Help me buy my first TVR
Discussion
My apologies for the long email. 
After seeing a Chim for the first time at a motor show as soon as they came out they have been in the back of my mind ever since. I'm not getting any younger so I have finally thought, 's*d it'I am going to get one of these while I still am able to drive one.
I have spend a while researching and reading this thread and understand that where most of the main issues lie in buying an older car, especially one which needs as much love as a TVR. But where being in the UK you can take your time until the right one comes up, look and drive a few etc, as they all seem to be a little different, it is not practical for me to do so as I do not live in the UK.
What I am looking for is:
Budget £7-9k (it will end up costing me 15k)
4.0, age not important
high mileage not important if work has been done
Cat C or D not a problem if the work has been inspected and documented
PAS preferred
A/C a must (even if it doesn't work) although if a good car comes up without it, I can get a generic one fitted out here
It has to easily pass an MOT (it is a strict test out here), so outriggers in good condion a must. Mechanically it must be sound, so cam replaced on a high mileage car and no overheating issues. The state or colour of the interior is not a problem, although it has to all work and be complete with no tears. I can get carpets fitted and leather recoloured without a problem out here.
Are prices a little strong at the moment (it being summer) and is it better to wait 2-3 months or are there less for sale in the winter? Does anyone know if there is any data on CO2 emissions on these cars as it will be required for registration.
I know I could get the services of a TVR expert to source one but it is expensive and understandably so, but I will be sending someone to finally check the car over before I buy it.
Having bought many cars from main dealers in the UK before, which is easy, how would you advise me to go about finding and buying a Chim, without my being in the UK, knowing what you do now?
After seeing a Chim for the first time at a motor show as soon as they came out they have been in the back of my mind ever since. I'm not getting any younger so I have finally thought, 's*d it'I am going to get one of these while I still am able to drive one.
I have spend a while researching and reading this thread and understand that where most of the main issues lie in buying an older car, especially one which needs as much love as a TVR. But where being in the UK you can take your time until the right one comes up, look and drive a few etc, as they all seem to be a little different, it is not practical for me to do so as I do not live in the UK.
What I am looking for is:
Budget £7-9k (it will end up costing me 15k)
4.0, age not important
high mileage not important if work has been done
Cat C or D not a problem if the work has been inspected and documented
PAS preferred
A/C a must (even if it doesn't work) although if a good car comes up without it, I can get a generic one fitted out here
It has to easily pass an MOT (it is a strict test out here), so outriggers in good condion a must. Mechanically it must be sound, so cam replaced on a high mileage car and no overheating issues. The state or colour of the interior is not a problem, although it has to all work and be complete with no tears. I can get carpets fitted and leather recoloured without a problem out here.
Are prices a little strong at the moment (it being summer) and is it better to wait 2-3 months or are there less for sale in the winter? Does anyone know if there is any data on CO2 emissions on these cars as it will be required for registration.
I know I could get the services of a TVR expert to source one but it is expensive and understandably so, but I will be sending someone to finally check the car over before I buy it.
Having bought many cars from main dealers in the UK before, which is easy, how would you advise me to go about finding and buying a Chim, without my being in the UK, knowing what you do now?
Good choice.
Air con on Chims is rare - trying to find one with it fitted will severely limit your choice.
Not being based in the UK will certainly make it more difficult to ensure you get one that is sound mechanically and structurally for your budget.
Be careful with some trade cars from non-specialist dealers as they often don't know the key check points.
Similarly, you can pay big time for one from one the main specialists.
IMO, best to find someone who can undertake an inspection on your behalf.
Good luck!
Air con on Chims is rare - trying to find one with it fitted will severely limit your choice.
Not being based in the UK will certainly make it more difficult to ensure you get one that is sound mechanically and structurally for your budget.
Be careful with some trade cars from non-specialist dealers as they often don't know the key check points.
Similarly, you can pay big time for one from one the main specialists.
IMO, best to find someone who can undertake an inspection on your behalf.
Good luck!
Hi,
So where is home then if you are buying a car for use outside of the uk?
At £7 to £9k you are at the lower end of the chimaera price range. At that end of the market considering a good Cat D repaired car might get you something better for your money but you do need to go down this route eyes wide open. There are however a few good, genuine cars in that price range, but they tend to get snapped up very quickly. There are equally going to be lots of cars that are poor or average, but need a bit of work such as outriggers, engine work and some general TLC which you say is not acceptable.
