Still in the TVR market looking to buy...thoughts?
Discussion
Well I'm still looking around at TVR options and trying to get back into one. Went to see Mick's lovely 400 Turbo. Fantastic car but I think he is going to keep. He has put so much time and money into it. It really is a cracking example.
I went to see the Red 500 as well and liked that too. Just can't get my head over the line on the Formula Red colour. I don't think I could live with it and would want to respray it. Once I factor in £4k-£5k for a respray the numbers start to make less sense. I have offered to buy the car at a number that I would be comfortable once I add on the respray costs. It is too far away from the number the seller wants to accept so we have not been able to align in order to work a sale. This is the red one:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
It is a shame it isn't blue or any colour I could live with as without the respray cost I would have bought it yesterday. It drove well although I thought the steering just off centre was a little weird but could be more getting used to a different car/steering than others I have driven. The carpets have all been replaced but don't either fit or not quite neatly fixed door frames. The paint/body is a little tired being original and 25 years old but not too bad. A respray wouldn't be a bad thing. Mechanically the car is very good and clean.
If I compare to something like this car:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
This is a one owner low mile car in a colour I could live and like much more. Seems like a pretty solid car.
I am not sure what to think or do at the moment. There are more TVR's than I have ever seen for sale now and over the last few months. The variety of models, miles, specs, colours is great and prices massively broad.
If anyone has any thoughts, advice or opinions I am all ears?
I went to see the Red 500 as well and liked that too. Just can't get my head over the line on the Formula Red colour. I don't think I could live with it and would want to respray it. Once I factor in £4k-£5k for a respray the numbers start to make less sense. I have offered to buy the car at a number that I would be comfortable once I add on the respray costs. It is too far away from the number the seller wants to accept so we have not been able to align in order to work a sale. This is the red one:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
It is a shame it isn't blue or any colour I could live with as without the respray cost I would have bought it yesterday. It drove well although I thought the steering just off centre was a little weird but could be more getting used to a different car/steering than others I have driven. The carpets have all been replaced but don't either fit or not quite neatly fixed door frames. The paint/body is a little tired being original and 25 years old but not too bad. A respray wouldn't be a bad thing. Mechanically the car is very good and clean.
If I compare to something like this car:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
This is a one owner low mile car in a colour I could live and like much more. Seems like a pretty solid car.
I am not sure what to think or do at the moment. There are more TVR's than I have ever seen for sale now and over the last few months. The variety of models, miles, specs, colours is great and prices massively broad.
If anyone has any thoughts, advice or opinions I am all ears?
As far as the PH classifieds go, there are 61 Chimaeras listed (I'm not sure why Fernhurst have listed a Boxster under 'Chimaera?'). There were over 80 in July / August. I don't regularly visit other sites so not sure if their volume is up.
The blue one you link to does NOT have a 500 badge on the boot so is it just an engine change? My first Chimaera in 2001 was a 500 but it was a late 1994 model when the badge was probably an option, I'd have thought it was standard by 1997?
You're right that the variety of spec and colours is wide for what is really just one model, and with Autumn on the way, some sellers will now hang onto a car until the Spring.
The blue one you link to does NOT have a 500 badge on the boot so is it just an engine change? My first Chimaera in 2001 was a 500 but it was a late 1994 model when the badge was probably an option, I'd have thought it was standard by 1997?
You're right that the variety of spec and colours is wide for what is really just one model, and with Autumn on the way, some sellers will now hang onto a car until the Spring.
I don't have the stats or facts to backup my feelings but really don't remember so many TVR's for sale of all or any model so abundantly available in previous years. I could well be very wrong but that is my feeling.
When I bought my first maybe just over 2 years ago there were plenty of options but not quite so many. Not sure if some are selling as feel the market prices have or are weakening. Or they just aren't using many of them so seems silly to keep them when not used too much.
With many other non-TVR options at competing prices maybe this is having an impact. It is hard for me to want to pay £20k or more for a decent Chimaera when stuff like this exists to compare:
https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...
I am not saying I want to go and buy this 4200 but seems like a decent car for reasonable money in comparison.
When I bought my first maybe just over 2 years ago there were plenty of options but not quite so many. Not sure if some are selling as feel the market prices have or are weakening. Or they just aren't using many of them so seems silly to keep them when not used too much.
With many other non-TVR options at competing prices maybe this is having an impact. It is hard for me to want to pay £20k or more for a decent Chimaera when stuff like this exists to compare:
https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...
I am not saying I want to go and buy this 4200 but seems like a decent car for reasonable money in comparison.
Dean, I read the previous thread about your woes surrounding the blue Chim and got the impression you’d given up on a TVR and bought an Aston instead.
I’m now guessing the TVR bug hasn’t gone away which is understandable, so can I ask, is this to replace or complement the Aston, I ask as my Tamora is for sale and I intend to buy mid £30k Aston or F Type and was interested to know, has the Aston disappointed or is it just different, as in just not a TVR?
I’m now guessing the TVR bug hasn’t gone away which is understandable, so can I ask, is this to replace or complement the Aston, I ask as my Tamora is for sale and I intend to buy mid £30k Aston or F Type and was interested to know, has the Aston disappointed or is it just different, as in just not a TVR?
Plan B said:
My Griff 500 will be coming up for sale soon. I’m in Harpenden so possibly local to you if interested. 
Very nice...yes, Harpenden is only 25 mins from me as I'm Bell Bar. Happy to take a look but fear it may be the wrong side of where my ideal budget is. Feel free to fire me over any details.Pursyluv said:
Dean, I read the previous thread about your woes surrounding the blue Chim and got the impression you’d given up on a TVR and bought an Aston instead.
I’m now guessing the TVR bug hasn’t gone away which is understandable, so can I ask, is this to replace or complement the Aston, I ask as my Tamora is for sale and I intend to buy mid £30k Aston or F Type and was interested to know, has the Aston disappointed or is it just different, as in just not a TVR?
I did indeed buy a V8 Vantage and just having a few issues resolved so not got it back yet. Hopefully will get it back next week. I will be keeping the Aston though and the TVR will be an additional car to complement. In reality I think and expect the Aston to be a much better car than the TVR but they both have their charms for different reasons.I’m now guessing the TVR bug hasn’t gone away which is understandable, so can I ask, is this to replace or complement the Aston, I ask as my Tamora is for sale and I intend to buy mid £30k Aston or F Type and was interested to know, has the Aston disappointed or is it just different, as in just not a TVR?
Haven't driven the Aston much other than driving back from the dealer but I feel it will suit me very well. It is a lovely car and I expect to have a long and happy relationship with it.
Happy to see if your Tamora might be viable for me if you wanted to fire over some details. Also if your local or fancy looking at the Aston you are more than welcome to pop over for a cuppa and a chat. I'm not selling it but might you help seeing, driving and having a chat.
I drove the F Type's round Milbrook on an Evo/Jaguar launch day and like them very much. Just wanted a manual rather than auto and the F Type manuals were still quite new and more expensive than I wanted to spend. I've always wanted an Aston though so needed to go there first.
Edited by rockits on Saturday 21st September 00:12
rockits said:
Happy to see if your Tamora might be viable for me if you wanted to fire over some details. Also if your local or fancy looking at the Aston you are more than welcome to pop over for a cuppa and a chat. I'm not selling it but might you help seeing, driving and having a chat.
Ha ha, I wasn’t trying to shoe horn a sales pitch into this thread, I’m in no rush to sell the Tam and having spent over £25k on it in 8 years I’m not selling cheap, however interesting comments regarding “issues” with the Aston, which does make me wonder is £35k sufficient to buy a decent onePursyluv said:
Ha ha, I wasn’t trying to shoe horn a sales pitch into this thread, I’m in no rush to sell the Tam and having spent over £25k on it in 8 years I’m not selling cheap, however interesting comments regarding “issues” with the Aston, which does make me wonder is £35k sufficient to buy a decent one
I know....not a problem but no harm in me looking although the Tam wouldn't be my first choice and suspect it would be more than I would prefer to spend.There were a few issues with the Aston although I bought from a dealer who is paying for the issues to be resolved. The main one was a silly issue but big job as gearbox needed to come out. After I bought the car it went straight in to Nicholas Mee for a service and inspection. A side from a few consumable items being the main issue a bolt on the top of the gearbox on the gearshift mechanism had sheared. So nothing from stopping the bar from popping off the top meaning suddenly no gears. It was a £6k bill for NM to replace the whole part (£4k) with £2k labour. Seemed crazy just for one bolt so got the car low loader'd to AV Engineering in Ashford, Kent who service my 4200. They have been great and took the gearbox out, have fashioned a solid repair and popped the gearbox back in. All good now.
I paid comfortably under £30k for a 49500 mile almost full main dealer historied example. You should easily be able to get a nice example for £35k I would say.
Hi Dean,
I admire your commitment to TVR and good luck with the Aston. Someone viewed my car recently as they wanted to come come back from Porsche coupe ownership, so you are not alone!
Re your search keep looking and someone desperate to sell a nice car will be along at some point!
I would also be looking at 4.3s. The speed 6 Chim was a lovely car when I saw it several years ago but I would be looking at the car you previously viewed when you bought my old car or the pre-cat Griffs for sale.
I admire your commitment to TVR and good luck with the Aston. Someone viewed my car recently as they wanted to come come back from Porsche coupe ownership, so you are not alone!
Re your search keep looking and someone desperate to sell a nice car will be along at some point!
I would also be looking at 4.3s. The speed 6 Chim was a lovely car when I saw it several years ago but I would be looking at the car you previously viewed when you bought my old car or the pre-cat Griffs for sale.
I think I’d have sold mine but for the simple fact it’s a smashing example 
even if I do say so myself 
This causes owners like me a big dilemma as I just can’t find a car that would replace it without me ending up worse off.
Not financially even, just from the souls perspective.
Mechanical perspective tells me I won’t find owt cheaper to run maintain and service, or more reliable over a life time so for the money involved it would be a backward step into any other vehicle that even vaguely has the drama of a pucker Tvr.
So I can also see why it’s not that easy to just walk into the right car when buying.
Long term ownership is sort of the norm for many Tvr owners so the best cars rarely become available and never for give away prices from what I’ve learnt but there’s always the motivated seller
even if I do say so myself This causes owners like me a big dilemma as I just can’t find a car that would replace it without me ending up worse off.
Not financially even, just from the souls perspective.
Mechanical perspective tells me I won’t find owt cheaper to run maintain and service, or more reliable over a life time so for the money involved it would be a backward step into any other vehicle that even vaguely has the drama of a pucker Tvr.
So I can also see why it’s not that easy to just walk into the right car when buying.
Long term ownership is sort of the norm for many Tvr owners so the best cars rarely become available and never for give away prices from what I’ve learnt but there’s always the motivated seller
TV8 said:
Hi Dean,
I admire your commitment to TVR and good luck with the Aston. Someone viewed my car recently as they wanted to come come back from Porsche coupe ownership, so you are not alone!
Re your search keep looking and someone desperate to sell a nice car will be along at some point!
I would also be looking at 4.3s. The speed 6 Chim was a lovely car when I saw it several years ago but I would be looking at the car you previously viewed when you bought my old car or the pre-cat Griffs for sale.
Thanks Graham. Trying to be loyal to the brand and a TVR is of course a little different to all that is out there. Trouble is they are rubbing shoulders with some really cracking, capable and interesting cars now pricewise which has cause me some conflict. The 4200 and Vantage both being good examples of this.I admire your commitment to TVR and good luck with the Aston. Someone viewed my car recently as they wanted to come come back from Porsche coupe ownership, so you are not alone!
Re your search keep looking and someone desperate to sell a nice car will be along at some point!
I would also be looking at 4.3s. The speed 6 Chim was a lovely car when I saw it several years ago but I would be looking at the car you previously viewed when you bought my old car or the pre-cat Griffs for sale.
Do you mean Chris Woods old red Chimaera 4.3? Does he still have it? I went for your old car partly as it was a smidge cheaper for my first TVR also much preferring blues to reds. That is half my battle with Mark Hunter's old 500 Chimaera as it is very red. Not my cup of tea in the main a red car.
Really loving the colour on this one though:
https://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C1145547
Shame it is a 400 and had blue interior. If it were a 450/500 with black/yellow interior I would have been seriously interested in that.
https://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C1145547
Shame it is a 400 and had blue interior. If it were a 450/500 with black/yellow interior I would have been seriously interested in that.
Classic Chim said:
I think I’d have sold mine but for the simple fact it’s a smashing example even if I do say so myself
This causes owners like me a big dilemma as I just can’t find a car that would replace it without me ending up worse off.
Not financially even, just from the souls perspective.
Mechanical perspective tells me I won’t find owt cheaper to run maintain and service, or more reliable over a life time so for the money involved it would be a backward step into any other vehicle that even vaguely has the drama of a pucker Tvr.
So I can also see why it’s not that easy to just walk into the right car when buying.
Long term ownership is sort of the norm for many Tvr owners so the best cars rarely become available and never for give away prices from what I’ve learnt but there’s always the motivated seller
I 100% agree Alun. What would you replace it with....tough one. I have to say the 4200 I have and the Vantage I've just bought are great alternatives though. I should the running costs will likely be higher though. Although the 4200 has been very cost effective to run.....but doesn't get used heavily so you'd hope not! even if I do say so myself This causes owners like me a big dilemma as I just can’t find a car that would replace it without me ending up worse off.
Not financially even, just from the souls perspective.
Mechanical perspective tells me I won’t find owt cheaper to run maintain and service, or more reliable over a life time so for the money involved it would be a backward step into any other vehicle that even vaguely has the drama of a pucker Tvr.
So I can also see why it’s not that easy to just walk into the right car when buying.
Long term ownership is sort of the norm for many Tvr owners so the best cars rarely become available and never for give away prices from what I’ve learnt but there’s always the motivated seller
It doesn't make sense to spend a fortune getting it right where you want it then sell for less. Trouble is it is hard for the potential buyers to see the true/real benefits of all the spend sometimes. Some see it...some don't.
My advice......keep it and enjoy it 😉
A yellow 450 went for £9800 on ebay yesterday. Seems a good car but I can only judge by the photos and description:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TVR-Chimera-450-1997-57...
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TVR-Chimera-450-1997-57...
ianwayne said:
A yellow 450 went for £9800 on ebay yesterday. Seems a good car but I can only judge by the photos and description:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TVR-Chimera-450-1997-57...
Yes, was watching and tracking that one. For some reason it didn't grab me. Surprised it didn't make as much as I thought though. Maybe a sign of things to come or maybe the yellow is a Marmite colour for some.https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TVR-Chimera-450-1997-57...
Classic Chim said:
Yellow 5.0 ones are very fast I know that, Jackson4 nearly beat me 
Racing joke from drag day shenanigans, he beat me in every race bar the one where I went 12.6 to his 12.7
LOL....not much in that one then. My stock XJ is about that time 1/4 mile I reckon as well.....now that wod look a funny site in the strip!Racing joke from drag day shenanigans, he beat me in every race bar the one where I went 12.6 to his 12.7
Forums | Chimaera | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff