Buying advice

[FFMan]

so the girlfriend has gone and I've decided to buy me a Chim, but there is a bewildering choice it seems.

Budget of no more than £14k so what this going to buy ?

I race a historic formula ford so I'm used to a bit of speed and rear end movement, do you think I will find the 4L a little wanting once I've got used to it ?

Am I going to need my spanners often (not that I mind you understand) ?

When did the cats come in and does it ruin that lurly sound ?

Had a look round the site and couldn't actually find a run down of years and engines, what was available and when ?

Any unleaded issues on the Chim ?

Are all the Chims targa roofed and do they leak at all ?

Would you recommend buying from a dealer or privately ?

many thanks

[Mark.S]

Browse through the PH classifieds for an idea of what 14k could get. 14k will limit you mostly to 4ltr cars.

Might end up wanting more power than the 400 after a while but you need a 16k+ to find good 500s.

I've never had to get the spanners out for either of my Chimaeras - good job really as I've no idea what to do with them!

Cats came in 1993. They still sound fantastic but lots of people opt for the "cut open silencer, remove packing, weld shut" mod to up the decibels.

Run down on years/engines is at www.pistonheads.com/tvr/chimaera/

All have targa type roof. No problem with leaks if their waterproofed annually (coat of thompsons waterseal or fabsil). Waters more likely to make its way in via the engine bay - easily fixed by renewing the sealent (had to be done on both cars I've bought).

I'd say buy private and get it checked by a specialist before signing the cheque. Keep a cash reserve in case problems crop up.

[drum4it2]

Mark.S said:

Browse through the PH classifieds for an idea of what 14k could get. 14k will limit you mostly to 4ltr cars. Might end up wanting more power than the 400 after a while but you need a 16k+ to find good 500s. I've never had to get the spanners out for either of my Chimaeras - good job really as I've no idea what to do with them! Cats came in 1993. They still sound fantastic but lots of people opt for the "cut open silencer, remove packing, weld shut" mod to up the decibels. All have targa type roof. No problem with leaks if their waterproofed annually (coat of thompsons waterseal or fabsil). Waters more likely to make its way in via the engine bay - easily fixed by renewing the sealent (had to be done on both cars I've bought). I'd say buy private and get it checked by a specialist before signing the cheque. Keep a cash reserve in case problems crop up.

That's well put Mark... (nice car & where in Essex are you by the way?)
I'd also browse on eBay, there are a couple on there this week and also auto trader online - some of the PH/TVRCC/enthusiasts ask top dollar but then they also tend to look after their cars...so swings & roundabouts...

They are great fun though! and noisy enough with the Cat! IMO Good luck FFman!

[Mark.S]

drum4it2 said:

That's well put Mark... (nice car & where in Essex are you by the way?)

I'm in Chelmsford but I've got a poor record of attendance for the mid-essex tvrcc meets!

[the dodger]

All Chimaeras have catalysts as they came out after theybecame legal. Some pre-93 Griffs had no cats and are sought-after.

Best bet is to give Rob Ingleby a call at www.findasportscar.co.uk - you'll find a lot of praise on here for his help. It's not free though! His moby no. is 07799-142860. Good luck

[shpub]

Go to www.tvrbooks.co.uk. Chimaer buyer's guide, unleaded FAQ and a lot more.

[pstruck]

I've also heard Rob Ingleby is well worth a try...trouble is his website doesn't seem to be working...anyone else having trouble with that?

Will try his mobile.

[the dodger]

pstruck said:

I've also heard Rob Ingleby is well worth a try...trouble is his website doesn't seem to be working...anyone else having trouble with that? Will try his mobile.

....or e-mail him at [e-mail] although he usually responds to his mobile/voicemail quicker.