Buying a Chimeara
Discussion
Looking at chimearas seems like it could be risky business. I've read that chims are a good tvr starting point. There's a few in a garage at the minute called Fernhurst tvr, looking to spend no more than 15k. Just wondering what people's thoughts and opinions are for a novice when approaching this. There's a HC model for 14k that looks good but not sure if the hc will be as reliable or strong or whatever so it'll be good to get a good opinion on the matter. Itll be a second car and stored in a garage and driven fairly regular as it'll be too tempting not too. Thanks guys!
Fernhurst are one of the top dealers and give a good warranty, but charge top dealer prices, as you would expect.
Plenty of good cars out there, both dealer and private, but they are all 14-24 years old.
Good low tech engineering, mainly from the RangeRover, Ford and Vauxhall parts bins. Easy to work on yourself, easy to modify, good range of specialists around, and a fantastic following of enthusiasts.
If you fancy a drive out this weekend, the TVRCC Autumn show is on at Chatsworth in Derbyshie on Sunday morning. There should be 300 TVRs there, so you should meet lots of friendly owners and see all the choices.
It's the right time of year to buy, but I suggest you find out where your local branch of the TVRCC meet and pop along and ask questions. They are a friendly bunch.
My own car us driven regularly and is super reliable. Christmas 2014 both my German cars were u/s, only the TVR was working.
Plenty of good cars out there, both dealer and private, but they are all 14-24 years old.
Good low tech engineering, mainly from the RangeRover, Ford and Vauxhall parts bins. Easy to work on yourself, easy to modify, good range of specialists around, and a fantastic following of enthusiasts.
If you fancy a drive out this weekend, the TVRCC Autumn show is on at Chatsworth in Derbyshie on Sunday morning. There should be 300 TVRs there, so you should meet lots of friendly owners and see all the choices.
It's the right time of year to buy, but I suggest you find out where your local branch of the TVRCC meet and pop along and ask questions. They are a friendly bunch.
My own car us driven regularly and is super reliable. Christmas 2014 both my German cars were u/s, only the TVR was working.
Thumbs up for Fernhurst here. I got mine from them a few months ago, although mine was sold without a warranty as it was a project in need of TLC!
Graham still took plenty of time showing me through things at handover and told me to give him a shout if I had any queries. Couldn't fault their service.
Graham still took plenty of time showing me through things at handover and told me to give him a shout if I had any queries. Couldn't fault their service.
Fernhurst are a good starting point. If you explain what you want to spend, they may have something in stock that they are willing to do a deal on.
I have no knowledge of the dealer or the car but there is a very early Red 400 in the classifieds and at your budget, it would be on my list. The first cars have small front discs which work ok if in perfect condition but can be up-graded, at the front, to later cars spec for a few hundred or something larger for a little bit more.
I have no knowledge of the dealer or the car but there is a very early Red 400 in the classifieds and at your budget, it would be on my list. The first cars have small front discs which work ok if in perfect condition but can be up-graded, at the front, to later cars spec for a few hundred or something larger for a little bit more.
Buy ANY car can be a risky business. I do not accept buying a Chimaera is any more perilous than buying a Porsche or Ferrari of the same vintage.
Chims can be a good starting point. But then so can a V6 'S' or wedge. But if it's a Chimaera you're after it's a great introduction to the marque. Your budget will see you into a well looked after 4.0/HC or even a 4.5. Fernhursts is a great place. You won't find many people on here that will have any negative things to say about them. Thoroughly decent chaps.
As far as reliability and strength goes, go on condition. Check that the outriggers have been either scrupulously maintained, or replaced. Have a look look over the service history and where it's been cared for. Test drive a few. You soon find out what's a goodun and what's been neglected. If you're handy with the spanners, it helps, as there are bound to be a few niggles that'll need seeing to along the way. But for me, that's what forms a bond between you and a TVR like no other sports car. One they're under your skin, that's it....
Good luck with your hunt. PM me if you need any advice.
Chims can be a good starting point. But then so can a V6 'S' or wedge. But if it's a Chimaera you're after it's a great introduction to the marque. Your budget will see you into a well looked after 4.0/HC or even a 4.5. Fernhursts is a great place. You won't find many people on here that will have any negative things to say about them. Thoroughly decent chaps.
As far as reliability and strength goes, go on condition. Check that the outriggers have been either scrupulously maintained, or replaced. Have a look look over the service history and where it's been cared for. Test drive a few. You soon find out what's a goodun and what's been neglected. If you're handy with the spanners, it helps, as there are bound to be a few niggles that'll need seeing to along the way. But for me, that's what forms a bond between you and a TVR like no other sports car. One they're under your skin, that's it....
Good luck with your hunt. PM me if you need any advice.
