Reaching out to Chimaera owners....a few questions
Discussion
Hi folks!! I thought it was about time I started my first discussion.
Background: I've been looking for a new car, but the modern stuff just doesn't really appeal to me. About three months ago I decided on a second car and to keep my little run-around. I've narrowed my selection down to E36 M3, Honda S2000 and the TVR Chimaera, but more likely, just the Honda and the TVR.
As for the TVR, I think I'd like some reassuring from owners that if I buy a well looked after Chimaera I won't be spending all my time under the hood repairing the beauty. My main question is: After my Chimaera purchase (hypothetically) and with £1000 left over for engine parts, which replacement parts would you buy and fit??
Fuel pump? Alternator? Radiator? New hoses? etc.
Thanks for your time!!!
Mark
ps. Please share any of your ups and downs of ownership with me...I must be fully armed before going in to battle.
Background: I've been looking for a new car, but the modern stuff just doesn't really appeal to me. About three months ago I decided on a second car and to keep my little run-around. I've narrowed my selection down to E36 M3, Honda S2000 and the TVR Chimaera, but more likely, just the Honda and the TVR.
As for the TVR, I think I'd like some reassuring from owners that if I buy a well looked after Chimaera I won't be spending all my time under the hood repairing the beauty. My main question is: After my Chimaera purchase (hypothetically) and with £1000 left over for engine parts, which replacement parts would you buy and fit??
Fuel pump? Alternator? Radiator? New hoses? etc.
Thanks for your time!!!
Mark
ps. Please share any of your ups and downs of ownership with me...I must be fully armed before going in to battle.
Edited by CHIMPDREAMER on Monday 16th September 20:21
Hi, It would be the TVR all day long, and if you were to buy a "sorted" one then you should not have to buy any parts, unless the upgrade itch requires scratching. If you had £1000 left I would bank it as a contingency fund, not saying that you will need it but as with any ageing car, you never know.
I have said it before, if you buy one from the bay then "you pays your money, and takes your chances", but buy a known car from a known member of P/H or the TVRcc and you have greatly reduced the chances of anything biting you badly. As every one says, buy on condition, not age or mileage.
With a known car it will probably have some logged history of mods, repairs and preventative maintenance,
in the form of photo's etc, even threads and posts on here can give you an idea of the car you are buying.
Good luck and if you have never driven a Chim, drive one and that will convince you.
We have had ours for a year now and the only problems I have had are, the wiper motor packed up, a few relay/running issues, and some sensors. all told less than £200, Although I have serviced it, done the interior and other bits and bobs, but that was cos I wanted to, not because I had to
Good luck and keep us posted
Jamie
I have said it before, if you buy one from the bay then "you pays your money, and takes your chances", but buy a known car from a known member of P/H or the TVRcc and you have greatly reduced the chances of anything biting you badly. As every one says, buy on condition, not age or mileage.
With a known car it will probably have some logged history of mods, repairs and preventative maintenance,
in the form of photo's etc, even threads and posts on here can give you an idea of the car you are buying.
Good luck and if you have never driven a Chim, drive one and that will convince you.
We have had ours for a year now and the only problems I have had are, the wiper motor packed up, a few relay/running issues, and some sensors. all told less than £200, Although I have serviced it, done the interior and other bits and bobs, but that was cos I wanted to, not because I had to
Good luck and keep us posted
Jamie
Thanks jamienshelley.
edo - yes, I'm aware of the outrigger/chassis rotting issues, so I would definitely have a TVR spec do a pre-purchase for me. Already spoken with Heath at X-Works in Preston, and he will do a pre-purcahse for me when I find one. I'm hoping to get to Blackpool at the weekend. That will give me opportunity to speak with owners.
My budget is 10k, but this could grow if I wait until early next year. A couple on here and AT I've been looking at:
Turq blue Chim on here
Ice blue Chim on Autotrader
There was a silver one with all red interior on here for exactly 10k, but I can't find the ad. Maybe sold.
If I find a car I'm interested in then where is the best place to post it to get feed back from you guys? Just here, in the forums?
edo - yes, I'm aware of the outrigger/chassis rotting issues, so I would definitely have a TVR spec do a pre-purchase for me. Already spoken with Heath at X-Works in Preston, and he will do a pre-purcahse for me when I find one. I'm hoping to get to Blackpool at the weekend. That will give me opportunity to speak with owners.
My budget is 10k, but this could grow if I wait until early next year. A couple on here and AT I've been looking at:
Turq blue Chim on here
Ice blue Chim on Autotrader
There was a silver one with all red interior on here for exactly 10k, but I can't find the ad. Maybe sold.
If I find a car I'm interested in then where is the best place to post it to get feed back from you guys? Just here, in the forums?
Edited by CHIMPDREAMER on Wednesday 11th September 13:13
Edited by CHIMPDREAMER on Wednesday 11th September 13:15
My mate has an S2000 & after several long spirited runs he struggles to keep up & bizzarly uses more fuel (i guess engine is at its limit) okay mine is a 500 but performance wise there is no comparison.
If the Chim does not have uprated springs/dampers the S2000 is quicker in the corners but its all flat & fizzy engine & not grumbly V8 - very different & depends what you want but both great cars.
If its a second car i know which way i'd go ....
If the Chim does not have uprated springs/dampers the S2000 is quicker in the corners but its all flat & fizzy engine & not grumbly V8 - very different & depends what you want but both great cars.
If its a second car i know which way i'd go ....
Cool, here is as good as anywhere.
I'd be holding out for a 97/98 on facelift car (easily spotted by different front, lower dash, and buttons on wing mirrors for door opening.
Take a look at Fernhurst nr me, small premium but they only stock the best and have their own backed warranty which in my experience was excellent.
They are always open some haggling too
I'd be holding out for a 97/98 on facelift car (easily spotted by different front, lower dash, and buttons on wing mirrors for door opening.
Take a look at Fernhurst nr me, small premium but they only stock the best and have their own backed warranty which in my experience was excellent.
They are always open some haggling too
The S2000 is a lovely car, I considered buying one for my wife...
£10k should get you a very nice Chimaera, as as been said before, the chassis is the key but before that sounds like it's a terrifying prospect it's worth noting that the process to repair outriggers has moved on and it's not (quite) as imposing as it used to be.
Bear in mind even a 97 car is 16 years old now so all of the usual consumable/wearable items should be on your list to either change, budget for otr check if the PO has changed them already. There are two schools of thoughon mileage, one says that low mileage cars are better as things are less "tired" the other says higher miles show the car has been used (and is capableof being used) and most of those things will have been replaced anyway. In reality it depends on the car AND the owner, so you'll be making ajudgement call based on botht hose things.
If you buy privately ask the owner if they are on PH or in the TVRCC, ask for their forum names and then take a sneaky look a their posts - if it's all doom and gloom then consider why that is...
Take a TVR out for an extended test drive, even as a passenger it's an occassion, then do the same in the S2000 and see if you feel the same.
The major issue I've faced with mine is trying NOT to do the upgrades that I know I don't need....but keep seeing on other cars and thinking "oooh, that'd be nice". My running costs have been really low (petrol aside). Consumables are relatively cheap (for a car of this type) and that noise.... OMG, you can't put a price on that.
£10k should get you a very nice Chimaera, as as been said before, the chassis is the key but before that sounds like it's a terrifying prospect it's worth noting that the process to repair outriggers has moved on and it's not (quite) as imposing as it used to be.
Bear in mind even a 97 car is 16 years old now so all of the usual consumable/wearable items should be on your list to either change, budget for otr check if the PO has changed them already. There are two schools of thoughon mileage, one says that low mileage cars are better as things are less "tired" the other says higher miles show the car has been used (and is capableof being used) and most of those things will have been replaced anyway. In reality it depends on the car AND the owner, so you'll be making ajudgement call based on botht hose things.
If you buy privately ask the owner if they are on PH or in the TVRCC, ask for their forum names and then take a sneaky look a their posts - if it's all doom and gloom then consider why that is...
Take a TVR out for an extended test drive, even as a passenger it's an occassion, then do the same in the S2000 and see if you feel the same.
The major issue I've faced with mine is trying NOT to do the upgrades that I know I don't need....but keep seeing on other cars and thinking "oooh, that'd be nice". My running costs have been really low (petrol aside). Consumables are relatively cheap (for a car of this type) and that noise.... OMG, you can't put a price on that.
edo - yes, I've been advised to hold out for a 97+, and ideally a 450, but I know I'd have to spend a little more for that. Unless the 450 is more reliable, I think I'd like to begin my ownership with a 400 (even that would frighten the pants off me to begin with). Although, with the facelift model, I have been wondering if this is where the leaky radiator complaint has come from...there's nothing to protect it from road debris. Is that a fair point?
julesprivate - thanks for input, and yes, it is the noise!! I love the aesthetics of car, but if they didn't sound the way they do, I'd probably be opting for the S2000.
julesprivate - thanks for input, and yes, it is the noise!! I love the aesthetics of car, but if they didn't sound the way they do, I'd probably be opting for the S2000.
Andy JB said:
My mate has an S2000 & after several long spirited runs he struggles to keep up & bizzarly uses more fuel (i guess engine is at its limit) okay mine is a 500 but performance wise there is no comparison.
Does your mate like his S2000, or is he jealous every time he hears your burbling 500?I have been fortunate to own both cars in question!
The s2000 is a fantastic car and hugely fun when making progress! The engine does sound good once in vtec! The roof is fantastic in how quickly it folds down, and it simply has one of the best 6 speed boxes made!!
Now the chimaera!! nothing can give you a sense of occasion like a tvr does or what my chimaera gives me! They feel so special they look glorious they sound glorious! It really is hard to explain until you experience it for yourself!
As others have said try both and go from there we are all different in what we like!
The s2000 is a fantastic car and hugely fun when making progress! The engine does sound good once in vtec! The roof is fantastic in how quickly it folds down, and it simply has one of the best 6 speed boxes made!!
Now the chimaera!! nothing can give you a sense of occasion like a tvr does or what my chimaera gives me! They feel so special they look glorious they sound glorious! It really is hard to explain until you experience it for yourself!
As others have said try both and go from there we are all different in what we like!
Some of the reports I have heard about those S2000 clutches and gearboxes would have me a little nervous, especially if I were buying a 10 year old car!
Lets not kid our selves, TVR's are for driving and some people drive them hard. Fortunately there are a lot of cars out there that are also well looked after and owners who resolve problems with these cars quickly. I replaced my radiator not because it was of 'TVR's' bad reliability (it's a Range Rover part) but because it was over 10 years old and mechanical things do need servicing and replacing over the years. Buying any 'older' car can have you fearing the worst and I had the same reservation 4 years ago when I decided the Chimaera wasn't so much the car I wanted, but the car I knew I had to have!
A good 400 with a good service history, clean chassis and a regular spend on replacing those parts you expect to need replacing and you will have a car that is not only rare, sounds amazing, looks stunning, is British through-and-through but also one that you will never get bored of.
I have kept an inventory of my running experiences / costs over the last 4 years in 'My Garage'.
Lets not kid our selves, TVR's are for driving and some people drive them hard. Fortunately there are a lot of cars out there that are also well looked after and owners who resolve problems with these cars quickly. I replaced my radiator not because it was of 'TVR's' bad reliability (it's a Range Rover part) but because it was over 10 years old and mechanical things do need servicing and replacing over the years. Buying any 'older' car can have you fearing the worst and I had the same reservation 4 years ago when I decided the Chimaera wasn't so much the car I wanted, but the car I knew I had to have!
A good 400 with a good service history, clean chassis and a regular spend on replacing those parts you expect to need replacing and you will have a car that is not only rare, sounds amazing, looks stunning, is British through-and-through but also one that you will never get bored of.
I have kept an inventory of my running experiences / costs over the last 4 years in 'My Garage'.
<lurk mode off>
Interestingly I took the plunge and after considering a range of "fun" second cars - old 911, boxster, m3 and several others offered through trader friends, the urge to have something with character, that was fun to drive, sounded as good as it looked led me to only one easy conclusion.
My 70yr old Father summed it up for me, you see Porsche's, bmws etc all day long and don't really bat an eyelid at them, when you see a TVR it stirs something and makes you look at it, they are special and not ten a penny.
I looked at four locally, my budget was lower than yours and i was forced to choose between good condition earlier cars, or ropey later...
As a result i went for the good condition earlier cars and bought one from a tvrcc and PH member who I could see loved owning the car, and who made sensible (well really loud exhausts are a safety feature right...) improvements whilst in his ownership and added to the raft of history in the big ring binder that came with it!
Two of the later cars i looked at were guys in neither forum, one was a confessed home mechanic and had no paperwork (filled me with dread that, as i was reliant upon someone elses diy skills for all work carried out) the other was mint on the outside, but looked like i could grow tomatoes on the inside. Neither drove as well as the car i bought.
When you turn up to see a car and its clear the owner is enthusiastic, has another sitting in the drive, shows you all round the car and almost has a tear in his eye when it drives off, kinda says it all and thats not something i've had buying performance euro or jap boxes.
Interestingly I took the plunge and after considering a range of "fun" second cars - old 911, boxster, m3 and several others offered through trader friends, the urge to have something with character, that was fun to drive, sounded as good as it looked led me to only one easy conclusion.
My 70yr old Father summed it up for me, you see Porsche's, bmws etc all day long and don't really bat an eyelid at them, when you see a TVR it stirs something and makes you look at it, they are special and not ten a penny.
I looked at four locally, my budget was lower than yours and i was forced to choose between good condition earlier cars, or ropey later...
As a result i went for the good condition earlier cars and bought one from a tvrcc and PH member who I could see loved owning the car, and who made sensible (well really loud exhausts are a safety feature right...) improvements whilst in his ownership and added to the raft of history in the big ring binder that came with it!
Two of the later cars i looked at were guys in neither forum, one was a confessed home mechanic and had no paperwork (filled me with dread that, as i was reliant upon someone elses diy skills for all work carried out) the other was mint on the outside, but looked like i could grow tomatoes on the inside. Neither drove as well as the car i bought.
When you turn up to see a car and its clear the owner is enthusiastic, has another sitting in the drive, shows you all round the car and almost has a tear in his eye when it drives off, kinda says it all and thats not something i've had buying performance euro or jap boxes.
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