Age versus price - build quality improvements?

[Cossington]

I am scouring the fourm and adverts looking to buy my first TVR. A Chimaera ticks all the boxes.

My apologies if this is a repeat query, but I have tried the (Google) search function, with limited success.

Prices for more recent Chimaeras are pretty consistently higher than for early ones. The difference may be 30 to 50% for a 1997 versus a 1993 one. Year 2000 and 2001 are significantly higher again.
These are all close to (or at - discussion for another time?) classic status. Is it worth paying the significant extra for a 15 year old car rather than a 20 year old car? For the purposes of advice assume all have been maintained to a good standard.

I have read so much that I'm in danger of running around in circles - upping my budget from £6k to £9k. Maybe if I find a little more money, etc etc...
I am after a relatively cheap bit of fun. The car will be used, regularly,on dry days,it will be garaged, polished and taken to a TVR independent for servicing.

Was build quality improved so much over the first, say 5 years of the model's life, to justify continued premium price over the first models? Do I just look for evidence of an enthusiast-owner who has maintained, sorted out niggles and therefore improved the car, rather than get too hung up on year of production?

My apologies for a rather waffly post. Any guidance/ sensible advice would be gratefully received.

Thanks,

David

[phillpot]

Cossington said:

Do I just look for evidence of an enthusiast-owner who has maintained, sorted out niggles and therefore improved the car, rather than get too hung up on year of production?

In a word...yes

[SILICONEKID350HP]

Powder coating was a lot better with the early cars but its still a 20 year old car, so I would inspect the outriggers and chassis.

I prefer the front of the early cars but like some of the upgrades on the later cars like the door opening on the mirror and hidden boot hhinges ..

I would get out there and have a look at some ..

[jamienshelly]

Hi, The choice of year is really cosmetic and what you like or dont like, But the fact that it has been maintained and as you say good condition then its down to personal preference, But what ever you do dont ask If the 400 is better than the 500 cos the forum really get warm

[spend]

Early cars have less 'sophisticated / complex / TVR-special' electrics.

Downside of pre-serp engines is much easier fixed with replacement engine than the possible nightmares with the electrics.

Any of the brakes need upgrading anyway...

Personally I much prefer the GKN & rover box, lack of supply forced the changes on TVR, yet many owner/buyers seem to work on the presumption of latest is greatest.

Chassis coating seems a bit like wine ~ good years & bad years...

[chris1972]

jamienshelly said:

Hi, The choice of year is really cosmetic and what you like or dont like, But the fact that it has been maintained and as you say good condition then its down to personal preference, But what ever you do dont ask If the 400 is better than the 500 cos the forum really get warm

Yes, but what if you're looking for a healthy 400 and find an unhealthy 500?

[jamienshelly]

chris1972 said:

jamienshelly said:

Hi, The choice of year is really cosmetic and what you like or dont like, But the fact that it has been maintained and as you say good condition then its down to personal preference, But what ever you do dont ask If the 400 is better than the 500 cos the forum really get warm

Yes, but what if you're looking for a healthy 400 and find an unhealthy 500?

DE-JA-VUE.

[edo]

Quite a few changes in the 97/98 model year on. Easy to spot with different dash and doors open with buttons under mirrors.

As others have said though, a well maintained car with a good chassis is the most important thing.

Of course Red 5.0's are the most sought after

[Cossington]

Thanks guys. Some calm, sensible advice was just what I needed. I have been changing my mind on age/ engine size, chassis refurb/not, high/low mileage, dealer/ private, various price brackets (which would have changed my enjoyment of the car - spend another £3/4,000 and then not so keen to take it to the supermarket etc) etc.

- I shall now calm down and stop running around in circles for a while. I will keep on the look out for a well looked after car, with a decent chassis/outriggers. Not so worried about age or mileage.(Preferably blue!).

I shall no doubt be back with some more questions, in due course.

Thanks,

David

PS Any more advice/ views or spotted likely cars (up to £7-8k), welcomed.

[edo]

I expect this will go out of budget, but worth a watch....

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/161010557175?ssPageName=...

[edo]

Might chip this close to budget?

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/t...

[Podie]

When it comes to buying a TVR there are 3 things to consider:

1) condition
2) condition
3) condition

[chris1972]

edo said:

I expect this will go out of budget, but worth a watch....

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/161010557175?ssPageName=...

Not quite, but reserve not met. Not much in the way of detail though. All car values have dropped, not just TVR's.

[edo]

chris1972 said:

edo said:

I expect this will go out of budget, but worth a watch....

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/161010557175?ssPageName=...

Not quite, but reserve not met. Not much in the way of detail though. All car values have dropped, not just TVR's.

Relisted at 13!

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&am...

[K4TRV]

SILICONEKID350HP said:

Powder coating was a lot better with the early cars but its still a 20 year old car, so I would inspect the outriggers and chassis.

I prefer the front of the early cars but like some of the upgrades on the later cars like the door opening on the mirror and hidden boot hhinges ..

I would get out there and have a look at some ..

+ 1

But then I am biased. Grey chassis of 93/94 pretty solid. Rover box and GKN diffs solid and reliable despite their replacement on the grounds of supply, not reliability!!

See here for something sorted and mildly upgraded (brakes/suspension/clutch/cam). : http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/t...

Try and see ?

Trev