10K Chimp's?

[Phil C]

Just seen this:

Chimaera - 1994 [m],cooper green, 50,000mls,most service stamps,new back tyres,new mot,good clean condition,£10,500.

What do people think this means for 'S' values? It's not the first Chimaera I've seen at this level. Believe me, as the very keen owner of an S3 I don't want 'talk' values down. However, I'm in two minds - one part of me is thinking, having owned mine for about 3 years....wouldn't mind a V8 - particularly a V8S - but if I can also get a newer Chimaera, for similar money, (as long as the condition is OK) then it is tempting.

Are they a different market? Friendly debate - not trying to ruffle any feathers.....

[RichardR]

I reckon it's a different market as the rarity of the V8S will keep those values up, and the V6 S models offering more affordable TVR motoring than the Chimaeras, all IMHO of course.

[RUPERT12UK]

I agree with RichardR I think the S is a different market, lower running costs, rawer, more grins etc etc - that said I have noticed alot of Chim for circa £10k - £12k that look in good nick and would prove excellent value which has caused me to think....

[S3 Kieran]

I was warned: early Chims/Griffs tempting at £10/11k mark, but could be the start of a love affair with the bank manager - early models usually need more fixes, whereas late S's well sorted.

:waitsforearlygriffownershoutingbollox:

[Shnozz]

I shall let you people know

[mike j smith]

Shnozz, it would be interesting if you could give us an update in a few months about how the Chimaera compares to the S as I am thinking about a Chim or Griff next!!!

[S3 Kieran]

Really excellent write up comparing the two on the board somewhere recently - sorry, can't be arsed to look for it, but I bet someone can point it to you - there were loads of replies saying it was a blinding write up.....

edtited cos I can't sprell!

>> Edited by S3 Kieran on Thursday 14th August 16:42

[mike j smith]

Just saw this on Auto Traders web site.

1993 TVR CHIMAERA 4.0 2dr Convertible,
1993, 42000 miles, British Racing Green. Biscuit Leather interior, Full service history, New Tyres, long MOT, Garaged, cherished by current owner for last 4 years.. £8,995.

Sounds a bargain wonder what condition its in????

[Pies]

FWIW to me an add that says good clean condition basically means tatty the amount of "cheap" chims i saw all looked tatty,
Thats not to say they aren't any honest clean cars out there
Cars advertised as excellent are to me in good condion

:fussysodpies:

[Rower]

I reckon Ss are likely to hold their values rather better than Chims, there are a lot less of them for a start! I think that they attract buyers ( like me ) looking for a 2nd or 3rd car , loads of character in terms of driving and looks somthing different from the norm, to my eye Chims are just.... OK an S has a retro appeal , something to use as much as posible but not as an everyday hack, having said that a lot of PH ers do use them for that but tend to upgrade to something a little ( I mean a little ) more refined like a Chim after a relativly short time. I still reckon that to buy a top quality S3 you will need to pay about 7K which is pretty much what they were going for 16months ago when i bought mine, dealers have been asking more and i assume getting it .
Sorry about the length of this I am keen to keep my residual up !

[shnozz]

Pies said:

FWIW to me an add that says good clean condition basically means tatty the amount of "cheap" chims i saw all looked tatty, Thats not to say they aren't any honest clean cars out there Cars advertised as excellent are to me in good condion :fussysodpies:

I agree Pies - when I was looking for a replacement to the S I viewed several cars described as "good condition"

I use my TVR's every day and therefore the S wasnt as mint as those that are tinkered with during the week and given the odd run at the weekend. Having said that, it was certainly in very good condition and far better than any replacements I viewed that were considered "good condition".

In some instances, good meant large paintwork chips, mismatched tyres, rear screen impossible to see out of, ripped and tatty hood, kerbed alloys etc etc - ie looked good from 30 yards but up close it was a nail. The chassis condition didnt appear to come into peoples heads when describing the condition

[Skunkmiester]

Would a chimp owner be able to get classic insurance? One of the things that I love about my S3 is that I get affordable insurance.

[chin up]

Yep, that insurance thought crossed my mind, too. I pay £340 at the moment with classicline. For a 4.0 pre-cat griff that figure would become £570 or so, which I didn't think was unreasonable.

Like most of the postings here though, it seems finding a good, honest, unmolested car is the difficult bit. I am sticking with my 's' at the mo because I can't find a pre-cat griff in as good condition as my current car for love nor money......which begs the question, would there be any point in spending upwards of 15k on something which isn't as nice. Answer: no way I'll stick to my s for now, and if the right car comes along, then maybe.

[yellabelly]

S3 Kieran said:

Really excellent write up comparing the two on the board somewhere recently - sorry, can't be arsed to look for it, but I bet someone can point it to you - there were loads of replies saying it was a blinding write up..... edtited cos I can't sprell! >> Edited by S3 Kieran on Thursday 14th August 16:42

Kieran, I think this is the one, it was M@H who wrote it:-

www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&f=8&t=48551

[S3 Kieran]

Nice one YB - that's the one on page 2

[Shnozz]

well so far impressions are that its a completely different car. very sure footed compared to the S. Turn in isnt so sharp but certainly more stable and no more 80 mph+ wobbles that had the base of my stomach churning. My S was allegedly a "strong performer" and the basic 4 litre chim is very much quicker, no more heavy footed acceleration when turning sideways from stationary out of junction...

different animal and wouldnt personally compare the 2. all i would say is try one for yourself. It still excited me having headlights and brakes that work at the moment

couple of pics of the new toy..





and couldnt resist this one

[Podie]

Shnozz said:

Well that's answered THAT question...

[shnozz]

couldnt resist that pic!

[Psychobert]

[monty python stylee] Splitter! [/monty python stylee] Meant to do that earlier..

Glad the car is going well mate.. Now about the doors..