Buying tips for the Chimaera

[abdulaziz]

Hi guys,

Just after a few pointers on what to look out for, as I’m going along with a mate to check out a TVR Chimaera he has found for sale. It’s a 1995 model with 80,000 on the clock, in blue, its got a part service history, the owner is after £5000 for it.

Is there anything in particular to look out for on these cars? Any info at all much appreciated.

[WazzaL]

Use the search function above.

This question has been asked an awful lot, so al the info you need is already available.

Search for usual things as well as the chassis condition, condition of the roof, condition of the shocks, etc.

[abdulaziz]

Cheers, had a look through the search just wondering if there was anything else really, for example is the price good, what will the car be like at those miles, will things need doing at this stage etc

[WazzaL]

abdulaziz said:

Cheers, had a look through the search just wondering if there was anything else really, for example is the price good, what will the car be like at those miles, will things need doing at this stage etc

It'd be a case of looking at the chassis, ensuring it is good.

When work has been done to it like cam changes (Recommended between 40-60k) suspension/shocks wear and tear

£5k seems to be a very good price, so I would want to really go through everything about it before buying.

[Littletidnock]

The main thing to make sure is that the £5,000 car does not end up costing you another £5,000 to put it right, you might as well buy a well found car in the first place.

[MADMAX2]

These cars do cost money i bought mine in ok condition so i could work on it and learn about them its as simple as that buy one for £5000 and you will have fun doing it up to your taste while your wallet shrinks now and then thats what happens when you own a chimaera!!

[abdulaziz]

Cheers guys I'm going to see the car with him on Saturday so will let you know how it turns out.

[shadowninja]

Get someone like TVRFIX.com to have a look at it for you. They'll identify problem areas (good for negotiating) but also let you know what is typical for a car of that age (the stuff you'll have to accept as every car will have).

[Emsman]

I got my 93 chim on wewdnesday.

An early one- 93k plate with 44k on the clock. No PAS.
Paid 7k from a dealer.

Love it to pieces.

Speedo gone wrong already, a slight problem has developed with the hot idling, and needs a few tiny bits doing to bring it up to sctach.

But...................I adore it.

Even taken it to the office today, as the sun was out and it appeared to be the right thing to do.

Not sure if it is any use/you know about it already, but found out a lot through the peter beech website www.peter.beech1.btinternet.co.uk.

Best of luck with the inspection/purchase and hope all turns out well.

[abdulaziz]

cheers for the links guys very useful! Maybe if he doesnt buy it I will looking through the classfieds £5K seems a very good price indeed

[Emsman]

Worse news.

Due to a shortage in my mortgage (which i took out in the first instance to buy the car) it looks like my ownership experience is going to be a very short one indeed.

Which, to say the very least, *isses me off no end as i would rather have my car than move house (i cant drive a house, but at a push i could live in the car!)

Gutted doesnt quite cover it to be honest.

Im going for beer therapy.

[shadowninja]

Emsman said:

No PAS.

I found this not to be a problem once you figure things out; parking in tight car parks wasn't a problem either. Just apply a spot of physics.

[oggs]

Buy on Condition Condition Condition Condition Condition

[chim666]

If you haven't got one already, buy a copy of 'The Bible' - Steve Heath's book 'The TVR Griffith & Chimaera'.