Hi guys just allowed people to email me now. Apologies didn't realise it was set that way. I am okay with a set of spanners and have the means to do simple to slightly more complex fixes if needs be. Also I've seen a few with "engine rebuilt recently" when the car is only on 40, 50, 60k on it. I thought a v8 of that size and relatively low specific output would do many miles. Or what is there definition of an engine rebuild?
Ditto got my 95 Chimaera 400 from these guys in July this year...great Service and honest good cars.
The have no issues with putting the car up on the ramp so that you can look at them.
I am over the moon with mine so far....scared the s**t out of me to begin but I have fallen totally in love.
Trying to get as many more miles in driving it before winter sets in then its OCD detailing time for me!!
This is mine (put my personal plate on it now)....I didnt mind paying a bit more for that piece of mind
The have no issues with putting the car up on the ramp so that you can look at them.
I am over the moon with mine so far....scared the s**t out of me to begin but I have fallen totally in love.
Trying to get as many more miles in driving it before winter sets in then its OCD detailing time for me!!
This is mine (put my personal plate on it now)....I didnt mind paying a bit more for that piece of mind
In simple terms, they are the best bang for buck available.
Different, fast, powerful, raw, involving, awesome soundtrack, just great cars.
There's nothing to fear really, just make sure that the chassis is sound, and in a later car (97 on) the outriggers have been changed. It's a £2000 job.
Camshafts need changing every 60-80,000 miles, clutches likewise. Other than that the engines are pretty bullet proof.
If it feels like the car is trying to kill you, be more progressive with the right foot, and have the alignment checked on a proper 4 wheel aligner. Chimaeras are very sensitive to misaligned wheels or worn suspension.
Don't forget that on PH you are reading only the woes, and from 6000 users. It's a great forum, TVR owners are the best. I have made more friends in the last 4 years than the previous 40.
Different, fast, powerful, raw, involving, awesome soundtrack, just great cars.
There's nothing to fear really, just make sure that the chassis is sound, and in a later car (97 on) the outriggers have been changed. It's a £2000 job.
Camshafts need changing every 60-80,000 miles, clutches likewise. Other than that the engines are pretty bullet proof.
If it feels like the car is trying to kill you, be more progressive with the right foot, and have the alignment checked on a proper 4 wheel aligner. Chimaeras are very sensitive to misaligned wheels or worn suspension.
Don't forget that on PH you are reading only the woes, and from 6000 users. It's a great forum, TVR owners are the best. I have made more friends in the last 4 years than the previous 40.
What are you after - i've dealt with Giles a lot before, he used to run the TVR centre in Barnet:
http://www.gilescooperautomotive.co.uk/tvr-chimaer...
The chap knows TVRs back to front - worth a shout if you like the look of it
http://www.gilescooperautomotive.co.uk/tvr-chimaer...
The chap knows TVRs back to front - worth a shout if you like the look of it
As a complete noob I think I would use Fernhurst.
Their prices seem high but they have a high standard. The cars will be pricier than a lot of others you will see around but they will probably have had a fair bit of work done to them to bring them up to scratch.
And this is work you would end up having to do yourself eventually anyway.
Their prices seem high but they have a high standard. The cars will be pricier than a lot of others you will see around but they will probably have had a fair bit of work done to them to bring them up to scratch.
And this is work you would end up having to do yourself eventually anyway.
Personally speaking, knowledge is king. So find out as much as you can about the Model/Year that wish to buy. Then seek out the one that you are interested in and organise a professional inspection to be carried out, whilst your are viewing the car at the owners address.
Why pay a Dealers premium, when you can get to see the car at the original owners home. It will show where the car is kept (garaged is preferred), plus it will show how the owner drives it from Cold!
Buying cars is a Financial Nightmare, be it from Dealers or Privatley
Why pay a Dealers premium, when you can get to see the car at the original owners home. It will show where the car is kept (garaged is preferred), plus it will show how the owner drives it from Cold!
Buying cars is a Financial Nightmare, be it from Dealers or Privatley
pjac67 said:
Wherabouts are you Michael ?
I have a couple of Chimaeras at your price point (both low mileage) so you're welcome to get in contact and view for comparison purposes if you are anywhere near N. Bristol?
The one I gave seen pics of us a stunner........on yer bike, Mike, and go gave a look.I have a couple of Chimaeras at your price point (both low mileage) so you're welcome to get in contact and view for comparison purposes if you are anywhere near N. Bristol?
Thanks for all the help guys. We are based in Manchester but are willing to travel for the right car of course. At the present moment we are in the process of selling a boat and sorting out finances to fund it so will be looking to actually purchase around February. Just wanted to get some good knowledge prior and possibly go and see one or two but don't want to be that guy that has no intention of buying the car you've gone to see. But again all are welcome to send us pictures of course and its always good to get an idea of the cars for the money and what not so thank you all again
Gassing Station | Chimaera | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff