Chimp- £17000 -facelift -possible?

[peter treece]

I've already looked at Fordy's Q&A. I am looking for a Chimaera, dark colour with magnolia interior ( or similar) Can any body advise on the best cousre. i'd like a facelift '97 model but will probably have to buy privately. Otherwise an older model from a dealer. With £17k whats the best course. Is the dealer years warranty best? I have spoken to a few dealers and they recommend trade as the cars are prept and leave as good as new ( but they would say that!)If private how can I be confident of quality, after all its still no small amount of money. of course if someone out there knows of a £17k '97 facelift Chimp with PAS I'd like to know, or am I simply after too much???

[Marshy]

Prices? You might well manage it privately, not so sure from a dealer. You might want to think hard about buying a warrantied car also. Beware: magnolia carpets are a complete git to keep clean (or get clean in the first place).

[peter treece]

Is it possible to get warranties on private buys? And if so how and how much?? Is there anything else I should be looking out for on a private buy Chimp

[GasBlaster]

I wouldn't trust the dealer to have'prepped'the car too much. Some dealers are obviously better than others but mine was not great in that department. I think you can buy the 'dealer' warranty privately. It's by Warranty Holdings. 0870 5234879 should get them. Good luck!

[RobM]

I know of a an A1 97 4ltr chim, with warranty till april 2002 But its not exactly 'dark'

[S779 SCA]

To get a warranty from warranty holdings, call Mike on 0207 384 1122. I have still toread the small print, but it looks like it has no exclusions except normal servicing, and the max claim limit is the purchase cost of the car (should be OK there then ) This is the best bit: 1 yr - £295 2 yr - £395 3 yr - £495 I'll get the 3 yr then I'll post if there are any gremlins when I get eh small print. Doug S779 SCA

[fordy]

blimey, how did you get those prices. When i rang Warranty Holdings, they quoted me £599 for one year with no claim limit, or £499 with a £1000 per claim limit. For Peter - i dont think you'll get a face lift version from a dealer for 17K - most dealers are selling 95 M's with PAS for around 18-19K, face lift didnt come out until 97, so unless you buy priviatly you wont get one. Having now bought privately and looked at alot (inc dealers), i would recommend buying privatly if you know what your looking for. Remember that buying private will save you around 3K - so if your prepared to spend 1K of that on bringing your private buy up to standard, you can pick up a bargin. Main thing to look for in my short experience is chassis rust - this is one of the most expensive things to replace if it becomes structural - dont worry to much about rust on the wishbones, as they are easily replaced, but check the undercarridge and the body mounting members, any sign of flaky rust, then walk away. Check for coolant leaks, especially round the edges of the radiator (rads are £450 fitted). Other main points, make sure it idles smoothly, and there are no knocking noises when you blip the throttle. Check there is no clunk when pulling away - if so, thats the diff mounting on the way out (expensive). If you here a pop sound from the fuel tank after driving, dont worry, its just a slight vacuum thats gets set up from all the fuel getting sucked out of it . dont go for one that has really low mileage, one that beend driven regulary will generally be in far better condition. Buy Steve Heaths book (an absolute must if your thinking of buying - period). good luck. chris (fordy)

[RobM]

Wh told me that they only renew warranties. So you cant just go and buy one private & slap a warranty on it. Or are they not telling me the truth?

[tricky2]

At the end of the day you have to decide what your warrenties is worth. I just had 1000 pounds worth of repairs made to mine and only £100 of it was re-claimable and that is over the year ive had it. Makes you wonder! If your buying a sub 20K car is it really worth going the extra to do this. Youd be better taking the car to a reputable non-auth dealer paying the lower prices and saving the money. They are starting to be recognised as they are doing some quality repairs and as long as you get the stamp to prove the work was carried out then it not going to affect your re-sale that much...

[peteski]

Thanks for the advice.....so far. I've now found a silver 450 with red leather and ali dash for £17k on a 98R plate. This price seems to be to good to be true so whats up?? Is the colour a problem for furure resale?? I'm planning on to get it checked by Mole Valley (£150.00 + vat)It's got 30000 miles and is due for service, so will I be able to get the warranty as it's obviously a private buy. Lots of questions- so much worry!?! ps- you'll notice I'm now Peteski- changed to keep in with you trendy lot. ta Peter Treece Edited by peteski on Thursday 5th April 20:16

[peteski]

Tricky know of any around the South East? I live in Bexleyheath. Edited by peteski on Sunday 8th April 21:23

[tricky2]

Not really mate, i bought mine up north and the warrenty at the time was from a company based up there. Why not ask your insurance company? They may know one or two?