Thinking of buying a sub 10k Chimaera...any advice?
Discussion
I'm thinking of buying a chimaera in the next few months. I will have between 6k - 10k to spend hopefully. Realistically what will I be able to get for my money? Also I know TVR's aren't the most reliable cars in the world (my dad owns a tuscan), but am I going to be buying a load of trouble if I spent that little cash on a chimaera...how much should I set aside each year for repairs / servicing? are there any common problems to look out for when buying etc etc? or is worth waiting till I have more £££'s to spend on a newer model?
(Apologies if this question has been asked a thousand times before, any help much appreciated)
(Apologies if this question has been asked a thousand times before, any help much appreciated)
.I bought a Chimaera a year and a half ago for £9000. The car has excellent paint (front end respray), a FSH and a restored chassis (chassis restoration can be really, really expensive). The cars had a clutch (£450), some electrial work (£300) and a service and some work for the MOT (steering rack, dampers, tires, anti-roll bar, suspension bushes)approx £2000. I estimate £2000 a year service and repears. Hope this does not put you off, its a wonderfull car and I can think of no car I would like more.
Lots of advice available in previous threads, e.g.
www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&f=8&t=293358
Also, you might find that the chim is generally more reliable than the tuscan
www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&f=8&t=293358
Also, you might find that the chim is generally more reliable than the tuscan
I bought my 94 Chim 400HC this time last year for 9K and 44,000 on the clock.
Nothing has actually gone wrong with it apart from the stepper motor that I broke, simply because I was being stupid while tightening it. Had full 12k service done shortly after I bought it - £500. Few minor things needed to be done - new alternator, 4 new tyres, new front shocks and new starter motor, fan over-ride switch - £1200 approx. Then a few things that didn't need to be done but I did them anyway - silicone cooling hoses, magnecors ignition leads and some Leven bits - £300.
I reckon on £1,000 p.a for routine stuff and maybe another £1,000 for unexpected repairs so your £2k p.a would be a reasonable estimate - unless you're very lucky or very unlucky.
Look underneath at the chassis and outriggers with the help of someone who knows what to look for - be prepared to pay for good advice - worth every penny.
Get a good one and the absorb the enjoyment -> priceless.
Good luck.
Nothing has actually gone wrong with it apart from the stepper motor that I broke, simply because I was being stupid while tightening it. Had full 12k service done shortly after I bought it - £500. Few minor things needed to be done - new alternator, 4 new tyres, new front shocks and new starter motor, fan over-ride switch - £1200 approx. Then a few things that didn't need to be done but I did them anyway - silicone cooling hoses, magnecors ignition leads and some Leven bits - £300.
I reckon on £1,000 p.a for routine stuff and maybe another £1,000 for unexpected repairs so your £2k p.a would be a reasonable estimate - unless you're very lucky or very unlucky.
Look underneath at the chassis and outriggers with the help of someone who knows what to look for - be prepared to pay for good advice - worth every penny.
Get a good one and the absorb the enjoyment -> priceless.
Good luck.
I bought mine in Feb for £10250,it is in mint condition with full history and 21000 miles on the clock.It is a 93 Chim 430,so quite rare too.Also included in the price was a TVR plate.I have spent probably £800 so far on servicing and getting it up to scratch.I think I got a good deal,there are some bargains out there but make sure you take somebody who knows what they are looking for.
A buyers market so shop around, lots of owners want to sell so its a realistsic budget. I found it better to get a good car in need of some TLC costemtically (not chassis) & spend a grand sorting (loads of fun) and making it your own, than say a top draw car which could also need some hidden spending. Just be careful and look at plenty.
Flintstone said:
Pay attention to condition rather than just mileage. Low mileage will not necessarily mean trouble free, in fact a car that has not been used regularly could prove troublesome.
They need to be driven regularly. Sadly an overseas job means mine won't be and has to go
They need to be driven regularly. Sadly an overseas job means mine won't be and has to go
Good advice.
I bought a 500 for a silly cheap price with 6ik on the clock and the car is fantastic, just picked up a later 500 with full history and 30k on the clock an d considerable more money and it turns out it realy needs an engine rebuild!
Gassing Station | Chimaera | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff