TVR Noob.... looking to buy please help
Discussion
Hi,
I have fallen in love with the Chimeara so I need to have one but i have zero experience with TVR's. I have looked at a couple and have read buyers guides etc but I have a couple of questions that i would appreciate having an answer to before i go to the next step of actually parting with my cash (£8-12k)
Q1
I looked at a chimeara with "tuscan" lights which was a nice car but i am not ready to buy yet. I should have asked at the time, but are the lights an aftermarket add-on? Who makes them - i would like to take a look at their website. Does a mod like this reduce car value? What else reduces value that i should be aware of?
Q2
I was going to visit Racing Green to look at their cars but looking at their website, they appear to be the top end of the market - is this because they are very good cars or are they just expensive?
I was also going to visit the dealer Phil Phedonos as he has a few. Any comments about this dealer?
I am thinking that by visiting dealers I can see more cars in a shorter timeframe - then at least i will know whats good value or not.
Is there a TVR expert in the Hampshire area that will look at cars for a fee?
Thanks in advance for all answers
R
I have fallen in love with the Chimeara so I need to have one but i have zero experience with TVR's. I have looked at a couple and have read buyers guides etc but I have a couple of questions that i would appreciate having an answer to before i go to the next step of actually parting with my cash (£8-12k)
Q1
I looked at a chimeara with "tuscan" lights which was a nice car but i am not ready to buy yet. I should have asked at the time, but are the lights an aftermarket add-on? Who makes them - i would like to take a look at their website. Does a mod like this reduce car value? What else reduces value that i should be aware of?
Q2
I was going to visit Racing Green to look at their cars but looking at their website, they appear to be the top end of the market - is this because they are very good cars or are they just expensive?
I was also going to visit the dealer Phil Phedonos as he has a few. Any comments about this dealer?
I am thinking that by visiting dealers I can see more cars in a shorter timeframe - then at least i will know whats good value or not.
Is there a TVR expert in the Hampshire area that will look at cars for a fee?
Thanks in advance for all answers
R
Hi just a quick answer to your 1st question.
Yes it would be an aftermarket add on..........any GRP bodyworks should be able to source and fit them and as for the value well i'd say it goes down to each individual (not everyone likes them)
As for Racing Green ................. i think you'll find that any dealers prices will be expensive to a certain dregree (try the classified ads on here for prices to compare)
There is a man from Hampshire that sources TVR's (possibly Rob Ingleby)
Yes it would be an aftermarket add on..........any GRP bodyworks should be able to source and fit them and as for the value well i'd say it goes down to each individual (not everyone likes them)
As for Racing Green ................. i think you'll find that any dealers prices will be expensive to a certain dregree (try the classified ads on here for prices to compare)
There is a man from Hampshire that sources TVR's (possibly Rob Ingleby)
The Tuscan lights may of just been an upgrade by a previous owner or they may of been upgraded due to front end damage.Fernhurst TVR (in your area)have a few Chims in your price range.Well worth a visit.Woody ( TVRCC RO for Hampshire got his Griffith from Phil Phedonus ( SP )Email him through his profile.I,m sure he wont mind! http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/members/directory.asp...
Q1 - they are aftermarket. Depends on whether you like them or the original lights really. You can always get them fitted to any car you buy.
Q2/3 Sorry, not had dealings with those sellers.
There are a few people who will look at your TVR for you, I used TopCats Racing (The car had to go to them, but I figured that if they race cars they know what they are doing, and it seems I was right, they did a lovely inspection, and the car has been superb), and I'd recommend them as well.
Can I suggest BEFORE you BUY, you go to a couple of club meets, and talk to owners etc.. in your area who will be able to give you pointers, and of course who they used to inspect their cars. Also, I'd suggest you look at around 6 cars minimum before you buy one, even if that means going back to the first one you viewed, the condition of certain parts of the cars vary wildly.
Q2/3 Sorry, not had dealings with those sellers.
There are a few people who will look at your TVR for you, I used TopCats Racing (The car had to go to them, but I figured that if they race cars they know what they are doing, and it seems I was right, they did a lovely inspection, and the car has been superb), and I'd recommend them as well.
Can I suggest BEFORE you BUY, you go to a couple of club meets, and talk to owners etc.. in your area who will be able to give you pointers, and of course who they used to inspect their cars. Also, I'd suggest you look at around 6 cars minimum before you buy one, even if that means going back to the first one you viewed, the condition of certain parts of the cars vary wildly.
After being an owner for one year now, I would suggest that the two most important things to look for on a new Chim (aside from general condition) would be condition of the outriggers and service history.
Mine had a full history and has never let me down even with 68k on the clock; however, I poked around the chassis with my fingers and it appeared solid and well coated in hammerite. One year on, tried to use a jack to change the front brake pads and CRUNCH, there went the outrigger. Do not be afraid to jack up the car to test the strength of the outriggers and poke them with a screwdriver. Inside of the tube gets the worst damage and is invisible to the naked eye. In fact, I would suggest that if the outriggers have not been replaced, they will be rusty and it's just a question of degree even if someone has regularlly waxoiled the chassis. These can be replaced without taking the body off, but it isn't exactly cheap.
That being said, nothing brings a bigger smile to my face. Best car I have ever had the pleasure to drive.
