£10k - £12k Chimaera - will this be asking for trouble?

[Squirrelofwoe]

Seandenyer said:

Not in classifieds, I just don't seem to drive it enough,

Oh fair enough. We'll if you were serious about selling I'd certainly be interested in hearing more about it, feel free to PM me if so

[Squirrelofwoe]

This one in the classifieds keeps catching my eye, purely from a colour combo perspective- the Bordeaux Red looks incredible.

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/t...

Advert doesn't go into too much detail though (or perhaps that's just because I like to write somewhat 'comprehensive' adverts when I've sold my cars...).

It mentions 'perfect chassis' and that it's a HC model, but then I can't help thinking something must be amiss for it to be sub-£12k considering it's only done 57,000 miles.

[pwd95]

Looks nice. It's the 'old model' with slightly different rear end & dash board. Being a 96 model it will have the same engine & gearbox as the later models. The diff is probably the earlier GKN type. 97/98 cars had the BTR diff. No difference on the road really but rebuild parts are getting rare for the GKN apparently. There is a simple kit available now to convert if you ever need to.

[caduceus]

pwd95 said:

Sorry, bottled it again! What on earth would I replace it with at that price. Think I'll sell the old Vectra & just use it as my daily.
As you were...

What are you like.... Welcome back

[Squirrelofwoe]

pwd95 said:

Looks nice. It's the 'old model' with slightly different rear end & dash board. Being a 96 model it will have the same engine & gearbox as the later models. The diff is probably the earlier GKN type. 97/98 cars had the BTR diff. No difference on the road really but rebuild parts are getting rare for the GKN apparently. There is a simple kit available now to convert if you ever need to.

Thanks for the info.

It does appeal, although I'd have to find out as much as possible before going to view it as it's 150+ miles away.

I'm hoping to go and view this one this weekend: http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/t... as the dealer isn't too far from me and it looks decent, having the Meta alarm and a few other upgrades.

I'm also in the position that despite having wanted one badly for over 10 years I've yet to even sit in one, let alone drive one! So whilst I'm not expecting to find any serious problems in this regard, I thought it sensible before I commit serious time/travel towards viewing one particular example such as the previous one mentioned.

[StarmistBlue400]

Mines for sale (more than £12K) but has had everything done that needs to be done.

I'm only in Reading so if you want to have a poke around and a passenger ride let me know. It might help with your search.

[pwd95]

Squirrelofwoe said:

Thanks for the info.

It does appeal, although I'd have to find out as much as possible before going to view it as it's 150+ miles away.

I'm hoping to go and view this one this weekend: http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/t... as the dealer isn't too far from me and it looks decent, having the Meta alarm and a few other upgrades.

I'm also in the position that despite having wanted one badly for over 10 years I've yet to even sit in one, let alone drive one! So whilst I'm not expecting to find any serious problems in this regard, I thought it sensible before I commit serious time/travel towards viewing one particular example such as the previous one mentioned.

Older model again, different seats/dials. May have the old Rover gearbox (reverse next to 1st not 5th). Not a bad thing, very strong box, a bit slicker than the T5 in later cars & will go forever in a 4.0.

[Squirrelofwoe]

pwd95 said:

Older model again, different seats/dials. May have the old Rover gearbox (reverse next to 1st not 5th). Not a bad thing, very strong box, a bit slicker than the T5 in later cars & will go forever in a 4.0.

In the ad it says it has the Borg Warner gearbox, am I correct in thinking this refers to the later T5? Rather than the older (SD1?) Rover gearbox?

[QBee]

Squirrelofwoe said:

pwd95 said:

Older model again, different seats/dials. May have the old Rover gearbox (reverse next to 1st not 5th). Not a bad thing, very strong box, a bit slicker than the T5 in later cars & will go forever in a 4.0.

In the ad it says it has the Borg Warner gearbox, am I correct in thinking this refers to the later T5? Rather than the older (SD1?) Rover gearbox?

Yes

[TVRJAS]

What I have learned in the last few weeks is a full 12 months m.o.t on a car means not a lot.

My car has been well maintained over my three years of ownership,passing it's m.o t's with no advisories on the chassis/outriggers.
It was due it's service and m.o.t at the end of last month + a couple of small items to be looked at (Floppy door mirror and an erratic ice censor)

It was sent for test and passed with the following : Advisory notice items all brake disc inner faces corroded
Non obligatory mirror damaged ()

Following the further work being carried out and up on ramps I received a phone call.







So that's a car that passed it's m.o.t on 30th June!

Now had I'd been selling my car after having it's test done I would be putting in my advert "solid chassis and 12 months m.o.t"

The work begins :

Edited by TVRJAS on Wednesday 13th July 12:53

[Squirrelofwoe]

That does just show the minefield when it comes to buying these- not so much the fear of being deliberately mislead over the condition but like you say the fact that the seller might genuinely have no idea!

Still, I'm intending the Chim to be a purchase for the long term so I've accepted that this is something I will likely have to deal with at some point anyway regardless. I am at least well hardened (no pun intended) to seeing horrific rust, after my E30 3-series and my Mitsubishi Starion in particular, where for example the radiator essentially disintegrated as I tried to remove it...

