Which Chim? 4.0, 4.5 or 5.0?
Discussion
Hello all, new to the forums here so forgive me if I ask some silly questions. 
I'm looking to get a Chim but keep hearing varying comments about which one I should go for. I'm keen to get the 500 but I've read comments about the 450 being a more reliable engine. I suspect that this is all subject to how well people have looked after their cars, but is there any technical truth in the comment? I do plan to use it as my main car so I would like to think that, because it will be used on a regular basis, it will be more reliable than a car used perhaps once a week during the summer months. SUMMER 
Any help / opinions would be much appreciated. I plan on going into this with all the facts and after I've sold my catalogue of vehicles I should have about 10k to spend.
Thanks again.
I'm looking to get a Chim but keep hearing varying comments about which one I should go for. I'm keen to get the 500 but I've read comments about the 450 being a more reliable engine. I suspect that this is all subject to how well people have looked after their cars, but is there any technical truth in the comment? I do plan to use it as my main car so I would like to think that, because it will be used on a regular basis, it will be more reliable than a car used perhaps once a week during the summer months. SUMMER Any help / opinions would be much appreciated. I plan on going into this with all the facts and after I've sold my catalogue of vehicles I should have about 10k to spend.
Thanks again.
Hi, and first of all, welcome to PH.
The question you've asked has, you won't be surprised to learn, been asked many times before. I would strongly advise using the PH search facility, as it will throw up many threads on this subject. You'll need to spend a fair bit of time reading and researching. Then, when you're nearer to deciding what you want, you'll find many people ready to assist you. The only thing I'd say at the moment is to do your homework and don't rush into things until you know what you're doing. There are loads of Chims for sale, so take your time.
The question you've asked has, you won't be surprised to learn, been asked many times before. I would strongly advise using the PH search facility, as it will throw up many threads on this subject. You'll need to spend a fair bit of time reading and researching. Then, when you're nearer to deciding what you want, you'll find many people ready to assist you. The only thing I'd say at the moment is to do your homework and don't rush into things until you know what you're doing. There are loads of Chims for sale, so take your time.
I echo what Paul said.
Don't be too tempted by a 500. Condition is more important and a good 450 can be faster than a poor 500.
Do your research (plus a little more) have a play with different models decide what you want to spend then drive those within the budget to your taste.
It's a buyers market, so buy a good'un
My Chim 450 is my only car. And I have no fear that it won't start on turning the key.
An under used car may not be as good as a well maintained regularly used one.
Full TVR serice history is nice, but there are very good independants out there, so don't dismiss those serviced by those.
Finally, CONDITION, CONDITION, CONDITION.
Hope thats a start for you.
Don't be too tempted by a 500. Condition is more important and a good 450 can be faster than a poor 500.
Do your research (plus a little more) have a play with different models decide what you want to spend then drive those within the budget to your taste.
It's a buyers market, so buy a good'un
My Chim 450 is my only car. And I have no fear that it won't start on turning the key.
An under used car may not be as good as a well maintained regularly used one.
Full TVR serice history is nice, but there are very good independants out there, so don't dismiss those serviced by those.
Finally, CONDITION, CONDITION, CONDITION.
Hope thats a start for you.
Welcome to the world of perma-grin (well almost!). I recently bought a 450 after many months of research and driving those for sale, both privately and in dealers. I had already decided upon a 450, it seemed to offer more speed than the 400 and be more bombproof than the 500.
All posters above offer excellent advice. Heed it and ye shall be happy. It is all about research and test driving. Test as many as possible and you will come across one that feels right. It took me ages but I eventually settled on a private sale 450 (Mendip Blue, they are fastest!) and bagged one for little enough money to have some spare for upgrades and dealing with the inevitable "glitches" that you will have with the car after you buy. These will almost always be electrically based but rarely will they stop you driving the car.
One thing; read, read, read, all the threads you can on TVRCC and Pistonheads TVR forums. Everything has been covered before. I know bu**er all about engines but I now know what the problems might be because I have read about them.
