A Few Questions!
Discussion
So, I've just been looking through the PH Classifieds (as you do!) to see what's on offer ... I should point out from the start that I love all things Lotus, and so as a result, it's difficult to find something to tempt me away from the Elise. I did have a brief encounter with a Tamora last year; I found one in good condition and at a decent price, but the scare stories of the Speed Six engine gave me second thoughts 
I've been looking at Chimaeras and I'm quite tempted to test drive one to see how it compares to the Elise. I'm tempted by the additional power (who isn't?), the V8 (It's probably the best time to buy; Petrol prices are only going to go up!), and the fact that it is an iconic British convertible (a bit like the Elise)
The only thing that puts me off is the potential big bills ... ?
I have a few quick questions ... I don't want to waste anyone's time though, as I'm not looking to buy just yet!
-400/450/500 ... The 500 looks to have the most power, but will it cost more to run (servicing/maint.) than a 400?
-I've seen a few cars advertised with 'HC' ... High Cams? Is it worth finding a car with an HC-equipped engine?
-Any good as a daily drive? (25 miles a day through countryside)
-Are they expensive to maintain and what is the most expensive/common issue? Outriggers?
... and I know this shouldn't be taken into consideration when thinking about a TVR, but what sort of MPG does the 400/450/500 achieve?
Any information is much appreciated!
I've been looking at Chimaeras and I'm quite tempted to test drive one to see how it compares to the Elise. I'm tempted by the additional power (who isn't?), the V8 (It's probably the best time to buy; Petrol prices are only going to go up!), and the fact that it is an iconic British convertible (a bit like the Elise)
The only thing that puts me off is the potential big bills ... ?I have a few quick questions ... I don't want to waste anyone's time though, as I'm not looking to buy just yet!
-400/450/500 ... The 500 looks to have the most power, but will it cost more to run (servicing/maint.) than a 400?
-I've seen a few cars advertised with 'HC' ... High Cams? Is it worth finding a car with an HC-equipped engine?
-Any good as a daily drive? (25 miles a day through countryside)
-Are they expensive to maintain and what is the most expensive/common issue? Outriggers?
... and I know this shouldn't be taken into consideration when thinking about a TVR, but what sort of MPG does the 400/450/500 achieve?
Any information is much appreciated!
Well if I was buying and not on a budget I would buy a 450 
HC means nothing unless it's on 400's as all 500's are HC anyway and 450's are exempt, never owning a Lotus i have nothing more to add ....... apart from buy on condition inc chassis and don't worry about mileage mileage just adds to the problem if the car is abused/weathered and that will be easily spotted with a keen eye happy hunting
HC means nothing unless it's on 400's as all 500's are HC anyway and 450's are exempt, never owning a Lotus i have nothing more to add ....... apart from buy on condition inc chassis and don't worry about mileage mileage just adds to the problem if the car is abused/weathered and that will be easily spotted with a keen eye happy hunting Servicing shouldn't really cost anymore for a 400/450/500 as its basically the same engine.
In my experience OK for a daily drive if you can keep moving but a pain in traffic if you are crawling and on/off the clutch continually.
As noted outriggers will be one thing to look out for. Others include
Hood recovering or back window splitting
Radiator
and generally anything that is likely to go on any other car but as most of the running gear id Rover or Ford, not excessively expnsive.
I'm sure people will add to this
mpg - 500 less than a 450, 450 less than a 400.
In my experience OK for a daily drive if you can keep moving but a pain in traffic if you are crawling and on/off the clutch continually.
As noted outriggers will be one thing to look out for. Others include
Hood recovering or back window splitting
Radiator
and generally anything that is likely to go on any other car but as most of the running gear id Rover or Ford, not excessively expnsive.
I'm sure people will add to this
mpg - 500 less than a 450, 450 less than a 400.
Can't answer too precisely but for what it's worth:
Ikemi said:
So, I've just been looking through the PH Classifieds (as you do!) to see what's on offer ... I should point out from the start that I love all things Lotus, and so as a result, it's difficult to find something to tempt me away from the Elise. I did have a brief encounter with a Tamora last year; I found one in good condition and at a decent price, but the scare stories of the Speed Six engine gave me second thoughts
I've been looking at Chimaeras and I'm quite tempted to test drive one to see how it compares to the Elise. I'm tempted by the additional power (who isn't?), the V8 (It's probably the best time to buy; Petrol prices are only going to go up!), and the fact that it is an iconic British convertible (a bit like the Elise) The only thing that puts me off is the potential big bills ... ?
I have a few quick questions ... I don't want to waste anyone's time though, as I'm not looking to buy just yet!
-400/450/500 ... The 500 looks to have the most power, but will it cost more to run (servicing/maint.) than a 400?
A: Never had a 400 but I wouldn't have thought maintenance costs would be any higher for a 500, and if so I reckon it would only be marginally so. Basically the same car and engine but the 500 is bigger capacity. I believe the cams (in some cases) wear earlier on the 500, mine was on its way out at around 31K miles.
