Chimaera Prices
Discussion
Squirrelofwoe said:
Did you consider selling this a couple of years ago?! If I have got the correct PHer/car, I remember discussing it extensively on here when I was looking for mine- I had just convinced myself I was going to go for it (despite the distance away) when you informed me you had changed your mind about selling! 
I've ummed & rred about a couple of them so possibly... 
Sold that one about 2 yrs ago.
Went to look at one yesterday, was a disappointment.
It was a CAT N which I wasn't going to consider but I was informed it was wrote off due to a scrape on the side. I was sent pictures of the damage which looked like no big deal and I wondered why you'd go through the rigmarole of an insurance claim.
I'd bid on it on eBay yesterday afternoon just before it ended but didn't win it because there was a reserve. I was hoping because this is the second time it was listed with no interest that if it was as good as he said, I would be able to negotiate a deal.
Went down to see it after work which was a 50 minute journey. Was really excited on the way down almost nervous as I've been looking forward to owning one for such a long time.
Had a look round the front - it had the usual stone chips which is no major issue. Went round the back and noticed a crease on the rear quarter where the paint had bubbled up down a line, also there was a few cracks on the bottom corner. Went round the other side to find exactly the same thing
. It had obviously been rear ended and that was why it was written off but the seller said he didn't know why it was like that...
Asked about the full service history with every reciept from new to be handed some paperwork which contained invoices from over the years but also insurance and tax receipts. Stuff like this doesn't need to be included and just fills the folder up. There was no bookpack and no service history book, was told cars of this year didn't have stuff like that
Was told the outriggers had been fully done within the last 12 months, looked like it had been painted underneath quite a few years ago as there was rust showing through the paint.
The log book said it had been owned since June 2018, was told it was wrote off in Nov 2017 and he only got it back in June. Also he bought it off the insurance company for £9k.
I decided it wasn't for me - best thing about it was hearing it fire up but I wasn't being blinded by that.
Oh well, the hunt goes on. But I won't be buying CAT anything. Just not worth it.
It was a CAT N which I wasn't going to consider but I was informed it was wrote off due to a scrape on the side. I was sent pictures of the damage which looked like no big deal and I wondered why you'd go through the rigmarole of an insurance claim.
I'd bid on it on eBay yesterday afternoon just before it ended but didn't win it because there was a reserve. I was hoping because this is the second time it was listed with no interest that if it was as good as he said, I would be able to negotiate a deal.
Went down to see it after work which was a 50 minute journey. Was really excited on the way down almost nervous as I've been looking forward to owning one for such a long time.
Had a look round the front - it had the usual stone chips which is no major issue. Went round the back and noticed a crease on the rear quarter where the paint had bubbled up down a line, also there was a few cracks on the bottom corner. Went round the other side to find exactly the same thing
. It had obviously been rear ended and that was why it was written off but the seller said he didn't know why it was like that...Asked about the full service history with every reciept from new to be handed some paperwork which contained invoices from over the years but also insurance and tax receipts. Stuff like this doesn't need to be included and just fills the folder up. There was no bookpack and no service history book, was told cars of this year didn't have stuff like that
Was told the outriggers had been fully done within the last 12 months, looked like it had been painted underneath quite a few years ago as there was rust showing through the paint.
The log book said it had been owned since June 2018, was told it was wrote off in Nov 2017 and he only got it back in June. Also he bought it off the insurance company for £9k.
I decided it wasn't for me - best thing about it was hearing it fire up but I wasn't being blinded by that.
Oh well, the hunt goes on. But I won't be buying CAT anything. Just not worth it.
I went to see this one a while back. Seller worked at a TVR place and seemed pretty knowledgeable. As you can see this is the original ad @ £9k showing it was a CAT D.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TVR-Chimaera-4-0L-1993-...
I did and HPI check and it wasn't a CAT D at all but a CAT C which is a whole different level again in repairs as we all know. The seller seemed unaware and said I thought it was a CAT D....really? He thanks me for pointing that out and changed the ad as the price went down as it was too expensive:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TVR-Chimaera-4-0L-1993-...
The car was a CAT C and had zero history other than a few small bills of the recent owner. As he had worked at a TVR place he had done all the work himsefl which was fine but no real proof of the works. I said the car would only be worth max £7k to me and he kind of laughed this off it seemed.
It kept getting relisted @ £8500:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TVR-Chimaera-4-0L-1993-...
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TVR-Chimaera-4-0L-1993-...
Then dropped to £7999:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TVR-Chimaera-4-0L-1993-...
Apparently it was sold for £7900. My question is who in their right mind who buy a CAT C Chimaera 400 with no history at all for £7900? Or was a missing something?
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TVR-Chimaera-4-0L-1993-...
I did and HPI check and it wasn't a CAT D at all but a CAT C which is a whole different level again in repairs as we all know. The seller seemed unaware and said I thought it was a CAT D....really? He thanks me for pointing that out and changed the ad as the price went down as it was too expensive:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TVR-Chimaera-4-0L-1993-...
