Chim Virgin (for now)

[pistol]

After everyone trying to put me off the idea I've Just bought a 98 4.0, pick it up next Tuesday, First one, can't wait. Looking to use it for everyday use (hopefully).

Everyone talks about reliability, is it really as bad as everyone makes out?

Would love some tips to keep it on the road for as long as poss.

[Ballistic Banana]

Well done mate.
Keep it sunny side up, waxoyle yearly, keep cooling system in tip top condition, regular yearly service and drive frequently are my tips for hassle free driving.

And ENJOY

BB

[RCA]

Hi Pete, I've had mine over a year now and have never broken down (touch wood)!!! You are not to far away from me so if you have any probs do not hesitate to get in contact!!!, Are you coming to the East Midlands meet on the 9th???
cheers
Richard

[ABBTVR]

Everyone talks about reliability, is it really as bad as everyone makes out?

Would love some tips to keep it on the road for as long as poss.

Hi Peter, sound discussion.
Welcome to the asylum!
I was in the same position 4 months ago, and felt a bit lonely until I found P/H.
There a great bunch of Guys n Girls.

Reliability... Take a look at the FAQ section, Grey Row at the top of page box after My Info THIS FORUM select FAQ’s you’ll find lots of information.
Try www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?p=3&f=8&t=20446&h=0
It may well waylay some of your fears.
Hang in there Tuesday’s not far away, word of advice START PRACTICING THE GRIN NOW!

Big Al.

>> Edited by ABBTVR (moderator) on Thursday 27th February 23:42

[pistol]

Thanks for the offer, what's is this east mids meet? What does it consist of? and where is it? sorry 'bout all the questions but I 'need the info'

[chim450]

Ballistic Banana said: regular yearly service and drive frequently are my tips for hassle free driving.
And ENJOY
BB

Umm, twice yearly service if you are going to use every day. (6000 mile service interval)
But agree with BB just enjoy it!!

BTW BB how's the Griff? Is she fixed yet?
(been away for a bit)



>> Edited by chim450 on Thursday 27th February 23:47

[andy lockett]

Pistol, you and me both!i just got my 4.oHC a month ago and have to use it daily.All ive done so far is go round and check everything and squirt all the door releases ect with WD40 as prevention is better than cure.I replaced a couple of hood rubbers as they looked a bit knackered and were cheap as chips!gave the hood a coat of Ronovo although Thompsons water seal is just as good apparantly and so far its been FANTASTIC.GOOD LUCK MATE!!

[robkola]

I've had my 98 4L over a year - use it every day - 12K miles - trouble free (except the usual stuff )

TLC of course - don't be scared to visit your dealer (car dealer!) for advise/help and keep posting here . . .

Pistonheads motto #34576 "Happy to Help" :biggrin:

>> Edited by robkola on Friday 28th February 12:12

[robkola]

When I picked mine up - I had to take a 130 mile journey home, anyone better that?

[Beano500]

chim450 said:

Ballistic Banana said: regular yearly service and drive frequently are my tips for hassle free driving.
And ENJOY
BB

Umm, twice yearly service if you are going to use every day. (6000 mile service interval)
But agree with BB just enjoy it!!

Err?!?! Three times a year for some of us

But then it is a proper TVR - Griffs go further and faster

Tips - you can expect a few little niggles as you start everyday use, but keep on top of them and you'll be fine. Be really disciplined and check at least oil, coolant and tyres REGULARLY. The engines are prone to use oil unlike a Eurobox, and you want to do everything to keep the rubber attached to the road surface!

[trefor]

I've had mine 5 years - only 1 letdown and that was a flat battery which I knew was shagged so my fault really.

If the car you're buying has been sitting around for a while you'll probably find a few niggles which need sorting once you use it daily. The more you drive these cars the better they get - seriously. Mine has done 50k and is better than when I got it at 15k.

Be very careful in the wet until you're used to the car. It's very easy to handle and has bags of grip once you've sussed out the handling/throttle. I've never lost mine (by accident).

Enjoy.


Trefor/.

[alex200mph]

Welcome!

I have had my Chimaera over 2 and never regreted a bit of it. An area where you might want to keep an eye on is the chassis powder coating which I don't think is very good, paticularly when you get stone chips and rust can run under the coating. Probably worse affected will be the front lower wishbones. On mine is was only surface stuff so wire brush it off paint it and waxol it in hard to reach areas. Being a 98 car yours will probably be in good nick chassis wise but worth regular inspections just to make sure.

The Steve Heath "bible" on Chimarea and Griffith is also a useful reference tool if you dont already have a copy.

Agree with the rest of what has been said above

make sure you wave when out on the road too!
happy driving
cheers
alex

>> Edited by alex200mph on Friday 28th February 12:41

[dannyboyo]

Hi mate, Only had my '95 4.0 Chim since Xmas, but 've done 5000 miles and I haven't had a problem yet apart from needing 2 new tyres (went for the cheaper Toyo option), a new battery, and the speedo has just failed. Also the guy who had it before me for 4 years said it never let him down either (in about 40000 miles of motoring!) apart from the thermo switch for the fans failing, and (if I remember right) a sump leak, and a broken suspension coil (after a suspension upgrade).

So far this car is as reliable as any other car I've ever driven, but a huge ammount more fun to drive

Just keep the services up, check the fluids regularly, don't thrash it when it's cold, and enjoy. Also I think the more the car is used the more reliable it will be for you. Don't lock it in a garage for 2 months then take it out for a 10 mile trip!!

You've bought a lush car buddy, welcome to the club!


>> Edited by dannyboyo on Friday 28th February 13:03

[Beano500]

dannyboyo said: ...since Xmas, but 've done 5000 miles ....

Now that's the way to ensure a TVR is reliable - you're also getting every penny's worth of enjoyment into the bargain

[RCA]

Pete, read this topic for info on the east mids meet. cheers
richard
www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?p=1&f=13&t=30332&h=0

[anonymous-user]

I've done about 1500 miles in the last year.

I used it everyday for a week....and it broke down....twice in one day.

Turned out to be a £1 fuse link.
Had the AC regassed last year and a dealer check a ticking noise (vaccum advance) under the bonnet £190.
Just had a service & MOT £590 got it back, used it once and its had to go back to the dealer as it started leaking fuel into the boot.Its just had the fuel tank welded up.£252.

I am picking it up tomorrow

I can't wait to go out for a blast with the top down, all I need now is some nice weather.

[pistol]

A Big, Big Thankyou to everyone I can't believe all the great advice. I think this site is going to be a lot of use.

Richard I may make my way over on the 9th and pick your / others brains. It's not to far from where I work. Is there a secret handshake or anything

[ABBTVR]

pistol said: Is there a secret handshake or anything

No, It's just customary to buy everyone that replied to your post a large double!

Big Al.

>> Edited by ABBTVR (moderator) on Friday 28th February 20:17

[macca]

Hi Pistol,

Welcome!

Mines a double Guinness, see you on the 9th

>> Edited by macca on Friday 28th February 23:20

[brentstevens]

Robkola
4 weeks ago, drove 178 miles home from collecting my Chim. Drove most of the way in the snow!! Thought about top down and then realised what a prat I would look with an icicle hanging off my nose!