What is best version of chimera to buy?

[Mark300zx]

Hi,

A friend of mine who is neither computer literate or mechanically minded, he leaves that up to the kind person who is posting this, is buying a TVR after roadtesting the 5L version!

He wants to know what is the best version of the chimera to buy?

He also wants to know which mechanic/garage to use and where is the best place to get the car assessed?

Regards,

Mark

[timewind]

INMO it is the 4.5. I'm owning a 5l HC and this is real big fun. But if you are calculting the running costs and the higher buyprice the 4.5 may be an equally good or maybe better deal.

Having said that, the plus on torque is maybe t-h-e argument for a 5l.




>> Edited by timewind on Friday 13th June 15:26

[plotloss]

TVR ownership is a slippery slope.

Buy a 4.0 and you will want a 4.5, buy a 4.5 and you will want a 5.0, buy a 5.0 and you will want a Tuscan/S/R/Cerbera.

Thats just the way it is...

Though on a more serious note probably the 450. Bit more power than the 400 and a little less vicious at low revs than the 500.

They are all immense fun though!

[shortlad]

I drove a 5.0l, 4.0l and 4.0l HC. I also drove a mates 4.5l in the past.

I ended up with a 4.0HC as I think it's a good compromise on pace, power tourque, price, etc. My mate who owned the 4.5 said that he could feel a little difference against his old 4.5 and said it was a lot less powerfull than his old Griff 500.

I think it depends on the money you have to spend on it. I personally didn't have the money for a 5.0l and I'm happy with my 4.0HC. They all drink fuel like it's going out of fashion (oh yeah it is ) but I think the 5.0l would have a big thurst!

Insurance wasn't any higher for me as have a limited milage classic insurance. I'm told you have to be quite cautious with a 5.0l in the wet and I know a 4.0HC can be tricky but (touching a big lump of wood) I'm doing ok so far.

Depends on the money you have and what you want it for.

They are all great in my opinion!

P.S. this is my first TVR big-

[beano500]

He wants to know what is the best version of the chimera to buy?

A Griff !

He also wants to know which mechanic/garage to use and where is the best place to get the car assessed?

More helpfully: use someone like Rob Ingleby to check it out or go for car from one of the excellent specialists such as James Agger, Adrian Blyth, David Gerald or Fernies assuming. These people have excellent reputations in the TVR world - no guarantee that you're going to get on with them, but they're in business for the long term not a short term sprint!
Oh and get TVRCC membership and you get the lovely "Sprint" magazine each month to help develop the knowledge base!

[victormeldrew]

The 500 is not vicious, its a big pussy cat. Big torque everywhere, but nothing to catch you by surprise. I got caught a couple of times with a 4L in the wet, everything is much more progressive with the 500. Never driven a 4.5 so can't comment on that.

[funinthesun]

was originally looking for a 4.5, but after a chat with a few people and driving a 5.o went for the 5ltr, and no looking back( no really, when your going that fast you keep your eyes on thew road ,orificer) , its tame when you want it to be and you will get to know the shape of you seat very well when you want a little more excitement..

yo will probably find you can get either derrivative(sp?) for more or less the same money.
enjoy the journey.

S

[Mark300zx]

Hi,

Thanks for the replies so far?

Are any of the guys/garages around the london/SE area at all?

Mark

[aaandy]

I guess it depends on what is important to you. In that you will get a much later and lower mileage 4.0l for your budget than say a 5.0l or a griff. They all sound great!

But as some of the others have said, no matter what you buy after a period of time you are probably going to want something that little bit quicker. Even the guys with their Tuscans end up going back for tweaks to squeeze a few more horses out of the engine. All a case of what you are used to.

But as always, drive loads and good luck.

[Big Al.]

ANY OF THEM! oh

>> Edited by Big Al. (moderator) on Friday 13th June 18:10

[alan_d]

victormeldrew said: The 500 is not vicious, its a big pussy cat. Big torque everywhere, but nothing to catch you by surprise. I got caught a couple of times with a 4L in the wet, everything is much more progressive with the 500. Never driven a 4.5 so can't comment on that.

I agree. Mine is smooth and progressive. Never had any hairy moments - just the occasional 'twitch' to keep you alert, and I always drive it like a wuss in the wet. It doesn't take long to gain confidence in the car's handling. A few hundred miles a day for the first few weeks of ownership usually suffices

[ATG]

if you can get into the queue, David Batty is based down near Farnham. He has an excellent reputation. In reasonable striking distance of Kent, I'd say.

Mole Valley are based in Chessington, and Walldonway are just outside Maidstone ... both official TVR dealers

[jigs]

The one with Griffith on the back, of course!

[gixxer1000]

Get yourself a 4.5 with power steering and you'll have an easier job selling the car on. It's the most desirable combo.

[Big_M]

jigs said: The one with Griffith on the back, of course!

Can I also take this opportunity to quote from the TVR brochure (Summer 1995) page 28

So many people have asked: why did TVR produce the Chimera when the Griffith was already available? ...... The answer is really quite simple. While every sports car enthusiast desperately loves the Griffith's looks and hankers after its uncompromising performance, many would willing trade a little of that car's pure ability in exchange for a little more space and a little more of a saloon car's ride.

Saloon Car???????? From the horse's mouth as well

[jigs]

That's some brochure, Big M, -- Page 28? Any TVR brochure I've seen never ran to more than 4 pages. They must have had more to say in 1995.

[Mark.S]

victormeldrew said: The 500 is not vicious, its a big pussy cat. Big torque everywhere, but nothing to catch you by surprise. I got caught a couple of times with a 4L in the wet, everything is much more progressive with the 500. Never driven a 4.5 so can't comment on that.

I'm going to disagree and say the 500 is an absolute monster. I went from a 400 to a 500 and after nearly two months, I'm still getting used to the difference in power.