There is just one Chimaera for sale in the price range you mention on PH today, and this is unusual as there are often 3 or 4. There is always a little bit of a price increase during the summer months, but the seasonal price variation is not as extreme as you would imagine, and in my opinion is not worth waiting for the winter, especially if you see a car now that fits the bill.
Given you cannot look at cars yourself I would recommend talking to one of the dealers in the UK and ask them to source a car for you, and then try and get somebody here to look at it for you. Try people like James Agger, PPC, Str8Six, Fernhurst, Racing Green, Kerridges etc. You could always talk to one of the independent TVR buying specialist who offer an inspection and car finding service such as Philip Phedonos http://www.sportscarinspections.co.uk/ . I know both options are going to cost you more, but in the grand scheme of things getting a good one for a small additional fee up front could end up saving you loads long term.
If you look at Cat C/D cars, you will inevitably come across TVR Glen, TVR Dean and Target Cars. Do your research and draw your own conclusions. A chap from a Porsche background on PH got a Chimaera from TVR Glen last year and was very complimentary at the time. That remains one of the few positive reviews I am personally aware of. I assume the happy customers are less likely to write about an average or good experience, whereas the unhappy ones will often go out of their way to find every forum they can to complain.
Regardless of budget Chimaeras with Air Con seem to be like gold dust, so you may have to accept fitting an aftermarket system. They same is not true of PAS, and a good number of the later cars had PAS, however your budget puts you at the older end of the market where PAS is not so common, Again there a number of options for adding electric PAS.
Ask questions on here - there are lots of very helpful forum members.
So where is home then if you are buying a car for use outside of the uk?
At £7 to £9k you are at the lower end of the chimaera price range. At that end of the market considering a good Cat D repaired car might get you something better for your money but you do need to go down this route eyes wide open. There are however a few good, genuine cars in that price range, but they tend to get snapped up very quickly. There are equally going to be lots of cars that are poor or average, but need a bit of work such as outriggers, engine work and some general TLC which you say is not acceptable.
There is just one Chimaera for sale in the price range you mention on PH today, and this is unusual as there are often 3 or 4. There is always a little bit of a price increase during the summer months, but the seasonal price variation is not as extreme as you would imagine, and in my opinion is not worth waiting for the winter, especially if you see a car now that fits the bill.
Given you cannot look at cars yourself I would recommend talking to one of the dealers in the UK and ask them to source a car for you, and then try and get somebody here to look at it for you. Try people like James Agger, PPC, Str8Six, Fernhurst, Racing Green, Kerridges etc. You could always talk to one of the independent TVR buying specialist who offer an inspection and car finding service such as Philip Phedonos http://www.sportscarinspections.co.uk/ . I know both options are going to cost you more, but in the grand scheme of things getting a good one for a small additional fee up front could end up saving you loads long term.
If you look at Cat C/D cars, you will inevitably come across TVR Glen, TVR Dean and Target Cars. Do your research and draw your own conclusions. A chap from a Porsche background on PH got a Chimaera from TVR Glen last year and was very complimentary at the time. That remains one of the few positive reviews I am personally aware of. I assume the happy customers are less likely to write about an average or good experience, whereas the unhappy ones will often go out of their way to find every forum they can to complain.
Regardless of budget Chimaeras with Air Con seem to be like gold dust, so you may have to accept fitting an aftermarket system. They same is not true of PAS, and a good number of the later cars had PAS, however your budget puts you at the older end of the market where PAS is not so common, Again there a number of options for adding electric PAS.
Ask questions on here - there are lots of very helpful forum members.
To answer one of the OP's questions, you will have trouble with emissions data. Being a low volume manufacturer, they did not have to provide it. Even cars registered after April 2001 pay VED as a Light Goods Vehicle (i.e. like a van) because no CO2 data exists.
I have seen CO2 data on some websites about TVRs but I'm unsure where it comes from.
There's also a thread here about type approval which may help:
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=876...
I have seen CO2 data on some websites about TVRs but I'm unsure where it comes from.
There's also a thread here about type approval which may help:
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=876...
Thank you for your kind and helpful replies.
I am in Cyprus.
Regarding the CO2 emissions, there is a chap here already with a Chim so I will check with him to see what he did.
