Nearly a new owner...

[Tiggsy]

having established that i fit in a chim! i am now 99% decided on getting one....its just a pity this site is full of negative storys in comparison to other sites. (scoobynet, for example, has almost no reliability posts from people with standard cars)

i plan to use the car for 80% of my traveling (only staying in the garage in mad rain or snow!) so thats about 12,000 miles a year.

guess im after a whole load of people saying "noooooooooo, its all hype- it be sound as a pound!"

Tiggs

ps- Having driven the 4l im prob going to look for a 97/98 4.5l with about 30-40k on it. the 4 was quick but i hear the 4.5 is a whole lot quicker!
the thought of pulling in for petrol on a hot day ony to find it wont start fils me with dread!

edit to alter 12 miles to 12,000 miles...maybe that was a telling error!


>>> Edited by Tiggsy on Sunday 6th April 13:07

[RCA]

I have had mine for over a year as a daily car and it has never let me down once apart from a clutch going which can happen on any car!!!, and even that did not leave me stranded!!! I will think that you will find that people post on here when they have problems with there car to get help not to post when the car is running great!!! That is why the majority of posts are with problems, in general they are reliable!!! Hope to see you soon in your new chimaera!!!!!
cheers
Rich

[chimburt]

my car has never stranded me. it has given a lot of enjoyment and it goes like stink ( even though it's a 'lightweight' 4L ).

I have had sphincter tightening moments however - worried about truely massive bills on the horizon.

have a look and see what RCA defines as helpful on my cooling system thread....

[AllTorque]

I've had no problems with my Griffith that wouldn't really happen on any other car (battery replacement, bulbs blowing etc). However, the feeling that something big COULD happen is never far away - I see no evidence for it though.

However, I've been glad to have a second car for those silly moments when I flood the engine, or it's cold wet and miserable outside....

[hut49]

Just to add another good news/no problem vote for the Chimaera. I've had mine since June last year and it's been used regularly throughout the winter - even in the snow - without any mechanical disappointments. Always starts first time and no leaks. I do spend a few hours each weekend looking after it, but that's all part of the TVR experience. I budgeted £1500 a year to cover servicing, tyres, an autumn waxoyl and general cleaning materials - so far it looks like I'm on track.

Good luck, Tiggsy, hope you find a good'un. You'll always find helpful folks here - they may post a few negative experiences from time to time but it's through these that it's possible for others to quickly get good advice and get back on the road.

Hutch

[AllTorque]

Hutch, your chimaera looks absolutely gorgeous!

[big albee]

Guys! just get a room

[Tony Hall]

Chimaera 4.0HC (1995). Two and a half years ownership, 19000 miles, one burst rad hose, two bulbs, one battery, new exhaust manifold gaskets, loads of polish, 4 tyres. Rain snow sleet ice. Great car and as reliable as any other if you use them every day...but MUCH MORE FUN.
Might even sell you mine if you want a reliable one...
Currently with 73000miles on it.

[incorrigible]

having established that i fit in a chim! i am now 99% decided on getting one....its just a pity this site is full of negative storys in comparison to other sites. (scoobynet, for example, has almost no reliability posts from people with standard cars)

I only know one person with a scooby and he made it throw a rod 10 miles after picking it up from the dealer

Don't flame me Scooby guys, I think they're ace, but just pointing out that even cars known for their reliability CAN (not will) blow up

Also look at the questions people are asking, a sticky starter is embarrassing for sure, but get a push and you'll still get home

Most of the questions are from people who are doing their very best to keep their own car in absolute tip top condition, try not to read too much unreliability into this

PS buy one, you'll wish you did it sooner

[jamiem]

I've had my Chim for 22 months and so far (touch wood!) I haven't had any mechanical problems. I think you will find that the majority of problems are electrical or trim related. The otter switch that controls the cooling fans is notoriously unreliable, and switches etc. can be fitted poorly.

I guess what I am saying is that you may have some small niggles, but they are unlikely to get you stranded in the middle of nowhere. Personally, these small niggles are insignificant compared with the grin factor.

Jamie.

[jev]

Had my Chim since last July and was absolutely reliable... until last Saturday

Only a dead battery - could happen on any car. Fitting a new one (of course) is rather morer difficult & expensive than your typical Eurobox but don't regret my purchase for one second...

[Tiggsy]

ok, ok!

im getting one!

just need to offload my passat and im sorted!

[Mark.S]

Just to make sure you do...

12 months, 14,500 miles, all weathers - starts first time, every time and has never left me stranded. Its supposedly a 'baby' (4ltr) but accelerating from 20mph in 2nd requires care even in the dry.

[MikeyT]

Fourteen months into Chim 4.0 ownership.

Never let me down. Has cost nowt apart from fuel, oil and a service.

Oh, and polish

JFDI!

[AAAndy]

I was thinking the same as you but reckoned that all the pros by far out weigh any cons that there might be. Then I took a few out and the just had to go for it after lusting for one after for all these years.

Bought a 98 4.0l Chimaera but can't pick it up for another 9 days. Counting the days and praying for sun over the easter weekend!!!