-I've seen a few cars advertised with 'HC' ... High Cams? Is it worth finding a car with an HC-equipped engine?
A: What Simon says
-Any good as a daily drive? (25 miles a day through countryside)
A: I don't commute so my car can't really be described as a daily. Having said that, when I'm at home I drive it almost every day and thoroughly enjoy it. A daily 50 mile round trip in the countryside wouldn't be a problem, but I'd seriously consider a winter car for those snowy icy periods.
-Are they expensive to maintain and what is the most expensive/common issue? Outriggers?
A: Depends if you intend to do it yourself, and whether you manage to buy a fully sorted car.
... and I know this shouldn't be taken into consideration when thinking about a TVR, but what sort of MPG does the 400/450/500 achieve?
A: I've never measured it, but at a guess I'd say spirited country road hooning I'm probably around 15mpg. This is however more than compensated for by the lunatic grin I'm told I have when driving
Any information is much appreciated!
Re-reading my reply I can see I haven't really been much help. However, as an ex Lotus owner (Super 7) I can say that whilst the Chim doesn't 'corner on rails' it does make up for that in so many other great ways I've been looking at Chimaeras and I'm quite tempted to test drive one to see how it compares to the Elise. I'm tempted by the additional power (who isn't?), the V8 (It's probably the best time to buy; Petrol prices are only going to go up!), and the fact that it is an iconic British convertible (a bit like the Elise)
The only thing that puts me off is the potential big bills ... ?I have a few quick questions ... I don't want to waste anyone's time though, as I'm not looking to buy just yet!
-400/450/500 ... The 500 looks to have the most power, but will it cost more to run (servicing/maint.) than a 400?
A: Never had a 400 but I wouldn't have thought maintenance costs would be any higher for a 500, and if so I reckon it would only be marginally so. Basically the same car and engine but the 500 is bigger capacity. I believe the cams (in some cases) wear earlier on the 500, mine was on its way out at around 31K miles.
-I've seen a few cars advertised with 'HC' ... High Cams? Is it worth finding a car with an HC-equipped engine?
A: What Simon says
-Any good as a daily drive? (25 miles a day through countryside)
A: I don't commute so my car can't really be described as a daily. Having said that, when I'm at home I drive it almost every day and thoroughly enjoy it. A daily 50 mile round trip in the countryside wouldn't be a problem, but I'd seriously consider a winter car for those snowy icy periods.
-Are they expensive to maintain and what is the most expensive/common issue? Outriggers?
A: Depends if you intend to do it yourself, and whether you manage to buy a fully sorted car.
... and I know this shouldn't be taken into consideration when thinking about a TVR, but what sort of MPG does the 400/450/500 achieve?
A: I've never measured it, but at a guess I'd say spirited country road hooning I'm probably around 15mpg. This is however more than compensated for by the lunatic grin I'm told I have when driving
Any information is much appreciated!
There seems to be a few of us then who've done this. I too am Lotus and Caterham through and through but the thought of a big TVR is always on your mind....so like you I bit the bullet and had a go a year or two back.
Started off with a mint 1998 400 Chim which I actually procured from one of the lads on the Caterham club forum, I knew it would be cracker as the trust on there when selling is near on 100%. The car never let me down either. It was immaculate and ran faultlessly on the few occasions I used it...........none of the usual TVR scare stories it just ran as sweetly as you'd expect a normal tintop to run with everything working and an overwhealming air of reliability..............I guess the point there is it's probably best to buy one if it's for an "itch scratch" that has been well cared for and preferebly from someone you trust.............as I say the first one was bordering on perfect............I even felt a bit left out whilst visiting this forum as I'd no gremlins to ask help on. I can swing a spanner so was perversely dissapointed nowt needed work..........however I channeled my frustrations on detailing the engine bay to make it really special.............enjoyed the ownership and moved in on at a profit.....good buy.
Only sold it to make space for another 7 I was offered but wanted another go when the current 7 sold.........which it did.........so the hunt started again, this time I thought I'd like a bit more power.
Well stuff me a very nice 1993 430 turned up in the road where I live.........hows that for fate??
Out for a walk one Sunday and there she was in the drive less than a 100 metres away having a bucket of water thrown over it
..........so in I dived. It occurs the chap bought it and never used it due to a new child arriving unexpectedly and business commitments.........he was as straight as a die and told me its faults warts and all.......ie ruined dashboard (totally de-laminated), possibly overheating, no fuel gauge......and paint was dull. I checked chassis after now knowing where to look after owning the 400 and all was well, when we fired her up an offer was made immediately and was promptly accepted as he knew I'd not piss him about and it'd save him from the joys of Fleabay.
Perfect
...another Chim and a bit of work to do this time....and what a doddle it turned out to be. Ordered a dash from Leven and did the swap out that very week, fixed fuel gauge and my laser thermometer proved car was not running hot.......a new sender did the trick.........less than 150 quid spent and a bloody good polish and the car was stunning..Oh and that engine!!!!!!
