New to the board, new to the marque
Discussion
Dear all,
First up a big hello - been reading the boards here for a wk or 2 & have decided to join the fray.
I'm a keen driver, currently running a '98 Cooper S Works (WiLF) & loving it. I'm lucky enough to me coming back to the UK with a new salary which allows me to splash out on something a little bit special. My budget is c20k & from my research that's looking like putting me in the saddle of a good condition, reasonable mileage Chim.
As a car club member I recognise & appreciate feedback from owners who are true enthusiasts of any marque. I would therefore really appreciate some guidance on some or all of the following:
1) Chim 400 - the best 'starters' TVR?
2) Purchasing - dealer vs. private.
3) Maintenance costs - 1k year about right?
4) Maintenance - I'm in Kent, local dealer is Waldonway. While you're on a reasonably low mileage is main dealer servicing the better option? Any recommended local specialists in my area?
5) Insurance - better deals with club membership?
6) Last of all, driver skills. Bit worried about all the power, especially in the wet. Are they easy to get used to or would anyone recommend a performance driving course - am thinking of doing this to learn how a big rwd car will handle in all weather.
Sorry for such a long one - I look forward to hearing your views & hope to be a regular from now on.
Cheers,
Tim
First up a big hello - been reading the boards here for a wk or 2 & have decided to join the fray.
I'm a keen driver, currently running a '98 Cooper S Works (WiLF) & loving it. I'm lucky enough to me coming back to the UK with a new salary which allows me to splash out on something a little bit special. My budget is c20k & from my research that's looking like putting me in the saddle of a good condition, reasonable mileage Chim.
As a car club member I recognise & appreciate feedback from owners who are true enthusiasts of any marque. I would therefore really appreciate some guidance on some or all of the following:
1) Chim 400 - the best 'starters' TVR?
2) Purchasing - dealer vs. private.
3) Maintenance costs - 1k year about right?
4) Maintenance - I'm in Kent, local dealer is Waldonway. While you're on a reasonably low mileage is main dealer servicing the better option? Any recommended local specialists in my area?
5) Insurance - better deals with club membership?
6) Last of all, driver skills. Bit worried about all the power, especially in the wet. Are they easy to get used to or would anyone recommend a performance driving course - am thinking of doing this to learn how a big rwd car will handle in all weather.
Sorry for such a long one - I look forward to hearing your views & hope to be a regular from now on.
Cheers,
Tim
S Works said:
Dear all,
First up a big hello - been reading the boards here for a wk or 2 & have decided to join the fray.
I'm a keen driver, currently running a '98 Cooper S Works (WiLF) & loving it. I'm lucky enough to me coming back to the UK with a new salary which allows me to splash out on something a little bit special. My budget is c20k & from my research that's looking like putting me in the saddle of a good condition, reasonable mileage Chim.
As a car club member I recognise & appreciate feedback from owners who are true enthusiasts of any marque. I would therefore really appreciate some guidance on some or all of the following:
1) Chim 400 - the best 'starters' TVR?
2) Purchasing - dealer vs. private.
3) Maintenance costs - 1k year about right?
4) Maintenance - I'm in Kent, local dealer is Waldonway. While you're on a reasonably low mileage is main dealer servicing the better option? Any recommended local specialists in my area?
5) Insurance - better deals with club membership?
6) Last of all, driver skills. Bit worried about all the power, especially in the wet. Are they easy to get used to or would anyone recommend a performance driving course - am thinking of doing this to learn how a big rwd car will handle in all weather.
Sorry for such a long one - I look forward to hearing your views & hope to be a regular from now on.
Cheers,
Tim
Tim,
taking it from the top,
Welcome to the mayhem that is PH. It may grow to take up more of your time than you realise
1) Chim 400 - Well lots of people would say 'get a 500 you will only want one after a couple of days/weeks/months'. I went for a 400 as I scared myself with a 500 Griff although I could have been more careful
. Look at a few, drive a few and go for what feels best. The classifieds on PH www.pistonheads.com/ads/list.asp?p=1&s=1 and TVRCC can also be a good source. 2) Dealer / Private - Depends on budget and whether you want a warrenty (for what its worth). I went dealer as I felt more comfortable (although purchased my Tuscan privately). You could alway go a third route like through Rob Ingleby (put into search on here and you will find his number) - A few drives to sort out what you like may be easier via a dealer.
3) Maintenance - Depends on the amount of miles you do. 400-600 for a dealer service, cheaper at an independant. Additional oil, upgrade bits and pieces will add to the cost.
4) I'm in Dorset so cannot comment on this one.
5) Mmmm insurance - best try a few places and choose the best quote for you.
6) Driver skills - take it easy and grow into it was my philosophy. I did a session recently which taught me lots, I now need another session and probably quite a few more.
There a plenty of threads on all of the above - use the search engine to assist in your research.
All IMHO.
Best of luck in finding a car.
Bob
Editted to improve spelling
>> Edited by bob the planner on Monday 30th June 17:20
Alright,
This is just my opinion, having been a TVR owner now for a little over a year, I went though all the same questions when I was buying.
>1) Chim 400 - the best 'starters' TVR?
I thought the same thing, but went for the 500, as it was the ultimate Chimaera, but I did test drive all 3 types first, and am really glad I went for the 500, the different is noticable. That said even the 4.0 is a fast powerful car.
>2) Purchasing - dealer vs. private.
Personally for a 20K budget, I go with a dealer, as you should get a 12 month warrenty. I just couldn't bring myself to spend that kinda money privately, although, I'm certain people have and have been very happy.
>3) Maintenance costs - 1k year about right?
Sounds reasonable, depending on how many miles you do. I only had one service last year as I only did 6K miles, but that cost £690 at a main dealer, I had the odd very minor thing done too, probably cost me another £100 in total. But I do consider myself lucky, and feel I have bought a particulary good car.
>4) Maintenance - While you're on a reasonably low mileage is main dealer servicing the better option?
Can't recommend anyone in your area, but as for Dealer vs Specialist, I think the opinon varies. My first service was with the dealer I bought from, the next service will be a specialist I have heard good things from, plus its half the cost of a dealer, due to the unfairly high (IMO) labour charges of main garages.
>5) Insurance - better deals with club membership?
Shop around, go through the freephone ones in the yellow pages, and try all the TVR ones. I found some mainstream companies were competitive, and while others weren't even on the same planet. But I went with Peart last year and I think Sunninghill this year. You'll find lots of suggestions on the threads here. Of course, it always depends on what you're happy to pay.
>6) Last of all, driver skills.
Lessons I think would be a good thing, you'll probably enjoy the car even more, but I wouldn't say they're essential. I've not done any, but it can only make you a better driver I'd guess. Eitherway, no matter what you do, you'll always have to drive sensibly in the wet, although they're powerful enough to scare the hell outta you in any weather. lol
Does that help even slightly?
This is just my opinion, having been a TVR owner now for a little over a year, I went though all the same questions when I was buying.
>1) Chim 400 - the best 'starters' TVR?
I thought the same thing, but went for the 500, as it was the ultimate Chimaera, but I did test drive all 3 types first, and am really glad I went for the 500, the different is noticable. That said even the 4.0 is a fast powerful car.
>2) Purchasing - dealer vs. private.
Personally for a 20K budget, I go with a dealer, as you should get a 12 month warrenty. I just couldn't bring myself to spend that kinda money privately, although, I'm certain people have and have been very happy.
>3) Maintenance costs - 1k year about right?
Sounds reasonable, depending on how many miles you do. I only had one service last year as I only did 6K miles, but that cost £690 at a main dealer, I had the odd very minor thing done too, probably cost me another £100 in total. But I do consider myself lucky, and feel I have bought a particulary good car.
>4) Maintenance - While you're on a reasonably low mileage is main dealer servicing the better option?
Can't recommend anyone in your area, but as for Dealer vs Specialist, I think the opinon varies. My first service was with the dealer I bought from, the next service will be a specialist I have heard good things from, plus its half the cost of a dealer, due to the unfairly high (IMO) labour charges of main garages.
>5) Insurance - better deals with club membership?
Shop around, go through the freephone ones in the yellow pages, and try all the TVR ones. I found some mainstream companies were competitive, and while others weren't even on the same planet. But I went with Peart last year and I think Sunninghill this year. You'll find lots of suggestions on the threads here. Of course, it always depends on what you're happy to pay.
