Dealers, advice pls.

[Pedestrian]

While were on the subject:

Hamiltons of Bristol.

Any thoughts - It's quite literally 'round the corner' from me, nice pre-cat Griff, though prefer Chim at similar price. Looking at wk-end - purchase imminent ().
Advice please, friends.

[SwanJack]

Got my Chim from him a year ago. His cars are well presented, but have heard stories that not as much care is taken on the mechanical side of things. Having said that, I've had no probs since buying the car and have had it for a year.

[pedestrian]

Thanks SwanJack!

Are any more Bristol based people on Pistonheads, willing to natter on the subject - maybe over a pint (or two) - pardon me, bit of a search - just seen 'the golden heart' "invite"; mind if an itinerant hippy joins you?



>> Edited by pedestrian on Friday 12th April 01:28

[UpTheIron]

Same story as Swanjack really. My 93L Chim is no concours car, but it is pretty much OK all round. Couple of little niggles - ignition switch failed (£13) and oil pressure sender was a little erratic (£40-ish I think). Not too bad in 6 months/10,000 miles.

Got it serviced at Fernies in Feb and they couldn't find much wrong with it.

I wouldn't have any qualms about buying from Hamiltons again, but of course be wary that you could potentially buy a dog of a car from anywhere.

[Nacnud]

Pedestrian, going along to the Golden Heart is a good idea. They know all about looking after a Tiv in the Bristol area and I suspect will be happy to Name and Shame if asked nicely over a pint.

Don't worry about fitting in with the Bristol Bunch. I reckon if there was a prize for the most laid back car club region then they would easily be in with a chance, but also that they would only enter if it looked like fun.

Errm - the Bristol region is not at the Golden Heart this month but are off on their Gorge Rumble. If you want to come you will be welcome; just give Sarah a ring or email me for details.

[Nacnud]

Other Bristol PH'ers I know for definite are Dan and Brm Brm.

I know there are others on here, but I've not worked out who they post as yet.

[bruno carr]

Pedestrian,

I'm also in Bristol and looking for a Chim at the moment ~£20k - slight accident with the last one . I can't find much in Bristol apart from Hamiltons and private sales (these scare me lots - probably irrational). I had to go miles (Hawthorns) before, so nice to hear some good stuff on Hamiltons.

Saw the mica grey car and it was nice but the mileage was a bit high for me. Would be nice to hear how your search goes (and anything that you pass on!) email is on my profile.

[chrischimaera]

I bought a 1995 N reg 400 Chimaera from them last year. No problems so far. I'm at the top of Whiteladies Road, and there are a couple of other TVRs parked a bit further down Whiteladies - I think the owner(s) work for an insurance broking firm - that have Hamiltons name on their number plates (plus one very nice blue Tuscan that doesn't!)

[crimsonchim]

Got my Chim from Hamiltons last year, I've heard this too:

quote:
His cars are well presented, but have heard stories that not as much care is taken on the mechanical side of things

but no significant problems. They deal with lots of marques and wouldn't claim to be TVR specialist, though from my visits probably 50% - 60% of their cars are TVR.

I had one or two small niggles with them, nothing serious and when I start looking for the next one (in about 25 years time probably) that's one of the first places I'll look.

quote:
- that have Hamiltons name on their number plates

As I said, some minor niggles, like they put Hamiltons number plates on a 95 (backlit) Chim, that were not translucent(sp?), got it a new MOT and wouldn't change it when I commented. I now have Hamilton's plate on the front and David Gerald on the back! I thought that was just silly, a dealer should know better and the car was technically illegal, but (incase you're reading this Dominic!) I'd still go back there.



>> Edited by crimsonchim on Wednesday 17th April 13:28

[zippy500]

David Hendry of malmsbury have got several Chimeras for sale at present and a few Griffs. Various prices and ages

P.S I work in North Bristol and Live near Stroud

>> Edited by zippy500 on Wednesday 17th April 13:45