A few Q's from a TVR & PH Newbie....
Discussion
Hello all, and thank you Ted for what looks like a great site. I hope you don't mind me wittering a bit, and asking a few questions (some of which might seem a little daft 
)
It looks like I might finally be able to pursue one of my dreams - to get a TVR. Having had years of "sensible" motoring, and thankfully a succession of pleasant cars, my fiancee is chucking her cabrio for an Estate/4x4, so I'm damned if I'm keeping my Saab 9-5 Aero saloon if I have the chance to get something a little more silly!
I went down to a local TVR specialist (having first discovered the local franchised dealer was encumbered with muppets) and chatted about the differences between Griffs and Chimaeras, and settled on the latter. I want to run the car most everyday, about 10-12k miles per annum, and need to be able to pack a bit of luggage, so the Chimp seemed the logical option. I want a convertible, so the Cerb is out, and the Griff doesn't have enough luggage space.
I test drove a 2000 4.0 Chimp which was mindblowing - wonderful noise, great handling, good stopping power, daft sports exhaust! It was raining an entire menagerie at the time, and yet it felt planted, secure and inspired confidence - not at all what I had been led to believe about TVRs being nigh-on impossible to drive in anything more than a heavy dew!
So on to the questions:
One of the first calls I made was to my insurer, expecting to get slapped with a massive premium (I'm 26...) and they came back with £901 for a full year (fully comp, protected no-claims) for the 4.0litre..... and exactly the same for the 4.5. As a TVR newbie, am I sensible going in with the 4, or would a 4.5 be a better buy? Is that a reasonable quote?
We have no garage, but plenty of drive space. Should I look at investing in a cover? Full or just for the hood?
Looking over the cars in the specialist, I liked the later cars with the extra spar across the front grille, though didn't mind whether the series 3 lights were present or not. Are there any other major differences between the earlier and later cars that I should be aware of?
I have little technical knowledge - I can do wiring, but not oily bits - am I a safe chap to be let loose with a TVR, bearing in mind the specialist is 5 miles away, so could hopefully tackle most of it.
Lastly, and most honestly, is a Chimp a realistic proposition for everyday driving - thankfully we live out in the sticks, so to get anywhere I have at least a couple of miles of back roads to enjoy before I even hit a dual carriageway!
Thanks in advance for your help, here's to motoring bliss!
>>> Edited by RedLeicester on Tuesday 25th November 18:14
) It looks like I might finally be able to pursue one of my dreams - to get a TVR. Having had years of "sensible" motoring, and thankfully a succession of pleasant cars, my fiancee is chucking her cabrio for an Estate/4x4, so I'm damned if I'm keeping my Saab 9-5 Aero saloon if I have the chance to get something a little more silly!
I went down to a local TVR specialist (having first discovered the local franchised dealer was encumbered with muppets) and chatted about the differences between Griffs and Chimaeras, and settled on the latter. I want to run the car most everyday, about 10-12k miles per annum, and need to be able to pack a bit of luggage, so the Chimp seemed the logical option. I want a convertible, so the Cerb is out, and the Griff doesn't have enough luggage space.
I test drove a 2000 4.0 Chimp which was mindblowing - wonderful noise, great handling, good stopping power, daft sports exhaust! It was raining an entire menagerie at the time, and yet it felt planted, secure and inspired confidence - not at all what I had been led to believe about TVRs being nigh-on impossible to drive in anything more than a heavy dew!
So on to the questions:
One of the first calls I made was to my insurer, expecting to get slapped with a massive premium (I'm 26...) and they came back with £901 for a full year (fully comp, protected no-claims) for the 4.0litre..... and exactly the same for the 4.5. As a TVR newbie, am I sensible going in with the 4, or would a 4.5 be a better buy? Is that a reasonable quote?
We have no garage, but plenty of drive space. Should I look at investing in a cover? Full or just for the hood?
Looking over the cars in the specialist, I liked the later cars with the extra spar across the front grille, though didn't mind whether the series 3 lights were present or not. Are there any other major differences between the earlier and later cars that I should be aware of?
I have little technical knowledge - I can do wiring, but not oily bits - am I a safe chap to be let loose with a TVR, bearing in mind the specialist is 5 miles away, so could hopefully tackle most of it.