>6) Last of all, driver skills.
Lessons I think would be a good thing, you'll probably enjoy the car even more, but I wouldn't say they're essential. I've not done any, but it can only make you a better driver I'd guess. Eitherway, no matter what you do, you'll always have to drive sensibly in the wet, although they're powerful enough to scare the hell outta you in any weather. lol
Does that help even slightly?
Welcome 
1) Chim 400 - the best 'starters' TVR? Yes
2) Purchasing - dealer vs. private. depends on you, private is riskier
3) Maintenance costs - 1k year about right?Bank on £2k above that of a normal car
4) Maintenance - I'm in Kent, local dealer is Waldonway. While you're on a reasonably low mileage is main dealer servicing the better option? Any recommended local specialists in my area? don't know
5) Insurance - better deals with club membership?there's been loads of threads recently, best to search through those
6) Last of all, driver skills. Bit worried about all the power, especially in the wet. be sensible, take time to learn grip levels and expect it to oversteer in the wet
1) Chim 400 - the best 'starters' TVR? Yes
2) Purchasing - dealer vs. private. depends on you, private is riskier
3) Maintenance costs - 1k year about right?Bank on £2k above that of a normal car
4) Maintenance - I'm in Kent, local dealer is Waldonway. While you're on a reasonably low mileage is main dealer servicing the better option? Any recommended local specialists in my area? don't know
5) Insurance - better deals with club membership?there's been loads of threads recently, best to search through those
6) Last of all, driver skills. Bit worried about all the power, especially in the wet. be sensible, take time to learn grip levels and expect it to oversteer in the wet
Thanks to all for your replies... only 25 days until I'm back in the UK and can start test driving.
Will definitely bear all of the above in mind when looking. Sounds like my first port of call, as expected will be at the local TVR dealership to try everything out. I think the 400 is probably the best bet for me at the moment - less to insure, less to scare the cr@p out of me when I realise how much grunt there is under the loud pedal!
Can't wait!!!
P.S. One quickie - I've heard the better (more reliable Chim's are) post 96. Is the assumption buy the newest, low milage one you can afford a reasonable one to make?
Will definitely bear all of the above in mind when looking. Sounds like my first port of call, as expected will be at the local TVR dealership to try everything out. I think the 400 is probably the best bet for me at the moment - less to insure, less to scare the cr@p out of me when I realise how much grunt there is under the loud pedal!
Can't wait!!!
P.S. One quickie - I've heard the better (more reliable Chim's are) post 96. Is the assumption buy the newest, low milage one you can afford a reasonable one to make?
Hi there
I am in a similar situation to yourself – moving to job with a company car so wont have other running costs to worry about, wanted a 2 seater fun car to look after for a few years and drove an Elise, S2000 and Chim 400 .. The TVR was the only one that felt genuinely special I have to say..
I am in no hurry to buy as I want to find a real good one for around £20k. From my limited knowledge that will get you a good R plate with around 20k miles from a specialist like Adrian Blyth and it will prob be a one owner car in top condition. I drove the chim from Adrian Blyth and have to say was impressed with the reputation he has and standard of the cars..
You might be surprised by insurance – I was quoted £1040 for a 4.0 chim with direct line ( I am 29, full no claims, High Wycombe) which was cheaper than an alfa V6 spider and an S2000. Don’t know what the 4.5 or 5.0 are like , might be much higher loading..
Anyway, happy hunting !!
Thanks for the encouragement Mr Hunter!
Insurance for me (27, 3yrs NCB in a nice area of Kent) is coming in at about 1400 with it parked on the drive. This is through one of the mainstram net ins agents so I would expect to be able to get a better deal from hunting around.
Elise is too small (great little car tho!) and S2000 just isn't as much bang for your buck. An neither has that V8 roar, or the exclusivity of the TVR!
20k is the upper limit - If I can find something nice at around 17k I will be very, very happy. Like you though I am not going to rush in. I'm going to take my time, try a few and get to know more about the car before I take the plunge. Also really need to get a place with a garage so I'll be able to sleep at night!
