Advice on possible purchase
Discussion
Hi all,
I'm looking for a bit of advice on a couple of Chimaera's, I've had a Griff and T350 in the past but don't really know much about Chimaera's. A mate of mine is looking at a couple and I wonder if anyone had tips on what to look out for? The first one is:
https://www.bhpautoshertfordshire.co.uk/used-cars/...
As you can see it's a low mileage car and looks in great condition, it is only a 4ltr as opposed to this one:
https://www.bespokeperformance.co.uk/cars-for-sale...
Is there much difference between the 4-5ltr and is there any change between the years 96/98?
Any help would be much appreciated.
I'm looking for a bit of advice on a couple of Chimaera's, I've had a Griff and T350 in the past but don't really know much about Chimaera's. A mate of mine is looking at a couple and I wonder if anyone had tips on what to look out for? The first one is:
https://www.bhpautoshertfordshire.co.uk/used-cars/...
As you can see it's a low mileage car and looks in great condition, it is only a 4ltr as opposed to this one:
https://www.bespokeperformance.co.uk/cars-for-sale...
Is there much difference between the 4-5ltr and is there any change between the years 96/98?
Any help would be much appreciated.
Darren,
The 500 (Chimaera) is quite a rare thing. I'd add that prices probably reflect that.
I believe (but stand to be corrected) that the 450 has the strongest engine. I'd also say that a strong 450 would put out as much as an average 500.
The '98 cars should all be with the 'facelift' rear lights - rather than the early car's Fiesta cluster.
As always buy on condition and history.
Nick
The 500 (Chimaera) is quite a rare thing. I'd add that prices probably reflect that.
I believe (but stand to be corrected) that the 450 has the strongest engine. I'd also say that a strong 450 would put out as much as an average 500.
The '98 cars should all be with the 'facelift' rear lights - rather than the early car's Fiesta cluster.
As always buy on condition and history.
Nick
Lensey said:
Hi all,
I'm looking for a bit of advice on a couple of Chimaera's, I've had a Griff and T350 in the past but don't really know much about Chimaera's. A mate of mine is looking at a couple and I wonder if anyone had tips on what to look out for? The first one is:
https://www.bhpautoshertfordshire.co.uk/used-cars/...
As you can see it's a low mileage car and looks in great condition, it is only a 4ltr as opposed to this one:
https://www.bespokeperformance.co.uk/cars-for-sale...
Is there much difference between the 4-5ltr and is there any change between the years 96/98?
Any help would be much appreciated.
First one looks really good, but no pics of the chassis I'm looking for a bit of advice on a couple of Chimaera's, I've had a Griff and T350 in the past but don't really know much about Chimaera's. A mate of mine is looking at a couple and I wonder if anyone had tips on what to look out for? The first one is:
https://www.bhpautoshertfordshire.co.uk/used-cars/...
As you can see it's a low mileage car and looks in great condition, it is only a 4ltr as opposed to this one:
https://www.bespokeperformance.co.uk/cars-for-sale...
Is there much difference between the 4-5ltr and is there any change between the years 96/98?
Any help would be much appreciated.
also asking a lot of money for an early car.Low mileage maybe, but these cars like to be used not stored in a garage for many years.
Second one also looks good, but again no chassis pics. Its the rarer 5.0 ltr so the price is ok, but again it is top end money.
Not sure about the colour combo of the interior on the 5.0 ltr.
All the good advice is already mentioned on here. That really is it, exactly what everyone else says. Both are very good looking examples, low mielage, etc and appear to be in very good order.
The low mileage discussion will last forever but it's a fact that the lower mileage examples still command a premium. As said though, these cars thrive on being driven. Infrequently driven examples are more likely to throw up multiple niggles. And the size of the niggle isn't always small. There are numerous examples on these pages. Some excellent higher mileage examples are out there, where everything has been replaced and hence they offer teriffic value. Don't be put off by a higher mileage just for the sake of it, as they will be cheaper. Judge everything on individual merits.
Red is not my thing and (again, as said before) the 500 interior is an odd choice if it's original. Perhaps it's had a colour change respray?
Chassis condition (the elephant in the room) is all! I doubt the 400 has had chassis work but does it need some? Low mileage yes, but it's sat through 20+ damp winters somewhere. Go figure. Check outriggers and the rest of the chassis VERY carefully. The 500 probably hasn't had chassis work either. Maybe they're perfect underneath, maybe not. But at these prices you're not expecting a basket case below decks.
You will never get your money back on a good quality body-off chassis refurb. Costs vary, based on scope but you can reckon on 4 - 6k for this sort of work. (Yes, I know, it can be done cheaper and it depends on the scope and where you stop, etc.) Better to buy one that's already done and someone else has spent the money. Your chum can then reap the reward. There are an increasing number on the market these days with this work done. A good job should last you another 20 years, min.
The low mileage discussion will last forever but it's a fact that the lower mileage examples still command a premium. As said though, these cars thrive on being driven. Infrequently driven examples are more likely to throw up multiple niggles. And the size of the niggle isn't always small. There are numerous examples on these pages. Some excellent higher mileage examples are out there, where everything has been replaced and hence they offer teriffic value. Don't be put off by a higher mileage just for the sake of it, as they will be cheaper. Judge everything on individual merits.
Red is not my thing and (again, as said before) the 500 interior is an odd choice if it's original. Perhaps it's had a colour change respray?
Chassis condition (the elephant in the room) is all! I doubt the 400 has had chassis work but does it need some? Low mileage yes, but it's sat through 20+ damp winters somewhere. Go figure. Check outriggers and the rest of the chassis VERY carefully. The 500 probably hasn't had chassis work either. Maybe they're perfect underneath, maybe not. But at these prices you're not expecting a basket case below decks.
You will never get your money back on a good quality body-off chassis refurb. Costs vary, based on scope but you can reckon on 4 - 6k for this sort of work. (Yes, I know, it can be done cheaper and it depends on the scope and where you stop, etc.) Better to buy one that's already done and someone else has spent the money. Your chum can then reap the reward. There are an increasing number on the market these days with this work done. A good job should last you another 20 years, min.
Edited by pb450 on Tuesday 6th March 14:47
There are lots of threads about the various changes if you do a search. Basically in 1996, the front grill was dropped for a split grp front a lá the Cerbera. The bonnet was slight raised in profile too. The rear boot got longer too.
In the next 2 yrs, the door buttons moved to the mirrors, the rear lights became bespoke instead on Ford Fiesta, the boot hinges disappeared for an internal hinge system and the rear number plate became sloped. The dashboard switchgear changed too. Some or all of these appear almost randomly from P reg to S reg !
There are several other minor changes like the wiper motor moving position but it's a long list if you put everything.
In the next 2 yrs, the door buttons moved to the mirrors, the rear lights became bespoke instead on Ford Fiesta, the boot hinges disappeared for an internal hinge system and the rear number plate became sloped. The dashboard switchgear changed too. Some or all of these appear almost randomly from P reg to S reg !
There are several other minor changes like the wiper motor moving position but it's a long list if you put everything.
Edited by ianwayne on Tuesday 6th March 17:16
If you had a Griff, you really already know what you are looking for. The Chimaera and Griffith are mechanically identical in almost every respect, and I believe ran on identical chassis (perhaps with some minor differences in early models).
At those ages, you are well past the 'pre-cat' era and are looking at cars with the more highly regarded diff and gearbox.
In reality, all are quick enough for everyday driving. The 430 and 450 always get good reviews and reports, but I think the 500 is something a bit special. When I was shopping for a Chimaera, I was desperate to get a 500, knowing that if I ended up (nice problem to have) with anything less I would always be wondering what if, and would perhaps be shopping for a 500 sooner rather than later.
To put the costs in some sort of perspective, I purchased a high mileage (83000), high number of owners (11), 1994 plate Chimaera three years ago for £9200, and was valued last year at £15000. It had been converted, using V8 Development parts, from a 400 to 500 so had an engine rebuild along with a raft of other upgrades including MegaSquirt ECU with coil packs, oil cooler and pre-cats removed. It also had Gaz Gold shocks, electric power steering, and the outriggers replaced. It had a front end respray and seats from a much later chimaera fitted as well.
It is a long way from being standard and is pretty quick.
I have had the roof replaced and fitted a new BTR diff to replace the tired and noisy GKN diff.
Mechanically it is pretty well sorted and has never let me down. Cosmetically it polishes up ok, but will never win awards.
These well loved and well used 'cheaper' cars do come up for sale occasionally, and I would not be put off again based on my experience.
I would personally rather buy something that I know has been used rather than stood on the basis that a caring owner will have already sorted out the niggles if the car is getting regular use.
The two cars listed are at the higher end of the Chimaera price range, and I would want the chassis to be really good if not stripped and rebuilt already. The chassis will need attention at some point, even on a low miler. TVR, as I am sure you know, did not have a good reputation in the late 90s for the quality control and powder coating and the later white chassis are apparently more prone to rot that the earlier silver chassis.
At those ages, you are well past the 'pre-cat' era and are looking at cars with the more highly regarded diff and gearbox.
In reality, all are quick enough for everyday driving. The 430 and 450 always get good reviews and reports, but I think the 500 is something a bit special. When I was shopping for a Chimaera, I was desperate to get a 500, knowing that if I ended up (nice problem to have) with anything less I would always be wondering what if, and would perhaps be shopping for a 500 sooner rather than later.
To put the costs in some sort of perspective, I purchased a high mileage (83000), high number of owners (11), 1994 plate Chimaera three years ago for £9200, and was valued last year at £15000. It had been converted, using V8 Development parts, from a 400 to 500 so had an engine rebuild along with a raft of other upgrades including MegaSquirt ECU with coil packs, oil cooler and pre-cats removed. It also had Gaz Gold shocks, electric power steering, and the outriggers replaced. It had a front end respray and seats from a much later chimaera fitted as well.
It is a long way from being standard and is pretty quick.
I have had the roof replaced and fitted a new BTR diff to replace the tired and noisy GKN diff.
Mechanically it is pretty well sorted and has never let me down. Cosmetically it polishes up ok, but will never win awards.
These well loved and well used 'cheaper' cars do come up for sale occasionally, and I would not be put off again based on my experience.
I would personally rather buy something that I know has been used rather than stood on the basis that a caring owner will have already sorted out the niggles if the car is getting regular use.
The two cars listed are at the higher end of the Chimaera price range, and I would want the chassis to be really good if not stripped and rebuilt already. The chassis will need attention at some point, even on a low miler. TVR, as I am sure you know, did not have a good reputation in the late 90s for the quality control and powder coating and the later white chassis are apparently more prone to rot that the earlier silver chassis.
Smokey Boyer said:
The two cars listed are at the higher end of the Chimaera price range, and I would want the chassis to be really good if not stripped and rebuilt already. The chassis will need attention at some point, even on a low miler. TVR, as I am sure you know, did not have a good reputation in the late 90s for the quality control and powder coating and the later white chassis are apparently more prone to rot that the earlier silver chassis.
The last sentence above may have some truth in it, but what is for certain, whether white or silver, chassis work is inevitable in the future.I have seen a few cars still on their original chassis that are good, but these are an exception.
Personally I would not be bothered about mileage, at the kind of money you are looking at, it would be a full body off chassis refurb that would be my main priority.
I have never bought into the 'high mileage better than low mileage' crap, it depends on how the car has spent it's life. Has it been properly serviced/ warmed up/ used in Winter/ regular track days? The high v low mileage argument is usually done by high mileage owners. 5.0 Chimaeras are rare and will command a premium in future (original, not made up and I don't rate V8D either). Condition is key. Later cars will/should have newer rear lights, extended boot lip, deeper flip up on end of bonnet towards screen, solenoid door opening, hidden boot hinges (even later will have boot lid opening higher) dashboard upgrade, etc. Best of luck with your search, you should hopefully get a great car for your money. Keep us posted.
Edited by macdeb on Wednesday 7th March 19:50
The high mileage debate is simple.
The mileage on these cars is irrelivent.
We are looking at cars between 15 and 25 years old. The two key things are chassis condition and how well they have been looked after. If I was buying another, these two things would be my only consideration. Mileage would not sway me one way or other.
I write this as the Owner of a low mileage car, which has clearly been well looked after in its previous life, but I am still doing a chassis job as the outriggers were rotten.
The mileage on these cars is irrelivent.
We are looking at cars between 15 and 25 years old. The two key things are chassis condition and how well they have been looked after. If I was buying another, these two things would be my only consideration. Mileage would not sway me one way or other.
I write this as the Owner of a low mileage car, which has clearly been well looked after in its previous life, but I am still doing a chassis job as the outriggers were rotten.
Well he just called me, couldn’t wait until Saturday so he went over and bought the 4ltr one, picking it up Saturday so I’ll see what it’s like but he was really happy with it, he did have a Cerbera years ago and said it’s miles better than that 😂
I’ll report back when I’ve seen it👍
I’ll report back when I’ve seen it👍
Even with mileage that low, that's a price I suppose all 4.0 litre owners should be pleased to see obtained.... I think?
I hope he checked the age of the tyres. The ones on mine were 17 yrs old at the front when I bought it last year. Scary til I replaced them! It may be an optical illusion but the photos suggest it has only 15" wheels on the rear.
I hope he checked the age of the tyres. The ones on mine were 17 yrs old at the front when I bought it last year. Scary til I replaced them! It may be an optical illusion but the photos suggest it has only 15" wheels on the rear.
Smokey Boyer said:
The 430 and 450 always get good reviews and reports, but I think the 500 is something a bit special. When I was shopping for a Chimaera, I was desperate to get a 500, knowing that if I ended up (nice problem to have) with anything less I would always be wondering what if, and would perhaps be shopping for a 500 sooner rather than later.
.
There's a couple of 500 owners who kind of regret not getting a 430 instead, or regret selling theirs for a 500! The 500 is easily the most compromised TVR Power build in several aspects, and quite a few have been converted to a V8D or John Eales version of a five litre RV8 that both are fundamentally different. Also, the more discerning drivers I know don't really rate the nature of the TVR 5.0 engine (lots of brutally produced torque down low but a bit reluctant to rev). The only reasons to go for a 500 would be rarity and/or 'because it's the biggest number' - or if you're into modding, the big valve heads that are an excellent base for power mods. As-is, it's far from being the nicest engine in the range..
Don't get this obsession with revs, surely that's not what a big V8 is about. My 500 has 124k miles on it and has never shunted or missed a beat and still on original camshaft and pulls like a teen with his own porn channel!
My wife's 430 however, with the magical low miles (43k), was nothing but aggro with appalling shunting, tick over which had a mind of its own, poor starting, poor mpg, oil pressure problems, water ingress, immobiliser problems, speedo errors, low oil pressure, crap brakes and crap gearbox. What a relief when we sold it after 3 years of trying everything to get it to run right and I mean everything except fitting carbs which I know would have sorted 99% of its running probs and I have been in the trade for 48 years! Its probably why it had such low miles after 6 previous owners because no one enjoyed driving it! My wife now has a car that the Chimaera should have become, a 350Z, absolute pleasure to drive. Still like the 500 but the 350Z has become the favourite. The 500 will go when the price is right.
My wife's 430 however, with the magical low miles (43k), was nothing but aggro with appalling shunting, tick over which had a mind of its own, poor starting, poor mpg, oil pressure problems, water ingress, immobiliser problems, speedo errors, low oil pressure, crap brakes and crap gearbox. What a relief when we sold it after 3 years of trying everything to get it to run right and I mean everything except fitting carbs which I know would have sorted 99% of its running probs and I have been in the trade for 48 years! Its probably why it had such low miles after 6 previous owners because no one enjoyed driving it! My wife now has a car that the Chimaera should have become, a 350Z, absolute pleasure to drive. Still like the 500 but the 350Z has become the favourite. The 500 will go when the price is right.
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