TVR Ownership - The Beginning
Discussion
Hello all,
I am considering entering the world of TVR ownership and would appreciate a little advice of those 'in the know'.
This will be purely used as a weekend/fun car. No commutes and will be put on a limited mileage insurance policy. Realistically, I have a budget of 5,000 to 6,000 to play with.
Every now and then, Chimaeras appear in the classifieds for in and around this budget. Some reports reckon that these are best avoided as rust can be an issue. Although it is always the case to buy on condition and not to make broad statements, would anyone have any opinions on the earlier Chimaeras?
Failing Chimaera ownership, a wedge or S2/S3 would be an interesting prospect. I am not too familiar with the cars and would appreciate any advice. Is the classifieds section here generally the best place to look or could anyone point me in the direction of other possible advertisements. Or, indeed, even specific cars for sale?
I'm probably being very open ended here but this is really all I have to go with at the moment. All help/tips/advice are greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
John.
I am considering entering the world of TVR ownership and would appreciate a little advice of those 'in the know'.
This will be purely used as a weekend/fun car. No commutes and will be put on a limited mileage insurance policy. Realistically, I have a budget of 5,000 to 6,000 to play with.
Every now and then, Chimaeras appear in the classifieds for in and around this budget. Some reports reckon that these are best avoided as rust can be an issue. Although it is always the case to buy on condition and not to make broad statements, would anyone have any opinions on the earlier Chimaeras?
Failing Chimaera ownership, a wedge or S2/S3 would be an interesting prospect. I am not too familiar with the cars and would appreciate any advice. Is the classifieds section here generally the best place to look or could anyone point me in the direction of other possible advertisements. Or, indeed, even specific cars for sale?
I'm probably being very open ended here but this is really all I have to go with at the moment. All help/tips/advice are greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
John.
Edited by Johnny 89 on Monday 25th March 19:16
Tne S is a nice car to drive and not too expensive either but as usual it needs to be in decent condition.
As an alternative it may be worth having a look at the Blackpool TVR Club website as there is an advert for a Chim which X Works is selling on behalf of someone (or contact X Works directly - tel 01772 684448). That is sensibly priced and could be worth a look.
Jim
As an alternative it may be worth having a look at the Blackpool TVR Club website as there is an advert for a Chim which X Works is selling on behalf of someone (or contact X Works directly - tel 01772 684448). That is sensibly priced and could be worth a look.
Jim
Hi John,
The Classifieds on here, also the TVR Car Club Classifieds, and eBay are all good places to search.
I would recommend joining your local TVR Club branch and talk to as many owners as you can, they are mostly a friendly bunch & only too happy to advise.
As stated, the most important factor in any of the models you seek is chassis condition, especially outriggers behind the front wheels & in front of the rear wheels, also the seat belt mountings. These are all prone to corrosion which can be difficult to inspect without removing the wheels, & even then there are hidden areas. Budget around 2k for basic replacement unless you fancy a DIY body lift and you're handy at welding.
If you can get one that's already been done properly, you're most of the way there.
The rest is about overall mechanical, electrical & bodywork condition, & history.
Always HPI check any car before you buy. When you find a nice one, get a second opinion on it to offset the "rose tinted glasses" effect.
Whichever TVR you get, you are going to enjoy it.
By the way, whereabouts in the NW are you located? I'm in Stockport.
The Classifieds on here, also the TVR Car Club Classifieds, and eBay are all good places to search.
I would recommend joining your local TVR Club branch and talk to as many owners as you can, they are mostly a friendly bunch & only too happy to advise.
As stated, the most important factor in any of the models you seek is chassis condition, especially outriggers behind the front wheels & in front of the rear wheels, also the seat belt mountings. These are all prone to corrosion which can be difficult to inspect without removing the wheels, & even then there are hidden areas. Budget around 2k for basic replacement unless you fancy a DIY body lift and you're handy at welding.
If you can get one that's already been done properly, you're most of the way there.
The rest is about overall mechanical, electrical & bodywork condition, & history.
Always HPI check any car before you buy. When you find a nice one, get a second opinion on it to offset the "rose tinted glasses" effect.
Whichever TVR you get, you are going to enjoy it.
By the way, whereabouts in the NW are you located? I'm in Stockport.
Thanks for the replies all.
I am going to go down to the Neil Garner Open Day which takes place on Saturday. Hopefully this will offer an oppertunity to have a chat with owners and take a look around some of their cars.
Following this, I'll get in touch with x works regarding the Chim.
@ Glenrobbo,
I'm not far from you at all. I'm in Sale.
I am going to go down to the Neil Garner Open Day which takes place on Saturday. Hopefully this will offer an oppertunity to have a chat with owners and take a look around some of their cars.
Following this, I'll get in touch with x works regarding the Chim.
@ Glenrobbo,
I'm not far from you at all. I'm in Sale.
jimed said:
Tne S is a nice car to drive and not too expensive either but as usual it needs to be in decent condition.
