Running Costs 4.0 Chimaera
Discussion
Hi all,
Im still in the battle to get my dad to buy a TVR
.His primary concern though was the running cost of one against his 944. It cost approx £1500/year to run as 3rd car used on weekends doing 5000 miles a year. So presuming we use the same specs, so 5000 miles a year as a 3rd car what are these cars like in terms of running costs?
Many thanks in advance.
Phil
Im still in the battle to get my dad to buy a TVR
.His primary concern though was the running cost of one against his 944. It cost approx £1500/year to run as 3rd car used on weekends doing 5000 miles a year. So presuming we use the same specs, so 5000 miles a year as a 3rd car what are these cars like in terms of running costs?Many thanks in advance.
Phil
It really depends on the condition of the car you start with & how much work it throws up.
A decent 6,000 mile service should be about £400.00 at a TVR specialist.
Every other year your dad would be looking at the more costly £600.00 12,000 mile service.
Remember, this is plus whatever is found and needs doing.
Dan Taylor is a well thought of TVR specialist local to you, I would say it's well worth a visit to get his advice on buying and running a Chimaera before you start looking for one.
http://www.taylortvr.co.uk/
I'm sure he would offer a pre-purchase inspection service too if you find a local car & get it to his workshop.
A Chimaera is a pretty straightforward car to maintain, if you can look after it yourself the general servicing can work out very cheap indeed.
My advice would be buy the very best one you can afford, but get it inspected by a professional before you part with your cash.
Maintained correctly a good Chimaera could easily work out a lot cheaper to run than the £1500 annual bill you quoted on the 944.
Buy a bad one and it could get very costly, but that's the same for any car really.
"Caveat Emptor" and all that.
A decent 6,000 mile service should be about £400.00 at a TVR specialist.
Every other year your dad would be looking at the more costly £600.00 12,000 mile service.
Remember, this is plus whatever is found and needs doing.
Dan Taylor is a well thought of TVR specialist local to you, I would say it's well worth a visit to get his advice on buying and running a Chimaera before you start looking for one.
http://www.taylortvr.co.uk/
I'm sure he would offer a pre-purchase inspection service too if you find a local car & get it to his workshop.
A Chimaera is a pretty straightforward car to maintain, if you can look after it yourself the general servicing can work out very cheap indeed.
My advice would be buy the very best one you can afford, but get it inspected by a professional before you part with your cash.
Maintained correctly a good Chimaera could easily work out a lot cheaper to run than the £1500 annual bill you quoted on the 944.
Buy a bad one and it could get very costly, but that's the same for any car really.
"Caveat Emptor" and all that.
Excellent, thank you very much for the feedback. We wouldnt be doing the work ourselves, in dads words 'I just want to get in the car and drive it'. He's not one to take on mechanincal work. We (I) have seen a few cars around I like, but its from a dealer that apparently specialises in VX220's/Lotus and Porshce (and TVR I think). Lots to do then. I'll pass all your info onto him 
Phil
Phil
Has your dad driven a Chimaera? Get him to test drive one, and that's it job done. 
They are very addictive, the speed, the noise, it will be nothing like driving a 944.
All cars cost money to run, just buy a good un, service and maintain it on a regular basis and you and your dad will never regret it.
I have owned 2 Tvr's and have been lurking on here for 5 years or so. During that time it is quite noticeable how many owners who have sold a TVR usually return to owning another within 12 to 18 months. They are that addictive!
They are very addictive, the speed, the noise, it will be nothing like driving a 944.All cars cost money to run, just buy a good un, service and maintain it on a regular basis and you and your dad will never regret it.
I have owned 2 Tvr's and have been lurking on here for 5 years or so. During that time it is quite noticeable how many owners who have sold a TVR usually return to owning another within 12 to 18 months. They are that addictive!
TJC46 said:
Has your dad driven a Chimaera? Get him to test drive one, and that's it job done. They are very addictive, the speed, the noise, it will be nothing like driving a 944.
Indeed. TVR is the anti-Porsche, I often think. They're perhaps my two favourite makes, but you'd be hard pushed to find two which are further opposed. They are very addictive, the speed, the noise, it will be nothing like driving a 944.Well I did manage to get him to look at a lovely 1999 (I think) Chimaera 4.5 last year, and the deaer were great up until the (pre arranged) test drive when they said 'I'm afraid we cant let you out in the car until you buy it sir'. Not Happy. That said they did start it up, and we did have a good old root around it and I know the noise really did it for him. I understand that the outriggers and chassis work are vital on these cars, so I make an effort to make sure any Chim I show him has had that work done. Its a case of getting him to a dealer to look again. Hopefully we're not far off now
Well it is now getting into the right time of year to look seriously. Lots are now being brought out of their winter hibernation and owners are prepping them for sale. If you can persuade your Dad to buy one settle on a budget and then have a rummage through the PH classifieds where you will find loads.
