Saab Convertible to TVR Chimaera
Discussion
There's loads of info in the forum FAQ's: www.pistonheads.com/gassing/forum.asp?faq=true&f=8
I got a chim with a similar budget 1 month ago & haven't stopped grinning
I got a chim with a similar budget 1 month ago & haven't stopped grinning
I'm in Berkshire as well and I use Racing Green as it is close to where I work and so convienient for dropping off etc. Only good news to report, but I don't really know about costs as I have not shopped around.
There are quite a few people that deal with TVRs around here. Best to keep an eye on this forum for recommendations and join the TVR owners club. Their Sprint magazine has lots of advertisers. As far as what to look out for unless you know a lot about TVRs I would suggest using one of the specialists often talked about in these pages. They know them backwards and for a fee will find you the best one for your budget and spec. and even negociate the price for you.
I didn't use one, but I now know I was very lucky.
By the way I know we are in the sunny south but summer in 8 weeks time................I do hope so
There are quite a few people that deal with TVRs around here. Best to keep an eye on this forum for recommendations and join the TVR owners club. Their Sprint magazine has lots of advertisers. As far as what to look out for unless you know a lot about TVRs I would suggest using one of the specialists often talked about in these pages. They know them backwards and for a fee will find you the best one for your budget and spec. and even negociate the price for you.
I didn't use one, but I now know I was very lucky.
By the way I know we are in the sunny south but summer in 8 weeks time................I do hope so
Best to look at a good number to get a feel for it, and be ready to travel, the good ones go quickly.
Don't fall in love with the sound and all the sparkle, no what things cost to repair so you can do a quick calculation in your head how much it is going to cost to get it the way you want it.
I worn hood , a damaged seat all begin to add up and in the end it works out better to spend a little extra cash and get a good one( quite often a younger car) than thinking well i can sort this and that.
Apart from all the regular stuff, service history HPI, Ckeck for the original number plates front and rear from the original dealer allways a good sign of no big shunts (if not had plate change).
The last key tip is if you can try and get it on a ramp, check chassis e.t.c. or just ring Rob at www.findasportscar.co.uk. He will check it out or find you a good one for a small fee.
best of luck
Don't fall in love with the sound and all the sparkle, no what things cost to repair so you can do a quick calculation in your head how much it is going to cost to get it the way you want it.
I worn hood , a damaged seat all begin to add up and in the end it works out better to spend a little extra cash and get a good one( quite often a younger car) than thinking well i can sort this and that.
Apart from all the regular stuff, service history HPI, Ckeck for the original number plates front and rear from the original dealer allways a good sign of no big shunts (if not had plate change).
The last key tip is if you can try and get it on a ramp, check chassis e.t.c. or just ring Rob at www.findasportscar.co.uk. He will check it out or find you a good one for a small fee.
best of luck
I forgot to add to my earlier post: there are are lots of ropey cars out there at that price but there are some good ones too. Look at plenty & you will get a feel for what's out there. Try to get to drive as many as you can to familiarise yourself with the marque, you'll also be able to feel the differences in what look to be identical cars. I didn't drive the actual one I brought, but tried a few beforehand
eowen said:
Racing Green, Ash. Probaly not the cheapest, but a great bunch of guys who reeally seem to know what they are talking about. Contrary to experience at Thames Valley Racing, which was not good for a number of reasons.
I'm surprised you say that.... Thames Valley Racing - have saved me a fortune, compared to the make work attitude of some other garages - NOt refereing to Racing Green, have taken my car their as well, v happy, but main deler labour rates.
imho, the specialists tend to know nore than some main dealers with respect to chim's griff's these days. ie the main dealers see more tuscs, t350, etc now.
B
>> Edited by bjwoods on Monday 6th February 12:47
I too live in Berkshire, and after looking around for several months, ended up at Fernhurst. They had the largest selection of stock cars, and really prepare them well before sale - BUT - you do pay for the service. Go down and have a chat with Drew. He's helpful, friendly and knowledgeable, and will be happy to sort you out with a couple of test drives. Oh yes, despite what they start to say, they are flexible with teh "screen" price. Bought my car three wekks ago from them, and its a dream. As well as fitting 4 new tyres in the price, you also get a 12 month warranty on all major components and labour - and as this is my first TVR, that was extremely important to me. Good luck with the hunting, let us know how you get on.
Servicing - The best TVR independent is in High Wycombe - Steve Howard. 07732 863625. He race prepares TVR and the Hertz Mustang racer. I live at Watlington and its only up past Lane End. I have been using him since 2002. Tried Offords once and Hawthorns once at Farnham and they are as hopeless as each other.
m3 fitter said:
High wycombe is near me, as i live Henley side of Reading... so you think a dealer can provide value for money aswell as reliabilty? obviously there is a comeback
The only comeback i see is spending a little more. If you are not the best with a spanner (like me)
, its comforting to have the safety net of a dealer behind you.
braemarblue said:
Servicing - The best TVR independent is in High Wycombe - Steve Howard. 07732 863625. He race prepares TVR and the Hertz Mustang racer. I live at Watlington and its only up past Lane End. I have been using him since 2002. Tried Offords once and Hawthorns once at Farnham and they are as hopeless as each other.
Thanks for that braemar.. i'm gonna need his services, hopeless with cars, haven't got the inclination or knowledge, or tools... got loads of tools for work though!! Is the Thames valley trader worth checking out, privately or for trade? + anyone selling their Chim soon??
Give Steve a call - usually someone is selling - or try the TVR regional websites. I bought from Hawthorns and as u can see - not a happy experience. Took them 3 months to get a windscreen and Offords used the wrong exhaust gaskets amongst a host of other things. And unless u can afford 1000+ quid a service then Henley TVR are out! Don't buy unless you know what you are looking at.
m3 fitter- when you find the Chimaera you want to buy, get in touch with this company with regards to insurance:
www.peart.co.uk/index.php
Fantastic customer service and I'll bet that if folk reading this were to spend 5 minutes seeking a quote from them (whether it's insurance renewal time or not), they would be shocked by what they can save over their current provider
I'm only posting this because of what I've stated and, as I've said before, Peart are the best insurance company that I've been with
www.peart.co.uk/index.php
Fantastic customer service and I'll bet that if folk reading this were to spend 5 minutes seeking a quote from them (whether it's insurance renewal time or not), they would be shocked by what they can save over their current provider
I'm only posting this because of what I've stated and, as I've said before, Peart are the best insurance company that I've been with
I used Sunnighill Insurance - never again - they only use RAC Windscreens to replace the windscreen. They screwed that up and now they are paying for a retrim of the whole dash - over 2000 quid. Mannings insurance allows a TVR independent to do the screen replacement. This is essential as RAC Windscreens basically vandalised my car. When looking at a secondhand car, make sure that the screen trim is OK - I would assume most aren't as most will have had a new screen by these vandals.
kenny chim 4 said:
m3 fitter- when you find the Chimaera you want to buy, get in touch with this company with regards to insurance:
www.peart.co.uk/index.php
Fantastic customer service and I'll bet that if folk reading this were to spend 5 minutes seeking a quote from them (whether it's insurance renewal time or not), they would be shocked by what they can save over their current provider
I'm only posting this because of what I've stated and, as I've said before, Peart are the best insurance company that I've been with
Peart were no good for me, Privilege & swiftcover came out very cheap but wouldn't touch my car due to the mods
, 36, no no claims, berkshire, no points or convictions, drivewayGassing Station | Chimaera | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff