Slightly nervous - about to take the plunge
Discussion
Lancashire2cheshire said:
Hi
I have to admit to lurking on the forum for a while, but registered today, as I am now committed to get a Chimaera.
I am looking to have it as a 2nd car, for the weekend and the odd blast to work. I do not have a garage, but I do have a driveway big enough to accomm the Chim and my daily drive.
There are 2 reasons I have not yet taken the plunge. Primarily its the risk of buying a lemon. Secondary its the cost of running, however having read a number of threads on here, seems as though the running costs look containable, on the proviso I buy the right car in the first place. . . . . .so, back to Primary concern!
I would not know a good outrigger from a bad outrigger if I saw one? boot hinges? and as for checking for clutch wear, hot/cold start, trashed/not trashed, I'd be guessing at best.
I am therefore looking for some advice:
Best place to buy. Simply trawl Pistonheads/Autotrader, or perhaps a dealer, or am I going to pay a massive premium for a dealer supplied car? . . . .recommendations for any dealers in North/North West who generally have good stock/aftersales?
Feels as though given my background I should get an inspection. . . . if so, how much should I budget for, and how do I find someone reputable, given that the car could be a fair way from home, and I would assume therefore I would need an inspection local to the car. Is there a register of inspection people/places anywhere?
Do any of you know of any good cars coming up for sale. . . . .you know, usual mechanical/bodywork gripes addressed, caring/honest owner, good price?
I am in Wilmslow, Cheshire, but am prepared to travel anywhere within reason for the right car.
Sorry this is a bit of a wide one I know, and some of the above has been covered in other threads, albeit some time ago. All part of what is a big step for me, so any advice very welcomed
Cheers
Mark
I am in stockton heath, warrington. You are more than welcome to call round and i will talk you thru the pitfalls and what to look out for.I have to admit to lurking on the forum for a while, but registered today, as I am now committed to get a Chimaera.
I am looking to have it as a 2nd car, for the weekend and the odd blast to work. I do not have a garage, but I do have a driveway big enough to accomm the Chim and my daily drive.
There are 2 reasons I have not yet taken the plunge. Primarily its the risk of buying a lemon. Secondary its the cost of running, however having read a number of threads on here, seems as though the running costs look containable, on the proviso I buy the right car in the first place. . . . . .so, back to Primary concern!
I would not know a good outrigger from a bad outrigger if I saw one? boot hinges? and as for checking for clutch wear, hot/cold start, trashed/not trashed, I'd be guessing at best.
I am therefore looking for some advice:
Best place to buy. Simply trawl Pistonheads/Autotrader, or perhaps a dealer, or am I going to pay a massive premium for a dealer supplied car? . . . .recommendations for any dealers in North/North West who generally have good stock/aftersales?
Feels as though given my background I should get an inspection. . . . if so, how much should I budget for, and how do I find someone reputable, given that the car could be a fair way from home, and I would assume therefore I would need an inspection local to the car. Is there a register of inspection people/places anywhere?
Do any of you know of any good cars coming up for sale. . . . .you know, usual mechanical/bodywork gripes addressed, caring/honest owner, good price?
I am in Wilmslow, Cheshire, but am prepared to travel anywhere within reason for the right car.
Sorry this is a bit of a wide one I know, and some of the above has been covered in other threads, albeit some time ago. All part of what is a big step for me, so any advice very welcomed
Cheers
Mark
I have had mine completely in bits so i have a good knowledge on the Chimaera.
If the sun is shining ill take you out so long as you don't sh*t yourself in my car!........save that for your own.
You do know that once you have been in a TVR you WILL buy one.
TJC46 said:
You do know that once you have been in a TVR you WILL buy one.
My wife's done a track day in the passenger seat of mine, and still hasn't bought her own.....
She just muttered a couple of words under her breath as I was right up on the outside kerb at 80mph on Park Bend at Cadwell, and told her daughter when we got home that she had been wearing the wrong colour trousers.....
