future 1st time tvr owner saying hello

[NAnut]

Afternoon, lifelong tvr lover here, and soon to be owner of a Chimaera when I find the right one. Had a string of bmws, just recently sold my tuned e36 328i sport and although it was a great car I cant wait to get back into something a bit more raw and uncomplicated.
Have been a fan of tvrs since I was a boy (not that long ago actually, im 28) when I was given a ride in a v8s. What an experience! I have been doing as much research as I can over the last year as to what to look for, and avoid, my budget is around 6.5-8k, will be after a dark green, blue or black 400, not too bothered about interior colours as long as its not pukeworthy.
Looking forward to learning much as I do like a tinker although Im no expert mech, hope to meet up with some like minded enthusiasts for some nice drives, and long winded tvr talk and stories.
Insurance is the only reason I have not bought a Chim earlier on, as Im under 30 and live in a high crime area of inner London, 2k is the lowest quote ive managed to get which believe it or not im pretty happy about! Bear in mind all quotes are with 4yrs ncb, car parked on street. Got a quotr from adrian flux on advice from a mate, 5600! Any pointers to anywhere else I could try would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance for any advice and help in finding the right car for my price range and insurance companies to try, and I hope to see some of you soon for lovely v8 fun and frolics.

Dan

[Grey Ghost]

Welcome to the nut house section of PH

When you track down a few cars you like the look of (there are loads in the PH classifieds) put a link to the adverts on here and ask if anyone knows the car in question. You'll be surprised how many former owners can tell you something about a particular car (good and bad) and provide pointers to the better ones available.

Insurance wise there is a Wiki section in TVR General Gassing which should help you as it lists most insurers who not only cover TVR's but know about them as well. I use REIS (Richard Eggar) and they have been well priced for me in my 2 years of ownership.

There are plenty of get togethers around London, especially in Essex and at the Ace Cafe. There is also the rather good "Tunnel Run" that takes place once or twice a year......c6:30am on a Sunday morning when 80+ TVR's and other loud cars get together for a blast through the tunnels around the City and Docklands

[Harrytsg]

Theres a useful resource for information here http://www.chimaerapages.com/

I use Mannings for my insurance.

[NAnut]

Thanks, have heard of the tunnel run, would love to come to this as I do it with some friends on a smaller scale, look forward to that!

[NAnut]

Thanks harry have that one bookmarked, spent many hours searching the net for all chimaera related stuff, brain in sponge mode.

[peaktorque]

Blimey, someone that is actively seeking a green Chimaera

I'm a tad older (31) and my (green )Chim costs me £180 F/C a year to insure, although it is garaged and I don't live in 'the smoke' . (it cost me roughly the same when I was 29)

Edited by peaktorque on Thursday 29th December 17:58

[Pozzy]

Good luck finding the one you want - I've had my black 400 for almost two weeks and still find it hard to beleive I've finally got one!

Insurance-wise, I've always found Adrian Flux take the absolute piss. I'm 25 in an average postcode with 4yrs NCB and was quoted £780 from MSM for 10,000 miles per year - they are the company I will go with once I've finished my year's policy with Elephant (£950).

[cerberatony]

direct line gave me a great quote £373 but i was with adrian flux with a vectra and there quote for the chim was £880 with aviva so when it came to insure i told adrian flux i was leaving them as they are too expensive, they said lets see if we can get a better deal and they did with kinetic at £373 someone lost out on a good bit of commision.

[NAnut]

I dream of those sort of prices, Id be over the moon with anything around a grand, but its the postcode I live in as all the companies keep reminding me...

[SILICONEKID340HP]

If your car i pretty standard i would try R@H ,i paid around £300 including UK and Europe breakdown cover..

Now modified i use mannings .On layup the breakdown cover is transferred to my van for free and the insurance changed to third party only which then gives me around a £100 discount when i reinsure..happy days .

Edited by SILICONEKID340HP on Thursday 29th December 21:42

[HaywooS]

Paying my first visit to the forum for a couple of weeks and noticed that you are looking for a Chimaera. Due to impending retirement I am looking at selling mine but would probably wait for the summer time when more people get the "convertible" bug so it isn't advertised anywhere as yet.
It is a 96 400 in black with seal grey interior and in excellent condition, full service history and has just had a major service completed at Selby TVR. Car has done 63K miles and everything that needed doing has been done by myself. It has Lupo headlight conversion, chassis and outriggers were checked at the last service, fully cleaned and waxoiled. Too much to mention on here of the work that has been done. It is taxed until August 2012 and MOT until Feb 2012 but I would get it MOT'd before anyone bought it before the due date.
If you are interested then let me know through the forum and we can find a way to having a chat.
Insurance wise I use Adrian Flux but with my age it's just over £300

[NAnut]

Sounds a nice one, although not sure if itd be in my price range, three quarters or so down the scale. Definately interested though. Doubt ill rush into any purchase so will probably still be looking for one in the summer.