Lastly, and most honestly, is a Chimp a realistic proposition for everyday driving - thankfully we live out in the sticks, so to get anywhere I have at least a couple of miles of back roads to enjoy before I even hit a dual carriageway!
Thanks in advance for your help, here's to motoring bliss!
>>> Edited by RedLeicester on Tuesday 25th November 18:14
Welcome and have lots of fun in the Chimaera. Buy the best you can afford at the time you want to buy but assume it's going to take several months to find the right one. Don't discriminate between 4s and 4.5s just on engine size/bhp etc buy the best one in terms of quality. You'll get loads of advice from here (perhaps more if you drop the "Chimp" since some seem to get offended).
Ensure you budget for servicing and reasonable upkeep. No reason why you can't do twice the annual mileage you're talking about if you invest sensibly in preventative maintenance and get an experienced eye to help assess your intended purchase.
A full cover is a good investment, alongside plenty of Thompsons on the roof and a careful 'manicure' for all the seals and grommets etc.
You're taking exactly the right approach to secure yourself a great motorng experience
). Ensure you budget for servicing and reasonable upkeep. No reason why you can't do twice the annual mileage you're talking about if you invest sensibly in preventative maintenance and get an experienced eye to help assess your intended purchase.
A full cover is a good investment, alongside plenty of Thompsons on the roof and a careful 'manicure' for all the seals and grommets etc.
You're taking exactly the right approach to secure yourself a great motorng experience
If you want lots of background info on these cars get a copy of Steve Heath's Griff and Chim Bible ... very useful for checking a prospective purchase over, and invaluable for giving you a good idea of the things that are likely to be a little flakey once you own the thing. If you can spot stuff going wrong before anything serious happens, you can get it sorted before it leaves you stranded. Car can be kept completely water proof without the cover, but frankly its good insurance. Also if the carpets are a dark colour they will fade after exposure to a few years of direct sunlight. 4.0 or 4.5? Well if you found two identically well sorted cars and you can afford a few quid more, then you'd go for the 4.5 wouldn't you? It seems to be considered by many (probably all 4.5 owners) to be the best balance btwn driveability and power. Dunno if this is true coz I've not driven one. Is your independent David Gerald? If so, they seem to have a good reputation. The only contact I've ever had with them was about 8 years ago when I was thinking of buying an S. They seemd to be genuine enthusiasts and not hell bent on selling me the most expensive model they had in stock. Which bit of Worcestershire are you in?
I agree with everything said so far. I have a '99 450 which I use almost daily, doing about 7000 miles a year. I have a garage, but also have a cover, bought from Halfwits for about £40, made by Dupont. It makes the car look like it's just landed from the planet Zarquon but keeps it dry and snug when on the drive.
When I was looking for mine, I was looking for the best car I could afford. I wasn't too bothered about Griff/ Chim or engine size. The 400 is fantastic, the 500 a little more brutal, and I just love my 450.
Just try them all, buy the best you can afford and keep with the indipendents for servicing......oh yes....and get some skin moisturiser for the "coathanger mouth" you will develop
When I was looking for mine, I was looking for the best car I could afford. I wasn't too bothered about Griff/ Chim or engine size. The 400 is fantastic, the 500 a little more brutal, and I just love my 450.
Just try them all, buy the best you can afford and keep with the indipendents for servicing......oh yes....and get some skin moisturiser for the "coathanger mouth" you will develop
Thanks guys. Some good tips there so far. Sounds like it's worth getting a copy of this biblical tome!
ATG - I'm in a little village south of Kidderminster, so yes, it was David Gerald. Seemed enthusiastic, supportive and helpful. Had a small but decent range of cars in stock - bit of Griff, bit of Chimaera (no more ape-like references I promise!) and a couple of Cerberas.
Why you guys say to go on condition, not spec, am I better off with a newer higher mileage car, or older lower mileage if you know what I mean? IE, something that's been driven lots, or something that hasn't.
Also, one question I forgot - probably a daft one, but then I am exiting Exec car luxury..... why do so few Chimaeras have air-con, can it be retro-fitted, and is it worth doing so, or is it so ineffectual that nobody bothered in the first place?
ATG - I'm in a little village south of Kidderminster, so yes, it was David Gerald. Seemed enthusiastic, supportive and helpful. Had a small but decent range of cars in stock - bit of Griff, bit of Chimaera (no more ape-like references I promise!) and a couple of Cerberas.