Lancashire2cheshire said:
Jimed, when/where is the next meet for Manc/Chesh club?
Oh, and I think 4 litre is enough to start with. No doubt scare the **it out of me :-)
Mark
I finally pick mine up next weekend, 4litre. It is plenty quick enough for me as i will be using it only on the road. But Who knows what will happen later on.Oh, and I think 4 litre is enough to start with. No doubt scare the **it out of me :-)
Mark
Unfortunately I am in London on Tuesday/Wednesday with work, so will not be able to make the meet, but definitely next time.
TJC46 - That's an amazingly kind gesture, to let me have a look at your car. . . to be honest most of the cars for sale appear to be down south, so its proving a little difficult, given other commitments. Feel like the 16 year old with his nose pushed up against the pub window! I will email you through the site.
In the meantime, I have been on the trail.
This is at top of my budget, not sure about the colour, but seems to have everything done, and would hopefully not require much spending on it for a while:
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/t...
This has been around a while. I know not stock, but I like the lights:
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/t...
And this one from Britannia, a dealer with a warranty:
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/t...
Not sure if its 'right' to ask for views, or whether that's not the done thing.
Cheers all, loving the forum, and the sun is out today, which means I now need one, rather than wanting one!
Mark
TJC46 - That's an amazingly kind gesture, to let me have a look at your car. . . to be honest most of the cars for sale appear to be down south, so its proving a little difficult, given other commitments. Feel like the 16 year old with his nose pushed up against the pub window! I will email you through the site.
In the meantime, I have been on the trail.
This is at top of my budget, not sure about the colour, but seems to have everything done, and would hopefully not require much spending on it for a while:
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/t...
This has been around a while. I know not stock, but I like the lights:
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/t...
And this one from Britannia, a dealer with a warranty:
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/t...
Not sure if its 'right' to ask for views, or whether that's not the done thing.
Cheers all, loving the forum, and the sun is out today, which means I now need one, rather than wanting one!
Mark
What I learned when looking was if the car was a good one it sold within a week.
I,d often see nice cars for sale during the week but by the time I could view at the weekends they, already have been sold.
The ones I did view that had been for sale for a while was obvious why they hadn't been sold after I,d viewed them.
Annoying when you have travelled 100,s of miles to view a supposedly good car.
The one with the cerbra (I think) front end was viewed by someone on here but couldn't agree on a price.
Maybe worth contacting him see what he thought of it.
The 450 sounds like a nice car.
I,d often see nice cars for sale during the week but by the time I could view at the weekends they, already have been sold.
The ones I did view that had been for sale for a while was obvious why they hadn't been sold after I,d viewed them.
Annoying when you have travelled 100,s of miles to view a supposedly good car.
The one with the cerbra (I think) front end was viewed by someone on here but couldn't agree on a price.
Maybe worth contacting him see what he thought of it.
The 450 sounds like a nice car.
For me a documented (photographed) full body off chassis refurb is an absolute must have. If it hasn't been done or has not been done properly (ie body in situ - plenty horror stories of these looking ok until closer inspection reveals a botched job, filler instead of welds!) then it will need doing if only for piece of mind. It's not possible/near impossible to determine the state of the out-riggers with the body on as the areas of corrosion are covered by the body, although I hear that endoscope inspections are possible.
Body off chassis refurb will cost 4-6 k depending on how much is done and by whom, so the 12k car starts to look like quite a bargain compared to an 8 k car plus 6k!!!
IMHO.
Body off chassis refurb will cost 4-6 k depending on how much is done and by whom, so the 12k car starts to look like quite a bargain compared to an 8 k car plus 6k!!!
IMHO.
Lancashire2cheshire said:
Unfortunately I am in London on Tuesday/Wednesday with work, so will not be able to make the meet, but definitely next time.
