Help and advice needed for chimaera purchase

[wrinkly]

Want (ie NEED) to buy a Chimaera. Have seen a few, and there are two in particular that I am interested in, but need some input from you experienced, knowledgeable, kind, guys (hope that's enough creeping to get some feedback).
The first is at a dealer - 95M with 49k, good history etc at around £16k. The second is private, 97P with 38k, with fair but chequered history for £10.5k.
The question is, do I go for the (sorted) older, higher mileage, dealer backed one, or the cheaper, newer, lower mileage one and put £5k into it to bring it up to a good standard? I just do not know, so please, please, please, give me your honest opinion.
Thanks in anticipation.

[simpo two]

I'd do my research and make a more considered opinion on the cheaper one. Find out what's likely to cause a problem and how much it might be to fix it. I'm sure you'll have plenty of change out of £5K but that price is *very* cheap so keep your eyes open. If you're not sure, leave it. Perhaps an inspection by the likes of Rob Ingleby might decide it for you?

[anonymous-user]

I bought mine a year ago last March for £15,500 privately.

That is a 98R.

It had 52,500 miles on the clock at the time I bought it.

I would look privately, Don't buy the first one you see, and go for the newest one you can get.

[beano500]

Here's how I'd look at it.

If you buy the first one that you see and you're not a TVR expert, let your peace of mind come from the comfort of a reputable dealer who you can turn to for any problems and, in the event of any big problem, complaint.

Dealers, also, are very predictable with what they say - they have to be, they're salesmen. But that's a good thing.

Then they've got reputations to keep. They don't have the need or the desire to sell you a lemon.

You pay a premium for all of this and you have to weigh up whether this is worth it to you.

If you're buying privately, sure you may get to part with less £££s, however, you really take on all the risk associated with a secondhand car all by yourself. So hang on, see plenty - preferably don't go around wasting sellers time, please, but take your time to be sure of it.


I took the former route. Though not the first I saw, I bought the first I drove (interestingly, despite the fact that the dealer and I laugh to this day about the fact that it technically broke down both times I saw it). The dealer was also only going to take on cars where he could show a good service history and was happy for me to pore over it, 'phone an expert and generally make sure the choice was right for me. I paid a reasonable price for all this (and made the best choice 47,000miles ago!) - but it's a personal decision.

Good luck!

[oggs]

You could always try an Independent like Adrian Blyth and see what 16k can get you
www.adrianblyth.co.uk/tvr.asp

[moschops_72]

ALWAYS, where possible, get the car looked at properly... even if it's from a dealer. It always saves time, and money in the long run, believe me. The last thing you want after buying your dream car is having it off the road longer than you've had it, it's VERY annoying.

Jeff

[beano500]

oggs said:

... Adrian Blyth...

Very nice man

[_DJ_]

I wouldn't personally go for the dealer car. In my opinion it's just too much cash for a Chimaera with that kind of mileage, especially just before xmas.
The private example sounds better, but as had been said, it depends on what needs doing to it. I reckon you could get Rob Ingleby involved and get a better car for your money, then spend some of the difference on a warranty.

DJ

[simpo two]

_DJ_ said:

then spend some of the difference on a warranty.

That's a whole different ballgame though. How many threads have we seen where wannty companies don't pay out? Personally I'll keep it in the bank, but's a risk profile thing.

[Pies]

The second is private, 97P with 38k, with fair but chequered history for £10.5k

No matter how much you spend on a car with a "chequered history" you will never get that history perfect

Is it missing the odd service or is on the HPI register?

I would always buy a car based on condition first age second

And seeing your in notts i think Joospeed could check out any potential purchase (for a fee)or other specilast i.e Rob Ingleby

Another option is speak to James Agger of www.jamesagger.com , many here speak highly of him no dealing myself as yet

If buying private get a HPI check done first then get it inspected

Enjoy

[rat]

Are you comparing like for like?

A 5.0 with power steering is going to cost a lot more than a 4.0 without. After setting my heart on a 5.0 I found they were often being snapped up before ad's were published. 4.0's were fairly abundant in comparison.

The private one seems like a good price, even for a 4.0 non-pas in winter, unless there's a problem with it. Is it someone getting rid before it explodes, or someone flush with cash who doesn't want to haggle over £2k?

Most TVR's that age will have had some major work, either to mechanicals or bodywork. Expect it and consider the quality of the work done. Ugly receipts can easily be lost, so any car you see might not be as squaeky clean as you might be told.