Non-maintained Chimaera
Discussion
Having recently booked a test-drive for a Chimaera I must say I was looking forward to comparing it to the Boxster which I have previously tested. I can hear the chuckles amongst you TVR owners already - I now understand that there is no comparison.
The power and experience of the car was not what I expected and can only dream what the Cerbera and Tuscun must be like to drive.
So now I am keen to 'join the club' and buy one. My issue is that I very rarely do any work on my car, which to date I have got away without too many big bills.
Would I be very foolish to attempt to run a TVR on this basis or is it quite possible as long as servicing is booked in regularly etc.
Additionally, I took my test drive with the roof on - how are things affected with the top down ?
jim.
I have owned my Chimaera for 5 years now. It is a 1994 model.
I cover about 6000 miles a year, which is about the mileage between services.
So far I have encountered the following expenses
1 - New Tyres all round (£450 approx, from Micheldever)
2 - 1st Servive £450
3 - 2nd Service £600
4 - 3rd Service £500
5 - New Relay + electrical fault diagnostic £60
6 - Speedo Recalibrated £120 (needs doing again)
7 - 4th Service, included suspension work, diff bush replacement and a couple more items £1400
Apart from the last service I think costs have been quite reasonable..
I cover about 6000 miles a year, which is about the mileage between services.
So far I have encountered the following expenses
1 - New Tyres all round (£450 approx, from Micheldever)
2 - 1st Servive £450
3 - 2nd Service £600
4 - 3rd Service £500
5 - New Relay + electrical fault diagnostic £60
6 - Speedo Recalibrated £120 (needs doing again)
7 - 4th Service, included suspension work, diff bush replacement and a couple more items £1400
Apart from the last service I think costs have been quite reasonable..
Keep the lid on for a significant part of the test drive - even if its sunny and the temp's in the 80s. It might sound like sacrilege to do this (and the owner may be quick to suggest that the lid should always be in the boot unless its raining) but you will have a better chance to hear any whines, rumbles and knocks if the lid's on.
Be suspicious about turning up and finding the lid off the car you are going to test drive, though this can be an effective ruse if you have leaks that have made the carpets smell musty. If the lid is off, get your nose down the footwell and behind the seats and have a good sniff.
Good luck finding what you want
Hutch
Be suspicious about turning up and finding the lid off the car you are going to test drive, though this can be an effective ruse if you have leaks that have made the carpets smell musty. If the lid is off, get your nose down the footwell and behind the seats and have a good sniff.
Good luck finding what you want
Hutch
and when getting petrol etc....and how do the boy racers react at the lights? 
Jimjim. I'm surpised you feel there is no comparison between a Boxster and a Chimaera - in some ways they are similar cars.
Both are two seater roadsters with excellent acceleration and handling that appeal to both sporting drivers and those who enjoy a fine looking car with style.
OK. I admit thereafter the similarities do rather tail off.
I actually own both cars (OK the Boxster is an 'S') and have done for a number of years. Before now I've posted detailed comparisons of the cars. I'll dig 'em out tonight and post 'em up for you.
We'll have a good old ding-dong argument about which one is the "right" one to have I'm sure - its always an excellent laugh - but remember this: Whichever one you get it will be a great car.
P.S. If you get a Boxster make it an 'S' if you get a Chimaera try to get a 450/500. You'll just whine on about how it could have been even faster else...
Both are two seater roadsters with excellent acceleration and handling that appeal to both sporting drivers and those who enjoy a fine looking car with style.
OK. I admit thereafter the similarities do rather tail off.
I actually own both cars (OK the Boxster is an 'S') and have done for a number of years. Before now I've posted detailed comparisons of the cars. I'll dig 'em out tonight and post 'em up for you.
We'll have a good old ding-dong argument about which one is the "right" one to have I'm sure - its always an excellent laugh - but remember this: Whichever one you get it will be a great car.
P.S. If you get a Boxster make it an 'S' if you get a Chimaera try to get a 450/500. You'll just whine on about how it could have been even faster else...
Thanks for that Don.
Yes I was impressed by the Boxster (2.5) and it was quick, as it would be.
But the TVR was a bit of an animal
(in a good way!) and REALLY exciting to drive (to even be in the passenger seat).
This is more controversial but I have driven a year old 911 and would still take the Chimaera (4.0l).
But I would be delighted to have the debate with you !
Yes I was impressed by the Boxster (2.5) and it was quick, as it would be.
But the TVR was a bit of an animal
(in a good way!) and REALLY exciting to drive (to even be in the passenger seat). This is more controversial but I have driven a year old 911 and would still take the Chimaera (4.0l).
But I would be delighted to have the debate with you !
As far as the differences between the boxster and the Chim go well I dont think I would be too harsh on either brand by saying Boxster = Capable and TVR = Visceral.
You do get the odd question from people who would love one themselves. I have been asked to rev it in petrol stations and traffic queues etc.
As far as boy racers go, leave them to it, everyone including them knows that you could eat them if you wanted to.
Matt.
You do get the odd question from people who would love one themselves. I have been asked to rev it in petrol stations and traffic queues etc.
As far as boy racers go, leave them to it, everyone including them knows that you could eat them if you wanted to.
Matt.
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