Chimera (to/from Cerbera)
Discussion
Last night, wife and I were talking about me buying a bike on eBay.
£350
Apparently "you'll never use the bloody thing" (probably true) "you didn't notice for ages when your last one was stolen" (true) "it's complete waste of money" (I can sort of see that) "I'd prefer you bought another car instead of that" (unexpected result!!!!)
I don't currently have a convertible and rather miss having one around. So the question really is how does a Chimera (probably a 4.5) compare in day to day use vs a Cerb (which I already have, and will stay) in terms of performance (I know it will be slower, but frustratingly so?) and drivability (I am less likely to get murdered for following through with her suggestion, which may or may not have been slightly facetious, if she could also drive it which she won't if it's too challenging*)?
*she'd say she can drive anything and, whilst I don't have a problem with the idea her driving the Cerb at some point, when she's never driven >250bhp or anything without ABS/TC in the past 15+ years, the time to ask isn't 1) when it's dark and raining; or 2) when it's a lovely summer's day and I'm already looking forward to driving it!
If anyone's had both Cerb and Chim at the same time I'd be interested in hearing which you ended up using most for evenings/ weekends, when two seats would suffice. Wouldn't be able to do the school run in a Chim, which rules out much commuting, but it seems like there's a dearth of interesting 4 seat convertibles out there (only ones I can think of are too shouty on the branding and/or depreciation pits).
Have seen a couple of tidy looking ones that look worthy of consideration. Aside from what's listed in the buyer's guide, is there anything I should be aware of? Lastly, what's seen as a sensible budget for annual running costs (specialist, not DIY)? (I always allocate £3k pa for the Cerb but have never hit that for general maintenance)
For reasons the wife doesn't yet know, the timing of her request may be better than she realises...
£350
Apparently "you'll never use the bloody thing" (probably true) "you didn't notice for ages when your last one was stolen" (true) "it's complete waste of money" (I can sort of see that) "I'd prefer you bought another car instead of that" (unexpected result!!!!)
I don't currently have a convertible and rather miss having one around. So the question really is how does a Chimera (probably a 4.5) compare in day to day use vs a Cerb (which I already have, and will stay) in terms of performance (I know it will be slower, but frustratingly so?) and drivability (I am less likely to get murdered for following through with her suggestion, which may or may not have been slightly facetious, if she could also drive it which she won't if it's too challenging*)?
*she'd say she can drive anything and, whilst I don't have a problem with the idea her driving the Cerb at some point, when she's never driven >250bhp or anything without ABS/TC in the past 15+ years, the time to ask isn't 1) when it's dark and raining; or 2) when it's a lovely summer's day and I'm already looking forward to driving it!
If anyone's had both Cerb and Chim at the same time I'd be interested in hearing which you ended up using most for evenings/ weekends, when two seats would suffice. Wouldn't be able to do the school run in a Chim, which rules out much commuting, but it seems like there's a dearth of interesting 4 seat convertibles out there (only ones I can think of are too shouty on the branding and/or depreciation pits).
Have seen a couple of tidy looking ones that look worthy of consideration. Aside from what's listed in the buyer's guide, is there anything I should be aware of? Lastly, what's seen as a sensible budget for annual running costs (specialist, not DIY)? (I always allocate £3k pa for the Cerb but have never hit that for general maintenance)
For reasons the wife doesn't yet know, the timing of her request may be better than she realises...
Thanks for the input chaps. For the avoidance of any doubt, this isn't going to be "her car" and will most definitely be one of mine!
In recent years, aside from TVRs, I've considered the following for roofless action:
XKR - drives nicely but I feel they're in an awkward place in terms of how they've aged
911 - test drove a C4S (and have thrashed a 2 round Bedford) but they just don't do it for me, and no matter how good a Boxster is, I'm not convinced I am a Porsche sort of chap (unless it was a very early 911/912)
SL500 - found it a bit bland and "everyday", definitely a cruiser
Exige S - I really expected to buy this... but it didn't shine (crap test drive route?)
S2000 - mate had one, really like them but have had crazy insurance quotes (4x Cerb!)
A Tuscan could be an option, but I think I'd prefer a full convertible, and the prices of those are a good bit higher than a Chim.
Depending on whether I sell my track car, which I might as I could easily hire something for the odd day a year that I'm managing of late, this would be either a 4th or 5th car so have winter/practicality taken care of... but equally I don't want to buy one and then discover that I never reach for the keys.
Out of interest, there don't seem to be (m)any in the classifieds right now with aircon. Was it extremely rare for folk to specify this option?
In recent years, aside from TVRs, I've considered the following for roofless action:
XKR - drives nicely but I feel they're in an awkward place in terms of how they've aged
911 - test drove a C4S (and have thrashed a 2 round Bedford) but they just don't do it for me, and no matter how good a Boxster is, I'm not convinced I am a Porsche sort of chap (unless it was a very early 911/912)
SL500 - found it a bit bland and "everyday", definitely a cruiser
Exige S - I really expected to buy this... but it didn't shine (crap test drive route?)
S2000 - mate had one, really like them but have had crazy insurance quotes (4x Cerb!)
A Tuscan could be an option, but I think I'd prefer a full convertible, and the prices of those are a good bit higher than a Chim.
Depending on whether I sell my track car, which I might as I could easily hire something for the odd day a year that I'm managing of late, this would be either a 4th or 5th car so have winter/practicality taken care of... but equally I don't want to buy one and then discover that I never reach for the keys.
Out of interest, there don't seem to be (m)any in the classifieds right now with aircon. Was it extremely rare for folk to specify this option?
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