Why you guys say to go on condition, not spec, am I better off with a newer higher mileage car, or older lower mileage if you know what I mean? IE, something that's been driven lots, or something that hasn't.
Also, one question I forgot - probably a daft one, but then I am exiting Exec car luxury..... why do so few Chimaeras have air-con, can it be retro-fitted, and is it worth doing so, or is it so ineffectual that nobody bothered in the first place?
I think its a widely held view that the best ones are those that have been used regularly (but not track-day-ed) and properly serviced with evidence of 'nuturing' - bills for everything etc
For me aircon would be a disincentive - bhp-consuming and pretty irrelevant since I get the top off whenever possible. If you're planning to drive it around wearing business attire then I'd find one with aircon fitted or have it retroed for about £1500, I think.
For me aircon would be a disincentive - bhp-consuming and pretty irrelevant since I get the top off whenever possible. If you're planning to drive it around wearing business attire then I'd find one with aircon fitted or have it retroed for about £1500, I think.
Welcome to PH 
Can highly Recommend David Geralds, got my Griffith from them and they where very helpful.
I would go for the newest one you could afford and proably the larger engine too. otherwise you will be hankering after the larger one in future. This is In My Opinion though.
Agree with the more used ones are generally better and would have had any little niggles ironed out.
Would recommend also getting down to your local TVRCC meet and having a good nose around the cars.
Dont know hoe much room you need but the Chimeara boot isnt that much Larger ( ok 1 more bag of Golf clubs bigger )than the Griffiths + the Griffith has a nicer Arse
IMHO
Good Luck
Simon
Can highly Recommend David Geralds, got my Griffith from them and they where very helpful.
I would go for the newest one you could afford and proably the larger engine too. otherwise you will be hankering after the larger one in future. This is In My Opinion though.
Agree with the more used ones are generally better and would have had any little niggles ironed out.
Would recommend also getting down to your local TVRCC meet and having a good nose around the cars.
Dont know hoe much room you need but the Chimeara boot isnt that much Larger ( ok 1 more bag of Golf clubs bigger
)than the Griffiths + the Griffith has a nicer Arse IMHO Good Luck
Simon
For my two euros worth just buy the best condition you can afford. When I bought mine (400 2000X) I was looking for a 450 but this one came along through a trade source so I stuck with it. A good 400 is as quick as an average 450 so I do not feel I am missing out on anything there, the 500 is a different story altogether. Buying from a dealer/specialist is the dearest way to do it, personally I would source one privately. Depending on your knowledge of cars I would suggest you get it checked over properly by a TVR dealer, it will be money well spent.
Mine has been far more reliable than I expected it to be, any problems being small electrical/trim problems easily remedied by myself. I use my car 3/4 times a week and it is garaged the rest of the time, works for me.
If you are thinking along the lines of wanting air conditioning and refined motoring you are probably buying the wrong car. If you are into cars, looking for something a little different you will not find anything more different for this kind of money.
Ivan
Mine has been far more reliable than I expected it to be, any problems being small electrical/trim problems easily remedied by myself. I use my car 3/4 times a week and it is garaged the rest of the time, works for me.
If you are thinking along the lines of wanting air conditioning and refined motoring you are probably buying the wrong car. If you are into cars, looking for something a little different you will not find anything more different for this kind of money.
Ivan
I'll probably reproduce what's been said so far but so be it!
RedLeicester said:
It looks like I might finally be able to pursue one of my dreams - to get a TVR.
Been theer done that (!) recently ... trust me it's worth it!
[quote]I test drove a 2000 4.0 Chimp which was mindblowing - wonderful noise, great handling, good stopping power, daft sports exhaust! It was raining an entire menagerie at the time, and yet it felt planted, secure and inspired confidence - not at all what I had been led to believe about TVRs being nigh-on impossible to drive in anything more than a heavy dew![/quote]
Quite ... that is for "experienced" drivers who are used to *serios* motors ... I am not at all and am sure I could do twice the speed I do and be safe but am just not used to a chassis anything like this good. Yes it will lose (in the wet especially) to Elises etc. but it is still iles ahead of any car you have probably ever driven even in the conditions that are worst for it.