Another thing about TVR ownership is that the TVR community has to be the best in the motoring world! They are all diamonds and will go out of their way to help you if you have a query.
Finally, TYR's are hand built and each one is different. They are not euro boxes and are unlikely to be like any car you have previously driven. Once you buy one do a Drive-Ride day to learn how to handle one of these things, they can bite!
ENJOY!!
All posters above offer excellent advice. Heed it and ye shall be happy. It is all about research and test driving. Test as many as possible and you will come across one that feels right. It took me ages but I eventually settled on a private sale 450 (Mendip Blue, they are fastest!) and bagged one for little enough money to have some spare for upgrades and dealing with the inevitable "glitches" that you will have with the car after you buy. These will almost always be electrically based but rarely will they stop you driving the car.
One thing; read, read, read, all the threads you can on TVRCC and Pistonheads TVR forums. Everything has been covered before. I know bu**er all about engines but I now know what the problems might be because I have read about them.
Another thing about TVR ownership is that the TVR community has to be the best in the motoring world! They are all diamonds and will go out of their way to help you if you have a query.
Finally, TYR's are hand built and each one is different. They are not euro boxes and are unlikely to be like any car you have previously driven. Once you buy one do a Drive-Ride day to learn how to handle one of these things, they can bite!
ENJOY!!
Try these which are all for sale on PH for less than £10k which is an absolute steal in my book.
A design classic along the lines of the E-Type which is just waiting to be discovered by the classic world. A truly stunning piece of British sportscar heritage.
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/159957.htm
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/189292.htm
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/221331.htm
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/217417.htm
Or if you want dealer facilities
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/194520.htm
And its a damned site better looking than the thing with an arse like a fat bird with magic knickers on that you mentioned in your title.
Only joking of course
good luck with your search (but stop being so lazy and click 2 names over to the right next time you search PH Classifieds eh!)
A design classic along the lines of the E-Type which is just waiting to be discovered by the classic world. A truly stunning piece of British sportscar heritage.
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/159957.htm
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/189292.htm
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/221331.htm
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/217417.htm
Or if you want dealer facilities
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/194520.htm
And its a damned site better looking than the thing with an arse like a fat bird with magic knickers on that you mentioned in your title.
Only joking of course
good luck with your search (but stop being so lazy and click 2 names over to the right next time you search PH Classifieds eh!)Firstly, thanks to all that have replied and the very warm welcome. Much appreciated. It shows that I am joining a great group of people. 
Interesting that a couple of you have mentioned a Griff! I actually prefer the Griff to look at but would like to have the interior and luggage space of the Chim. I was chatting to the chap that owns this one http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/214222.htm but I wasn't too sure if I could live with not having as much luggage space. Even the shelf in the back is smaller. Little things like not having bumpers (sort of) for those idiots that don't care about other peoples property and are happy to graze past your car when parking. The Griff's are also a little more expensive than the Chims for a similarly aged car in similar cond. The thought of having a pre-cat Griff is sooooooo tempting though. I'm a big fan of the V8 grumble When at the F1, I prefer the AMG safety car noise to the sound of an F1 V8. Any issues with buying a car 5 years older for the same money? Chassis will have had more time to corrode no? Will it really hold its value any better when they are now already so cheap to buy? Is the handling any better/different than a Chim? Same engine questions apply also with the Griff! Sorry for all the Q's. I have a mate who owned a 420seac until just recently but he said they aren't two cars that can be compared really and I agree with him. The Chims I drove were not nearly as tight as his wedge as they are totally different cars. Cheers again 
Interesting that a couple of you have mentioned a Griff! I actually prefer the Griff to look at but would like to have the interior and luggage space of the Chim. I was chatting to the chap that owns this one http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/214222.htm but I wasn't too sure if I could live with not having as much luggage space. Even the shelf in the back is smaller. Little things like not having bumpers (sort of) for those idiots that don't care about other peoples property and are happy to graze past your car when parking. The Griff's are also a little more expensive than the Chims for a similarly aged car in similar cond. The thought of having a pre-cat Griff is sooooooo tempting though. I'm a big fan of the V8 grumble When at the F1, I prefer the AMG safety car noise to the sound of an F1 V8. Any issues with buying a car 5 years older for the same money? Chassis will have had more time to corrode no? Will it really hold its value any better when they are now already so cheap to buy? Is the handling any better/different than a Chim? Same engine questions apply also with the Griff! Sorry for all the Q's. I have a mate who owned a 420seac until just recently but he said they aren't two cars that can be compared really and I agree with him. The Chims I drove were not nearly as tight as his wedge as they are totally different cars. Cheers again FlipFlopGriff said:
With £10k in the Chimp arena, the worlds your oyster.
Like the few above Griffs are better and hold their value.
Do you play golf? In which case maybe the Chimps for you.
FFG
Always wondered why Chimaeras are called 'chimps' when it's the Griff' drivers who drag their knuckles, funny that.Like the few above Griffs are better and hold their value.
Do you play golf? In which case maybe the Chimps for you.
FFG
Anyway, basically same car, sure you'll love whichever.
[dark blue 450 Chimaeras are better]
Don't forget 4.0HC , mine sounded great and standard , the engine was very rev happy .
I have a 500 now which is good bit quicker though.
What i did do though is buy a really nice 4.0HC for 10k then put another 4 k to after i had learnt TVR' and bought a newer 500 in similar condition.
If you want a good 500 then expect to pay realistically no less than 13 k for a face lift car( different front) with lowish miles.
I have a 500 now which is good bit quicker though.
What i did do though is buy a really nice 4.0HC for 10k then put another 4 k to after i had learnt TVR' and bought a newer 500 in similar condition.
If you want a good 500 then expect to pay realistically no less than 13 k for a face lift car( different front) with lowish miles.
Have a search through these forums for pre cat Griffith and see what you find (I would have done it for you but the Search function is having a mental breakdown at the minute)
The 4.3 Griffith is widely acknowledged as THE car to own if you love the V8 Growl.
Its pretty much up there on performance with the 500's too.
Who told you there was an issue with luggage space in a Griff? There are a bunch of us who take Griffith's to Le Mans each year without issue. 3 of LE Mans Team Peach Melba are in Griffith's and we all take tents and passengers.
You really will be surprised how much will fit into the boot and on the parcel shelf/behind the seats of a Griffith.
Did I say Griffith often enough yet for the message to be getting through?
And as if the car wasn't enough on its own - which it certainly is - you've also got a great bunch of guys to meet at the Griff Growl each year. Mind you, there are a couple you should give a wide berth to as well
The Griff Growl is the best TVR marque meet there is, by a mile.
Go on, you know you want to.
GET A GRIFFITH !!
The 4.3 Griffith is widely acknowledged as THE car to own if you love the V8 Growl.
Its pretty much up there on performance with the 500's too.
Who told you there was an issue with luggage space in a Griff? There are a bunch of us who take Griffith's to Le Mans each year without issue. 3 of LE Mans Team Peach Melba are in Griffith's and we all take tents and passengers.
You really will be surprised how much will fit into the boot and on the parcel shelf/behind the seats of a Griffith.
Did I say Griffith often enough yet for the message to be getting through?
And as if the car wasn't enough on its own - which it certainly is - you've also got a great bunch of guys to meet at the Griff Growl each year. Mind you, there are a couple you should give a wide berth to as well
The Griff Growl is the best TVR marque meet there is, by a mile.
Go on, you know you want to.
GET A GRIFFITH !!
The reason Griffs are more expensive is the rarity value (and the people are more enthusiastic). Any car over 7 or 8 years old is likely to suffer rust but it's how it's been looked after and treated that matters. I've seen a few newer cars that aren't a patch on some of the older ones. Always buy on condition as everyone will tell you - full service history, lots of paperwork and you can tell if it's been pampered.
60's Griff maybe (or '90's)
FFG
60's Griff maybe (or '90's)
FFG
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