In a pickle: Advice Wanted (Chimaera v Tuscan)
Discussion
I'm finally at the point of being able to buy myself a TVR. Having only admired from afar over the years, I'd have happily trapped my own scrotum in the spinning wheels of a rusting bicycle to drive any of them; but now I'm able to buy my very own, I've been hankering after a Tuscan.
I tested a Tuscan on Tues and it scared me. Yes it was beyond words, but I'm certain I saw a scythe-carrying, hooded figure in black at the side of the road on more than one occasion. I've also been reading up on some of the nightmare repair costs that seem to be definite, rather than potential.
Last night, I went to test drive a Chimaera (4.5). Insane acceleration again in 3rd from 40mph up to 100mph. It was still a beast, although far more civilised that the Tuscan… It was Rachel Hunter, not Cheryl Tweedy: still a fine and mind-blowing ride, but lacking in the jaw-dropping looks and groin-tingling excitement that would really make your mates jealous. Some people have told me that the Chimaera is a more appropriate introduction to the TVR family, from which I can work my way up. I'm still confused now though…
Does anyone have any experienced advice on this subject that they would care to offer me?
Thanks
I tested a Tuscan on Tues and it scared me. Yes it was beyond words, but I'm certain I saw a scythe-carrying, hooded figure in black at the side of the road on more than one occasion. I've also been reading up on some of the nightmare repair costs that seem to be definite, rather than potential.
Last night, I went to test drive a Chimaera (4.5). Insane acceleration again in 3rd from 40mph up to 100mph. It was still a beast, although far more civilised that the Tuscan… It was Rachel Hunter, not Cheryl Tweedy: still a fine and mind-blowing ride, but lacking in the jaw-dropping looks and groin-tingling excitement that would really make your mates jealous. Some people have told me that the Chimaera is a more appropriate introduction to the TVR family, from which I can work my way up. I'm still confused now though…
Does anyone have any experienced advice on this subject that they would care to offer me?
Thanks
I have had my C450 for four years and fully expected/intended to transition to a Tuscan after a couple of years. To be honest the stunning performance and reliability of the C450 has now reduced those 'hankering' moments to the rare occasion I see a moonraker black Tuscan. The Chimaera styling is classic and ageless - it is so good looking and the v8 sounds so sweet that mates driving euro-japboxes will always be envious. The incremental emotion of the Tuscan over a Chimaera isn't going to make much difference as far as your mates are concerned. In fact I'd focus on what you feel about your car rather than what you think your mates might be thinking. Showing off performance in either car is a recipe for an insurance claim at best....
So then it comes down to your initial capital outlay (including the added cost of a dealer's warranty for the Tuscan - I wouldn't buy a Tuscan from anywhere other than a recognized sports car dealer and probably IMHO only a TVR dealer) and the budget you set for servicing and repairs.
So then it comes down to your initial capital outlay (including the added cost of a dealer's warranty for the Tuscan - I wouldn't buy a Tuscan from anywhere other than a recognized sports car dealer and probably IMHO only a TVR dealer) and the budget you set for servicing and repairs.
I had a 450 for 2 and half years and never regretted the decision. The car was faultless and never let me down. The noise of the V8 is something you cant replace and the Speed 6 although still a pleasure to the ears is not quite the same. I have only recently upgraded to a Sagaris because I think that if you are going to move along the curve you have to make the upgrade worthwhile. I would not have sold the 450 for a Tuscan. A personal opinion but I hope it helps.
I had driven both a C450 and C500 and decided that I'd get the best condition example I could find privately. If that was a C500 great. I couldn't in the few miles on each really tell them apart but folk had said the 450 engine was a little more flexible in traffic. But I paid for several Cs (one C500 and two C450s) to be tested by local TVR dealers and took a C450 that had a full TVR service history and was very sound underneath. It was also painted in (lighting blue touchpaper and standing back) the fastest colour - Starmist Blue 
incognit-O said:
.........Does anyone have any experienced advice on this subject that they would care to offer me?
Thanks
Buy a Chimaera!Honestly,i've had both,and the Chimaera is the one your likely to be most happy with long term.Whilst your enjoying the Chim you can learn more about the Tuscan and whether you really want one in the future.Thanks
I've had both as well, the 500 Chimaera i have now (well till someone buys it) is the best of the bunch - too many sleepless nights waiting for the inevitable to happen with the Sp 6 - Still - i'd have a tuscan 2 now with the warranty etc in place now...
Buy on condition condition condition, and not the first you see, unless it happens to be mine then its a winner anyway, and we all know yellow is faster
Has anyone sent you the Chimaera buyers guide yet ??
Justin
Buy on condition condition condition, and not the first you see, unless it happens to be mine then its a winner anyway, and we all know yellow is faster
Has anyone sent you the Chimaera buyers guide yet ??
Justin
Edited by Tunnelmeister on Thursday 10th August 16:57
incognit-O said:
Tunnelmeister said:
Has anyone sent you the Chimaera buyers guide yet ??
Justin
Not yet, but give that it's me coming to see your Chimaera later tonight, perhaps I could read through it as I'm conducting my detailed examinations
LOL, just realised it was you, i've printed one out for you and Nsparey whos viewing the car tomorrow
what are the chances eh 
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