Perhaps I may need to talk to a dealer or a specialist to source a car, although I expect the best cars will be from private sellers where you are able to speak to the person that owned the car before for its history. I also do not think I am better protected from a dealer as their warranty will be meaningless to me here so the premium in cost will be of no use. Will Fernhurst replace a cam or outriggers on a car if it fails within its two year warranty while its here?
Hopefully something pops up on this site although asking if anyone knows of a good car for sale seems to be an option. Most answers to that question though suggest'going to a club meet in your area', which again is not available to me.
If I can find one with the outriggers and cam done with a high mileage, that perhaps is not desirable there, as well as the CAT D (would you trust a CAT C on these?) then it might be my best bet and yes I would want to avoid any of the dealers to be honest.
I have only come across one or two cars with a/c but they have been out of my price range. I will talk to an air con specialist here (and they are good considering all cars have it here) to see how a generic system will work. The Chim here has it so I can perhaps use it as a guide.
So if anyone knows of a car then please let me know. Is it acceptable to bump this request over the next few weeks?
I am in Cyprus.
Regarding the CO2 emissions, there is a chap here already with a Chim so I will check with him to see what he did.
Perhaps I may need to talk to a dealer or a specialist to source a car, although I expect the best cars will be from private sellers where you are able to speak to the person that owned the car before for its history. I also do not think I am better protected from a dealer as their warranty will be meaningless to me here so the premium in cost will be of no use. Will Fernhurst replace a cam or outriggers on a car if it fails within its two year warranty while its here?
Hopefully something pops up on this site although asking if anyone knows of a good car for sale seems to be an option. Most answers to that question though suggest'going to a club meet in your area', which again is not available to me.
If I can find one with the outriggers and cam done with a high mileage, that perhaps is not desirable there, as well as the CAT D (would you trust a CAT C on these?) then it might be my best bet and yes I would want to avoid any of the dealers to be honest.
I have only come across one or two cars with a/c but they have been out of my price range. I will talk to an air con specialist here (and they are good considering all cars have it here) to see how a generic system will work. The Chim here has it so I can perhaps use it as a guide.
So if anyone knows of a car then please let me know. Is it acceptable to bump this request over the next few weeks?
Sorry fella, but I am not sure you are looking at the right car for you. As StarmistBlue400 implies, the TVR aircon was more of a list-ticking job than something that was actually meant to work. The standard ventilation is naff-all use, to be frank.
Chimaeras can manage, but generally are not at their happiest in hot climates, as the engines are 1950s in design and it is a big lump that sits between you and the passenger, generating a lot of heat in the cockpit. Your fans will be running 95% of the time.
They were designed as roof-off cars, not roof-on and aircon full blast, but I agree with you, in Cypriot climate conditions I would want bloody good aircon. Having been to Crete a couple of times, I am puzzling as to where you are going to enjoy the car's performance too.
I don't want to turn away a potential owner, but you might be better served investing in a Boxster or similar.
Chimaeras can manage, but generally are not at their happiest in hot climates, as the engines are 1950s in design and it is a big lump that sits between you and the passenger, generating a lot of heat in the cockpit. Your fans will be running 95% of the time.
They were designed as roof-off cars, not roof-on and aircon full blast, but I agree with you, in Cypriot climate conditions I would want bloody good aircon. Having been to Crete a couple of times, I am puzzling as to where you are going to enjoy the car's performance too.
I don't want to turn away a potential owner, but you might be better served investing in a Boxster or similar.
My aircon works very well indeed. So much so that I get streaks of mist forming on the outside of the windscreen due to chilling from the screen vents inside. No idea what an after-market system would be like though.
If the cooling system is in good order, it seems to cope pretty well with high temperatures. What would be a good mod would be the two-stage fan controller to bring the fans on at half speed somewhat earlier - not to prevent the engine itself from overheating but to lengthen the life of electrical things like the coil and ignition amp, and also the rubbery bits under the bonnet.
If the cooling system is in good order, it seems to cope pretty well with high temperatures. What would be a good mod would be the two-stage fan controller to bring the fans on at half speed somewhat earlier - not to prevent the engine itself from overheating but to lengthen the life of electrical things like the coil and ignition amp, and also the rubbery bits under the bonnet.
Never had it in my Chim, but my Tuscan's air con is perfectly adequate. The only issue i face is that if the ducts are hot, it can take a while (5mins) to get to as cold as it should be...
