Buying my first tvr

[michael-87zzv]

Hi all, new to tvr ownership and the forums here.

I'm looking at a Chimaera here on pistonheads, the cars had plenty of mechanical work over the last few years with most of the usual problems fixed by tvr specialists. the body is a little scruffy but I am a perfectionist. should I be worried if the car looks a little scruffy and will most likely need a new roof in the future. the car is £11000 1999. according to receipts its had at least 7/8k spent on mechanicals including the outriggers.

the body isn't too bad and has been painted at some point but has chips on the door edges and things like that.

Any advise greatfully received.
Mike

[michael-87zzv]

Thanks Medieval. My thinking was that as long as mechanicals are sound, the chassis seems strong and it will be MOTed as a condition of me buying it.

[michael-87zzv]

sapper said:

Everyone will tell you to buy on condition. The one your looking at has a good history and new outriggers that's a massive plus, shows someone has looks after it. Plus a new clutch plus a few other bits id say its defiantly worth a look.

Did you mean has it had a new clutch? as ive not said it had one!

[michael-87zzv]

heres a link.

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/t...

Obviously I don't want to offend the owner if he is reading this but the car is a 30th birthday present so want to be sure.

Thanks

[michael-87zzv]

I was expecting some wear on the body and yes it will be driven don't worry. my partner is buying the car so have to get what pleases her also. the roof isnt too bad just coming away behind the behind the passenger window which as it happens has a small gap towards the rear. is there any adjustment available?

Thanks

[michael-87zzv]

Thanks all for you help I'll show the wife now what you've said.

Thanks again.

[michael-87zzv]

I believe the outriggers were done at tvrs in Wellington who has also said he gave the car a thorough check over and he will also will be moting it before I commit to buying. So was thinking it can't be half bad.

[michael-87zzv]

didn't get the car in the end. the owner would accept what my wife offered. she wasn't sure the car although had lots of work done was cared for but had the work more out of necessity from hard use. still ill keep looking. I can see her reasoning.

[michael-87zzv]

The wife felt it had been rather well used. As it happens we've bought one. We went to a specialist open day and found one for sale that had been owned by a mature gent for the last 15 years and garaged all its life so felt it was a good car and felt like the right one.

[michael-87zzv]

It was the blue chimaera that was parked in the oposite side of the garage it's on the tvrs site for sale. Fell in love.

[michael-87zzv]

I hope to pick it up next weekend and it will be a long week I can tell you. It's the 4ltr with an uprated cam I believe but has a brake upgrade and has been lovingly looked after from what I can see. I hope to go to local meets and shows ASAP.

[michael-87zzv]

Thanks. And thanks for all you help guys. It's been very helpful and I'm sure I'll be on here again seeking advice. Touch wood all will go smoothly getting it home but it will give it a good run.

Thanks again

[michael-87zzv]

igiveup said:

Top one here?, looks good. Heated seats too, bonus!

http://www.tvrssw.com/tvr-chimaera/4583543784

I that's the beauty. Can't wait

[michael-87zzv]

heres some pics but are the ones from the advert as not picked the car up yet.

[michael-87zzv]

TVRJAS said:

It's nice to spend other peoples money

I like but must keep my prioraties right first and get a good cover for it.

[michael-87zzv]

J400GED said:

michael-87zzv said:

heres some pics but are the ones from the advert as not picked the car up yet.

Nice!

The hood looks to be folded nice and low as well, I'm intrigued as to whether it is an original hood and, if it has been replaced, the shape of the rear window.

I believe the roof is the original but the rear window is split slightly on both sides the owner dropped the price a bit so we could get that replaced

[michael-87zzv]

ChilliWhizz said:

Bought my Leven cover second hand about four years ago, brilliant bit of kit

Do you not worry about paint damage from being outside? That's my main concern as we get debris from the house roof when heavy rain sets in.

[michael-87zzv]

I think a full cover is going to be my only option.

[michael-87zzv]

no worries