Introduction From a soon-to-be-owner
Discussion
Hi Everybody,
First time Pistonhead, long time Briskodian. (Longer B3tard!)
Currently own a very nice Octavia VRS LE CR with some minor mods (beepers, bluetooth, noisekiller & Superchip) - first car I have not given back after 2 year lease in over a decade. Love it - I think it's the best car money can buy; very fast (once off the mark!) massive boot, very spacious and even when driven briskly, very economical. However, with the new VRS due in July and a likely price for the spec I already have being close to 30k I thought "f that!", and so rather than new summer wheels, I may as well buy a new summer car. So I did.
On Friday I pickup a '99 Starmist Green 4.0 Chimaera with PAS from a fellow pistonhead and TVR club member; although I think I may be paying slightly over the odds (9k) it seems like a genuine and honest vehicle (and owner!). I must admit, my belly feels like it did the first time I saw a TVR in the flesh - which happened to be when I past my driving test in '93 - that too was green (Although BR, not starmist) and I wanted one since then. How time flys.
So... I bought this one because it didn't have the 2-3K surcharge of a TVR vendor; not that I wouldn't mind paying that if the vendor was taxi or walking distance away, mind you! The car was pretty much exactly as described in the somewhat understated advert; paint and interior need a bit of work, but nothing I can't do.
The wheels were solid, suspension good and from what I could see the underside was pristine, front and rear. The engine didn't idle right for my ears and was a bit high pitched and the cabin smelled a bit 80's - which to me indicates a slightly rich running, but I think it's on original HT's and distributor - though probably wrong! Anyways not too worried about the engine as I have friends... and they swear they could put a RV8 in a tank and take on anything from ww2!
Although not mechanical to a great extent (I can field repair a 2 stroke microlight If I get caught out!) I may be way out of my depth whenif things do start going wrong.
I also bought it because it was driven by the owner liked he really trusted it, no cooing, no cuddling - no crossing of the chest (all of which I have seen!!)
My 2nd hand car history is dire and disposable, so in the very real likelihood I have bought a lemon, or it turns lemon (no disrespect meant to the seller who I believe is selling in good faith) I thought it best I make my self known so that I can brace you all for what could be and endless stream of n00b questions and drivel... erm... like, first and foremost; where is the bible to be purchased from nowadays? (I don't do amazon) - should I join TVR club (and indeed do I need to be a member to buy the bible) and is the bible better than Haynes (if there is one!)?
Excited and nervous in equal measure. But looking forward to perhaps making some new friends. Thanks all who so far on this forum have vreated the number one best place to read and hear about TVR's - cheers!
Zach
First time Pistonhead, long time Briskodian. (Longer B3tard!)
Currently own a very nice Octavia VRS LE CR with some minor mods (beepers, bluetooth, noisekiller & Superchip) - first car I have not given back after 2 year lease in over a decade. Love it - I think it's the best car money can buy; very fast (once off the mark!) massive boot, very spacious and even when driven briskly, very economical. However, with the new VRS due in July and a likely price for the spec I already have being close to 30k I thought "f that!", and so rather than new summer wheels, I may as well buy a new summer car. So I did.
On Friday I pickup a '99 Starmist Green 4.0 Chimaera with PAS from a fellow pistonhead and TVR club member; although I think I may be paying slightly over the odds (9k) it seems like a genuine and honest vehicle (and owner!). I must admit, my belly feels like it did the first time I saw a TVR in the flesh - which happened to be when I past my driving test in '93 - that too was green (Although BR, not starmist) and I wanted one since then. How time flys.
So... I bought this one because it didn't have the 2-3K surcharge of a TVR vendor; not that I wouldn't mind paying that if the vendor was taxi or walking distance away, mind you! The car was pretty much exactly as described in the somewhat understated advert; paint and interior need a bit of work, but nothing I can't do.
The wheels were solid, suspension good and from what I could see the underside was pristine, front and rear. The engine didn't idle right for my ears and was a bit high pitched and the cabin smelled a bit 80's - which to me indicates a slightly rich running, but I think it's on original HT's and distributor - though probably wrong! Anyways not too worried about the engine as I have friends... and they swear they could put a RV8 in a tank and take on anything from ww2!
Although not mechanical to a great extent (I can field repair a 2 stroke microlight If I get caught out!) I may be way out of my depth whenif things do start going wrong.
I also bought it because it was driven by the owner liked he really trusted it, no cooing, no cuddling - no crossing of the chest (all of which I have seen!!)
My 2nd hand car history is dire and disposable, so in the very real likelihood I have bought a lemon, or it turns lemon (no disrespect meant to the seller who I believe is selling in good faith) I thought it best I make my self known so that I can brace you all for what could be and endless stream of n00b questions and drivel... erm... like, first and foremost; where is the bible to be purchased from nowadays? (I don't do amazon) - should I join TVR club (and indeed do I need to be a member to buy the bible) and is the bible better than Haynes (if there is one!)?
Excited and nervous in equal measure. But looking forward to perhaps making some new friends. Thanks all who so far on this forum have vreated the number one best place to read and hear about TVR's - cheers!
Zach
Welcome to the Chimaera forum, home of the discerning, suave, sophisticated TVR owner. Here you will find like minded people of higher than normal IQ, film star looks, and humour to match. The wealth of knowledge on here is legendary, and the willingness to share it amazing. Sometimes griff owners visit too.
