Complete Newbie

[talaris]

Just sold (yesterday) my Lotus Elise as want a change and a bit more comfort, despite all I hear aboit reliability etc, I want a TVR and probably a Chimaera I think.

I know these are very wide questions but not having driven one yet is there much difference between the 400 450 and 500.

Anything to look out for or avoid.

Any help appreciated.

TIA

[cloggy]

Hi

Good choice.
Look at www.chimaerapages.com there is a buyers guide on the site.

HTH

[Rum Runner]

Steve's bible is great with buying guide and complete repair manual .
https://delta.securesslhost.net/~shenglt/catalog/

[nikman]

I had the same questions before buying my 450. The most inaccurate answer I found was from the Sales Director of a so called TVR Main Dealer. He said "if you took the badges off, most people couldn't tell the difference between a 400, 450 and 500" !!

I've never driven a 400 but I can certainly tell the difference driving a 450 from a 500 - with or without badges - and coming out of an Elise so could you! BUT it's not a significant diffference as you can imagine. So if, as it sounds, your leaning is towards the 450 & 500, better to go for the best 'condition/history/spec' than become fixated between 500 cc of engine size and a slightly different profiled cam.

Some people may tell you that the 500 engine is more 'delicate' / less robust and others will tell you that's rubbish. Of course each to his own experience but in these threads and in the Griff pages there certainly isn't any stromg evidence leading to that conclusion about the 500 engine.

So...condition, condition, condition - especially the chassis.

Having just reviewed my 'advice' it's probably as useful as a chocolate teapot to you! So another suggestion wiould be to go to a TVRCC meeting and speak first hand to owners there.

Where in the UK are you - I'm in Herts and would be pleased to meet and yack in more detail if you're close to these parts.

Nick.

[Paulo.dicanio]

As a relative newbie owner myself I can honestly say you are making a great choice. As a lot of people will probably testify the Chimaera is pretty reliable and if you're happy to contend with Lotus reliability then you shouldn't find the chim too much of a problem. I have owned mine for about three months and so far no real issues (i am now frantically rubbing the exquisit pine finish of my poorly assembled IKEA computer desk)And as we are still in the "Honeymoon" period she is seeing a fair bit of action.
I don't know first hand, but from what I have read on here and from what people have told me is that there is not that much difference between the 450 and 500. However they are both very noticably quicker then the 4.0 as a general rule of thumb. I opted for a 4.0 and find it plenty quick enough for an entry into TVR ownership plus I get the chance to get excited over the prospect of an ugrade to a 450/500/Tuscan sometime in the future. Saying that the Supercharger option may well be too tempting to ignore at a later date.
Anyway whatever you decide to go for, I guarantee you will enjoy it. Happy hunting, soon you will be wondering how you were ever contented with just a wheezy four pot.

[richy759]

I was always told there is not much difference between a 400 and 450 but there is between a 500 and those.
Drew at Fernhurst told me "If you drive a 500 you won't want anything else".

Rich

[blueyonder]

Had my 400 for 4 and a half months now and I agree with the earlier posters, great entry car and plenty fast enough but would add to go for the most you can afford without sacrificing on condition. I also find the Chimaera amazingly comfortable....I suffer from a bad back and long journeys in the Chim have not left my back in any state at all whereas my new 3 Series BMW company hack is not all that comfortable at all!! You will certainly notice the improved comfort over an Elise.

[leemarkadams]

I tried a few before I bought my 500, and I can honestly say there is a noticable difference between a 450 and a 500, not massive, but noticable.

Lee

[midas dude]

Tvr,s seem to vary greatly in terms of power output,the only way to decide is try the 3 engine sizes for yourself.
Cant say i agree with Drews remark about 5oo,s,tried one myself before i bought my 450,(ex tvr press car,tuned to 296bhp)the 5 wasnt even close.
As has been stated many times,condition,condition etc.
Good luck with your search,AL

[richy759]

midas dude said:

Tvr,s seem to vary greatly in terms of power output,the only way to decide is try the 3 engine sizes for yourself.
Cant say i agree with Drews remark about 5oo,s,tried one myself before i bought my 450,(ex tvr press car,tuned to 296bhp)the 5 wasnt even close.
As has been stated many times,condition,condition etc.
Good luck with your search,AL

I thought TIA was talking about standard cars, not tuned ones, that's not exactly a fair comparison.

[nikman]

leemarkadams said:

I tried a few before I bought my 500, and I can honestly say there is a noticable difference between a 450 and a 500, not massive, but noticable.

Lee

Lee's is really the best comparative description between the two in my opinion as well. Having driven both and several different 450's mine with great history, lowish milage, a good chassis, full leather and factory aircon stole my affections. But I do somethimes think, "What if...." Nick.

[talaris]

Thanksks guys - mind made up to get a chimaera and probably off to Fernhurst this weekend to have a nose round. I am in Cornwall so Peninsula is the closest but not much stock so it seems.

The Lotus is an ace car, but getting in and out has finally worn me down (metaphorically speaking)

The 500 seems to be top of the list and I think a dealer is probably going to get my money as opposed to a private sale - warranty I guess.

I have searched but cannot find a TVR club down this way. The TVRCC web site is members only and have not got round to joining yet.

Again - thanks

[Timja]

They are great guys at Fernhurst - really helpful, and will have lots of stock to look at and compare. Went there a few times whilst looking around for mine. Settled on a 450 in the end as i felt it gave best balance of performance and running costs.

[mdotrutherford]

talaris said:

I think a dealer is probably going to get my money as opposed to a private sale - warranty I guess.

Sorry but I dont share that belief mate, particularly on cars that are this age, the warranties are rarely worth the paper they are written on, will always be a compromise and based on " Oh sorry but thats down to wear and tear ". You pay a hefty premium for the "Peace of mind of a dealer purchase".
Do your homework, read up, follow the advice and ask as many questions of PH and the TVRCC forums you feel you need to know and you can get a great car thats been well cared for by like minded owners from the classifieds here or at the TVRCC. Good luck.

[Andy JB]

Just be aware the Elise is a VERY different car to the Chim. The handling is worlds apart, and although the Chim is okay and can be made much better with little cost it won't be an Elise, but then it will sound great, be more comfortable, with more torque, no sure about faster power/weight but a more beefy experience, but not as light on its feet as the Elise.

Nothing wrong with either but different. So be sure you know what you are getting before you swap.

[Bensonv8]

Make sure you have a good test drive.
It was raining when test drove my 400,
i had never driven any TVR before and i desperately want to give it a bit of the LOUD pedal,
but i was,............... nervous,
having read about TVR's in general, swapping ends unexpectedly in the wet.
I drove it home in the wet, still,............... nervous.
But after a few days you realise it does go,......... very quickly, if you provoke it
I don't know what the 450 or the 500 go like compared to my 400, But i'm more than happy with a 400
Mine has only bit back once , but i was asking for it. (fortunately i didn't hit anything)

If you go out for a blatt, and get back and think,... "I was pushing my luck a bit tonight!"

you must immediately goto www.wreckedexotics.com

and have good look at what happens when it all goes wrong.