Will I regret taking the plunge?

[Renew AA Cover?]

I am very close to buying a Chimaera or Cebera. Whilst I appreciate this is very much a 'newbie' request, any thoughts?
Practicality, small niggling faults and mpg mean nothing to me, however...
I don't want servicing in excess of £2k pa.
It must start when I need it to!(only car)
Are the 10-15k cars a false economy?

I got burnt during a week test of a Cebera at christmas (Engine check light 'random' problem - I thought Lotus had the monopoly on these!). However the V8 echo won't get out of my ears...

Ian

[P555]

I've had my Chimaera right throughtout this summer and I have to say they are excellent cars, mine is a 500 and I have to let it go due to relocation (abroad) but you will not regret it.
I asked all these questions and more before taking my first ownership.
Drop me a line if you would like to know more, its immaculate and I will miss the V8 roar myself...

[tvrbob]

There are no guarantees here. I'd say buy as new as you can. Get a warranty or buy the AA P&L cover. Mileage isn't a big issue other that post 45k milers when Chims start to need cam, clutch, and other such bits. If 45k mile cars have receipts for cam & clutch then they should be good too. Don't expect the original alarm to work, if it does you're lucky but it will fail sometime soon. As long as you can do the simple mechanicals like wheel bearings, brakes, etc. then your services will be between £300 & £650 from a dealer, much less from other known TVR experts.

Will it start every morning? If you use it every day then most likely yes. TVR's don't like to spend weeks sitting in the garage.

[Big Al.]

, a very big welcome to the asylum.
A quick answer to your question You might IMHO

But hopefully you wont!

I drive my Chim ever day. It's my main car!

Had it 9 months and it has only let me down once, for about 10 minutes! hot start problem now fixed.

I would not like to, not have a TVR in my life, nor would my wife we both love it.
I would say that the Chim is probably cheaper to run on an annual basis.

Reads the posts on both forums as a lot of your question will be answered.

Hope this helps and happy hunting.

>> Edited by Big Al. (moderator) on Saturday 9th August 21:28

[simpo one]

Received wisdom says that Cerberas are significantly more expensive to keep - I have heard double - but some independents are doing them which is sure to help a lot. However a Chimaera has to be less - and of course you can find one for less £ too. Plus you can get the roof off.

[hut49]

Bought my 99 450 a year a go with 7k on the clock. Use it every day for the two weeks each month when I'm not travelling. Never missed a beat. Always starts first time even when I used it regularly during the winter. Can't imagine buying one and only using it when it's not raining. The howl at you give it stick is more intoxicating that the finest burgundy. Come on in the water's lovely!

[Nick P]

bought our Chim 400 in Oct last year.
Service £1168...petrol...lots....NO other expenses....(touch wood)

[jessica]

Had my Chim 500 4 months now.no major probs.Drives like a dream and starts first time.

eats petrol.but apart from that "Fantastic!"

[anonymous-user]

I've had a few prob's,

Fuse link £1 to buy, £10 to put on ramps & fix.
Split Fuel tank £250 to have welded.
Speedo sender replaced £130.

Air con has got to be regassed now, I think there is a leak, and there is also an oil leak.

A service and MOT earlier this year was £590.

These are the bit and pieces that have happened within the last 1500-2000 miles/beginning of the year.

Mine is a 98R, with 54,800 on the clock.

Lee

[yum]

i'm coming up to my fourth anniversary of ownership, having done some 35000 miles.

Only had to spend money on normal servicing, fuel and tyres, despite some real hammer. Never let me down.

R

[ridgeback]

Ridgeback, if you haven't got something sensible to add, please don't bother.

>> Edited by Bonce (moderator) on Sunday 17th August 17:12

[jigs]

Bonce - are you anything to that chick out of Destiny's Child?

[Bonce]

jigs said:

Bonce - are you anything to that chick out of Destiny's Child?