TJC46 - That's an amazingly kind gesture, to let me have a look at your car. . . to be honest most of the cars for sale appear to be down south, so its proving a little difficult, given other commitments. Feel like the 16 year old with his nose pushed up against the pub window! I will email you through the site.
In the meantime, I have been on the trail.
This is at top of my budget, not sure about the colour, but seems to have everything done, and would hopefully not require much spending on it for a while:
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/t...
This has been around a while. I know not stock, but I like the lights:
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/t...
And this one from Britannia, a dealer with a warranty:
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/t...
Not sure if its 'right' to ask for views, or whether that's not the done thing.
Cheers all, loving the forum, and the sun is out today, which means I now need one, rather than wanting one!
Mark
The one from Britannia cars gets my vote for a look at.TJC46 - That's an amazingly kind gesture, to let me have a look at your car. . . to be honest most of the cars for sale appear to be down south, so its proving a little difficult, given other commitments. Feel like the 16 year old with his nose pushed up against the pub window! I will email you through the site.
In the meantime, I have been on the trail.
This is at top of my budget, not sure about the colour, but seems to have everything done, and would hopefully not require much spending on it for a while:
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/t...
This has been around a while. I know not stock, but I like the lights:
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/t...
And this one from Britannia, a dealer with a warranty:
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/t...
Not sure if its 'right' to ask for views, or whether that's not the done thing.
Cheers all, loving the forum, and the sun is out today, which means I now need one, rather than wanting one!
Mark
Don't bother with the one you don't like the colour of - you'll always regret it.
As with any Chimaera, have a good look at the chassis.
This might be worth a look http://www.tvr-car-club.co.uk/classifieds/classifi... It's in Altrincham,
Hi Lancashire2cheshire,
The first purchase is a nerve racking time. I went to a couple of dealers to try and get a test in a few as per peoples advice, but most wouldn't get their cars out the showroom because it could get dirty! The local TVR car meets are an excellent place to chat about your concerns, especially at this time of year as the whole meet takes place outside in the carpark!
I read Steve Heath's chimaera and Griffith 'bible' cover to cover and made a few notes on how to inspect potential cars. Have a look at my garage as I have compiled my ownership experiences over the last 6 years. Even after all that time I still get excited when I back her out of the garage for a blast.
I eventually opted for the 450 I had always wanted but as others have said, if a mint 400 in a slightly less favourable colour had come along I wouldn't have thought twice. I'm away in the Chim this week and it's service time next week but if you fancy a look over mine in a few weeks time we can arrange something.
Good luck with your search and let your head make the decision not your heart!
The first purchase is a nerve racking time. I went to a couple of dealers to try and get a test in a few as per peoples advice, but most wouldn't get their cars out the showroom because it could get dirty! The local TVR car meets are an excellent place to chat about your concerns, especially at this time of year as the whole meet takes place outside in the carpark!
I read Steve Heath's chimaera and Griffith 'bible' cover to cover and made a few notes on how to inspect potential cars. Have a look at my garage as I have compiled my ownership experiences over the last 6 years. Even after all that time I still get excited when I back her out of the garage for a blast.
I eventually opted for the 450 I had always wanted but as others have said, if a mint 400 in a slightly less favourable colour had come along I wouldn't have thought twice. I'm away in the Chim this week and it's service time next week but if you fancy a look over mine in a few weeks time we can arrange something.
Good luck with your search and let your head make the decision not your heart!
Lancashire2cheshire said:
Hi
I have to admit to lurking on the forum for a while, but registered today, as I am now committed to get a Chimaera.
I am looking to have it as a 2nd car, for the weekend and the odd blast to work. I do not have a garage, but I do have a driveway big enough to accomm the Chim and my daily drive.
There are 2 reasons I have not yet taken the plunge. Primarily its the risk of buying a lemon. Secondary its the cost of running, however having read a number of threads on here, seems as though the running costs look containable, on the proviso I buy the right car in the first place. . . . . .so, back to Primary concern!
