Chim - buying advice

[j4ck100]

Hi all,

Looking to get into a Chim early next year - have read the buyers guides etc but thought i'd pop along to ask the experts

I'm thinking a 400 as i'll have a max budget of around 12k

Would it be worth paying the extra to purchase from a dealer, or private is OK?

Do the outriggers always need replacing after a certain time period? Or if kept garaged etc they can survive? If not already done then need to budget to be done?

Which sites would you keep an eye out on, and what do you think is a reasonable price range for a 95 onwards 400 with say 50-80k mileage?

Thanks,
Jack

[j4ck100]

markcoopers said:

I suspect you already know the answer to these questions.

Dealer vs Private.
I think the golden principle here is buy the best car you can, and that is not really a matter of where. Yes a reputable dealer will be a good start for quality cars and they have their reputation to uphold so may also find a willingness to help you sort niggles/budget for the work. However most of these cars are enthusiast owned and that does tend to mean that most owners do look after them. A poor dealer on the other hand will always be a poor dealer.

Outriggers.
It is not so much as time dependent but exposure and quality of previous work dependent. I'll be corrected in short order for this, but as a sweeping generalisation i would be suspicious of a car on original outriggers. Doing outriggers well is though not the big job it once was with many reputable garages perfecting techniques and materials to do it cost effective. As i suspect you already know, it is where you can not see that is the issue, not what you can.

For ales sites.
Here, sports n classics, Classic cars.....i am sure you already know this. However, join the club and get to a local meet....often an owner is thinking of selling and this may be the best way to find a loved and cared for car at the right budget.

The advice ringing in my ears was always buy on condition as most aspects can be changed to a personal choice. If budget is tight, then i would also be making sure that things like brake pads/discs are in life and tyres are new(ish) and not just MOT-able, these kind of extra costs early on can bite.

Thank you, most useful

[j4ck100]

swisstoni said:

I’d do my best to see a few cars. Condition can vary tremendously.
One man’s ‘excellent condition’ can be someone else’s tatty.
Do not underestimate stuff like knackered carpets, upholstery and roof. Can cost a lot more than replaced outriggers to put right.

Thank you, useful.

Are the Rover V8s pretty reliable units in general? Anything to look out for there?

[j4ck100]

Thanks, from someone who is not knowledgable with electrics, what is the reason behind not using those terminals? Corrosion?

Thanks

[j4ck100]

Thank you to all posters, certainly given me some food for thought - perhaps a preemptive call to the bank manager as well!