But as mentioned above, i think that you may struggle to get what you want for the budget that you have. Good luck in your search, the fun starts here
But as mentioned above, i think that you may struggle to get what you want for the budget that you have. Good luck in your search, the fun starts here
I am definitely going to enjoy the hunt
I bought a W124 cab over here 3 years ago and after it was worked on by an a/c tech here the car is a fridge, even with a dark blue uninsulated rag top on it. They do these day in day out over here so if there is a system on the car I am sure we will get it to work.
Granted I had to sort out the niggles (it is a 1992 car at the end of the day) but it is a fantastic car now and I did get it at an amazingly good price (at least 5k lower than other cars out there at the time).
If all there is out there in my stated price range are ropey cars then I can raise the budget. It is just that with the range of prices out there at the moment it is difficult to get an idea what is the right price.
I have seen cars listed at 5k more than others with no mention of outriggers or a decent amount of work.
So maybe I set the bar a little high but I am testing the water as a starting point.
The a/c car will just make the hunt a little longer unless it a doable retrofit with a generic system, then that opens up more options.
On that note, I have seen this:
http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C643936
Would you even start on something like this if say negotiated to 5K?
and this:
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/used-cars/tvr/chimaera/used-tvr-chimaera-4-0-2dr-bedford-fpa-201508125990407?utm_source=Email_a_Friend&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=Email_a_friend_car
Looks like it has some work done, overspray in the engine bay but again a fixer upper?
I bought a W124 cab over here 3 years ago and after it was worked on by an a/c tech here the car is a fridge, even with a dark blue uninsulated rag top on it. They do these day in day out over here so if there is a system on the car I am sure we will get it to work.
Granted I had to sort out the niggles (it is a 1992 car at the end of the day) but it is a fantastic car now and I did get it at an amazingly good price (at least 5k lower than other cars out there at the time).
If all there is out there in my stated price range are ropey cars then I can raise the budget. It is just that with the range of prices out there at the moment it is difficult to get an idea what is the right price.
I have seen cars listed at 5k more than others with no mention of outriggers or a decent amount of work.
So maybe I set the bar a little high but I am testing the water as a starting point.
The a/c car will just make the hunt a little longer unless it a doable retrofit with a generic system, then that opens up more options.
On that note, I have seen this:
http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C643936
Would you even start on something like this if say negotiated to 5K?
and this:
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/used-cars/tvr/chimaera/used-tvr-chimaera-4-0-2dr-bedford-fpa-201508125990407?utm_source=Email_a_Friend&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=Email_a_friend_car
Looks like it has some work done, overspray in the engine bay but again a fixer upper?
I'd play it safe and raise the budget - if that project car is so good why aren't the Lotus specialists doing it up for a profit? Sell the 2.5k of parts, weld up the outriggers and flog it for 8-9k? Getting these cars back into good condition when they've gone too far is just too expensive - hood, trim, paint, seats, it all adds up.
There's a blue 450 private sale Chim with PAS and A/C on here - nearly double your budget but I'm guessing it'd be cheaper in the long run?
There's a blue 450 private sale Chim with PAS and A/C on here - nearly double your budget but I'm guessing it'd be cheaper in the long run?
Your first choice is high mileage with no service history.
It has a hole in one of the outriggers, so no! a simple repair would not suffice, you will need to replace them all. Vendor states the sale comes with new outriggers but it will still cost to have someone fit them.
Im a fan of the full bodylift approach to this job, so that will be expensive. The wishbones will also be suspect, but again the vendor includes new ones in the sale.
The dash is cracked that will need attention. The car has been stood for a so expect a few gremlins with the electrics, and any rubber components on the car. FUEL LINES WILL NEED REPLACING very dangerous not to do so.
There is plenty of other things too, so no even at 5k you will have plenty of work and cost to consider.
Your 2nd choice just seems wrong. New style rear light cluster, and speed six front end, which personally i hate.
Could have be done by choice.......but also crash damage so opportunity to restyle front and rear?
You will be taking a massive gamble buying a TVR blind, you will need someone to inspect any would be purchase very carefully.
These are fantastic cars, but can be expensive to sort properly. Any purchase by you will need to be spot on engine wise, because of the Cyprus climate. These cars need to be on the move, stop them in traffic here in blighty and they can moan and complain a bit, but in 35 degree heat in Cyprus i can guarantee if there is the slightest thing wrong on the cooling side......then it will overheat.
