Newbie joining the ranch

[Andav469]

Hi all
I have been interested in the brand for some while and have decided to take the plunge and buy a Chimaera.
I've done a bit of research and other than final colour choice, I have only to decide between a 450 or a 500.

I live in the Peterborough area and looking for any "localish" owner/enthusiasts that can give me a practical overview, it would be most appreciated.

Are there any particular dealers that I should make contact with (or even avoid) respect to a purchase, or even a known car that is being offered for sale?

My budget is £13k

Looking forward to any advice/experience

[Bassfiend]

Welcome!

My advice...

1) Owning a Tiv is a bit like being into S&M ... it hurts and you know you shouldn't but you love it!

2) Drive it - don't be scared of it - whatever the weather.

3) Don't get seen by a Griff owner when you have your roof on - we have a reputation to maintain.

[GasMunkey]

Andav469 said:

Hi all
I have been interested in the brand for some while and have decided to take the plunge and buy a Chimaera.
I've done a bit of research and other than final colour choice, I have only to decide between a 450 or a 500.

I live in the Peterborough area and looking for any "localish" owner/enthusiasts that can give me a practical overview, it would be most appreciated.

Are there any particular dealers that I should make contact with (or even avoid) respect to a purchase, or even a known car that is being offered for sale?

My budget is £13k

Looking forward to any advice/experience

I live in Sawtry, and there's not alot I can't tell you about a Chim

My Chim is in engine conversion stage at the moment, but you're more than welcome to pop over to point and ask questions etc - 07943859370

[Chilliman]

GasMunkey said:

I live in Sawtry, and there's not alot I can't tell you about a Chim, such as don't wear wooly gloves whilst driving...

My Chim is in engine conversion stage at the moment, which means it's going to be at least another year before I get to drive it again, but you're more than welcome to pop over to point and ask questions etc - 07943859370

EFA

Chilli

[Mr Nordic]

Great choice.

The choice of 400's is vast and would be easier to pick a good one, but if I was buying again I would hold out for a 450/500 like you.

Your budget will get you something nice.

Good luck

[Andav469]

I went to see a 500 yesterday with the roving eye of Gasmunkey, everything looked good, but Gasmunkey found quite a lot of corrosion on the chassis, so we left.

Only the first one I've seen but seeing one and sitting in it, makes me want one even more!

Thanks Gasmunkey (Alex) for coming with me and showing me his car, I learn't so much yesterday!

[Quietlybonkers]

Andav/alex
Try this one
http://classifieds.pistonheads.com/classifieds/use...
I met the owner in early August, when these pics were taken. Nice guy, nice car, in Southend on Sea. Alex will spot my Chim parked in front of it on one of the photos. I have his mobile number if you want it.

Edited by Quietlybonkers on Sunday 2nd December 21:05

[chris1972]

http://classifieds.pistonheads.com/classifieds/use...

There's also another PHer on here that is selling a modded 450. PM me for details!

[Andav469]

Thanks guys, I particularly like the yellow one, its an unusual colour combination.

Are the yellow ones generally avoided?

[Quietlybonkers]

Andav469 said:

Thanks guys, I particularly like the yellow one, its an unusual colour combination.

Are the yellow ones generally avoided?

Struck me as different too, but first owners specified what they wanted, and the magnolia/navy is common in other colours (I have it in my Starmist Blue one). many yellow cars come with a black interior, which I hate.
I had a chat with the owner on behalf of a friend, and he confirmed that the car had been cared for and was in good order, including the chassis. You would be able to get it up on a ramp at a the place he has it maintained.

[chris1972]

Andav469 said:

Thanks guys, I particularly like the yellow one, its an unusual colour combination.

Are the yellow ones generally avoided?

I love yellow, but I guess its a personal choice. The car is loud by nature, so the colour only adds to that. Worth looking at IMO. Wheels looks awesome too. Colour combo is a personal choice for any car.

[simonej]

Andav469 said:

Thanks guys, I particularly like the yellow one, its an unusual colour combination.

Are the yellow ones generally avoided?

What's wrong with yellow TVRs? To be fair, I'm not massively keen on the flat yellow paints, but in my opinion Halcyon Midas is one of the best colours available on a TVR. It's got a depth and shimmer to it that normal yellows don't have (and seems to change shade depending on the light).



However, I do really like the look of that 450. Very nice indeed.

[chris1972]

simonej said:

What's wrong with yellow TVRs? To be fair, I'm not massively keen on the flat yellow paints, but in my opinion Halcyon Midas is one of the best colours available on a TVR. It's got a depth and shimmer to it that normal yellows don't have (and seems to change shade depending on the light).



However, I do really like the look of that 450. Very nice indeed.

+1

[uk66fastback]

That yellow is a fantastic colour - I'd not be scared of having one in that colour. Have to have a grey interior though - black would be too much and any other colour - well, I'm not sure if it would go ...

[Andav469]

Quietlybonkers said:

Andav/alex
Try this one
http://classifieds.pistonheads.com/classifieds/use...
I met the owner in early August, when these pics were taken. Nice guy, nice car, in Southend on Sea. Alex will spot my Chim parked in front of it on one of the photos. I have his mobile number if you want it.

Edited by Quietlybonkers on Sunday 2nd December 21:05

Thanks for the tip, I went to see it today and was really pleased with the condition and comprehensive details that the owner had.
So much so that I bought the car and will pick it up on Friday, this will be the slowest week ever!!!

Now for the dreaded insurance, is there a specialists that I should go to, or is it the usual Internet trawl similar to my daily drive insurance?

[GasMunkey]

Henderson taylor, mannings, msn

[chris1972]

GasMunkey said:

Henderson taylor, mannings, msn

Congratulations!

Mannings gave me a good quote, but if you've had any claims within three years, they won't be able to offer you the classic car policy. I had to ad it to my Admiral multi-car policy, but added the wife on also, which brought the premium down!!!

[Andav469]

GasMunkey said:

Henderson taylor, mannings, msn

Thanks Alex, should have asked you earlier!

[Andav469]

chris1972 said:

Congratulations!

Mannings gave me a good quote, but if you've had any claims within three years, they won't be able to offer you the classic car policy. I had to ad it to my Admiral multi-car policy, but added the wife on also, which brought the premium down!!!

Thanks Chris, never thought of adding the wife to bring down the premium, I've not had any claims so hopefully the wallet denting moment won't be too hard

[macca]

I'm 46 have 6 points (dropped from 9 in march 2012 - sounds bad, only ever had 3 points since passing test before that). Anyway, 10,000pa, wife included - this does lower the premium, fully comp (no claims in 10 years), £350. Had a Q5 3.0tdi on the same policy (2 car policy) and they said I would earn full NCB on both cars after 1 year, £360 for tne Q5 effectively with no NCB as this was transferred to chim. Norwich Union (Aviva).

Edited by macca on Sunday 9th December 21:45