Thinking of buying a Chim
Discussion
I'm also thinking about buying a Chimaera in the next 6 months and have heard good things about Rob Ingleby on this forum and would consider trying him out. Unfortunately, I cannot seem to get onto his web page (www.findasportscar.co.uk). All that happens is that the page comes up blank, so it's obviously finding the domain, just that there's nothing there. Is this the correct URL? Does anyone have better contact details for him? Cheers!
chim_girl said:
Hi Tonto
As far as the inspection goes, I used Rob Ingleby when I bought my Chimaera. He did a full inspection for me and provided a report commenting on the present condition and also highlighting any potential future 'costs'. Rob travels all over the country to find you the right car; the car I bought came from a guy in Southend-on-Sea. Driving it back home was great fun, Southend to Yorkshire on a Sunday morning! Do a search in the forums for more details of his services.
As far as your purchase goes, take the advice that has been given already, have a very good look around. The prices and quality of stock varies wildly from dealer to dealer. Even though HHC is just around the corner, I ended up getting my Tuscan from H L Gorner in Wigan, they're well worth drive over.
If you're planning to go to the local TVRCC meet I'll probably see you there.
It's probably of no assistance whatsoever but if you want a closer look at a Tuscan email me. Alternatively if you get over to Wigan in the next couple of days ask Mike to show you my car, it's over there at the moment.
Keep us all posted.
Chim girl - how much does he charge for this service? May be an idea for me to ask him to find me one as well...
Hi,
Rob found my car, excellent bloke, very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about TVR's. Full service was £500, good value I think when you consider that a lot of valuable time and many hundreds of miles later you might only have managed to find and view cars not up to scratch.
He also negotiated a good discount on price advertised on my behalf, making his fee minimal.
Depends where you live as well? Not many TVR's to view in my area, which makes it harder too find a good one.
His web site is definately not online at the moment!
Steve
Rob found my car, excellent bloke, very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about TVR's. Full service was £500, good value I think when you consider that a lot of valuable time and many hundreds of miles later you might only have managed to find and view cars not up to scratch.
He also negotiated a good discount on price advertised on my behalf, making his fee minimal.
Depends where you live as well? Not many TVR's to view in my area, which makes it harder too find a good one.
His web site is definately not online at the moment!
Steve
charlescrawley said:
Knowing that nothing can be set in stone, but on average do you know how long it takes him to find "the" car? A couple of weeks, a month, more? Just so I can start some basic planning.
I was wondering that too.
It seems to me that a thorough countrywide search may be necessary to find exactly what I want, and being out on a limb in the South West that could mean many hundreds of miles and an awful lot of time.
Rob's service seems like a good choice for me. Will be ringing him shortly.
M@H said:
Hi Tonto, 
before you even go out looking at cars for sale, get along to a local TVRCC meet or similar and chat to the owners etc.. As you've never sat in a Chimaera (and I believe never owned a TVR?) there's an awful lot more to these cars than "looks nice, goes fast".. its a bit more like a complex love affair with a gorgeous yet high maintenance woman.
TVR owners on the whole seem very happy to share their experiences (we all moan about them on here for starters) so find out about what you are getting into, before using sellers cars as your "test drive" arena.
Plus all this info will give you a much better idea of what to look out for in potential purchases.
Oh, and don't buy the first one you see(like everyone says, then ignores
)
Cheers
Matt.
My Chim 500 is a big bad naughty boy,not a woman. Thankyou very much
And I love him loads..best affair i'VE HAD IN YEARS
The length of time it takes can vary widely. It depends on what you want, if its one of the more 'unsual' colours; Paradise Purple, Cascase Copper etc, or you want a specific interior/exterior combination then you will have to wait for the right car to appear. If you're not 'too' specific he can have you in a car in a matter of a few weeks.
If it helps, I found the car I wanted and Rob did the price negotiation and inspection. All in all it took about 10(ish) days. Rob's price negotiation more than covered his fee.
If it helps, I found the car I wanted and Rob did the price negotiation and inspection. All in all it took about 10(ish) days. Rob's price negotiation more than covered his fee.
Well, things have moved on a bit....
