Best Chim for prospective buyer?

[Llew]

Hi Everyone!

I want to buy a Chimeara as a second car and would like to know which one I should be looking out for with my budget in mind. I'm looking to spend between £7-10k ideally - Do I go for as new as possible? Or older with less owners, miles etc?

Should I go for a 450 or 500? Or is the 400 quick enough?

My last toy was a Porsche 928 which was quick but was an auto and felt quite sedate... I imagine that Chims are total monsters in comparison!

If anyone knows of any decent enthusiast owned ones going, please let me know! Also if there is anyone in Leicester who has one, a look/talk round your car would be greatly appreciated since I have never sat in one etc!

Thanks

Llew

[BD Pro]

Bloody hell I thought it was me that made this post.
I too am looking for a Chim between 7-10 grand and have also owned a 928 S4 automatic.
Check out the classified section www.pistonheads.com/sales/list.asp?s=1
Good luck with your search

[victormeldrew]

They're all quick, the 400 is plenty quick enough to get you into trouble. They are all different as well, you have to test drive a few to see which suits you. The most important thing is to buy on condition of the car, and I'd say unless you really WANT a 500 then you're better off searching based on price, spec and condition irrespective of the engine size. You might not find a 500 or 450 in the colours or condition you are looking for, but you might find a 400 - there are a hell of a lot more of them!

[Llew]

Thanks for the advice Victor!

BP - What made you get rid of your Porsche? Mine was an S2 and I loved it but it just wasn't quick enough, and it was an auto! I want a Chim as I have always wanted a roadster and IMO the Chim seems to be the pic of the bunch for my budget!

Good luck with your search too!

[Wicker Man]

You'll be lucky to find a good 450/500 for your budget. There are a lot more 400s to choose from too.

Llew said:

Or is the 400 quick enough?Llew

At this time of year I find my 400 has more power than I can use. However, come the summer then I'll be seriously looking at some upgrades, maybe a supercharger.

[the gazman]

Beware the budget.
Before you know it you will be sucked in by the seduction of more power, better handling and more bling like wheels etc etc.
I paid 10k for mine and you can blow 5k without even blinking on these cars and still want more.
Have a drive in a few first because a well sorted 4.5 or 5L car will set you back more than your budget but will be a lot more cost effective than starting from scratch on a basic model.

[bga]

the gazman said:

Have a drive in a few first because a well sorted 4.5 or 5L car will set you back more than your budget but will be a lot more cost effective than starting from scratch on a basic model.

Also don't forget that a sorted 4L will be a better drive than a poor 4.5 or 5L

[BD Pro]

Llew said:

Thanks for the advice Victor!

BP - What made you get rid of your Porsche? Mine was an S2 and I loved it but it just wasn't quick enough, and it was an auto! I want a Chim as I have always wanted a roadster and IMO the Chim seems to be the pic of the bunch for my budget!

Good luck with your search too!

I moved to a Lotus Elise mk1 as I couldn't refuse the thrill but deep down I knew it wasn't quite a TVR. So now on the look for Chim 4.0 97/98/99.

[the gazman]

bga said:

the gazman said:

Have a drive in a few first because a well sorted 4.5 or 5L car will set you back more than your budget but will be a lot more cost effective than starting from scratch on a basic model.

Also don't forget that a sorted 4L will be a better drive than a poor 4.5 or 5L

Good point, there are plenty of big engined Chims not making much power.
However once you get used to even a good 4L it does seem a bit under powered and getting more power is very expensive.

[bga]

the gazman said:

bga said:

the gazman said:

Have a drive in a few first because a well sorted 4.5 or 5L car will set you back more than your budget but will be a lot more cost effective than starting from scratch on a basic model.

Also don't forget that a sorted 4L will be a better drive than a poor 4.5 or 5L

Good point, there are plenty of big engined Chims not making much power.
However once you get used to even a good 4L it does seem a bit under powered and getting more power is very expensive.

There is that to consider. Personally my 4L is perfect for the stuff I use it for, but if I lived in open countryside it may be different..........it would have to be a 5L though

[rooster]

bga said:

the gazman said:

Have a drive in a few first because a well sorted 4.5 or 5L car will set you back more than your budget but will be a lot more cost effective than starting from scratch on a basic model.

Also don't forget that a sorted 4L will be a better drive than a poor 4.5 or 5L

I have a wonderful 400 and it has never missed a beat, great handling, in fact the garage I use said that it was one of the finest they had driven. although theroetically i'd love more power I know realistically i dont need it. I'm satisfied with the grin from the drive and just owning a lovely car.

[Llew]

Yeah the power issue - I'm not to bothered about it being ridiculously quick... I'm looking for the whole experience really, wind in the hair, handling, looks etc that kind of thing! So I think a 4.0 would suit my needs to be honest! Although if a decent larger engined car came along at the right money obviously I wouldn't say no!

[brummiewedge]

Er, try my 4.6 for sale, more power and brakes than a 500. A fantastic rot free chassis for 4.0 money.

[john p]

You haven't mentioned the 4.3,in many eyes the best engine TVR have produced,a bit of rarity value too.

[Llew]

You got any more details Brummiewedge? Could well be interested!

[mick_coupe]

BD Pro said:

Llew said:

Thanks for the advice Victor!

BP - What made you get rid of your Porsche? Mine was an S2 and I loved it but it just wasn't quick enough, and it was an auto! I want a Chim as I have always wanted a roadster and IMO the Chim seems to be the pic of the bunch for my budget!

Good luck with your search too!

I moved to a Lotus Elise mk1 as I couldn't refuse the thrill but deep down I knew it wasn't quite a TVR. So now on the look for Chim 4.0 97/98/99.

Do you still have the Elise ?

Mick

[900T-R]

john p said:

You haven't mentioned the 4.3,in many eyes the best engine TVR have produced,a bit of rarity value too.

but then again I'd say that, wouldn't I?

[TVR Thomo]

900T-R said:

john p said:

You haven't mentioned the 4.3,in many eyes the best engine TVR have produced,a bit of rarity value too.

but then again I'd say that, wouldn't I?

Me too!

[chim666]

Llew - YHM

[BD Pro]

mick_coupe said:

BD Pro said:

Llew said:

Thanks for the advice Victor!

BP - What made you get rid of your Porsche? Mine was an S2 and I loved it but it just wasn't quick enough, and it was an auto! I want a Chim as I have always wanted a roadster and IMO the Chim seems to be the pic of the bunch for my budget!

Good luck with your search too!

I moved to a Lotus Elise mk1 as I couldn't refuse the thrill but deep down I knew it wasn't quite a TVR. So now on the look for Chim 4.0 97/98/99.

Do you still have the Elise ?

Mick

Not anymore.
Don't laugh I have an Alfa 147 1.6. I am taking very bad with the lack of power but the interior is nice.
In a few months I hope I can say it will be a Chim.