Advice Sought - been to look at a Chim today....
Discussion
Hi Chaps
As a few of you might know I'm usually to be found over on the Lotus Pages, but today in a moment of madness I went to Bedlington Motor Company to have a look at a Chim. I'm not fed up with the Lotus, but I fancy a change.
Anyway, seen a few cars today (although the colours wre horrid) and got a feel for price, condition etc. What i'm after is a buyers guide to the Chim, has anyone got some info on this?
A friend of my brothers has a Chim so I will be speaking with him in due course too. Also went to HHC but they were closed, I will go there tomorrow though. Any suggestions on what to look out for would also be a great help.
Thanks again and don't mention to the Lotus Crowd that I might be jumping ship............!!
Wako
As a few of you might know I'm usually to be found over on the Lotus Pages, but today in a moment of madness I went to Bedlington Motor Company to have a look at a Chim. I'm not fed up with the Lotus, but I fancy a change.
Anyway, seen a few cars today (although the colours wre horrid) and got a feel for price, condition etc. What i'm after is a buyers guide to the Chim, has anyone got some info on this?
A friend of my brothers has a Chim so I will be speaking with him in due course too. Also went to HHC but they were closed, I will go there tomorrow though. Any suggestions on what to look out for would also be a great help.
Thanks again and don't mention to the Lotus Crowd that I might be jumping ship............!!
Wako
Bedlington Motor Company is a safe bet and you can barter them down a bit but don't buy without a warranty.
Chassis and wishbones are of great importance. Surface rust isn't the end of the world but if the tubing is looking weak don't buy. Best place to look is under the wheel arches where you would get stone chips.
Take it for a run and get it hot. Pull off the road and leave it running with the bonnet up. Check the fans cut in at around 90C. If not then don't buy.
Listen for tappet noise. There will be some when it is cold and also when it is very hot but if it's there all the time then it's trouble.
Check for signs of damp in the foot wells. If it's there then the car could have intermittent electrical faults.
Full service history is essential as is buying a car with normal mileage. Low mileage cars will have stood for long periods, these cars don't like to be left, they are best if used all year round.
Hood seals are expensive so check them and if you buy one then get some silicon grease on them to keep them supple.
Stone chips are normal but check for changes in paint colour and texture. If you find something then dig deeper.
Finally get yourself to Shafto's for one of our monthly meeting and join us for a drink.
Chassis and wishbones are of great importance. Surface rust isn't the end of the world but if the tubing is looking weak don't buy. Best place to look is under the wheel arches where you would get stone chips.
Take it for a run and get it hot. Pull off the road and leave it running with the bonnet up. Check the fans cut in at around 90C. If not then don't buy.
Listen for tappet noise. There will be some when it is cold and also when it is very hot but if it's there all the time then it's trouble.
Check for signs of damp in the foot wells. If it's there then the car could have intermittent electrical faults.
Full service history is essential as is buying a car with normal mileage. Low mileage cars will have stood for long periods, these cars don't like to be left, they are best if used all year round.
Hood seals are expensive so check them and if you buy one then get some silicon grease on them to keep them supple.
Stone chips are normal but check for changes in paint colour and texture. If you find something then dig deeper.
Finally get yourself to Shafto's for one of our monthly meeting and join us for a drink.
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