As an alternative it may be worth having a look at the Blackpool TVR Club website as there is an advert for a Chim which X Works is selling on behalf of someone (or contact X Works directly - tel 01772 684448). That is sensibly priced and could be worth a look.
Jim
The car at X-Works looks very nice. I was considering it. Great colour and it's had the chassis work already done. As an alternative it may be worth having a look at the Blackpool TVR Club website as there is an advert for a Chim which X Works is selling on behalf of someone (or contact X Works directly - tel 01772 684448). That is sensibly priced and could be worth a look.
Jim
jimed said:
Tne S is a nice car to drive and not too expensive either but as usual it needs to be in decent condition.
As an alternative it may be worth having a look at the Blackpool TVR Club website as there is an advert for a Chim which X Works is selling on behalf of someone (or contact X Works directly - tel 01772 684448). That is sensibly priced and could be worth a look.
Jim
Thanks,As an alternative it may be worth having a look at the Blackpool TVR Club website as there is an advert for a Chim which X Works is selling on behalf of someone (or contact X Works directly - tel 01772 684448). That is sensibly priced and could be worth a look.
Jim
Any link to this car? Is it the yellow Chim which is advertised on the old site? It looks stunning.
Johnny 89 said:
Thanks,
Any link to this car? Is it the yellow Chim which is advertised on the old site? It looks stunning.
No it's the blue one one the new site.Any link to this car? Is it the yellow Chim which is advertised on the old site? It looks stunning.
http://tvrblackpool.com/for-sale/855-2/
I'm from the Blackpool region and can confirm that's a lovely car and has been looked after by X-Works.
Johnny 89 said:
Thanks for the replies all.
I am going to go down to the Neil Garner Open Day which takes place on Saturday. Hopefully this will offer an oppertunity to have a chat with owners and take a look around some of their cars.
Following this, I'll get in touch with x works regarding the Chim.
@ Glenrobbo,
I'm not far from you at all. I'm in Sale.
I'm an ex Chim owner but will be happy to have a chat about ownership with you over a coffee on Saturday if you want? There'll be loads of owners there but the offers open I am going to go down to the Neil Garner Open Day which takes place on Saturday. Hopefully this will offer an oppertunity to have a chat with owners and take a look around some of their cars.
Following this, I'll get in touch with x works regarding the Chim.
@ Glenrobbo,
I'm not far from you at all. I'm in Sale.
You need to go to one of the local nights for TVR at the Swan with two nicks in Little Bollington. Just near Dunham Park, round the back, though I am sure you know it. 2nd Tuesday of the Month.
I am also in Sale should you ever get one and wonder who else is local. I would avoid the Speed six as a first car if budgets are tight, the Chimaera sounds the right car to start with. It can take some 'hanging on in there' if you get a car that hits you with bigger than normal bills.
I am also in Sale should you ever get one and wonder who else is local. I would avoid the Speed six as a first car if budgets are tight, the Chimaera sounds the right car to start with. It can take some 'hanging on in there' if you get a car that hits you with bigger than normal bills.
Thanks V8 GRF and zed4 for the info. on the blue car, very much appreciated. It certainly looks good and a nice colour as mentioned.
I may have to take a closer look at that one. I'll probably leave it until after the weekend though as I would like to have a chat with some owners first.
Zippee, it would be great to have a chat with you at the weekend? What will you be driving so as to allow me to pick you out of the crowd?
softtop, sound advice. I'll try and get along to the Swan next time. Interesting that you're in Sale. Hopefully see you out and about some day.
I may have to take a closer look at that one. I'll probably leave it until after the weekend though as I would like to have a chat with some owners first.
Zippee, it would be great to have a chat with you at the weekend? What will you be driving so as to allow me to pick you out of the crowd?
softtop, sound advice. I'll try and get along to the Swan next time. Interesting that you're in Sale. Hopefully see you out and about some day.
Johnny 89 said:
Zippee, it would be great to have a chat with you at the weekend? What will you be driving so as to allow me to pick you out of the crowd?
.
I'll be in a silver T350 which will be in the for sale area (should be a separate area for these cars so easy to find) and my mobile number will be on the ad in the window so feel free to call .
My bit of advice is don't be sold by the sound, easier said than done otherwise you could end up with a money pit. Go and have a look at a few for sale at TVR dealers and get use to having a good look around them, so when you find one that intersets you, you are familiar with what you are looking at and have a comparison. Happy hunting.
Thanks for all the information so far guys. Much appreciated and a great help.
I have seen a couple of cars at this stage. One thing that I would lke to know from someone with experience, what are the pros and cons of an early car with an LT77 gearbox versus a later car with a T5 gearbox?
I have seen a couple of cars at this stage. One thing that I would lke to know from someone with experience, what are the pros and cons of an early car with an LT77 gearbox versus a later car with a T5 gearbox?
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