From an S to a Chim...?
Discussion
I've had my S3c since November, and enjoyed every minute of it... buying a TVR was probably one of the best things I've ever done.
However, I'm currently running it as my second car and thinking of chopping them both in (the S and the Escort) for a Chim.
Now I know M@H did this, and the Chim (probably a 4.0) would be my ONLY car - covering about 12k a year. I know the running costs etc etc, but interested in opinions from people who have done what I am thinking of doing.
Any regrets..?
(M@H I'd welcome your thoughts too).
However, I'm currently running it as my second car and thinking of chopping them both in (the S and the Escort) for a Chim.
Now I know M@H did this, and the Chim (probably a 4.0) would be my ONLY car - covering about 12k a year. I know the running costs etc etc, but interested in opinions from people who have done what I am thinking of doing.
Any regrets..?
(M@H I'd welcome your thoughts too).
Can't see any problems with it to be honest mate (yeah I know I've got a Griff, but the Chim is even more practical!). You'll be looking at around a grand a year in servicing costs if you go to an indie (e.g. David Gerald, Offord's etc.). Petrol will be pricey too, but not outrageous - I get about 20-25mpg which isn't much worse than my 200sx. I've been driving the Griff every day this summer and am loving it. Tyres could be pricey, but I am yet to have to change them....
Go on, you know you want to!
Go on, you know you want to!
I made the change from an S3 to a 4.5 Chimeara about 8 weeks ago. This is not a daily driver, but I can comment on some aspects of the change.
I miss the classic lines of the S, had I the space and the money I would have kept both! But this may be my age, as I am 54yrs. (the wife insisted I sold the S first)
There is more free space in the cockpit of an S than in a Chimeara, so if you are a big bloke, check this out carefully. Also the battery at the bottom of the footwell of the Chim' can be uncomfortable for some long legged passengers. There is a lot more space in the Chimeara's boot.
The Chimeara's extra performance is simply awesome. You need to experience the difference and you will definitely want to change.
You will meet a nicer class of person driving a Chimeara and miss all your old mates that drive an S.
If you have to worry about how much extra petrol you are going to use, then don't buy a Chimeara. You need to be able to simply fill her up and enjoy it.
I miss the classic lines of the S, had I the space and the money I would have kept both! But this may be my age, as I am 54yrs. (the wife insisted I sold the S first)
There is more free space in the cockpit of an S than in a Chimeara, so if you are a big bloke, check this out carefully. Also the battery at the bottom of the footwell of the Chim' can be uncomfortable for some long legged passengers. There is a lot more space in the Chimeara's boot.
The Chimeara's extra performance is simply awesome. You need to experience the difference and you will definitely want to change.
You will meet a nicer class of person driving a Chimeara and miss all your old mates that drive an S.
If you have to worry about how much extra petrol you are going to use, then don't buy a Chimeara. You need to be able to simply fill her up and enjoy it.
I run my chim as a joint first car (both 12000 miles per year) and would run the chim as my only car if I could afford to.
For the first time my car has been off the raod for a couple of days, but nothing that cannot be sorted with the help of this forum in a couple of days and as you'll know what to look for, theres no reason why you won't get a good one.
Running every other day seems to do mine the power of good and I would love to do the other 12000 miles in it, but petrol dictates my 1.2 clio for economy.
I don't know a lot about the S, but the Chimaera can and likes being run every day, and is practical enough to do so.
T-J-K
Over the recent (warmer) weather I've run the S more and more on a daily basis, and yes it's happier in daily use.
The Escort is at that age that also requires TLC and money, and it seems to me that I'm spending similar amounts on both cars, to what I would on a Chim. I had considered the Griff, but I really could do with the slightly better practicality of the Chim.
Hence the question...
The Escort is at that age that also requires TLC and money, and it seems to me that I'm spending similar amounts on both cars, to what I would on a Chim. I had considered the Griff, but I really could do with the slightly better practicality of the Chim.
Hence the question...
Podie said:
(M@H I'd welcome your thoughts too).
Hi, I will comment later in detail... (got two meetings just now) ..but its not all as fun as it sounds.. there's pros and cons for everything.
Cheers,
Matt.
Edited to add.. Wish I'd kept the S and saved the extra 6K actually..
>> Edited by M@H on Thursday 17th July 13:02
, see my Profile for expenditures ... kind of depends what your drive to work is like! 
Hi Podie
You probably already know my views on this one. Love my Chimp 500 to bits and it is as practical/reliable/fast as you would imagine. HOWEVER I always regretted selling the S. The chimp is more capable in every way except at putting a grin on your face (...DUCK!)Hence we have just added a V8S to the stable again.....which is nice. Read into that what you will. If you're not in the lucky position of being able to run two TVRs and hate getting stuck in the drivers seat of a tin box, then as an "only car" the Chimp is unsurpassed.
I'd keep the S, with the money saved run the S year round and keep the Escort for more arduous tasks (ever tried to fit a chest of draws into a Chimp!?)
Kevin
You probably already know my views on this one. Love my Chimp 500 to bits and it is as practical/reliable/fast as you would imagine. HOWEVER I always regretted selling the S. The chimp is more capable in every way except at putting a grin on your face (...DUCK!)Hence we have just added a V8S to the stable again.....which is nice. Read into that what you will. If you're not in the lucky position of being able to run two TVRs and hate getting stuck in the drivers seat of a tin box, then as an "only car" the Chimp is unsurpassed.
I'd keep the S, with the money saved run the S year round and keep the Escort for more arduous tasks (ever tried to fit a chest of draws into a Chimp!?)
Kevin
simpo one said:
Paul V wrote: 'I wouldn’t have gone from the S to a 4 litre as the performance wasn’t worth the extra money'
I went from S3 to Griff 4.0 and the difference was astounding. Much greater than the meagre step from 4.0 to 4.3 or even, dare I say, to 500 (which I currently have)
Got to agree with you here. Had a fun day the Saturday before last driving my S3 and my Brothers 4.0 Chimaera in turns. The Chimaera was a LOT faster.
My S was a good one managed about 180 bhp on the rollers with only a small amount of work to the heads, 3 angle seats etc, when Pete Humphries followed me at Zolder (until the next over taking point 
) he said it was as quick as a 4.0 Griff/Chimera, the reason why I went for a 500 was the increase in power made it worth changing, still really miss my S though, if I could go back I’d probably keep it over the Griff!
managed about 180 bhp on the rollers with only a small amount of work to the heads, 3 angle seats etc, when Pete Humphries followed me at Zolder (until the next over taking point ) he said it was as quick as a 4.0 Griff/Chimera, the reason why I went for a 500 was the increase in power made it worth changing, still really miss my S though, if I could go back I’d probably keep it over the Griff!Paul V said:
My S was a good one
Fancy a swap?
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