chimaera or cerbera?

[timinnes]

I sold my old s1 about 4 years ago and have missed having a TVR ever since. I've been looking at the ads and want to spend an absolute max of 18/19 k - I love convertables but the cerbera seems so much more car for the money, and more affordable these days. Any suggestions? - also have the reliability probs with the apj engine been sorted ? cheers if anyone can ofer some good advice.

[Hut49]

I took the TVR plunge back in the spring and I too thought long and hard about chim or cerb. I looked (well drooled actually) at both their curvy shapes and eventually decided that I just had to have it off.

The thought of sitting inside a TVR on sunny days left me cold and I went for the Chim so I could have the roof off whenever it wasn't raining (the heater's exceptionally good! in all weathers!). However I'm not a fair-weather motorist and I fully intend to use the chim through the winter.

I haven't regretted the choice once.

I'm sure whichever you ultimately choose you won't be disappointed.

Hutch

[douglasr]

quote:I sold my old s1 about 4 years ago and have missed having a TVR ever since. I've been looking at the ads and want to spend an absolute max of 18/19 k - I love convertables but the cerbera seems so much more car for the money, and more affordable these days. Any suggestions? - also have the reliability probs with the apj engine been sorted ? cheers if anyone can ofer some good advice.

What is you budget and how much are you willing to leave in the bank to service it? (The Cerb is quite a bit more expensive to service).

[MikeyT]

Better to get a mid-priced Chim (15/16k) and leave a grand or two for emergencies/improvements than spend all your budget getting a Cerb (you'll only get an early 4.2 for the money you've got) and then have no readies left over to spend on it which you will a) want to do and b) may have to do.

With Cerbs it pays to get the best one you can afford (unless you get a truly sorted early one, not easy to find though).

IMO obviously.

Mike (green Chim and a bit in the bank in case of emergencies, but would love a Cerb!)

[brentonw]

On the one hand, I'd go for the Cerb because it has wonderful lines,a rollover cage,feels very stable, 2 extra seats, superb interior, it doesn't leak,is now sorted, is not being replaced (although we haven't seen the Tamora Coupe yet)and we only get a few weeks sunshine every 12 months but..... on the other hand the Chim has a proven engine, can go topless, is very easy to drive, will cost less to run ....try them both on a long test drive - you'll know soon enough.

[Byff]

If you've got kids or thinking of getting them, Cerb every time. If they can squeeze into those seats, it's so much better going out with the family rather than having to get a baby sitter cos your cars only got 2 seats.

[thirsty]

I bought a 98 (S) Chim 450 last April. I really love that car !! I recently got the fever to upgrade after seening a gorgeous Cerb sitting on the fore court at a local dealer.

After looking at cost, reliability, fun (hood down), I decided to keep what I had. I am sure the Cerb has more grunt than you imagine, but I love my Chim and can't see paying the extra money for the Cerb.

Some would, so I guess it's a matter of taste. (After all, I hear a Cerbera can really rock and roll !)

thirsty

[basher]

CERBERA.If you can afford it (V8 only IMO)then get it.Difference bewtween a fantastic sports car and a full on race car...get the Cerbie and you will know the difference...
No more comments needed.

[davidd]

quote:
CERBERA.If you can afford it (V8 only IMO)then get it.Difference bewtween a fantastic sports car and a full on race car...get the Cerbie and you will know the difference...
No more comments needed.

I'd agree with Basher, the only reasons to buy a Chim (if we forget for one moment the looks and sound) are that you can take the top off and they are a bit cheaper to run. A Cerbera is much better in every other respect. Looks wise it is up to you.

D.

[simond001]

I'd go Chimaera 5.0
Having run both at same time, i regret selling Chimaera, but only for the roof off poseability. The Cerb is awesome, but i dont find it relaxing the way the Chimp was. Its an all out speed, noise, handling, backfiring, grin maker.

Maybe im glad i kept it.

Damn