Should I go for the 500?
Discussion
Hi!
I've been lurking on the board for a while now and it's time to finally ask some questions!
I intended to buy a 400, but I'm worried I'll always secretly hanker after a 500!!
Apart from the added price of a 500 there seem to be a couple of points against the 500:
Firstly, some (not all) say there is more to go wrong, tolerances are narrower and servicing is, on average, more expensive.
Secondly, that amount of power through the rear wheels could make life even more dangerous-- I live in deepest Dorset, where the twisting roads are often wet. Will I drive in fear 50% of the time?
Lastly, is it feasible to find a decent 500 for 13K?
I test drove a 500 on dry roads in Sussex- it was an exciting experience. According to posts here though, the main difference between the 400 and 500 is overtaking- it's more manic in the 500.
If I end up going for a 400, can somebody confirm that only the '97 model or later has the wing-mirror buttons?
Thanks!
I've been lurking on the board for a while now and it's time to finally ask some questions!
I intended to buy a 400, but I'm worried I'll always secretly hanker after a 500!!
Apart from the added price of a 500 there seem to be a couple of points against the 500:
Firstly, some (not all) say there is more to go wrong, tolerances are narrower and servicing is, on average, more expensive.
Secondly, that amount of power through the rear wheels could make life even more dangerous-- I live in deepest Dorset, where the twisting roads are often wet. Will I drive in fear 50% of the time?
Lastly, is it feasible to find a decent 500 for 13K?
I test drove a 500 on dry roads in Sussex- it was an exciting experience. According to posts here though, the main difference between the 400 and 500 is overtaking- it's more manic in the 500.
If I end up going for a 400, can somebody confirm that only the '97 model or later has the wing-mirror buttons?
Thanks!
go for the 500!trust me.i was in a difficult position recently where i had mine on the market(the missus) and found it to be difficult to sell.and mine is a beauty!anyway i changed my mind when someone came very close to buying it!im now having a 2nd honeymoon with it.wehey!anyway my point is there are bargains to be had 500 or 400.£13000 will do well
no brakes said:
go for the 500!trust me.i was in a difficult position recently where i had mine on the market(the missus) and found it to be difficult to sell.and mine is a beauty!anyway i changed my mind when someone came very close to buying it!im now having a 2nd honeymoon with it.wehey!anyway my point is there are bargains to be had 500 or 400.£13000 will do well
Sorry mate,reading that are you talking about selling the car or the missus.
Fear is directly proportional to wieght of right foot like all tivs inthe wet softly softly no catchy hedge.
Drive lots of each then decide if its worth the extra , a good 400 better than a ropy 500.A good 500 divine Good luck and enjoy
Andy
>> Edited by SWT on Wednesday 3rd August 11:51
Drive lots of each then decide if its worth the extra , a good 400 better than a ropy 500.A good 500 divine Good luck and enjoy
Andy
>> Edited by SWT on Wednesday 3rd August 11:51
nztrev said:
go for the 500!trust me.i was in a difficult position recently where i had mine on the market(the missus) and found it to be difficult to sell.and mine is a beauty!anyway i changed my mind when someone came very close to buying it!im now having a 2nd honeymoon with it.wehey!anyway my point is there are bargains to be had 500 or 400.£13000 will do well
Sorry mate,reading that are you talking about selling the car or the missus.
nztrev said:
go for the 500!trust me.i was in a difficult position recently where i had mine on the market(the missus) and found it to be difficult to sell.and mine is a beauty!anyway i changed my mind when someone came very close to buying it!im now having a 2nd honeymoon with it.wehey!anyway my point is there are bargains to be had 500 or 400.£13000 will do well
Sorry mate,reading that are you talking about selling the car or the missus.
depends on the price i suppose.is that cruel??
Big Al. said:
What are you driving at present and what have you driven in the past?
Currently I drive a 97 Peugeot 306 or a 3 month old Range Rover V8 -- depends what I'm doing.
In the past, several of Land/Range Rovers, Mercedes M series, 306/Golfs and some rallying.
I consider myself a safe driver- no accidents (touch wood!) since I started driving on the farm at about 10 fifteen years ago. I do about 6000 miles a year.
Hi,
Some good advice needed here...if money is no object then of course the chimaera 400HC would have to be weapon of choice in this case.
Obviously not everyone can get that special HC, AMG or M3 badge on their car. However, when the phrase "won't someone please think of the hotties!" comes to mind, paying extra for the badge is well worth it.
I think the 400 has an air of subtlety which is sadly lacking in the 500 models. There's no hottie points for giving it a johny large potatoes 500 in front of a gaggle of babes.
Hope this helps.
Regards,
N
biggiles said:
I consider myself a safe driver- no accidents (touch wood!) since I started driving on the farm at about 10 fifteen years ago. I do about 6000 miles a year.
On past history you won't miss the extra power of a 500 compared to a 400, for at least couple of years I didn't.
The 4 goes like sh1t of the proverbial shovel anyway.
Take a few out and try them out you won't be disappointed with a 400, honest!
BTW
& a big welcome! OH 
I had same prob as you but settled for a four and love the little girl to bits. But did drive the ropy 500's. If you fancy one even I'll pop come take you for a spin if not too far away. Buy on condition is all i'll say. The extra wellie is ok but not the end of civ if you dont have it. Oh yea get a sports exhaust too. Wahoooooooooooo 
When you've a 400 & you wonder what a 500 is like, it's painfull. That was me. So I tried one - what a difference in the lower ratios - spun the wheeels in 2nd at 30 & left pining. BUT, give anyone a ride in a 400 & they're gobsmacked, & mine's been ultra reliable. So let's be realistc - be happy that you've got what most of the public would die for (came home to me on the visit to Le Man this year). The 400 Chim is bloody lovely.
Mike
Mike
Same dilemma:
www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?t=196755&f=13&h=0
I don't think you'd be disappointed with a 400.
www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?t=196755&f=13&h=0
I don't think you'd be disappointed with a 400.
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