Slightly nervous - about to take the plunge

[Lancashire2cheshire]

Hi

I have to admit to lurking on the forum for a while, but registered today, as I am now committed to get a Chimaera.

I am looking to have it as a 2nd car, for the weekend and the odd blast to work. I do not have a garage, but I do have a driveway big enough to accomm the Chim and my daily drive.

There are 2 reasons I have not yet taken the plunge. Primarily its the risk of buying a lemon. Secondary its the cost of running, however having read a number of threads on here, seems as though the running costs look containable, on the proviso I buy the right car in the first place. . . . . .so, back to Primary concern!

I would not know a good outrigger from a bad outrigger if I saw one? boot hinges? and as for checking for clutch wear, hot/cold start, trashed/not trashed, I'd be guessing at best.

I am therefore looking for some advice:

Best place to buy. Simply trawl Pistonheads/Autotrader, or perhaps a dealer, or am I going to pay a massive premium for a dealer supplied car? . . . .recommendations for any dealers in North/North West who generally have good stock/aftersales?

Feels as though given my background I should get an inspection. . . . if so, how much should I budget for, and how do I find someone reputable, given that the car could be a fair way from home, and I would assume therefore I would need an inspection local to the car. Is there a register of inspection people/places anywhere?

Do any of you know of any good cars coming up for sale. . . . .you know, usual mechanical/bodywork gripes addressed, caring/honest owner, good price?

I am in Wilmslow, Cheshire, but am prepared to travel anywhere within reason for the right car.

Sorry this is a bit of a wide one I know, and some of the above has been covered in other threads, albeit some time ago. All part of what is a big step for me, so any advice very welcomed

Cheers

Mark

[Lancashire2cheshire]

Wow, amazing feedback, I am well impressed, this helps an awful lot. Just got to find her now, armed with some insight! Cannot wait, I'll be sure to keep you informed, and maybe ask opinions when I find what looks to be a goer. Cheers, Mark

[Lancashire2cheshire]

Jimed, when/where is the next meet for Manc/Chesh club?

Oh, and I think 4 litre is enough to start with. No doubt scare the **it out of me :-)

Mark

[Lancashire2cheshire]

Unfortunately I am in London on Tuesday/Wednesday with work, so will not be able to make the meet, but definitely next time.

TJC46 - That's an amazingly kind gesture, to let me have a look at your car. . . to be honest most of the cars for sale appear to be down south, so its proving a little difficult, given other commitments. Feel like the 16 year old with his nose pushed up against the pub window! I will email you through the site.

In the meantime, I have been on the trail.

This is at top of my budget, not sure about the colour, but seems to have everything done, and would hopefully not require much spending on it for a while:

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

This has been around a while. I know not stock, but I like the lights:

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

And this one from Britannia, a dealer with a warranty:

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

Not sure if its 'right' to ask for views, or whether that's not the done thing.

Cheers all, loving the forum, and the sun is out today, which means I now need one, rather than wanting one!

Mark

[Lancashire2cheshire]

Hopefully off to see the one in Altrincham, tonight. It's still for sale, but a prospective buyer is ahead of me in queue who has been promised first refusal.

[Lancashire2cheshire]

Hi, went to look at the green v plate as advertised on TVR Ownersclub website tonight. The good: seems genuine 1 owner car, with good history and 49k on clock. Original bill of sale, receipts for work over years including outrigger work, albeit 8 years ago now. Colour good, roof in good condition, has lived in a garage all its life. The not so good: the paintwork has scratches on most panels, nothing sinister, just scratches and quite a lot of them. The outriggers do have rust on them, but not enough of an expert to say whether a problem or not. The wing mirror needs attention, it's hanging off a little, and remote open from centre console does not work that side, the interior is in good nick but elec window switches need reseating, and electric windows are slow to close. All dials do work though. Original service book has been misplaced, although it is around. Bauer Millett have looked after car since new, so missing history evidence may be obtainable, maybe not. Went for a ride, as passenger, engine pulled well but clutch appears to judder a little, possibly slips a little, but did not drive so cannot really tell.

As mentioned the lady selling has promised first refusal to someone down south who is supposed to be sending someone up to look at it on 18th.

So, in summary, looks honest, needs some tlc and possibly a re spray longer term. Outriggers and clutch would need checking by someone more qualified than me.

Any ideas what a new clutch would cost, if required?

Any ideas on re spray in same colour?

Any comments and help, or views welcome, it's up for £8.5k!

Mark

[Lancashire2cheshire]

Yes, the one owner part is clearly a draw, but the more I think about it, the more the scratches would niggle me, and the more I'd have to get a re spray, so perhaps it's a fair price rather than cheap given other unknowns. Still, let's see, I said I was interested, having thought about it she may decide she would rather have cash from a local, rather than the promise of someone coming north to have a look in a week or so (I know what I would do in her position), until then, no decision to make on my part, so search continues!!

Oh, and yes, the burble of the 400 makes me want one more!

[Lancashire2cheshire]

Oh and no, to answer the earlier question, not faired in headlights.