Just back from a test drive at HHC.
Took out a 99 4.0 for a spin. Have to say I was a bit disapointed. Exhaust was too loud, ride was too firm, steering a bit too responsive for my liking.
So thats that really, no more to say on the subject.
Nice talking to you lot.
Sorry it didn't work out
Regards,
Tony.
>> Edited by tonto on Friday 21st November 17:02
Just back from a test drive at HHC.
Took out a 99 4.0 for a spin. Have to say I was a bit disapointed. Exhaust was too loud, ride was too firm, steering a bit too responsive for my liking.
So thats that really, no more to say on the subject.
Nice talking to you lot.
Sorry it didn't work out
Regards,
Tony.
>> Edited by tonto on Friday 21st November 17:02
tonto said:
Well, things have moved on a bit....
Just back from a test drive at HHC.
Took out a 99 4.0 for a spin. Have to say I was a bit disapointed. Exhaust was too loud, ride was too firm, steering a bit too responsive for my liking.
So thats that really, no more to say on the subject.
Nice talking to you lot.
Sorry it didn't work out
Regards,
Tony.
>> Edited by tonto on Friday 21st November 17:02
Oh well
Exhaust too loud.....V8 with twin exhausts
Ride too firm...a sportscar
steering a bit too responsive...power rack to be able to catch the rear at high speeds
I think sometimes we all forget how `hairy chested' these cars are compared to most of what else is around.
still it was nice that we get balanced views and honest reports back.
Never mind perhaps next time
>> Edited by jamer on Friday 21st November 17:10
tonto said:
Oh btw.. forgot to mention, I gave Rob Ingleby a ring, I told him the spec I wanted, I've sent him a deposit and he reckons that he's got a car with MY NAME ON IT .. YIPEEEEE !!!!!! 
YAY
Say Hi to Rob for me please! Tell us more, what spec, what colour, when do you think you'll have it?
Slightly more sensible post ....
I've asked Rob for a 97 or later, Red/Blue/Green (not all 3 at once !!) 4.0 or 4.5 with PAS.
He's just inspected a silver '97 4.5 with PAS. Its not my ideal colour, but just had a test drive in a silver one and I'm warming to it !
>> Edited by tonto on Friday 21st November 17:32
I've asked Rob for a 97 or later, Red/Blue/Green (not all 3 at once !!) 4.0 or 4.5 with PAS.
He's just inspected a silver '97 4.5 with PAS. Its not my ideal colour, but just had a test drive in a silver one and I'm warming to it !
>> Edited by tonto on Friday 21st November 17:32
I'm confused. First you tried one and felt that TVR is not for you. Now you're thinking about it again!
In 1996 I was looking for my first TVR, and my first ever trip in one was as a passenger in an S2. I remember saying to the owner 'Christ, it's as rough as a bear's arse!' He said, quite rightly, that that's what they are like.
Now you know why people who try to compare TVRs with M3s or Audi TTs simply don't get it. They are no-compromise cars - a chassis, a big engine, power, noise and that's about it. And direct steering, like a big kart with gears. They take getting used to, healthy respect and the right attitude. The more you put in, the more you get out. They are not grey plastic boxes that corrects your mistakes. They are animals and they need taming.
And you only drove a 4.0 Chimaera!
In 1996 I was looking for my first TVR, and my first ever trip in one was as a passenger in an S2. I remember saying to the owner 'Christ, it's as rough as a bear's arse!' He said, quite rightly, that that's what they are like.
Now you know why people who try to compare TVRs with M3s or Audi TTs simply don't get it. They are no-compromise cars - a chassis, a big engine, power, noise and that's about it. And direct steering, like a big kart with gears. They take getting used to, healthy respect and the right attitude. The more you put in, the more you get out. They are not grey plastic boxes that corrects your mistakes. They are animals and they need taming.
And you only drove a 4.0 Chimaera!
kdd said:
I seem to remember an e-mail conversation with someone that used Rob a few months back. They said that it had taken 8 weeks, but that they had been quite particular about what they wanted. Aparently 8 weeks seems like years when you're waiting for a TVR
That sounds like it was me
fussy sod me
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