TVR Chimaera - Unused for 7 years and how to sell
Discussion
A neighbour recently passed away, and talking to his sister he has a TVR Chimaera which hasn't been used for 7 years sitting in the underground car park. She wants to sell, but has no idea about the best way to do so (or what price would be fair). She would like to see the car used in the way it was built for, so I told her I knew just the place to ask!
She showed me a chunky history folder, including TVR club membership, service history etc, it's done 13k and is covered in dust but in good condition, and is in silver.
So PH TVR people what's the best way to proceed? Get a garage or specialist involved and then list here, or sell as is? I understand it may have been started occasionally, but I must admit to limited mechanical knowledge. What kind of price would be right?
Many thanks in advance- as you might expect the loss of her brother has not made this the best year for the sister, and she's got plenty to worry about right now so any advice regarding sending the car to a good home will be really appreciated.
She showed me a chunky history folder, including TVR club membership, service history etc, it's done 13k and is covered in dust but in good condition, and is in silver.
So PH TVR people what's the best way to proceed? Get a garage or specialist involved and then list here, or sell as is? I understand it may have been started occasionally, but I must admit to limited mechanical knowledge. What kind of price would be right?
Many thanks in advance- as you might expect the loss of her brother has not made this the best year for the sister, and she's got plenty to worry about right now so any advice regarding sending the car to a good home will be really appreciated.
Stating the obvious sorry!
I would say price will be all down to condition - 13k and serviced etc in top condition will demand a premium. Sat 7 years - brakes, tyres, suspension seals etc all knackered can prove to be very expensive. You need someone in to advise who know what they are talking about. Alternatively get dealers in for best offer price then ebay with dealers price as starting bid, what can go wrong!!
I would say price will be all down to condition - 13k and serviced etc in top condition will demand a premium. Sat 7 years - brakes, tyres, suspension seals etc all knackered can prove to be very expensive. You need someone in to advise who know what they are talking about. Alternatively get dealers in for best offer price then ebay with dealers price as starting bid, what can go wrong!!
roseytvr said:
Stating the obvious sorry!
I would say price will be all down to condition - 13k and serviced etc in top condition will demand a premium. Sat 7 years - brakes, tyres, suspension seals etc all knackered can prove to be very expensive. You need someone in to advise who know what they are talking about. Alternatively get dealers in for best offer price then ebay with dealers price as starting bid, what can go wrong!!
Exactly why I posted here, though I will take a look later this week and get photos. The sister who owns it knows little so any help is useful! You are right about the work that needs doing - I'd just like to be able to say I've sounded out the waters here first. I would say price will be all down to condition - 13k and serviced etc in top condition will demand a premium. Sat 7 years - brakes, tyres, suspension seals etc all knackered can prove to be very expensive. You need someone in to advise who know what they are talking about. Alternatively get dealers in for best offer price then ebay with dealers price as starting bid, what can go wrong!!
There are also a number of trusted dealers on here who may be able to help - I certainly would reccommend James Agger from my dealings with him and I know he has a good reputation in these circles. In fairness there are others I am sure.
Starting point is what is it - year, air con? power steering? engine size? extras? service history? Then you get in to condition...............
good luck
Starting point is what is it - year, air con? power steering? engine size? extras? service history? Then you get in to condition...............
good luck
I would say that a dealer like Fernies or RG would be able to get top dollar with that kind of back story so long as it doesn't require too much expense to sort out the obvious things.
I would go to the nearest dealer and get a basic quote for what needs doing first as without that info you don't really know where you stand.
I would go to the nearest dealer and get a basic quote for what needs doing first as without that info you don't really know where you stand.
Those dealers are all out to screw you !they will bull s
t you offer you 3 1/2 k spend to 2k on it max then you will see it up for around 10K..I just hope some enthusiast buys it gives you a fair price and keeps the car!Who would ever trust a car dealer!
You could drain the fuel and add fresh petrol
Release the brakes
Check the clutch
Change the oil
Fit a new battery
who knows it could start..
hope things work out .
If i was after a car it would not phase me to buy as they call it a barn find.
t you offer you 3 1/2 k spend to 2k on it max then you will see it up for around 10K..I just hope some enthusiast buys it gives you a fair price and keeps the car!Who would ever trust a car dealer!You could drain the fuel and add fresh petrol
Release the brakes
Check the clutch
Change the oil
Fit a new battery
who knows it could start..
hope things work out .
If i was after a car it would not phase me to buy as they call it a barn find.
Edited by SILICONEKID340HP on Tuesday 26th July 00:20
I'd speak to a trustworthy independent like Dave Batty at 'The Garage' to get him to come and have a look at the car and give you an idea of what needs to be done to get it running properly.
There's a good chance that if it's sat for seven years the tyres will be flat and ruined and most of the rubber components like belts and gaiters will be perished on top of the items mentioned above. All the oil will have drained down so it'll need oil in the bores as well as an oil change and should be turned over without plugs etc etc.
Unless you're mechanically minded I wouldn't get involved at that level as you're also potentially opening up a can of worms for both yourself and the sister.
There's a good chance that if it's sat for seven years the tyres will be flat and ruined and most of the rubber components like belts and gaiters will be perished on top of the items mentioned above. All the oil will have drained down so it'll need oil in the bores as well as an oil change and should be turned over without plugs etc etc.
Unless you're mechanically minded I wouldn't get involved at that level as you're also potentially opening up a can of worms for both yourself and the sister.
If you can get it down to Dan Taylor in Aylesford Kent, he is the guy who I would trust 100%. At least any potential buyer will know what to expect and also your sister wont have any come back. Would suggest that once all the consumables are sorted then it will be a great buy for some one.
