Two Chims

[4rby]

Hi,

I have been hiding/lurking around here for quite some time now and reading others posts has been invaluable.

Looking at two differnt Chims at Fernies, one a 400 the other a 500, T332 VAE and B5 MNF....

Would have the 500 in a flash except for the lack of PAS (i'm a short arse and live in the city), hence looking also at the 400. Was wondering if anyone here knows much about either of these vehicles (or used to own them). Both very different vehicles (the 500 is pretty old school in colour and interior) while the 400 is a bit more flashy...

Thanks for any help you can provide!

4rby
(current business field is 4x4s)

[5MUG]

Hi there
I am afraid that I don't know either of the cars but I have owned a NON-PAS 5 litre and now own a 4 litre with PAS. There is def a difference and I do prefer the 4 litre to drive with the PAS but wow the 5 litre was soooooo fast. Given the choice again I'd have a 5 litre with PAS! How about spending a bit longer looking for a 5 with PAS? Good luck S

[cmr2payne]

im an opposite I have a 4ltr without PAS and a 5LTR with PAS, I prefer not to have PAS. But the 5ltr is so much more of a car than the 4ltr.

Depends what you are after out of the car

[mdotrutherford]

IMHO Dont pay the premium, buy privately, especially around here where there are so many decent owners with well cared for cars.
That tact worked for me, OK there will always be the odd one here or there that breaks that rule but if you do your homework and seek advice you can get a good car from a bigger choice and for less than the artificial mark up.

[Chimjunkie]

was a fella on a previous thread wanting to remove his power steering. Offer a swap!

Jon.

[4rby]

Thanks for the advice so far....

I dont really mind paying a bit of a premium with Fernies as the 12 month waranty appeals. Also very keen on the way thier cars are so sorted before sale, a lot tidier than other stuff I have looked at and not just 'cosmetically' if that makes sense.

Its not going to be doing massive mileage - 6000 a year tops, most of that either going from London to the North and once there batting around. However whilst in London I do need to be able to park the thing and get it around some pretty irritating road calming measures.

Cheers again!

4rby

[Rum Runner]

4rby ,I don't think you should buy the 500 without power for the simple reason I want it if my overseas house purchase bombs out. Mine is for sale at the Mo www.pistonheads.com/sales/134127.htm , which i don't want to sell but need the money on standby. So you should buy the 400 with PAS ! or mine!. I drive a old school motor everyday without power so its not to bad and its as heavy as the chim. Thought my wife struggles to get them out of the garage never mind park them. I think it all depends or the intended use of the car.

[WazzaL]

Nice car Rum.

Mines a 4.5 pas. Personally would recommend a pas if you are driving around London. Just that little bit easier to park. Drove a 5.0 non pas and it was more fun on the open roads but that little more awkward at the slower speeds.. As said before, it does depend on use.

[DavHughes]

Personally I'd wait for the right car. If you want a 5 litre, wait for a power steering version to come up. Also, think of re-sale. If you are indecisive about buying a car without power steering, future buyers might too.

Dav