Serpentine or ?????????

[fordy]

Hi, im new to this BB - I want to buy a 4.0 Chimaera - i have been told that around late 94 or early 95 they changed the engine and gearbox to a 'serpentine' model which is much more reliable and generally a better buy - The age of chimaera im looking to buy is around this time, so im wondering how i can tell which type it is - are there any other mods done at the same time that will tell me whether its a serpentine model or not, etc??? Also, is there anything special i should look for when looking at 2nd hand chimaeras that would indicate a good one??? thanks very much for any help you are able to give. Chris

[RobM]

I had the same questions when i bought mine 2 yrs ago. There's all sorts of tips like the latest gearbox has 5th next to reverse & the older ones had mesh grills & the serpentine has some weird poly-v belt arrangement with the expansion tank somewhere else.... Anyway, i discovered, if you get one with the door open buttons on the wing mirrors its got all you need Thats About 97 onwards i think though, so i'm no help really am i Edited by RobM on Monday 19th March 21:59

[graham]

Just drive lots and the one you want should feel right.. the post mid 96 models have the revised bodies, with the serpentine engine and the borg warner gear box rarther than the rover thingy. The door catches moved to the wing mirrors in 97 together with the fully updated dash ( 96 models are a bit half and half) the main advantage of a model with the door catches in the mirror is that they dont freeze up leaving you stranded in the middle of a dark carpark at 8 oclock when its freezing.... the serpentine engine has advantages like better oil distribution and distributer drive.. but a knackered engine is still a knackered engine.. I think the facelifted 96 on models also had the common chassis and brakes with the 500

[Marshy]

They don't freeze up, but the buttons can eventually go south with corrosion or damp in the eclectical bits. Which is annoying when it's parked in a single garage with the roof on, and you can't get in the passenger side! Ask me how I know...

[fordy]

thanks guys. This info is very useful. I am tempted to go for a 97 model with buttons under the mirrors if i can find one for less than 20K - as thats my limit. Im hoping to go and look for some this weekend - so fingers crossed. cheers Chris

[RobM]

I'm toying with the idea of an upgrade. Maybe you want to take alook over mine! ( pix on my profile )If so, drop us an email. Edited by RobM on Tuesday 20th March 13:39

[fordy]

I dont think 'Yellow' is my colour really - im really after a blue or green one with magnolia interior. Is the interior of yours blue or black?? - i couldnt quite tell from the pic. cheers anyway chris

[RobM]

Some people have no taste Never mind. If you're in the area then pop in for a cup of tea & a slice of cake

[Kevin Secker]

If you've got £20k to spend on a Chimaera then you should be able to get a very recent car. For example I saw a 98 R plate in my local sportscar garage with a sticker price of £21K....£20K with a bit of negotiating. I considered trading my Chimp 500 for a car with a dancing donkey on the front. They offered me £15k for it (97P, full leather, sports suspension,de-cat, wiltons......). Nice cars come for really low money these days. Existing owners loss is your gain. Happy hunting. Kevin

[Marshy]

Fordy: beware... Magnolia is a nightmare colour to keep clean, and if it ever gets wet (which it probably will...), will suffer more than a darker colour interior. And avoid dash tops that are light coloured - the reflections in the windscreen are alleged to be irritating at best.

[graham]

>>They don't freeze up<<< oh believe me they do !!!!!frost in the next county and im out with the hot water to get in the car, although it may only be the change over model without the keyslot as i think they have differnt seals.. Rob's is about the nicest yellow i've seen a sort of perlesant type finish, although mine is much better <VBG> see profile Edited by graham on Tuesday 20th March 22:37

[scotty2dogs]

Dont know if you are interested or not but I pick up a new Tuscan on Saturday and have to sell my Chimaera 4.0 96 P reg--under 17k miles or I'm basically giving it to the dealer for s0d all.If you are interested reply and I'll give you my e mail address

[fordy]

Do you think ill be able to get a P or R with the door buttons for around 19K - if so, that'll be great. I would like half hide magnolia (so that should stop the windscreen reflections) with dark carpets - but i will consider a black interior - but ive never seen one of these. If anyone wants to email me details of their cars, then please feel free - [e-mail] Im in berkshire - so please dont bother sending details if you live in Nottingham or something - unless your selling it very cheaply and its a stunner - Oh, and id like PAS aswell (blimey, im fussy arent i !!!) cheers Chris

[Graham and Rosie]

There was a nice 1998 (later rear lights etc) 4.0 Chimaera in Starmist blue with magnolia half hide and blue door tops (btw half hide means the seats are hide and the rest is vinyl, what you want is a dark dash top to avoid the reflections otherwise you get a vinyl dash top in magnolia) blue carpets and roof, 54,000 miles, one owner and FTVRSH which went for about £18k at a dealer recently, so you can get the cars if you are prepared to take high mileage and hunt around... ================ Graham and Rosie

[fordy]

thanks for that. Ive actually bought one now though. After looking around at a few, ive decided to buy my friends one (its the light metalic purple one on the classifieds). Its not my first choice of colour, but ive realised that mechanical condition and knowing its a good car is way more important than colour - he has had it for 2 yrs and the only problem hes ever had was the alarm going wrong, which was just a relay and is now fixed. I hopefully pick it up in a week or 2's time, and i cant wait Thanks to everyone on here who gave me advice, and i hope to be able to answer other people quries once ive learnt more about these awesome cars. cheers Chris

[peter treece]

quote:Dont know if you are interested or not but I pick up a new Tuscan on Saturday and have to sell my Chimaera 4.0 96 P reg--under 17k miles or I'm basically giving it to the dealer for s0d all.If you are interested reply and I'll give you my e mail address

I am also looking for a Chimaera and with much the same detail as Fordy. Could you give me some details on yours. I really would like the facelift model with PAS ( the wife might drive it and as she's paying I cant really stop her) Edited by peter treece on Thursday 29th March 17:47