Dans number is 01622 718314
www.taylortvr.co.uk
Dans number is 01622 718314
www.taylortvr.co.uk
SILICONEKID340HP said:
Those dealers are all out to screw you !they will bull st you <etc.> Who would ever trust a car dealer!
You sound like you've got an axe to grind Darren. Obviously dealers intend to make a profit, that's called business but there are dealerships out there who are well respected and have a good reputation among TVR owners. I've used Racing Green for years and always been happy with them others like Fernhurts and James Agger has been mentioned. A car which has sat for 7 years will require hydraulic hoses & fluid and tyres and a general service. It depends if the OP wants top price or a quick sale, you can't castigate dealers simply because you clearly don't like them. t you <etc.> Who would ever trust a car dealer!
SILICONEKID340HP said:
Those dealers are all out to screw you !they will bull st you offer you 3 1/2 k spend to 2k on it max then you will see it up for around 10K.
10K? For such a low-mileage car, those dealers would charge more like 16-20K, depending on spec.t you offer you 3 1/2 k spend to 2k on it max then you will see it up for around 10K.But I think you're forgetting that the owner is not a TVR enthusiast, and is suffering the bereavement of a close family member. It's unlikely she'll want to spend much time thinking about this: she's got more important things to occupy her thoughts, and this car is probably a bit of a nuisance to her. The last thing she needs while she's grieving is to play host to a succession of tyre-kickers trying to haggle her down on price, so she may well prefer the convenience, speed and simplicity of disposing of the car through a dealer even though she won't get the greatest price for it.
The easiest route by far would be to clean it up visually and sell it on Ebay as a non runner. No matter who buys it initially it will end up being owned by an enthusiast who will hopefully enjoy and cherish it. Many people who are happy to take a gamble on getting it going themselves cheap will bid more than it is really worth taking into account fully what work may be required to bring it back to life properly.
A car that has been parked up for this period of time will have a load of surprises waiting for whoever wants to get it up and running again. When they have got it up and running there will be others which will come out later, eg. seals that have gone hard that leak later etc. These ares are not cheap to put right if you are not able to do any of the work yourself.
I can't see where anyone has asked what year it is (?), that makes a huge difference, if it is a 2002 car that might be worth say up to £24k that is one thing, if it is an early car worth £5k or a bit more due to its story it is quite another. Let's not forget, once the money has been spent on getting it up and running again she still has to find someone to buy it with the hassle that involves.
I think it very much depends on what year the car is, what she wants to achieve and whether she wants to possibly expose herself financially to doing this rather than taking the easier Ebay route.
A car that has been parked up for this period of time will have a load of surprises waiting for whoever wants to get it up and running again. When they have got it up and running there will be others which will come out later, eg. seals that have gone hard that leak later etc. These ares are not cheap to put right if you are not able to do any of the work yourself.
I can't see where anyone has asked what year it is (?), that makes a huge difference, if it is a 2002 car that might be worth say up to £24k that is one thing, if it is an early car worth £5k or a bit more due to its story it is quite another. Let's not forget, once the money has been spent on getting it up and running again she still has to find someone to buy it with the hassle that involves.
I think it very much depends on what year the car is, what she wants to achieve and whether she wants to possibly expose herself financially to doing this rather than taking the easier Ebay route.
This could be the kind of project I'm looking for. I'm looking for a Chim that isn't on the road (but preferably with a good chassis and paintwork) that I can tuck away while I sort her out getting her ready for next year. Year doesn't bother me and although I would prefer a big engine for the right car I'd be well loved up with a smooooth 4ltr.
Personally I wouldn't want to have her driven until ALL the fluids and hoses have been changed and as said brakes would probably want stripping down, tyres replaced etc...
Where is it?
Personally I wouldn't want to have her driven until ALL the fluids and hoses have been changed and as said brakes would probably want stripping down, tyres replaced etc...
Where is it?
Hades42 said:
This could be the kind of project I'm looking for. I'm looking for a Chim that isn't on the road (but preferably with a good chassis and paintwork) that I can tuck away while I sort her out getting her ready for next year. Year doesn't bother me and although I would prefer a big engine for the right car I'd be well loved up with a smooooth 4ltr.
Personally I wouldn't want to have her driven until ALL the fluids and hoses have been changed and as said brakes would probably want stripping down, tyres replaced etc...
Where is it?
You can send Oa a message hope you get the car !Personally I wouldn't want to have her driven until ALL the fluids and hoses have been changed and as said brakes would probably want stripping down, tyres replaced etc...
Where is it?
0a said:
(or what price would be fair).
This one apparently sold http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2884336.htm and you normally knock of a third for no MoT so that's about £3K, knock off a bit for standing and add a bit for low miles.SILICONEKID340HP said:
Those dealers ... offer you 3 1/2 k spend to 2k on it max then you will see it up for around 10K..
Same sort of idea but I fear that a dealer may factor in more for the unknowns.JR said:
0a said:
(or what price would be fair).
This one apparently sold http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2884336.htm and you normally knock of a third for no MoT so that's about £3K, knock off a bit for standing and add a bit for low miles.Hope this goes to the best home.
But guys don't turn this into a dealer-knocking thread. Yes, they buy low and sell high. They have bigger overheads and lots of rules and regulations to comply with. Yes, they're pessimitic when it comes to estimating how much work needs doing. That's why they're better at their job than I could ever be.
We're fortunate in the TVR world to know a lot of great dealers out there who are genuine. Let's try and hang on to them!
But guys don't turn this into a dealer-knocking thread. Yes, they buy low and sell high. They have bigger overheads and lots of rules and regulations to comply with. Yes, they're pessimitic when it comes to estimating how much work needs doing. That's why they're better at their job than I could ever be.
We're fortunate in the TVR world to know a lot of great dealers out there who are genuine. Let's try and hang on to them!
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