Once you find any you like the look of post a link to the advert on here and ask if anyone knows the car. Quite a few are well known via previous owners and/or folk on here going to view them so you should get some good feedback. Don't be put off by the out riggers not being replaced (I wasn't) as there are cars out there with these in good condition and you can always factor the cost in to replace these at a later date, c£1500-1800 as a winter job at a few dealers who advertise in the TVR magazine.
If you are still looking in April keep an eye out in the Essex & Kent forum for the breakfast club meet at The Hare near Roxwell which is just outside Chelmsford. The organiser is a member of the PCGB and the TVR club have a standing invite this year. I usually attend in my 450 and will gladly give your Dad a ride around the countryside if he needs a final nudge to get his wallet out
Once you find any you like the look of post a link to the advert on here and ask if anyone knows the car. Quite a few are well known via previous owners and/or folk on here going to view them so you should get some good feedback. Don't be put off by the out riggers not being replaced (I wasn't) as there are cars out there with these in good condition and you can always factor the cost in to replace these at a later date, c£1500-1800 as a winter job at a few dealers who advertise in the TVR magazine.
If you are still looking in April keep an eye out in the Essex & Kent forum for the breakfast club meet at The Hare near Roxwell which is just outside Chelmsford. The organiser is a member of the PCGB and the TVR club have a standing invite this year. I usually attend in my 450 and will gladly give your Dad a ride around the countryside if he needs a final nudge to get his wallet out
daveparry said:
I have had mine a Chimaera 400 for 4 years now and servicing has been as expensive/inexpensive as any other car really but you will find yourself drawn towards spending money on it because you want to!
I accept that there will be big bills, there will be with any car. Do you have an average figure perhaps that you could give me? Would help massively Almost all the parts are old Rover/Vauxhall/Ford Sierra. A specialist will cost more but a good local garage will be able to do all the run of the mill servicing & brakes. You might need a specialist to do suspension alignment etc but you'll be very unlucky to go over £1000 a year IMHO.
2011 running costs for my 1995 4.0hc with 50k miles (covered 4k in 2011) ;
£540 - 12k service @ Neil Garner Motorsport
£350 - Insurance
£25 - Oils and coolants
£10 - Thermostat from racing green
£10 - heater valve from eBay (Audi part number) - turned out didn't need replacing anyway
-£ x - depreciation - Chim's seem to have picked up in value a bit as better cars are becoming rarer
In fact, I spent more on cleaning products in 2011 than I did repairs
£540 - 12k service @ Neil Garner Motorsport
£350 - Insurance
£25 - Oils and coolants
£10 - Thermostat from racing green
£10 - heater valve from eBay (Audi part number) - turned out didn't need replacing anyway
-£ x - depreciation - Chim's seem to have picked up in value a bit as better cars are becoming rarer
In fact, I spent more on cleaning products in 2011 than I did repairs
Dalto123 said:
I accept that there will be big bills, there will be with any car. Do you have an average figure perhaps that you could give me? Would help massively
To be honest it is going to vary depending on where you take the car. I take mine to Dom at TVR Power and his prices are clearly shown on his web site. I add on whatever an MOT costs at the time and factor in £150-200 for odds and sods they may find when they check the car from bumper to bumper. I knew when I bought the car I may have a nasty surprise one day but I have a fund in place for that Given your profile locates you in Kent perhaps a chat with Dan Taylor about his servicing costs and other regular outlays would help you and your Dad a little.
http://www.taylortvr.co.uk/
Dan gets lots of good press on here.
graeme4130 said:
2011 running costs for my 1995 4.0hc with 50k miles (covered 4k in 2011) ;
£540 - 12k service @ Neil Garner Motorsport
£350 - Insurance
£25 - Oils and coolants
£10 - Thermostat from racing green
£10 - heater valve from eBay (Audi part number) - turned out didn't need replacing anyway
-£ x - depreciation - Chim's seem to have picked up in value a bit as better cars are becoming rarer
In fact, I spent more on cleaning products in 2011 than I did repairs
£540 - 12k service @ Neil Garner Motorsport
£350 - Insurance
£25 - Oils and coolants
£10 - Thermostat from racing green
£10 - heater valve from eBay (Audi part number) - turned out didn't need replacing anyway
-£ x - depreciation - Chim's seem to have picked up in value a bit as better cars are becoming rarer
In fact, I spent more on cleaning products in 2011 than I did repairs
My question ,will we be running these cars when it £2 a litre..!
graeme4130 said:
2011 running costs for my 1995 4.0hc with 50k miles (covered 4k in 2011) ;
£540 - 12k service @ Neil Garner Motorsport
£350 - Insurance
£25 - Oils and coolants
£10 - Thermostat from racing green
£10 - heater valve from eBay (Audi part number) - turned out didn't need replacing anyway
-£ x - depreciation - Chim's seem to have picked up in value a bit as better cars are becoming rarer
In fact, I spent more on cleaning products in 2011 than I did repairs
£540 - 12k service @ Neil Garner Motorsport
£350 - Insurance
£25 - Oils and coolants
£10 - Thermostat from racing green
£10 - heater valve from eBay (Audi part number) - turned out didn't need replacing anyway
-£ x - depreciation - Chim's seem to have picked up in value a bit as better cars are becoming rarer
In fact, I spent more on cleaning products in 2011 than I did repairs
My question ,will we be running these cars when it £2 a litre..!
SILICONEKID340HP said:
graeme4130 said:
2011 running costs for my 1995 4.0hc with 50k miles (covered 4k in 2011) ;
£540 - 12k service @ Neil Garner Motorsport
£350 - Insurance
£25 - Oils and coolants
£10 - Thermostat from racing green
£10 - heater valve from eBay (Audi part number) - turned out didn't need replacing anyway
-£ x - depreciation - Chim's seem to have picked up in value a bit as better cars are becoming rarer
In fact, I spent more on cleaning products in 2011 than I did repairs
£540 - 12k service @ Neil Garner Motorsport
£350 - Insurance
£25 - Oils and coolants
£10 - Thermostat from racing green
£10 - heater valve from eBay (Audi part number) - turned out didn't need replacing anyway
-£ x - depreciation - Chim's seem to have picked up in value a bit as better cars are becoming rarer
In fact, I spent more on cleaning products in 2011 than I did repairs
My question ,will we be running these cars when it £2 a litre..!
graeme4130 said:
SILICONEKID340HP said:
graeme4130 said:
2011 running costs for my 1995 4.0hc with 50k miles (covered 4k in 2011) ;
£540 - 12k service @ Neil Garner Motorsport
£350 - Insurance
£25 - Oils and coolants
£10 - Thermostat from racing green
£10 - heater valve from eBay (Audi part number) - turned out didn't need replacing anyway
-£ x - depreciation - Chim's seem to have picked up in value a bit as better cars are becoming rarer
In fact, I spent more on cleaning products in 2011 than I did repairs
£540 - 12k service @ Neil Garner Motorsport
£350 - Insurance
£25 - Oils and coolants
£10 - Thermostat from racing green
£10 - heater valve from eBay (Audi part number) - turned out didn't need replacing anyway
-£ x - depreciation - Chim's seem to have picked up in value a bit as better cars are becoming rarer
In fact, I spent more on cleaning products in 2011 than I did repairs
My question ,will we be running these cars when it £2 a litre..!
this is unbeilevable price per litre
Position
Country
City
Average price per litre
1
Venezuela
Caracas
2/3p
2
Saudi Arabia
Riyadh
8p
3
Libya
Tripoli
9p
4
Turkmenistan
Ashgabat
12p
5
Bahrain
Manama
13p
6
Kuwait
Kuwait City
14p
7
Qatar
Doha
15p
8
Egypt
Cairo
19p
9
Oman
Muscat
20p
10
Algeria
Algiers
20p
Read more: http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/cars/article-20...
Just have to make the most of the time and drive faster
SILICONEKID340HP said:
graeme4130 said:
SILICONEKID340HP said:
graeme4130 said:
2011 running costs for my 1995 4.0hc with 50k miles (covered 4k in 2011) ;
£540 - 12k service @ Neil Garner Motorsport
£350 - Insurance
£25 - Oils and coolants
£10 - Thermostat from racing green
£10 - heater valve from eBay (Audi part number) - turned out didn't need replacing anyway
-£ x - depreciation - Chim's seem to have picked up in value a bit as better cars are becoming rarer
In fact, I spent more on cleaning products in 2011 than I did repairs
£540 - 12k service @ Neil Garner Motorsport
£350 - Insurance
£25 - Oils and coolants
£10 - Thermostat from racing green
£10 - heater valve from eBay (Audi part number) - turned out didn't need replacing anyway
-£ x - depreciation - Chim's seem to have picked up in value a bit as better cars are becoming rarer
In fact, I spent more on cleaning products in 2011 than I did repairs
My question ,will we be running these cars when it £2 a litre..!
this is unbeilevable price per litre
Position
Country
City
Average price per litre
1
Venezuela
Caracas
2/3p
2
Saudi Arabia
Riyadh
8p
3
Libya
Tripoli
9p
4
Turkmenistan
Ashgabat
12p
5
Bahrain
Manama
13p
6
Kuwait
Kuwait City
14p
7
Qatar
Doha
15p
8
Egypt
Cairo
19p
9
Oman
Muscat
20p
10
Algeria
Algiers
20p
Read more: http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/cars/article-20...
Just have to make the most of the time and drive faster
Then again, if I cared about stuff like that, I never would've bought a TVR in the first place.
If fuel goes up to £2/ltr and my sunday blast starts to cost me £40 instead of £35, then it's still the best £40 I've ever spent...
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