Didn't think 300cc's would make a difference but this thing went and sounded like a race motor, totally different, it revved for fun and was very quick in a straight line...........something the 400 in brutal honesty wasn't.........this 430 was as quick as the 7 I had.
It's at this point I must say just what a help the lads on this forum were..........I was a constant pain in the arse asking questions and everything was answered..top men, owning a Chim and joining this forum is a must and sweeps away all of the black magic and myths surrounding these cars.
Unfortunately last year my "all time" want came on the market, something I'd drooled on for ages.......A Caterham Jonathan Palmer Evolution, jeez did I have to beg, steal and borrow to buy that and the poor Chim had to go along with all my worldy possesions and cash.......but it had to be done.
So, comparing a Chim to a Lotus/Caterham??..............Chalk and cheese, both quick but that's where it ends IMHO. You don't "wear" a Chim, you sit in it, revel at the sound of it,you can put the heater on and be cosy and you don't come home with "vibrating white arse syndrome" after a blat. Fabulous, affordable package, bags of fun, quick enough with the only downside being not as point and squirtable as the 7............would I have another?....deffo, I've learned about them, again thanks to this forum and know there's nowt to be scared of. Finally I'd say it's a no brainer if you really want one...I look at it as though you're just borrowing it for a while......buy one for 8k and you'll sell it for 8k....maybe more if you spruce it........free motoring, even my insurance was cheap with a specialist. Get it out of your system fella, although I'm Lotus like you I'm also an oddball Britcar lover, and the Blackpool Bomber just has to be done at least once in your life
Cheers,
Kenny
Started off with a mint 1998 400 Chim which I actually procured from one of the lads on the Caterham club forum, I knew it would be cracker as the trust on there when selling is near on 100%. The car never let me down either. It was immaculate and ran faultlessly on the few occasions I used it...........none of the usual TVR scare stories it just ran as sweetly as you'd expect a normal tintop to run with everything working and an overwhealming air of reliability..............I guess the point there is it's probably best to buy one if it's for an "itch scratch" that has been well cared for and preferebly from someone you trust.............as I say the first one was bordering on perfect............I even felt a bit left out whilst visiting this forum as I'd no gremlins to ask help on. I can swing a spanner so was perversely dissapointed nowt needed work
..........however I channeled my frustrations on detailing the engine bay to make it really special.............enjoyed the ownership and moved in on at a profit.....good buy.Only sold it to make space for another 7 I was offered but wanted another go when the current 7 sold.........which it did.........so the hunt started again, this time I thought I'd like a bit more power.
Well stuff me a very nice 1993 430 turned up in the road where I live.........hows that for fate??
Out for a walk one Sunday and there she was in the drive less than a 100 metres away having a bucket of water thrown over it
..........so in I dived. It occurs the chap bought it and never used it due to a new child arriving unexpectedly and business commitments.........he was as straight as a die and told me its faults warts and all.......ie ruined dashboard (totally de-laminated), possibly overheating, no fuel gauge......and paint was dull. I checked chassis after now knowing where to look after owning the 400 and all was well, when we fired her up an offer was made immediately and was promptly accepted as he knew I'd not piss him about and it'd save him from the joys of Fleabay.Perfect
...another Chim and a bit of work to do this time....and what a doddle it turned out to be. Ordered a dash from Leven and did the swap out that very week, fixed fuel gauge and my laser thermometer proved car was not running hot.......a new sender did the trick.........less than 150 quid spent and a bloody good polish and the car was stunning..Oh and that engine!!!!!!Didn't think 300cc's would make a difference but this thing went and sounded like a race motor, totally different, it revved for fun and was very quick in a straight line...........something the 400 in brutal honesty wasn't.........this 430 was as quick as the 7 I had.
It's at this point I must say just what a help the lads on this forum were..........I was a constant pain in the arse asking questions and everything was answered..top men, owning a Chim and joining this forum is a must and sweeps away all of the black magic and myths surrounding these cars.
Unfortunately last year my "all time" want came on the market, something I'd drooled on for ages.......A Caterham Jonathan Palmer Evolution, jeez did I have to beg, steal and borrow to buy that and the poor Chim had to go along with all my worldy possesions and cash.......but it had to be done.
So, comparing a Chim to a Lotus/Caterham??..............Chalk and cheese, both quick but that's where it ends IMHO. You don't "wear" a Chim, you sit in it, revel at the sound of it,you can put the heater on and be cosy and you don't come home with "vibrating white arse syndrome" after a blat. Fabulous, affordable package, bags of fun, quick enough with the only downside being not as point and squirtable as the 7............would I have another?....deffo, I've learned about them, again thanks to this forum and know there's nowt to be scared of. Finally I'd say it's a no brainer if you really want one...I look at it as though you're just borrowing it for a while......buy one for 8k and you'll sell it for 8k....maybe more if you spruce it........free motoring, even my insurance was cheap with a specialist. Get it out of your system fella, although I'm Lotus like you I'm also an oddball Britcar lover, and the Blackpool Bomber just has to be done at least once in your life
Cheers,
Kenny
Edited by kenny.R400 on Saturday 18th February 08:15
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