I would not know a good outrigger from a bad outrigger if I saw one? boot hinges? and as for checking for clutch wear, hot/cold start, trashed/not trashed, I'd be guessing at best.
I am therefore looking for some advice:
Best place to buy. Simply trawl Pistonheads/Autotrader, or perhaps a dealer, or am I going to pay a massive premium for a dealer supplied car? . . . .recommendations for any dealers in North/North West who generally have good stock/aftersales?
Feels as though given my background I should get an inspection. . . . if so, how much should I budget for, and how do I find someone reputable, given that the car could be a fair way from home, and I would assume therefore I would need an inspection local to the car. Is there a register of inspection people/places anywhere?
Do any of you know of any good cars coming up for sale. . . . .you know, usual mechanical/bodywork gripes addressed, caring/honest owner, good price?
I am in Wilmslow, Cheshire, but am prepared to travel anywhere within reason for the right car.
Sorry this is a bit of a wide one I know, and some of the above has been covered in other threads, albeit some time ago. All part of what is a big step for me, so any advice very welcomed
Cheers
Mark
If you would like to see what bad outriggers look like nip round to mine and I will show you some real bad ones.
I have to admit to lurking on the forum for a while, but registered today, as I am now committed to get a Chimaera.
I am looking to have it as a 2nd car, for the weekend and the odd blast to work. I do not have a garage, but I do have a driveway big enough to accomm the Chim and my daily drive.
There are 2 reasons I have not yet taken the plunge. Primarily its the risk of buying a lemon. Secondary its the cost of running, however having read a number of threads on here, seems as though the running costs look containable, on the proviso I buy the right car in the first place. . . . . .so, back to Primary concern!
I would not know a good outrigger from a bad outrigger if I saw one? boot hinges? and as for checking for clutch wear, hot/cold start, trashed/not trashed, I'd be guessing at best.
I am therefore looking for some advice:
Best place to buy. Simply trawl Pistonheads/Autotrader, or perhaps a dealer, or am I going to pay a massive premium for a dealer supplied car? . . . .recommendations for any dealers in North/North West who generally have good stock/aftersales?
Feels as though given my background I should get an inspection. . . . if so, how much should I budget for, and how do I find someone reputable, given that the car could be a fair way from home, and I would assume therefore I would need an inspection local to the car. Is there a register of inspection people/places anywhere?
Do any of you know of any good cars coming up for sale. . . . .you know, usual mechanical/bodywork gripes addressed, caring/honest owner, good price?
I am in Wilmslow, Cheshire, but am prepared to travel anywhere within reason for the right car.
Sorry this is a bit of a wide one I know, and some of the above has been covered in other threads, albeit some time ago. All part of what is a big step for me, so any advice very welcomed
Cheers
Mark
If you would like to see what bad outriggers look like nip round to mine and I will show you some real bad ones.
Hi, went to look at the green v plate as advertised on TVR Ownersclub website tonight. The good: seems genuine 1 owner car, with good history and 49k on clock. Original bill of sale, receipts for work over years including outrigger work, albeit 8 years ago now. Colour good, roof in good condition, has lived in a garage all its life. The not so good: the paintwork has scratches on most panels, nothing sinister, just scratches and quite a lot of them. The outriggers do have rust on them, but not enough of an expert to say whether a problem or not. The wing mirror needs attention, it's hanging off a little, and remote open from centre console does not work that side, the interior is in good nick but elec window switches need reseating, and electric windows are slow to close. All dials do work though. Original service book has been misplaced, although it is around. Bauer Millett have looked after car since new, so missing history evidence may be obtainable, maybe not. Went for a ride, as passenger, engine pulled well but clutch appears to judder a little, possibly slips a little, but did not drive so cannot really tell.
As mentioned the lady selling has promised first refusal to someone down south who is supposed to be sending someone up to look at it on 18th.
So, in summary, looks honest, needs some tlc and possibly a re spray longer term. Outriggers and clutch would need checking by someone more qualified than me.
Any ideas what a new clutch would cost, if required?
Any ideas on re spray in same colour?
Any comments and help, or views welcome, it's up for £8.5k!
Mark
As mentioned the lady selling has promised first refusal to someone down south who is supposed to be sending someone up to look at it on 18th.
So, in summary, looks honest, needs some tlc and possibly a re spray longer term. Outriggers and clutch would need checking by someone more qualified than me.
Any ideas what a new clutch would cost, if required?
Any ideas on re spray in same colour?
Any comments and help, or views welcome, it's up for £8.5k!
Mark
Lancashire2cheshire said:
Hi, went to look at the green v plate as advertised on TVR Ownersclub website tonight. The good: seems genuine 1 owner car, with good history and 49k on clock. Original bill of sale, receipts for work over years including outrigger work, albeit 8 years ago now. Colour good, roof in good condition, has lived in a garage all its life. The not so good: the paintwork has scratches on most panels, nothing sinister, just scratches and quite a lot of them. The outriggers do have rust on them, but not enough of an expert to say whether a problem or not. The wing mirror needs attention, it's hanging off a little, and remote open from centre console does not work that side, the interior is in good nick but elec window switches need reseating, and electric windows are slow to close. All dials do work though. Original service book has been misplaced, although it is around. Bauer Millett have looked after car since new, so missing history evidence may be obtainable, maybe not. Went for a ride, as passenger, engine pulled well but clutch appears to judder a little, possibly slips a little, but did not drive so cannot really tell.
As mentioned the lady selling has promised first refusal to someone down south who is supposed to be sending someone up to look at it on 18th.
So, in summary, looks honest, needs some tlc and possibly a re spray longer term. Outriggers and clutch would need checking by someone more qualified than me.
Any ideas what a new clutch would cost, if required?
Any ideas on re spray in same colour?
Any comments and help, or views welcome, it's up for £8.5k!
Mark
V reg, so does it have the later front faired in head lights? Anyways, presume it's a 400? one owner, 49K, late model, if you can get the stamped handbook and/or service history from the dealers, and the outriggers are still there, £8.5k sounds like a bit of a bargain to me (emphasis on sounds like)As mentioned the lady selling has promised first refusal to someone down south who is supposed to be sending someone up to look at it on 18th.
So, in summary, looks honest, needs some tlc and possibly a re spray longer term. Outriggers and clutch would need checking by someone more qualified than me.
Any ideas what a new clutch would cost, if required?
Any ideas on re spray in same colour?
Any comments and help, or views welcome, it's up for £8.5k!
Mark
The one owner would be a big bonus But depends on if you can live with the paint work?
If you cant and want it painted I don't expect you'd have much change from 3k for a respray and new clutch.
The other electrical things maybe you could sort out your self.
I,d want to have a good look at the underneath if the out riggers were changed 8 years ago and you can see rust they could well need doing again depending on how its been looked after.
Personally I'd walk away and keep looking.
If you cant and want it painted I don't expect you'd have much change from 3k for a respray and new clutch.
The other electrical things maybe you could sort out your self.
I,d want to have a good look at the underneath if the out riggers were changed 8 years ago and you can see rust they could well need doing again depending on how its been looked after.
Personally I'd walk away and keep looking.
Yes, the one owner part is clearly a draw, but the more I think about it, the more the scratches would niggle me, and the more I'd have to get a re spray, so perhaps it's a fair price rather than cheap given other unknowns. Still, let's see, I said I was interested, having thought about it she may decide she would rather have cash from a local, rather than the promise of someone coming north to have a look in a week or so (I know what I would do in her position), until then, no decision to make on my part, so search continues!!
Oh, and yes, the burble of the 400 makes me want one more!
Oh, and yes, the burble of the 400 makes me want one more!
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