Still, I'm determined to do it. Lets see where the journey takes me eh!
Insurance for me (27, 3yrs NCB in a nice area of Kent) is coming in at about 1400 with it parked on the drive. This is through one of the mainstram net ins agents so I would expect to be able to get a better deal from hunting around.
Elise is too small (great little car tho!) and S2000 just isn't as much bang for your buck. An neither has that V8 roar, or the exclusivity of the TVR!
20k is the upper limit - If I can find something nice at around 17k I will be very, very happy. Like you though I am not going to rush in. I'm going to take my time, try a few and get to know more about the car before I take the plunge. Also really need to get a place with a garage so I'll be able to sleep at night!
Still, I'm determined to do it. Lets see where the journey takes me eh!
Hello to a fellow SMOC member
I’d say test drive all the different variants, 4 4.5 and 5, PAS and non-PAS, a 4.3 will be a bit older and below your budget but may still be worth considering.
Are you keeping the mini as well?
If you’re in Kent I’d recommend travelling to David Batty in Guildford for servicing and repairs, walldonway tend to be rather expensive.
Are you going to the SMOC pub meet on Wednesday?
I’d say test drive all the different variants, 4 4.5 and 5, PAS and non-PAS, a 4.3 will be a bit older and below your budget but may still be worth considering.
Are you keeping the mini as well?
If you’re in Kent I’d recommend travelling to David Batty in Guildford for servicing and repairs, walldonway tend to be rather expensive.
Are you going to the SMOC pub meet on Wednesday?
When you're looking at insurance (as I have just been) you will probably find that the 4.0, 4.5 and 5.0 litre versions are actually the same cost to insure - it certainly came out that way with me from Direct Line. Also I found that in restricting myself to 6,000 miles a year I only saved £30 over a 12,000 mile per annum policy.
I tried the TVR "specialists" but didn't find them at all competetive - Direct Line were recommended to me by my wife (she has her Pug 306 diesel insured with them) but also by my boss (who has his Ferrari 355 and Merc ML500 with them). Apparently his insurance is £702 fully comp on the 355!!!
Phil
I tried the TVR "specialists" but didn't find them at all competetive - Direct Line were recommended to me by my wife (she has her Pug 306 diesel insured with them) but also by my boss (who has his Ferrari 355 and Merc ML500 with them). Apparently his insurance is £702 fully comp on the 355!!!
Phil
Hi Paul,
I guess you must be PaulTVR on the SMOC board then eh!
Definitely keeping the Mini - I've tried to sell it twice in the last year and everytime I'm about to put the ad up I have to stop myself. It's just way too much fun. I'm going to take it to AC Dodd later in the summer to have the valves reseated and to see if he can get the bhp to what it was when JCG did the conversion... that said it's still no slouch and regularly embarrasses so called 'hot hatches' in traffic light GP's!
I won't be at the pub meet as I live and work in Germany at the moment. The Cooper is in safe custody with my old man while I'm away... well, I say safe custody but I think he enjoys it more than me, and he's 6'3 with a knee problem!
Thanks for the advice on the TVR bit. Will definitely keep that one in mind. I'm sure I'll have a few more Q's for you over the coming weeks/months too.
Cheers,
Tim
I guess you must be PaulTVR on the SMOC board then eh!
Definitely keeping the Mini - I've tried to sell it twice in the last year and everytime I'm about to put the ad up I have to stop myself. It's just way too much fun. I'm going to take it to AC Dodd later in the summer to have the valves reseated and to see if he can get the bhp to what it was when JCG did the conversion... that said it's still no slouch and regularly embarrasses so called 'hot hatches' in traffic light GP's!
I won't be at the pub meet as I live and work in Germany at the moment. The Cooper is in safe custody with my old man while I'm away... well, I say safe custody but I think he enjoys it more than me, and he's 6'3 with a knee problem!
Thanks for the advice on the TVR bit. Will definitely keep that one in mind. I'm sure I'll have a few more Q's for you over the coming weeks/months too.
Cheers,
Tim
Fashion show's out of the question I'm afraid mate. One of my very inconsiderate friends has decided to go and get married on the 2nd and I'm an usher - which basically means I can't go on the Friday, will miss Saturday and will only just be back in time for Sunday afternoon. 