It has a hole in one of the outriggers, so no! a simple repair would not suffice, you will need to replace them all. Vendor states the sale comes with new outriggers but it will still cost to have someone fit them.
Im a fan of the full bodylift approach to this job, so that will be expensive. The wishbones will also be suspect, but again the vendor includes new ones in the sale.
The dash is cracked that will need attention. The car has been stood for a so expect a few gremlins with the electrics, and any rubber components on the car. FUEL LINES WILL NEED REPLACING very dangerous not to do so.
There is plenty of other things too, so no even at 5k you will have plenty of work and cost to consider.
Your 2nd choice just seems wrong. New style rear light cluster, and speed six front end, which personally i hate.
Could have be done by choice.......but also crash damage so opportunity to restyle front and rear?
You will be taking a massive gamble buying a TVR blind, you will need someone to inspect any would be purchase very carefully.
These are fantastic cars, but can be expensive to sort properly. Any purchase by you will need to be spot on engine wise, because of the Cyprus climate. These cars need to be on the move, stop them in traffic here in blighty and they can moan and complain a bit, but in 35 degree heat in Cyprus i can guarantee if there is the slightest thing wrong on the cooling side......then it will overheat.
I saw that one but with no mention of any big jobs done over the years he's had is it 5k better than the 8k plum coloured one with a clean inspection?
I have come across a few threads where people talk about a new car bought for 7 or 8k, that have been fine, which would leave me with 5k for emergencies if I were to spend 13k.
I can't help thinking that a 12k car will still need work, so why not try spending less at purchase and then do it up for the same money knowing that it was done properly.
Or doesn't it work like that with Chims?
I have come across a few threads where people talk about a new car bought for 7 or 8k, that have been fine, which would leave me with 5k for emergencies if I were to spend 13k.
I can't help thinking that a 12k car will still need work, so why not try spending less at purchase and then do it up for the same money knowing that it was done properly.
Or doesn't it work like that with Chims?
jazzdude said:
I saw that one but with no mention of any big jobs done over the years he's had is it 5k better than the 8k plum coloured one with a clean inspection?
I have come across a few threads where people talk about a new car bought for 7 or 8k, that have been fine, which would leave me with 5k for emergencies if I were to spend 13k.
I can't help thinking that a 12k car will still need work, so why not try spending less at purchase and then do it up for the same money knowing that it was done properly.
Or doesn't it work like that with Chims?
You just have to spot the right car. I have come across a few threads where people talk about a new car bought for 7 or 8k, that have been fine, which would leave me with 5k for emergencies if I were to spend 13k.
I can't help thinking that a 12k car will still need work, so why not try spending less at purchase and then do it up for the same money knowing that it was done properly.
Or doesn't it work like that with Chims?
I helped a new owner buy his Chimaera a month or so ago. He did his research and spotted a car up for sale that had been owned by TVRCC members who had owned just about every TVR going in their career. It was in fact only advertised on the club's website, not on any other of the normal sources.
It was a 4 litre, in superb condition, clean inside, chassis perfect, engine bay immaculate, started and ran perfectly. He paid your sort of budget for the car, and has had one minor electrical issue with it since, solved within an hour. No aircon or PAS, but a beautiful example of a well cared for, low mileage, car.
Take your time. They get more abundant and cheaper in the winter as people decide to sell rather then store, or need the money for something else, and there are fewer people wanting to buy a convertible in the UK in October than there were in May.
I agree with your comments on both those cars and to be honest I put them here expecting to be told that fixing up one of these cars is not the way to go.
I can wait for the right car and hope pickings get better closer to the winter when our season here starts.
Hopefully someone will pop up in a message over the next few weeks to tell me of a perfect car that has not been advertised yet.
I can wait for the right car and hope pickings get better closer to the winter when our season here starts.
Hopefully someone will pop up in a message over the next few weeks to tell me of a perfect car that has not been advertised yet.
pm me. I know someone who is selling my old 450. It is awesome and the outriggers have recently been done. I had the car completely refurbished inside and out in 2012 and it looks fantastic. I have no connection with the vendor excepting that he is local to me and I kept in touch; hence I know he is selling. I am now owner of a Porsche cayman otherwise I'd buy it back! I miss it a lot!
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