Can I get some thoughts on this example please?
Can I get some thoughts on this example please?
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Discussion

Chris71

Original Poster:

21,549 posts

273 months

Wednesday 3rd November 2010
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Hi,

Sorry to bombard the forum! I wondered if anyone knew this car or had any opinions based on the advert: http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2151521.htm


I'm not 100% convinced on the colour or the oversized alloys, but it's an apparently sound low-mileage 500 for a bargain price right on my doorstep.

Does anyone know off the top of their heads roughly how much I'd be looking at for a set of (2nd hand) Chim 500 wheels and a new set of tyres [to return it to standard]?

I will of course go and have a look myself when I get the chance, but it seems conspicuously good value at under £9k, so is there anything I need to be particularly wary of? Feel free to PM if you'd prefer.

Chris

Hughesie

12,802 posts

313 months

Wednesday 3rd November 2010
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I Love that Colour (see profile} and whilst i didnt like the wheels initially they are really growing on me.

biper

2,097 posts

248 months

Wednesday 3rd November 2010
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Looks a bargain.

FreeLitres

6,128 posts

208 months

Wednesday 3rd November 2010
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I spotted this yesterday.

Looks WAY too good to be true to be honest.

I would expect that example to cost more like £15k. Low mileage Chimaera 500s are hard to find! - Especially in dealers!

I would be asking about previous crashes, engine problems and chassis condition.

ETA - have a look at the front seats in the photos. Does that look like a low mileage car to you?

Edited by FreeLitres on Wednesday 3rd November 12:44

macar

378 posts

201 months

Wednesday 3rd November 2010
quotequote all
The seats look a little more worn than I would expect, my Griff has got a similar mileage and the leathers not as worn as the photos show on the Chim (even allowing for Chim owners being rough arsedlaugh)

Chris71

Original Poster:

21,549 posts

273 months

Wednesday 3rd November 2010
quotequote all
Well, it's HPI clear (according to the ad) and even if it's done three times the mileage it would be quite cheap for a 500. Philip Phedonos cars always seem to priced below normal TVR specialists, but he has a good reputation on here. I thought maybe it was just the 'marmite' colour choice, the lack of PAS and the slightly bling alloys driving the price down? I agree, anything less than about £11,000 for a good 500 is either a huge bargain or has more to it than meets the eye. The official line is just that he has very low overheads...

Cider Andy

1,889 posts

256 months

Wednesday 3rd November 2010
quotequote all
Judging by the advert alone, that looks like a great car. Advert states the history is clear. The vendor's name crops up on this forum from time to time and I've never heard anything but good feedback about him.

I bought mine privately over five years ago. It had been overlooked by potential purchasers as it was very cheap and looked 'too good to be true'. It's turned out to be a good 'un, so I'd say go along and see it, especially as it's on your doorstep.

If you bought it, you might be able to get a good deal trading the wheels in for a set of Estorils here.

FreeLitres

6,128 posts

208 months

Wednesday 3rd November 2010
quotequote all
Chris71 said:
Well, it's HPI clear (according to the ad)
Could the car have had a few knocks but have been repaied by the owner without informing insurance?

Does it have a full service history and reciepts?

If all it legit, this is an amazing bargin! Plus, Yellow is a good colour!

Chris71

Original Poster:

21,549 posts

273 months

Wednesday 3rd November 2010
quotequote all
Cider Andy said:
The vendor's name crops up on this forum from time to time and I've never heard anything but good feedback about him.
yes

I enquired recently and the feedback was all very positive. Several happy owners on here.

There certainly is such a thing as underpricing a car. I'd be more wary of a clued-up dealer apparently doing it, admittedly, but I struggled to sell one of my old daily drivers (an MG ZS) until I raised the price by 20% and then got innundated with people trying to force money into my hands! It's a strange world.

BenRelle

1,796 posts

205 months

Wednesday 3rd November 2010
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I like the yellow - alot! Would have been my first choice, I think, although I'm really pleased with my starmist blue car. If you're planning on keeping it a while, the wheels aren't a bad thing - you can change them as and when - i don't think they look bad actually smile

Speedracer329

1,507 posts

208 months

Wednesday 3rd November 2010
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Blimey, that looks like a steal at that price!

pwd95

8,459 posts

269 months

Wednesday 3rd November 2010
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What year did the revised front end appear?

biper

2,097 posts

248 months

Wednesday 3rd November 2010
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blackpoolrocketshout

garfys v8s

1,257 posts

255 months

Wednesday 3rd November 2010
quotequote all
FreeLitres said:
I spotted this yesterday.

Looks WAY too good to be true to be honest.

I would expect that example to cost more like £15k. Low mileage Chimaera 500s are hard to find! - Especially in dealers!

I would be asking about previous crashes, engine problems and chassis condition.

ETA - have a look at the front seats in the photos. Does that look like a low mileage car to you?

Edited by FreeLitres on Wednesday 3rd November 12:44
I like the floor mats does any one know where i can purchase some?

chimaera1855

334 posts

199 months

Wednesday 3rd November 2010
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are u kidding me ur rims look pretty nice to me.wannatrade in for mine(original but black)brand new Michelin Pilot PS3 all around.who knows i try my luck lol

Milky400

1,960 posts

209 months

Wednesday 3rd November 2010
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Might just be me but something doesnt look right with the front end, grill missing or something like that as mine is pre facelift cannot really put a finger on it.

othe r than that love the colour, wanted yellow but couldnt find one at the time, wheels are ok, but not my choice, price is good, happy days

simonej

5,502 posts

211 months

Wednesday 3rd November 2010
quotequote all
Milky400 said:
Might just be me but something doesnt look right with the front end, grill missing or something like that as mine is pre facelift cannot really put a finger on it.

othe r than that love the colour, wanted yellow but couldnt find one at the time, wheels are ok, but not my choice, price is good, happy days
Think it might be the undersized numberplate making it look a bit funny.

Looks like a steal though, the only downsides being the naff wheels and a slightly dull interior.

Is it me or does it look a little lower than standard as well? (Although the picture seems to show OE Bilsteins).

Chris71

Original Poster:

21,549 posts

273 months

Wednesday 3rd November 2010
quotequote all
Quinny said:
There's a set of 500 wheels on PH classifiedssmile
I had noticed.

I sort of have my heart set on blue - preferably halcyon or cobalt blue - with a magnolia interior, but I would be quite keen to have a look. I wouldn't worry too much about the colour. I have had a yellow car before and that, erm, didn't have the looks of the Chimaera on its side either:


hehe

Del 203

12,728 posts

280 months

Wednesday 3rd November 2010
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Chris71 said:
didn't have the looks of the Chimaera on its side either
dunno about that hehe

roysum

961 posts

220 months

Wednesday 3rd November 2010
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Again....

No pictures of the underside !

Roy