[portzi]

http://www.neilgarner.co.uk/Car_Sales/

I have never been or met Neil Garner, but heard nothing bad about his TVR garage, the supercharged chim is defo worth a look at that price, and l doubt he can afford to sell poor quality cars worth a punt?

[TVRJAS]

Hi Squirrel,
Not trying to frighten you or put you off,just outlining the minefield

I'm far far away of being an expert and leave all spanner work to those that are. From what I've gathered spotting potential outrigger issues is not so easy because when the body is on the four corners where mine has gone is still hidden.
From their experience they could just about see enough when on ramps that it could have issues and low and behold they were correct.
Mine prior to this had an agreed valuation of £12k,so as I pointed out if I had been selling I would of been advertising around the £11/12k price bracket with words such as "Full 12 month mot,just serviced etc and would of been completely in the dark as to what's lurking underneath.
It's not the end of the world,I know enough to be realistic that all these cars will require at some stage the work done.
On the bright side my insurance company have increased the value to £15k having explained the work I'm having carried out.Of course it doesn't just stop at outriggers as with the body fully off is a good time to replace a lot of the near 20yr old stuff.
I really could of ended up with egg on my face and a bad name if I'd of been selling my car and 12 months later the new owner finding this.

[Squirrelofwoe]

portzi said:

http://www.neilgarner.co.uk/Car_Sales/

I have never been or met Neil Garner, but heard nothing bad about his TVR garage, the supercharged chim is defo worth a look at that price, and l doubt he can afford to sell poor quality cars worth a punt?

I've seen their name crop up numerous times in relation to TVRs, I hadn't realised they were pretty much on my doorstep! The supercharged Chim doesn't appeal to me personally, but it's good to know there is somewhere that seems to know their TVRs only half hour away from me.

[portzi]

Squirrelofwoe said:

portzi said:

http://www.neilgarner.co.uk/Car_Sales/

I have never been or met Neil Garner, but heard nothing bad about his TVR garage, the supercharged chim is defo worth a look at that price, and l doubt he can afford to sell poor quality cars worth a punt?

I've seen their name crop up numerous times in relation to TVRs, I hadn't realised they were pretty much on my doorstep! The supercharged Chim doesn't appeal to me personally, but it's good to know there is somewhere that seems to know their TVRs only half hour away from me.

If he's close by you could pop him and chat to him. Tell him your predicament, 12,000 to spend keep me informed of any potential cars that fit my requirements. I did this with X-works service in kirkham and they found me what l was after. I am sure Mr Garner would do the same??, especially if you use him for servicing etc too?

[Squirrelofwoe]

portzi said:

If he's close by you could pop him and chat to him. Tell him your predicament, 12,000 to spend keep me informed of any potential cars that fit my requirements. I did this with X-works service in kirkham and they found me what l was after. I am sure Mr Garner would do the same??, especially if you use him for servicing etc too?

That is very true, I would almost certainly use them for servicing so I'll definitely look at popping round there and having a word asap.

I've also had a couple of PHers email me with regard to their soon-to-be-for-sale Chims, one of which is right within my budget and on paper at least exactly what I am after- so currently awaiting some pictures of that particular one, and I do like the idea of buying from somebody on here.

[portzi]

Squirrelofwoe said:

portzi said:

If he's close by you could pop him and chat to him. Tell him your predicament, 12,000 to spend keep me informed of any potential cars that fit my requirements. I did this with X-works service in kirkham and they found me what l was after. I am sure Mr Garner would do the same??, especially if you use him for servicing etc too?

That is very true, I would almost certainly use them for servicing so I'll definitely look at popping round there and having a word asap.

I've also had a couple of PHers email me with regard to their soon-to-be-for-sale Chims, one of which is right within my budget and on paper at least exactly what I am after- so currently awaiting some pictures of that particular one, and I do like the idea of buying from somebody on here.

Quite true there are some great cars on here. But if you buy though a TVR specialist , he may know a good car for sale that he knows and services and mot's at least once a year, he can give great guidance on a car purchase. I don't mean to be little anyone on here, but a specialist like Mr Gardner or Mr Matt Smith at Downham market who will mostly have far superior knowledge of these pretty simple cars,than us mere mortals who play at TVR mechanics as a passion and hobby

[ray von]

Squirrelofwoe said:

That is very true, I would almost certainly use them for servicing so I'll definitely look at popping round there and having a word asap.

I've also had a couple of PHers email me with regard to their soon-to-be-for-sale Chims, one of which is right within my budget and on paper at least exactly what I am after- so currently awaiting some pictures of that particular one, and I do like the idea of buying from somebody on here .

Still go in with your eyes wide open though, just because someone may be on here a lot and 'talk' a good car doesn't mean they have a good car. Unscrupulous devious bds get everywhere.

[Squirrelofwoe]

portzi said:

Quite true there are some great cars on here. But if you buy though a TVR specialist , he may know a good car for sale that he knows and services and mot's at least once a year, he can give great guidance on a car purchase. I don't mean to be little anyone on here, but a specialist like Mr Gardner or Mr Matt Smith at Downham market who will mostly have far superior knowledge of these pretty simple cars,than us mere mortals who play at TVR mechanics as a passion and hobby

All very true!

[TVRJAS]

ray von said:

Still go in with your eyes wide open though, just because someone may be on here a lot and 'talk' a good car doesn't mean they have a good car. Unscrupulous devious bds get everywhere.