Mine had a full history and has never let me down even with 68k on the clock; however, I poked around the chassis with my fingers and it appeared solid and well coated in hammerite. One year on, tried to use a jack to change the front brake pads and CRUNCH, there went the outrigger. Do not be afraid to jack up the car to test the strength of the outriggers and poke them with a screwdriver. Inside of the tube gets the worst damage and is invisible to the naked eye. In fact, I would suggest that if the outriggers have not been replaced, they will be rusty and it's just a question of degree even if someone has regularlly waxoiled the chassis. These can be replaced without taking the body off, but it isn't exactly cheap.
That being said, nothing brings a bigger smile to my face. Best car I have ever had the pleasure to drive.
The original headlights were inadequate for the job, switching them on actually makes the road darker. Which upgrade you choose is a matter of personal taste. There will always be buyers looking for both types. Ultimately, if you find a car that is otherwise superb, but hasn’t got the lights you want, it can be changed.
When you buy a TVR, the first thought in your mind is what YOU want from it. If you want a financially sensible car, then a TVR isn’t for you. If you want a high pleasure to pounds ratio, then there is nothing like them; if you can afford it. Buy a car that is in very good order and enjoy making it just the way YOU want it.
When it comes to finding a car, the first step is to join the TVRCC, before you buy a TVR. Then go to the local meetings. Go to the neighbouring regions meetings too. The people at those meetings will be happy to share their experiences of suppliers. They will probably know of cars for sale privately and the history of those cars. They may even know the cars that the dealer has, if they were part exchanges by local club members.
Always remember that we cannot post negative comments on Pistonheads, so you may get a false impression here. In the local TVRCC meetings you are likely to hear a much broader range of opinions.
There are a number of people who will inspect or find cars for you. I suggest you speak to owners who have SOLD a TVR. If the purchaser used a TVR inspector, ask how thorough they thought the inspection was. Did the inspection find everything they knew about on their car? Would they use that inspector based upon what they saw?
You may also find that many local groups have a knowledgeable member who is willing to have a look at a car for you. This will weed out most of the wrong cars. When you find a likely looking potential purchase, take it to a reputable TVR specialist for a proper workshop inspection. Again you local TVRCC will recommend someone trustworthy for this. Finally, take their advice to find a reliable specialist, where your new pride and joy can be maintained in good order.
When you buy a TVR, the first thought in your mind is what YOU want from it. If you want a financially sensible car, then a TVR isn’t for you. If you want a high pleasure to pounds ratio, then there is nothing like them; if you can afford it. Buy a car that is in very good order and enjoy making it just the way YOU want it.
When it comes to finding a car, the first step is to join the TVRCC, before you buy a TVR. Then go to the local meetings. Go to the neighbouring regions meetings too. The people at those meetings will be happy to share their experiences of suppliers. They will probably know of cars for sale privately and the history of those cars. They may even know the cars that the dealer has, if they were part exchanges by local club members.
Always remember that we cannot post negative comments on Pistonheads, so you may get a false impression here. In the local TVRCC meetings you are likely to hear a much broader range of opinions.
There are a number of people who will inspect or find cars for you. I suggest you speak to owners who have SOLD a TVR. If the purchaser used a TVR inspector, ask how thorough they thought the inspection was. Did the inspection find everything they knew about on their car? Would they use that inspector based upon what they saw?
You may also find that many local groups have a knowledgeable member who is willing to have a look at a car for you. This will weed out most of the wrong cars. When you find a likely looking potential purchase, take it to a reputable TVR specialist for a proper workshop inspection. Again you local TVRCC will recommend someone trustworthy for this. Finally, take their advice to find a reliable specialist, where your new pride and joy can be maintained in good order.
Hi Robin,
Good advice from all the above. The chassis would be my main area to look at, make sure it has been well looked after and prepared and regularly waxoyled. If you are thinking of buying an older car make sure the clutch is ok, a new differential can also be an expensive replacement. On 10- 15 year old cars parts are going to be getting on and replacement will be expensive. It depends what you want to spend on the car. If you buy one with plenty of work done and receipts to prove for lots of new parts you are less likely to face unseen expense.
If you want to meet and talk Chimaera's you are welcome to meet me and go for a spin in mine, I'll be driving unless you can get a days insurance from your insurance company. I'm in West Sussex so not far from you. Mine is for sale but the offer is genuine if you want an idea of what to look out for and what could need replacing.
Good advice from all the above. The chassis would be my main area to look at, make sure it has been well looked after and prepared and regularly waxoyled. If you are thinking of buying an older car make sure the clutch is ok, a new differential can also be an expensive replacement. On 10- 15 year old cars parts are going to be getting on and replacement will be expensive. It depends what you want to spend on the car. If you buy one with plenty of work done and receipts to prove for lots of new parts you are less likely to face unseen expense.
If you want to meet and talk Chimaera's you are welcome to meet me and go for a spin in mine, I'll be driving unless you can get a days insurance from your insurance company. I'm in West Sussex so not far from you. Mine is for sale but the offer is genuine if you want an idea of what to look out for and what could need replacing.
Hi Robin, go and see Tony Gilbert sports cars, I have purchased two cars from him, they were both top notch and well prepared.
He advertises on Pistonheads classified,you will find his contact email address on his site.
If you go and see him,tell him Dave Smith sent you.
You will just love his house and windmill
Dave
He advertises on Pistonheads classified,you will find his contact email address on his site.
If you go and see him,tell him Dave Smith sent you.
You will just love his house and windmill
Dave
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