[qoute]One of the first calls I made was to my insurer, expecting to get slapped with a massive premium (I'm 26...) and they came back with £901 for a full year (fully comp, protected no-claims) for the 4.0litre..... and exactly the same for the 4.5. As a TVR newbie, am I sensible going in with the 4, or would a 4.5 be a better buy? Is that a reasonable quote?[/quote]
The insurance is (apparently) the same for the all so it is your choice for the engine. You will receive many comments if you ask but 4.0, 4.5 or 5.0 will be brilliant!
As a comment, 5.0 is very powerful so can be even more scary than the others .... beware. 4.0 and 4.5 are in the same league with 4.5 having the edge in performance without the 'killer' 5.0 edge (BTW I have a 4.5 so I'm biased).
[quote]We have no garage, but plenty of drive space. Should I look at investing in a cover? Full or just for the hood?[/quote]
See my post on water ingress ... mine has been treated by a specialist and still leaks a little (previous owner emailed to say it will never be waterproof!). With a drive I would say get a cover in weather like we have had recently ... it#s so much less bother than that worry you have otherwise!
[quote]Looking over the cars in the specialist, I liked the later cars with the extra spar across the front grille, though didn't mind whether the series 3 lights were present or not. Are there any other major differences between the earlier and later cars that I should be aware of? [/quote]
AIUI the order is:
Uprated interior, reshaped bonnet/rear/grill - P ish
Cool "button on wingmirror" door locks - P/R ish
Not Fiesta rear lights - R/S ish
I went for 'S' for this reason ... since it's a TVR these can al be late or early depending on who built it and when it was delivered!
[quote]I have little technical knowledge - I can do wiring, but not oily bits - am I a safe chap to be let loose with a TVR, bearing in mind the specialist is 5 miles away, so could hopefully tackle most of it.
[/quote] I am utterly uselss technically but acccept I will need to spend money ... your choice but IMO worth it!
[quote]Lastly, and most honestly, is a Chimp a realistic proposition for everyday driving - thankfully we live out in the sticks, so to get anywhere I have at least a couple of miles of back roads to enjoy before I even hit a dual carriageway!
[/quote] I drive it as an every day car - It's only 3 miles to work so that costs me in fuel but me and Mrs me both love turning up in the Chim
I may garage it for a few days to dry it out after the downpour but will be driving it all the time I sensibly can ... however, to be fair, don't rely on it if you don't have a spare IMO!
Would disagree about the waterproofness ... I managed to get mine 100% waterproof before I sold it. It takes time and I did end up upside down in the footwell in the dark with a torch to find where it was dripping but you can get there. I drove mine every day, 12,000 in the year and it never once let me down and that was a 94 4.0. I did lose it in the wet due to slight overenthusiasm and it needed four new wheels but it was a lesson learnt.
The Steve Heath's Chimaera and Griff Guide, commonly known on here as the bible is always a recommendation. But if you want some more immediate information and a Chim buyers guide you can find one on his web site www.tvrbooks.co.uk which you can print off (It's even got a pic of my car in it K400 JOY, but I've a different plate on it now).
I've never found the handling a problem. These cars have stacks of grip, handle very well and are not hard to drive. You just need to remember how much power and torque is available and apply a bit of common sense IMHO. Or maybe I am just not trying hard enough?!?
Would recommend a hood cover. Not absolutely necessary but I always use one to protect it from the elements.
Mine is a 98 4.0 and has always been very reliable. Have also spoken to the previous owner who had it from new and he said that it has never let him down either. So that's no breakdowns in over 5 years!
With regards to engine size compared to any other make of car on the road they are all very fast, some are just faster than others.
Just go for the best combination you can find of age, condition, history and colour you can find. And if not buying froma specialist get it checked out by a recognised TVR specialist (not the AA or RAC).
Good luck!
RedLeicester said:
ATG - I'm in a little village south of Kidderminster, so yes, it was David Gerald. Seemed enthusiastic, supportive and helpful. Had a small but decent range of cars in stock - bit of Griff, bit of Chimaera (no more ape-like references I promise!) and a couple of Cerberas.
Hi,
whereabouts are you exactly then.. I'm 20 mins from Worcester
Whilst DG is your closest dealer, bear in mind that due to the name and shame policy on here, you won't hear the other side of the story for many garages.
Cheers,
Matt.
I've been out in the worst of the wet over the last month with no dampness at all in the cabin .
Other bits of facelift are the underslung boot hinges and boot lip.
I have been told that there was some trouble with solenoids overheating on R/S plates, but most have probably been fixed now.
Welcome and practice grinning .
. Other bits of facelift are the underslung boot hinges and boot lip.
I have been told that there was some trouble with solenoids overheating on R/S plates, but most have probably been fixed now.
Welcome
and practice grinning .
Hullooo Eric! Fancy meeting you here! D'you come 'ere often?! 
hut49 said:As long as it hasn't been on the track 25 times in the last year I wouldn't worry about the occasional day. In fact I would reccomend doing an airfield or track day as within a few months of getting your car
I think its a widely held view that the best ones are those that have been used regularly (but not track-day-ed) and properly serviced with evidence of 'nuturing' - bills for everything etc
It's mindblowing just how good they are when you drive them to the limit
Okay, well that helps sort a few things out - I'll try and get hold of that book soon.
So another couple of dumb questions (sorry about this chaps!)
What's all this about a Chimaera being "pre-serp"?
Do I want to find a car (looks like most) with the Borg-Warner T5 manual box, and avoid the earlier boxes?
Is it easy to fit the Leven indicator stalks?
What's the real-world economy and performance differences between the 4 and the 4.5?
Would the local (Cotswold I think) branch of the TVRCC mind if I turned up to a meeting to peruse a few cars and talk Trevor?
Oh, and when I test drove the Chim, it was tipping it down and a dark grey day - the car had a black dash top and black leather - do you guys have any problems with reflections on the windscreen off the lighter dash tops? And when a car has "half-leather", what is the other material and where is it?!
Thanks again for all your help.
H.
So another couple of dumb questions (sorry about this chaps!)
What's all this about a Chimaera being "pre-serp"?
Do I want to find a car (looks like most) with the Borg-Warner T5 manual box, and avoid the earlier boxes?
Is it easy to fit the Leven indicator stalks?
What's the real-world economy and performance differences between the 4 and the 4.5?
Would the local (Cotswold I think) branch of the TVRCC mind if I turned up to a meeting to peruse a few cars and talk Trevor?
Oh, and when I test drove the Chim, it was tipping it down and a dark grey day - the car had a black dash top and black leather - do you guys have any problems with reflections on the windscreen off the lighter dash tops? And when a car has "half-leather", what is the other material and where is it?!
Thanks again for all your help.
H.
RedLeicester said:
Okay, well that helps sort a few things out - I'll try and get hold of that book soon.
So another couple of dumb questions (sorry about this chaps!)
What's all this about a Chimaera being "pre-serp"?
Pre-serpentine, is the early engine without the serpentine belt etc.. 1993-94 Chimaeras
RedLeicester said:
Do I want to find a car (looks like most) with the Borg-Warner T5 manual box, and avoid the earlier boxes?
Avoide the pre-serps then if you want a later box.. although don't be too put off by the Early box though, I have a pre-serp with the Early box and it is fine. Buy on condition, condition, and condition.
RedLeicester said:
Is it easy to fit the Leven indicator stalks?
Yes..
RedLeicester said:
What's the real-world economy and performance differences between the 4 and the 4.5?
This depends so much on your style of driving.. I would estimate about 3-4mpg.
RedLeicester said:
Would the local (Cotswold I think) branch of the TVRCC mind if I turned up to a meeting to peruse a few cars and talk Trevor?
They wouldn't mind a bit I'm sure.. (Cotswold Three Counties)
RedLeicester said:
Oh, and when I test drove the Chim, it was tipping it down and a dark grey day - the car had a black dash top and black leather - do you guys have any problems with reflections on the windscreen off the lighter dash tops? And when a car has "half-leather", what is the other material and where is it?!
can't comment I have a dark blue dash top.. regarding half leather, with full leather, the seat backs (and transmission tunnel??) are leather too instead of "imitation" stuff.
RedLeicester said:
Thanks again for all your help.
H.
Cheers,
Matt.
>> Edited by M@H on Thursday 27th November 09:52
M@H said:
Avoide the pre-serps then if you want a later box.. although don't be too put off by the Early box though, I have a pre-serp with the Early box and it is fine. Buy on condition, condition, and condition.
But as usual TVR don't stick to any firm rules, I've got pre-Serp engine with a T5 box
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