Finally buying a Chimera - help please!
Discussion
Hello Everyone.
Brand new here as I am finally going to buy a Chimera after two previous attempts, once when they were brand new and the last time when my TR6 had to go. Anyway, long story that so i'll get to the point. I remember from research last time that the 450 was the 'best' choice, is this still the view out there?
Also, what is the view on pricing? I saw a very smart Crimson Starmist (97/98 I think) at Fernhurst with 22k on the clock and they are asking £15995. Is this way over or about right for a dealer car? I have not had chance to look at any others yet and work will not allow me the time to make it an extensive search si I need to learn fast but try to avoid making a mistake. I'llkeep you posted on my searches but any advice even at this point would be very gratefully received. Right, I'm off to read some more forum posts....
Brand new here as I am finally going to buy a Chimera after two previous attempts, once when they were brand new and the last time when my TR6 had to go. Anyway, long story that so i'll get to the point. I remember from research last time that the 450 was the 'best' choice, is this still the view out there?
Also, what is the view on pricing? I saw a very smart Crimson Starmist (97/98 I think) at Fernhurst with 22k on the clock and they are asking £15995. Is this way over or about right for a dealer car? I have not had chance to look at any others yet and work will not allow me the time to make it an extensive search si I need to learn fast but try to avoid making a mistake. I'llkeep you posted on my searches but any advice even at this point would be very gratefully received. Right, I'm off to read some more forum posts....
...I dont know if this is any help. But I was at Halo Cars in Ombersley in Worcestershire the weekend looking at a Golf GTI for the better half. They had just taken in a really lovely 1996 4.0HC Chimaera. They had a few TVR's for sale
but this car did really stand out.
Spoke to the chap at Halo Cars (who knew I was a TVR Owner) apparantly the car has full service history and locally owned.
Colour is Starmist green with estorill wheels.
Might be worth a look??
P.s
I am nothing to do with Halo Cars, Just thought it may be of interest to someone!!
but this car did really stand out.
Spoke to the chap at Halo Cars (who knew I was a TVR Owner) apparantly the car has full service history and locally owned.
Colour is Starmist green with estorill wheels.
Might be worth a look??
P.s
I am nothing to do with Halo Cars, Just thought it may be of interest to someone!!
I suppose to some extent you get what you pay for. Fernies cars are always at the top end of the market, but you hear few complaints and they offer a years warrenty and good sales. Other dealers have an equally good reputation and charge a little less. Then you could always buy private from an enthusiast owner and get even more bang for you buck.
And as a blue 450 owner, they are the best. And fastest. And loudest!!
If you are short of time to look for the right car, I would say not to rush straight in to anything, make a bit of time, I had some rather long drives to find my car (as have many people on here). Good service history, some expenditure on wear and tear parts and a good poke around under the car are a must. There are lots of cars out there so dont pressure yourself in to buying anything you are not 100% happy with.
And as a blue 450 owner, they are the best. And fastest. And loudest!!
If you are short of time to look for the right car, I would say not to rush straight in to anything, make a bit of time, I had some rather long drives to find my car (as have many people on here). Good service history, some expenditure on wear and tear parts and a good poke around under the car are a must. There are lots of cars out there so dont pressure yourself in to buying anything you are not 100% happy with.
Thanks also Quattrophenia, very good advice and I have to say the car at FH was very straight and they are very happy for any kind of inspection before any decision made. I know you should never buy the first you see (said it myself often enough) but with a TVR if all appears to be in order and the colour combo is right for you then why not? As long as the price isn't a complete rip off of course, hence the question about the £16k.
Everyone else, I'm sure you must get lot's of questions like these but if there are any other views I would be very grateful to hear them.
Everyone else, I'm sure you must get lot's of questions like these but if there are any other views I would be very grateful to hear them.
I have a Chimaera 1997 450, owned since 2002 and used daily. As sportscars go it is pretty practical as an everyday car (unless you need more than 2 seats!). Mine quite often does B & Q, Tescos, the school or nursery run (but obviously not both in one go !) and then gives me a great smile on the way to work whatever the weather. Buy one.
I'm in Cardiff if you're anywhere local.
Matt
I'm in Cardiff if you're anywhere local.
Matt
Hi there, happing hunting for your 450..... I have just purchased a 450 (three days ago), in Crystal Verde and from a dealer in Warwickshire, I looked at a couple of cars at FH. I quite liked the yellow 400 but the interior colour combo was not for me. I did see another Crystal Verde for sale privately on PH but was too late..... It also is now at FH.... Never mind, I have one now and am just about to get the wheels redone in Anthracite.
As for price, if you can afford it and can justify the money to yourself then go for it. You very rarely make any money out of cars but dealers tend to have the added comfort of a warranty.
I guess with three days ownership under my belt I cannot really comment too much, but what I can say is that its a shame I waited this long before getting one - the grin factor is huge....
Chris
As for price, if you can afford it and can justify the money to yourself then go for it. You very rarely make any money out of cars but dealers tend to have the added comfort of a warranty.
I guess with three days ownership under my belt I cannot really comment too much, but what I can say is that its a shame I waited this long before getting one - the grin factor is huge....
Chris
Thinking out loud, the met red 450 I also went to see at FH. To give you an idea on value, I have just paid £13k for my V reg with 40,000 miles and FSH. Having seen both cars I would say that the FH one is slightly better than mine condition wise. Mine had a small number of chips round the front and one door shut, the drivers door mirror could also do with a little tidying up on mine. From memory, the engine bay looked tidier on the FH car. But having said all that if you like the car (which I also did) then go for it. For me, the money was a couple of steps too far..... (pockets are now empty!!!).......
Best of luck on your search.
Chris
Best of luck on your search.
Chris
OleVix said:
Chilliman said:
Unbelievable The engine purred ,it all looked nice and very original..I loved the drive, 25 mph in 4th gear around town smooth as a baby's bottom. Thought it was on carbs..
Got to say the little 4l is a very enjoyable drive. Ok not has fast but still fun.!
Purely personal experience - I bought the first one I liked the look of and got a local guy who knew TVRs to check it for me first. Never saw it in the flesh or drove it before paying for it. Some say that might be risky but if you have read up on the variations you will know what to look for and what questions to ask of people selling these cars. So you can actually find the right car, without spending hours travelling up and down the country. Let's be honest, they are not complex italian thoroughbreds, they are relatively simple vehicles that won't break your bank account so as long as you do your homework you should be able to pick the right car immediately and, once checked by someone who knows the marque, turn up and drive it away. And for those who think you have to drive it to establish if it's for you - I have spoken to a lot of Chim owners over the years - never met one that drove the car and walked away because they didn't like the experience.
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