Some people eh? It's just me, me, me!
Cheers for the offer to join you on one of the TVR meets, I will definitely be in touch.
Tim
Some people eh? It's just me, me, me!
Cheers for the offer to join you on one of the TVR meets, I will definitely be in touch.
Tim
in answer to your questions.
Test drive a few tivies and then decide. i chose the 500 coz it was a beast and the noise sold it too me. Actually went to buy a Tuscan!And i don't have to drive it all the time it is my seconds car.
second price 20K will get you a nice car. at a dealer,I personally went the dealor route, as i wanted the warrenty and full service history for re-sale value. might trade up in a few yrs.
yearly costs no idea yet. But put plenty away fro your petrol these beasties have a healthy appetite for petrol/
insurance.. def look around. I pay 2k garaged low mileage.and no-no claims (they on other car.) M41 postcode adds it all up.
lessons. just treat it with respect.Don;t throw it around bends or roundabouts in the wet,or areas where there may be diesel,and you will be fine. The fun of havng a tivie.
most of all Have fun.!!!!
Test drive a few tivies and then decide. i chose the 500 coz it was a beast and the noise sold it too me. Actually went to buy a Tuscan!And i don't have to drive it all the time it is my seconds car.
second price 20K will get you a nice car. at a dealer,I personally went the dealor route, as i wanted the warrenty and full service history for re-sale value. might trade up in a few yrs.
yearly costs no idea yet. But put plenty away fro your petrol these beasties have a healthy appetite for petrol/
insurance.. def look around. I pay 2k garaged low mileage.and no-no claims (they on other car.) M41 postcode adds it all up.
lessons. just treat it with respect.Don;t throw it around bends or roundabouts in the wet,or areas where there may be diesel,and you will be fine. The fun of havng a tivie.
most of all Have fun.!!!!
had my 4.0 chim a few weeks and it has never yet felt even threatening to get out of shape despite having been hussled along pretty energetically (probably would if I braked in a corner or something like that) but will be very careful if I ever take it out in the wet! the guy who fixes it (and did for the previous owner) drives it regularly and says that in the dry "it has more balls than you will have!"
S Works said:
1) Chim 400 - the best 'starters' TVR?
2) Purchasing - dealer vs. private.
3) Maintenance costs - 1k year about right?
4) Maintenance - I'm in Kent, local dealer is Waldonway. While you're on a reasonably low mileage is main dealer servicing the better option? Any recommended local specialists in my area?
5) Insurance - better deals with club membership?
6) Last of all, driver skills. Bit worried about all the power, especially in the wet. Are they easy to get used to or would anyone recommend a performance driving course - am thinking of doing this to learn how a big rwd car will handle in all weather.
Sorry for such a long one - I look forward to hearing your views & hope to be a regular from now on.
Cheers,
Tim
1) Depends on how much self restraint you have, they're all fast, it just varies a bit how fast. Drive a few and see how they differ for yourself.
2) As a first timer, unless you're a wiz' wit' spanners, I'd say dealer or private with the assistance of someone like Rob Ingelby. At the very least, get anything you intend to buy inspected by a TVR expert (Independent or Dealer) to guard against overlooking something expensive with your rose tinted glasses on.
3) See my profile. Mine is a well behaved 500, I do about 10000 a year and it's a good bit more than 1k. Mail me through profile if you want more detail.
4) Dealers are dearer obviously and depending on the age of the car, independent servicing may not have any affect on the residuals of the car.
5) All chimaeras cost the same to insure, be they 4, 4.5 or 5L.
6) I went round an auto test course with a friend in his Griff 500 at Back Home this year. It was bucketing down and the level of grip way more than either he or I were expecting. Errors in technique are more likely to be shown up in the wet, so make sure you're doing it right in the dry and then take it easy if you do get caught out by a shower. Whichever car you buy, never plant your foot, always squeeze the accelerator or brake on progressively, sudden changes are much more likely to cause a break in traction. When you're a bit happier with the car, I'd say it's worth doing an airfield day or trackday with instruction. It's a hoot and what's more you'll gain a lot of confidence in the car and learn a huge amount.
Best of luck with the search,
Steve
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