Pics of your car (posted on here) within the first 60 minutes of ownership is mandatory.
Chilli
Pics of your car (posted on here) within the first 60 minutes of ownership is mandatory.
Chilli
Chilliman said:
Welcome to the Chimaera forum, home of the discerning, suave, sophisticated TVR owner. Here you will find like minded people of higher than normal IQ, film star looks, and humour to match. The wealth of knowledge on here is legendary, and the willingness to share it amazing. Sometimes griff owners visit too.
Pics of your car (posted on here) within the first 60 minutes of ownership is mandatory.
Chilli
That did not spring to mind Pics of your car (posted on here) within the first 60 minutes of ownership is mandatory.
Chilli
The knowledge bits are right
Make your own mind up about the rest
Welcome to the mad house
Zach, that bit in the pit of your stomach never leaves, like every day some girl says she's gonna take your virginity away!!!! Nervous energy, welcome welcome welcome, enjoy her but only put your foot down hard in a straight line til you know her well. Mad fantastic cars, enjoy with abandon.
Get a good man to look after/ advise you with what to do and look for. Make sure the cars right and it won't go wrong,,,,,,,,,,,,much! Goodluck, oh and the gents on here are a blast?
Get a good man to look after/ advise you with what to do and look for. Make sure the cars right and it won't go wrong,,,,,,,,,,,,much! Goodluck, oh and the gents on here are a blast?
gordonsalive said:
28th April would be a good day to be at Chatsworth
Nice one gordonsalive, I didn't know about this event. Indelible ink now adorns the calendar. Wife wants to come but somehow think son will win the day. She'll have to drive up in the daily runner with the dog. Looking forward to it!!! gordonsalive said:
I know you are a way away but Sunday 28th April would be a good day to be at Chatsworth, check the TVR events and meetings forum, 600+ of the beasties.... of course that's if the weather behaves somewhat better than last year!
Oooh that could be a good weekend away - I have family in Ripley and friends in Mansfield and Leicester. If the old lady is running nicely, then it would be a great road trip to show her off Cheers!
Welcome to the fold!
Out of interest our daily drives share some VAG DNA (VRS v A4 TFSI 220BHP) - the difference in acceleration & torque is day & night as I expect you may have found although I have a 500 Chim variant.
There will be a noticeable difference in the chassis, although not as quick as the Chim's outright, a combination of next generation chassis /suspension technology v rear wheel drive no ABS etc... you cannot cover ground over a B road that much quicker in the Chim than in the VAG offerings - but it is a lot more fun....
My advice would be to keep on top of the serviceable electrical components as they are cheap & easy enough to replace regularly & uprate the springs & dampers & drop links which make a huge difference over stock items & transform the handling. Plenty of previous posts on these upgrades to indulge in.
May see you at Chatsworth - good luck
Out of interest our daily drives share some VAG DNA (VRS v A4 TFSI 220BHP) - the difference in acceleration & torque is day & night as I expect you may have found although I have a 500 Chim variant.
There will be a noticeable difference in the chassis, although not as quick as the Chim's outright, a combination of next generation chassis /suspension technology v rear wheel drive no ABS etc... you cannot cover ground over a B road that much quicker in the Chim than in the VAG offerings - but it is a lot more fun....
My advice would be to keep on top of the serviceable electrical components as they are cheap & easy enough to replace regularly & uprate the springs & dampers & drop links which make a huge difference over stock items & transform the handling. Plenty of previous posts on these upgrades to indulge in.
May see you at Chatsworth - good luck
Congratulations and just enjoy her, You will smile like you have never smiled before.
You will not regret your choice. Safe journey ( especially in the rain)
And pics!!
Also not sure where in the S/E you are, but there is a small meet on Sunday in Forest Row( just south of East Grinstead) at the Riverside cafe. There is a reasonable turn out if the weather is not to bad. would be good to see the new addition in the flesh.
You will not regret your choice. Safe journey ( especially in the rain)
And pics!!
Also not sure where in the S/E you are, but there is a small meet on Sunday in Forest Row( just south of East Grinstead) at the Riverside cafe. There is a reasonable turn out if the weather is not to bad. would be good to see the new addition in the flesh.
Edited by jamienshelly on Friday 8th March 09:39
Phew! made it! Standing water on the M4 made life a little...swirly.
Still lots of fun, despite torrential rain and zero visibility; car didn't miss a beat - I remained dry, too - which was a mild surprise!!
I managed to set off a car alarm whilst crawling past parked cars! I imagine this is fairly normal!
Plenty of little things to do which I missed on inspection, including water ingress / stains through windscreen seal! eek!
Also idling is a little jumpy ...
Edit: No auto lights or lights on warning lucky for me I couldn't resist a peek!
Still lots of fun, despite torrential rain and zero visibility; car didn't miss a beat - I remained dry, too - which was a mild surprise!!
I managed to set off a car alarm whilst crawling past parked cars! I imagine this is fairly normal!
Plenty of little things to do which I missed on inspection, including water ingress / stains through windscreen seal! eek!
Also idling is a little jumpy ...
Edit: No auto lights or lights on warning
lucky for me I couldn't resist a peek!Edited by zacherynuk on Friday 8th March 13:50
Gassing Station | Chimaera | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff