A little help on buying...

[suikoden]

Hey guys,

im new to the forum and just wanted to ask a few questions. ok

i dont have much cash to spend but i have found very smart looking chimaeras on sale for £8000 - £9000.

for example:

1994 L Reg TVR Chimaera 4.0 HC Convertible2 Doors, Manual 5 speed, Convertible, Petrol, 50,000 miles, Metallic ghriffin red, MOT-05-2006, 3 Owners. Adjustable seats, Adjustable steering column/wheel, Alloy wheels, Anti theft system, CD Multichanger, Colour coding - Body, Electric mirrors, Electric windows, Foglights, Full service history, Leather upholstery, Immobiliser, Remote locking, Radio/CD, Sports seats. this tvr is in stunning condition inside and out with only 50.000 miles genuine with fsh.new clutch.recent new brakes.taxed til 12-05.lots of previus mot,s.clifford cat 1 remote alarm sytsem.drives perfect and been maintained regardless .must be veiwed stunning car or call for more info on 07968 038996....px poss £7,995

AND

1993 TVR Chimaera 4.0 Convertible
59,000 miles, Cosmos Blue With Doeskin Interi. Full TVR Service History, Adjustable Steering Column, Private Number Plate, Alarm, Aluminium Handbrake Gearshift And Clocks, Music Upgrade, Electric mirrors, Electric windows, Metallic paintwork. Totally Immaculate And Genuine Throughout. £8995

I mean, looking at the pics - especially of the laters interior (oh my god) - they look in perfect condition. I know these cars arent usually bought to be pushed to the limit every single day but with such a price tag are they going to be good examples of a tvr and would you guys recommend getting one...?

I really want a tvr and i know this is a good way of getting my foot in the door so to speak...What you reckon?

And finally - i have to ask...

You guys own these cars...

1) are they really fast? (acceleration, etc...) <---- i know they are but i want a drivers perspective.

2) have good handling?

3) are they ok on fuel...whats the mpg?

4) are they comfortable? i love the interior styling...wil i ever want to get out?

5) would you recommend a TVR Chimaera? (i dont think i can afford any other model - but i want a sagaris)

Thanks loads guys.

Thanks for letting me post on your forums. please get back to me as soon as you can.

cheers

Tom

[Big Al.]

Tom and a big welcome to the asylum :OH

Try this for a thread

www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=93437&f=8&h=0

It may answer some of the questions you are asking.

Also have a look in the FAQ's and do a search.

There’s a wealth of information to be had on here.

OH and to answer one of your questions, YES they are fast even the baby 4.0 ltr ones.

[.Mark]

suikoden said:

1) are they really fast? (acceleration, etc...) <---- i know they are but i want a drivers perspective. 2) have good handling? 3) are they ok on fuel...whats the mpg? 4) are they comfortable? i love the interior styling...wil i ever want to get out? 5) would you recommend a TVR Chimaera? (i dont think i can afford any other model - but i want a sagaris) Tom

1) They aren't too bad, mine's the economy version and it puts in a good show
2) Once you know it's limits you'll be surprised at the handling of a standard car. Another £1 - 2k will get you even better grip and ride.
3) Whats mpg?
4) Most comfortable car I've ever driven, can do 300 miles in it and feel as fresh as a daisy at the other end.
5) Yes, best TVR ever made (with the possible exception of the Typhon if they ever get round to producing it). Best lookin of the old RV8's and a well known fact to those in the know is that the chief 'Fast Man' at TVR loved blue cars, every blue Chimaera built had some 'extra's' fitted for free thus making them 10 - 15% faster than any other colour.

[wizzpig]

Welcome to the nut house

Chim is, IMHO best looking RV8 engined car too..... though it's a common misconception about blue cars..... every one in the know acknowledges that green TVR's are the fastest

[.Mark]

wizzpig said:

every one in the know acknowledges that green TVR's are the fastest

Ah yes, green, the colour of envy. Never mind porr chap, perhaps you'll get a blue one next time eh?

[zippee]

suikoden said:

1) are they really fast? (acceleration, etc...) <---- i know they are but i want a drivers perspective. 2) have good handling? 3) are they ok on fuel...whats the mpg? 4) are they comfortable? i love the interior styling...wil i ever want to get out? 5) would you recommend a TVR Chimaera? (i dont think i can afford any other model - but i want a sagaris) Thanks loads guys. Thanks for letting me post on your forums. please get back to me as soon as you can. cheers Tom

Firstly,
An older car can quite easily be in better condition than a 5 year old example. Basically with these cars always buy on condition rather than age/mileage. If your unsure get it inspected by someone like James Agger or a friendly local indie.
They are quick, obviously there will always be quicker cars on the road (tuned scooby for example) but for grin factor they can't be beaten. 0-60 around 5 seconds and top speed somewhere around 150.
Handling is very good once you get used to it. Just be careful in the wet.
MPG is around 18-24 depending on how heavy your foot is. You should get around 220 miles on a £45 tank of super.
Yes they are comfortable - again the driving position takes a bit of getting used to but I love it.
Yes, I would defo recommend a Chim, but go into ownership with your eyes open as regards servicing, reliability niggles etc. It's not a Merc S class in terms of build quality.

Best thing I could recommend would be to get out there and drive some - start with some of the dealers and explain what your looking for.
Where abouts in the UK are you? Try and get along to a local TVRCC meet and chat with owners there.

[wizzpig]

.Mark said:

wizzpig said: every one in the know acknowledges that green TVR's are the fastest Ah yes, green, the colour of envy. Never mind porr chap, perhaps you'll get a blue one next time eh?

Only if i could learn to live with being passed by green ones all the while

[hood]

and welcome.
I'm relatively new to the TVR and can safely say you wont regret it, definately try a few beforehand as was mentioned and get yourself along to some TVR meets.
As for statistics mpg handling etc etc ............... who fg cares, it's a quick, stunning looking, loud (depending on exhaust) high performance sports car.
OH and btw Red ones are definately quicker.
Glyn.

[zippee]

hood said:

OH and btw Red ones are definately quicker. Glyn.

Than the green ones, which are both significantly slower than the blue ones.....

[hood]

zippee said:

The blue and green ones, which are both significantly slower than hoods one.....

Too true

[suikoden]

hey guys, thanks for the info...im well excited about the prospect of a tvr...

I live in Birmingham...are there any meets or anyone from around brum on here? love to have a closer look at one. especially as there aren't any dealers around here (or so it says on the tvr website).

thanks guys

tom

[blujay10]

Mines blue and there is no doubt its quicker than any other colour! i hummed and harred for ages and then just did it. Should have done it years ago! mrs B is coming round to the idea and only resorts to "that bloody car should have been a conservatory" once or twice a week!!
Have fun and keep an eye on this forum as its the best available for info with some real gentlemen who offer great advise.

[Chris Smith]

wizzpig said:

Welcome to the nut house every one in the know acknowledges that green TVR's are the fastest

I quite agree with Wizzpig!

[stuartlynn]

Welcome to the club....... never mind blue or green.... red are faster and meaner!

[Red Un]

stuartlynn said:

red are faster and meaner!

and sexier too........I am a relatively new owner of a TVR too it is just a shame you can't stretch to a Griff

Oh and Birmingham top place to live!

[suikoden]

to be honest, im only 21 and a griffith might be a bit too full on for a starter TVR.

are there any meets in or around birmingham...a tvrs (+ aston martin and lambourgini) are the only cars i havent actually been in yet.

What about dealers around the birmingham area...?

you guys have been very welcoming...thanks a lot...

cheers

tom

[Red Un]

Personally I use David Gerald to the south of Brum in Worcestershire - they have a website.

TVR car club meets are set for East Midlands every 2nd sunday and West Midlands every 3rd sunday - for more general stuff check out the events calender on PH.

Best of luck.

[.Mark]

suikoden said:

to be honest, im only 21 and a griffith might be a bit too full on for a starter TVR. tom

Plus you are about 30 years too young too.

Unless you already have a full beard and suede patches on the elbows of your jackets?

[wizzpig]

Red Un said:

Oh and Birmingham top place to live!

Birmingham..... it's my kinda town....

Q cheesy 70's porn music.....

[suikoden]

.Mark said:

suikoden said: to be honest, im only 21 and a griffith might be a bit too full on for a starter TVR. tom Plus you are about 30 years too young too. Unless you already have a full beard and suede patches on the elbows of your jackets?

But they are sooooooooo sexy....

i definately want to go to a meet.

cheers

tom