Discussion
Evening all,
I've been a long time Westfield owner, but in my heart of hearts in a TVR is where I've realy wanted to be. I've done plenty of research and a Chimaera 400 is what I'm looking at. There seems to be a few out there now in the £7k - £8k range. Is it really possible to by a reasonable Chim at that sort of price, or would I be looking at lots of work? Or is it worth paying more from a dealer?
Cheers
I've been a long time Westfield owner, but in my heart of hearts in a TVR is where I've realy wanted to be. I've done plenty of research and a Chimaera 400 is what I'm looking at. There seems to be a few out there now in the £7k - £8k range. Is it really possible to by a reasonable Chim at that sort of price, or would I be looking at lots of work? Or is it worth paying more from a dealer?
Cheers
Yes, there are good ones to be found for that sort of money but you really need to know what to look for.If you do and you are willing to travel you may find yourself a little gem. But be warned if you dont know one end of a Chimaera from another and buy the first car you see just cos its shinny and sounds good, you could easily end up having to fork out more than the car cost you in repairs alone, especially if your not of a mechanical mind and have to rely on dealers.
I managed to pick up a 1998 facelift 4.5 Chimaera off here this week for 9K. Complete with full service history and a years Tax and MOT. even had a wad of expensive invoices for servicing and repairs carried out over the last couple of years, The latest one only last month for nearly a grand for major service, manifold replacement and other various bits and pieces. Wasnt bothered by higher mileage or a few stone chips, more important to me was chassis condition, Engine, box and final drive.The fact that everything else is working is a bonus.
I managed to pick up a 1998 facelift 4.5 Chimaera off here this week for 9K. Complete with full service history and a years Tax and MOT. even had a wad of expensive invoices for servicing and repairs carried out over the last couple of years, The latest one only last month for nearly a grand for major service, manifold replacement and other various bits and pieces. Wasnt bothered by higher mileage or a few stone chips, more important to me was chassis condition, Engine, box and final drive.The fact that everything else is working is a bonus.
The prices are on the way down....I guess not many people are investing in shiny 4 and 5 litre monsters of road fun.. Which means that a 94-95 car could easily be that sort of money indeed.. Get it inspected by someone who knows what they are doing is all, and look at a few before you buy.
It is also very importan to bare in mind that, although they may be cheap to buy initially, the running costs do not go down in price - there are many very good specialists out there to keep running costs down as much as possible, but can still be expensive to keep in tip-top condition, which is exactly how they should be kept if driven for fun.
chris watton said:
It is also very importan to bare in mind that, although they may be cheap to buy initially, the running costs do not go down in price - there are many very good specialists out there to keep running costs down as much as possible, but can still be expensive to keep in tip-top condition, which is exactly how they should be kept if driven for fun.
You coming back Chris?
mongoose said:
chris watton said:
It is also very importan to bare in mind that, although they may be cheap to buy initially, the running costs do not go down in price - there are many very good specialists out there to keep running costs down as much as possible, but can still be expensive to keep in tip-top condition, which is exactly how they should be kept if driven for fun.
You coming back Chris?Chan wants one, one day! she loved the Chim! (so did I)
Thanks for that,
I like to think I know the right things to look out for and could handle minor jobs. Am in Cumbria, any TVR specialists up this way?
Also, I know there is lots of insurance threads on here but, just been getting a few quotes, and it ain't good! Looked at TVR couple of years ago and had some great quotes, many not much more than for me and the girlfriend (she's only 23! ;-) )on my daily driver ( Mondeo 2.5 V6 ST24). Since then and one claim (a deer ran out infront of me at 85mph! A little panel damage!!) and 3 points/£60 for crossing double white lines, and the quote are now frightening!! Better do some overtime!!
Any ideas??
Also, Chimera or Griffith? The differences in feel?
I like to think I know the right things to look out for and could handle minor jobs. Am in Cumbria, any TVR specialists up this way?
Also, I know there is lots of insurance threads on here but, just been getting a few quotes, and it ain't good! Looked at TVR couple of years ago and had some great quotes, many not much more than for me and the girlfriend (she's only 23! ;-) )on my daily driver ( Mondeo 2.5 V6 ST24). Since then and one claim (a deer ran out infront of me at 85mph! A little panel damage!!) and 3 points/£60 for crossing double white lines, and the quote are now frightening!! Better do some overtime!!
Any ideas??
Also, Chimera or Griffith? The differences in feel?
Basically at 7-8k there's going to be more "crap" to look at than "good" however that doesn't mean there aren't any gems on the coalface. IMHO if that is your sort of spending power I'd have a look at an honest CatD car as you'll get a "better" car for the cash over a non CatD for the same price. (Albeit you need to know what the damage was and ensure it was repaired professionally).
Cheers,
Matt.
Cheers,
Matt.
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