The car was a CAT C and had zero history other than a few small bills of the recent owner. As he had worked at a TVR place he had done all the work himsefl which was fine but no real proof of the works. I said the car would only be worth max £7k to me and he kind of laughed this off it seemed.
It kept getting relisted @ £8500:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TVR-Chimaera-4-0L-1993-...
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TVR-Chimaera-4-0L-1993-...
Then dropped to £7999:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TVR-Chimaera-4-0L-1993-...
Apparently it was sold for £7900. My question is who in their right mind who buy a CAT C Chimaera 400 with no history at all for £7900? Or was a missing something?
Track day car maybe?
If it's been tinkered with at a TVR place, the rest of the car may be spot on. So, possibly an id swap with a really ropey one?
It maybe reinforces that values are up over the last couple of years. A straight one with no insurance category and some history was available for that money 4 / 5 years ago.
If it's been tinkered with at a TVR place, the rest of the car may be spot on. So, possibly an id swap with a really ropey one?
It maybe reinforces that values are up over the last couple of years. A straight one with no insurance category and some history was available for that money 4 / 5 years ago.
Usual story, buy on condition.
Cat anything wouldn't put me of getting a 'cheap' car. If the body has been repaired well, it's a non issue. It's just moulded fibreglass. The outriggers would be a concern on any car, never mind a write off. And mechanically it's a tractor with spares available everywhere. Everyone still gets a bit precious about TVR don't they? It's a parts bin w
e at the end of the day.
I'd be quite happy to buy a cheap ropey Chimaera for a rolling resto, but it would need PAS. But then, I've had one before, so know what to look for and what they're known for.
Cat anything wouldn't put me of getting a 'cheap' car. If the body has been repaired well, it's a non issue. It's just moulded fibreglass. The outriggers would be a concern on any car, never mind a write off. And mechanically it's a tractor with spares available everywhere. Everyone still gets a bit precious about TVR don't they? It's a parts bin w
e at the end of the day. I'd be quite happy to buy a cheap ropey Chimaera for a rolling resto, but it would need PAS. But then, I've had one before, so know what to look for and what they're known for.
Tyre Smoke said:
Usual story, buy on condition.
Cat anything wouldn't put me of getting a 'cheap' car. If the body has been repaired well, it's a non issue. It's just moulded fibreglass. The outriggers would be a concern on any car, never mind a write off. And mechanically it's a tractor with spares available everywhere. Everyone still gets a bit precious about TVR don't they? It's a parts bin we at the end of the day.
I'd be quite happy to buy a cheap ropey Chimaera for a rolling resto, but it would need PAS. But then, I've had one before, so know what to look for and what they're known for.
Right on. Cat anything wouldn't put me of getting a 'cheap' car. If the body has been repaired well, it's a non issue. It's just moulded fibreglass. The outriggers would be a concern on any car, never mind a write off. And mechanically it's a tractor with spares available everywhere. Everyone still gets a bit precious about TVR don't they? It's a parts bin w
e at the end of the day. I'd be quite happy to buy a cheap ropey Chimaera for a rolling resto, but it would need PAS. But then, I've had one before, so know what to look for and what they're known for.
Even Lamborgini built tractors though,,, good a test bed as any
But a very valid point that adds to the attraction
schmokin1 said:
A 430 needing work just went for £4600 on eBay a few mins ago....!
I watched and saw the one as well. Problem is the money & time that needs spending just isn't warranted with what it would be worth afterwards. It needed an absolute ton of work & money spent on it. Everything that could rust has pretty much done so.https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TVR-Chimera-4-3-1993-/1...
Interesting points of view on Chimaera pricing, revealing which attribute people see value in. As a recent purchaser of a 500 i'll offer my 2p's worth on my decision process and search.
I have owned a string of Weekend toy cars; Westfields, Z4M roadster, MX5's (all Mk1's obviously), Ferrari Mondial T coupe and a Morgan Aero 8, so quite a mixed bag but i do like a 2 seater roadster.
I hate unreliability in cars, which is why i chose my TVR on condition and budgeted to have work done to add reliability to the cars electrics. I know that we only ever report issues and fails and that we never report the mundane correct daily operation in anything, which is why the internet would have you believe that TVR's are unreliable and that driving the Nuremberg ring is an accident every time, but all the "my car will not start/work" are down to TVR's solutions to modenising an older technology, which can be removed/improved. My car was running like a dream and made 302bhp on the rollers as a base line starting point, but despite being excellent I have replaced the lot with a proper Emerald ECU so that all the dizzy, cap, rotor arm, stepper motor issues can be scrapped. I know this is an extravagance when working fine, but for me this is piece of mind and means that reliability is no longer a concern. Regular exercise should see this as reliable as any other car with similar road manors. I like to think of it as step 1 of what Frontline will do for your MG or Eagle for your jag etc.
