Advice

[adyw]

Gents,
after being an S2 owner for the fact few years it is now time to move onwards and upwards and after reviewing prices and what you get for the money, have decided to upgrade to a chim probably a 4.5 or 5.0, instead of a griff Having searched and read the usual things regarding chasis condition (mostly through this forum), body ect and various articals on what to look for and what to watch out for. My question is over and above those things which I looked out for when buying my S2 is there some special things on a chim I should look for. E.g oil temp , suspension ect ? any help will be great , just in case I have missed anything whilst doing my home work.

p.s probably look at a 96 -97 model.

[The Surveyor]

I wouldn't let the 'chassis' thing put you off a Griffith, both the Grif and Chim share the same chassis. The issue is usually down to the cars age. Given the higher values for similar aged Griffith, if you have a fixed budget, the Griffith that you'll be looking at would be around 2 years older than a comparable Chimaera (thats another 2 winters worth?).

I've had both, and loved them both for different reasons, but the best bits of advice i was given was to buy on condition, and that very-low milage cars are not always worth the price premium (but you were probably told that when you bought your S).

Happy hunting

Paul

[E2DJH]

Hi Andy,
I took the jump in January and bought a 450 Chim. Having very little experience of these cars, and not being too handy, i eventually made the decision to buy from a dealer. I know that this appears to be more expensive "up front", but my research together with my lack of confidence in my own ability, makes me beleive it will be cost effective in the longer term - and offer more reliability.

I ended up buying from Fernhurt, due to the simple fact that they take care of everything that might concern you. For my car, as for every car they sell as "prepared", they stripped the chassis, made any repair that was required, painted and waxoyled. Whilst it was up in the air they noticed it needed 4 new tyres - again they obliged. Oil pressure, temperature, suspension and all electrics are also included in their deal.

Not only do they do all of this within an agreed price, but the best bit is that they give you a full 12 month parts and labour warranty against all major parts. So, i acknowledge that i paid more than i would for a private purchase, but the peace of mind makes it worth it.

I know that many on here are capable of dealing with these things themselves, and getting a cheaper car - but i am not!

Good luck, whichever route you take, there is a suitable option for all levels of mechanical competence