having owned a Caterfield myself the power to weight ratio is a big consideration if you are looking for a sports car in comparison. If you are looking for a lane cruiser a 400 would be fine. The upgrade potential on suspension etc would improve things greatly but it will never compare to a 7 - not necessarily a bad thing in most situations!
I would personally suggest you look at the larger engines options otherwise you are possibly going to be disappointed with power delivery quite quickly & spend more than otehrwise on a 450/500 upgrading a 400.
Having owned a Caterfield myself the power to weight ratio is a big consideration if you are looking for a sports car in comparison. If you are looking for a lane cruiser a 400 would be fine. The upgrade potential on suspension etc would improve things greatly but it will never compare to a 7 - not necessarily a bad thing in most situations!
If you have owned a Chim previously i guess you will already be aware of the technical bits to look out for during your purchase decision.
I would personally suggest you look at the larger engines options otherwise you are possibly going to be disappointed with power delivery quite quickly & spend more than otehrwise on a 450/500 upgrading a 400.
Having owned a Caterfield myself the power to weight ratio is a big consideration if you are looking for a sports car in comparison. If you are looking for a lane cruiser a 400 would be fine. The upgrade potential on suspension etc would improve things greatly but it will never compare to a 7 - not necessarily a bad thing in most situations!
I would personally suggest you look at the larger engines options otherwise you are possibly going to be disappointed with power delivery quite quickly & spend more than otehrwise on a 450/500 upgrading a 400.
Having owned a Caterfield myself the power to weight ratio is a big consideration if you are looking for a sports car in comparison. If you are looking for a lane cruiser a 400 would be fine. The upgrade potential on suspension etc would improve things greatly but it will never compare to a 7 - not necessarily a bad thing in most situations!
your to late for Meatball's car as I collected it on Sat.
Great guy to deal with who's put together a great Chimaera
Coming from a bike engined kit car, think I've made the right move
out last night in the evening sun with the roof down and the rumble of the engine puts a smile on your face...
Great guy to deal with who's put together a great Chimaera
Coming from a bike engined kit car, think I've made the right move
out last night in the evening sun with the roof down and the rumble of the engine puts a smile on your face...
fluidslvr said:
your to late for Meatball's car as I collected it on Sat.
Great guy to deal with who's put together a great Chimaera
Coming from a bike engined kit car, think I've made the right move
out last night in the evening sun with the roof down and the rumble of the engine puts a smile on your face...
Nice one - looked a great buy - enjoy Great guy to deal with who's put together a great Chimaera
Coming from a bike engined kit car, think I've made the right move
out last night in the evening sun with the roof down and the rumble of the engine puts a smile on your face...
Thanks for the commends and advice, I actually put down a deposit on a 98 450 on Sunday, should be collecting it in a couple of weeks when the current owner sorts out transfer of his private plate.
Chassis looks good, engine and drivetrain seem fine, interior could do with a bit of tidying.
No doubt I'll be back on hear again when parts start falling off........
Chassis looks good, engine and drivetrain seem fine, interior could do with a bit of tidying.
No doubt I'll be back on hear again when parts start falling off........
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