I was not put off with 8 previous owners as i had all the receipts and could see who was prepared to spend what on the car.
I was not put off by the mileage as i could see when all the parts that ware had been replaced....Triggers broom analogy if you like.
I did like the selling agents attitude
I did like the new outriggers and the agent showing me how they do them
I did like the new carpets and refreshed interior and paint.
I think the point was made in an earlier post, but having looked at "restore projects" and priced up the bits needed i realised that a £12k car would be a £18/£20k car by the time i was done. Sure i could spread this cost over a longer time frame and i could personalise as i did it, but for me i want a car that i can just jump in and drive and is right from the get go.
So for me it was always going to be a car that was already done and would be reliable and if i am honest not depreciate......i don't expect to make out of the car as i have no idea if/when i would sell, but not knowingly go into it to loose was a winning decision.
Yes i did look at more modern cars as alternatives, but the Z4M taught me that while immensely capable it was not a stirring car to drive. In fact Aston V8 roadster was the only other consideration but a test drive revealed that once the initial excitement had passed it would be sold on too soon.
So OP, £11k cars exist and can be a great proposition. All aspects are changeable and if you are willing to spend a bit of time can be done cheaper with your own effort. As for finding cars, there are FB pages so ask for cars as many never get advertised and simple sold by people asking for a car
I have owned a string of Weekend toy cars; Westfields, Z4M roadster, MX5's (all Mk1's obviously), Ferrari Mondial T coupe and a Morgan Aero 8, so quite a mixed bag but i do like a 2 seater roadster.
I hate unreliability in cars, which is why i chose my TVR on condition and budgeted to have work done to add reliability to the cars electrics. I know that we only ever report issues and fails and that we never report the mundane correct daily operation in anything, which is why the internet would have you believe that TVR's are unreliable and that driving the Nuremberg ring is an accident every time, but all the "my car will not start/work" are down to TVR's solutions to modenising an older technology, which can be removed/improved. My car was running like a dream and made 302bhp on the rollers as a base line starting point, but despite being excellent I have replaced the lot with a proper Emerald ECU so that all the dizzy, cap, rotor arm, stepper motor issues can be scrapped. I know this is an extravagance when working fine, but for me this is piece of mind and means that reliability is no longer a concern. Regular exercise should see this as reliable as any other car with similar road manors. I like to think of it as step 1 of what Frontline will do for your MG or Eagle for your jag etc.
I was not put off with 8 previous owners as i had all the receipts and could see who was prepared to spend what on the car.
I was not put off by the mileage as i could see when all the parts that ware had been replaced....Triggers broom analogy if you like.
I did like the selling agents attitude
I did like the new outriggers and the agent showing me how they do them
I did like the new carpets and refreshed interior and paint.
I think the point was made in an earlier post, but having looked at "restore projects" and priced up the bits needed i realised that a £12k car would be a £18/£20k car by the time i was done. Sure i could spread this cost over a longer time frame and i could personalise as i did it, but for me i want a car that i can just jump in and drive and is right from the get go.
So for me it was always going to be a car that was already done and would be reliable and if i am honest not depreciate......i don't expect to make out of the car as i have no idea if/when i would sell, but not knowingly go into it to loose was a winning decision.
Yes i did look at more modern cars as alternatives, but the Z4M taught me that while immensely capable it was not a stirring car to drive. In fact Aston V8 roadster was the only other consideration but a test drive revealed that once the initial excitement had passed it would be sold on too soon.
So OP, £11k cars exist and can be a great proposition. All aspects are changeable and if you are willing to spend a bit of time can be done cheaper with your own effort. As for finding cars, there are FB pages so ask for cars as many never get advertised and simple sold by people asking for a car
rockits said:
schmokin1 said:
A 430 needing work just went for £4600 on eBay a few mins ago....!
I watched and saw the one as well. Problem is the money & time that needs spending just isn't warranted with what it would be worth afterwards. It needed an absolute ton of work & money spent on it. Everything that could rust has pretty much done so.https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TVR-Chimera-4-3-1993-/1...
Still, at least the gear lever knob doesn't require restoration..........
ou sont les biscuits said:
rockits said:
schmokin1 said:
A 430 needing work just went for £4600 on eBay a few mins ago....!
I watched and saw the one as well. Problem is the money & time that needs spending just isn't warranted with what it would be worth afterwards. It needed an absolute ton of work & money spent on it. Everything that could rust has pretty much done so.https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TVR-Chimera-4-3-1993-/1...
Still, at least the gear lever knob doesn't require restoration..........
Sorry....always wanted one and am still keeping an eye out for one. Have had 2 E39 540i M Sports and an E60 M5 but never an E39 M5.
Was just comparing how well prepared it was as a private sale compared to that 430. If they had spent a few hours on that 430 with some elbow grease it would have looked a ton better.
Was just comparing how well prepared it was as a private sale compared to that 430. If they had spent a few hours on that 430 with some elbow grease it would have looked a ton better.
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