What's likely to go wrong with an older car?

[rdhawkins]

I've always wanted a TVR and now I have the chance. However I'm a little worried about buying a used Chimaera if things start getting expensive.

If I buy a 4-5 year old car (30-40K miles) what sort of things are going to need repairing?

On the subject of buying one: If I want to get it inspected is it better to take it to a dealer rather than the AA/RAC. How much would a dealer charge for checking it over (TMS in Melton Mowbray are my nearest). How thorough are they?

Thanks for any help!

[philshort]

At that age of car it is highly likely that the suspension is going to be suffering from corrosion (unless the car has been meticulously pampered from new). Front wishbones should be high on the list of things to check, these tend to corrode quite badly and 4 years is about their lot. Suspension bushes will also be pretty shot by 4 years, thats a £300 bill for replacement.

[rdhawkins]

Are these sort of things easy to spot for a novice like me or is it better to get it checked over by a qualified mechanic/garage?

[douglasr]

1. Wishbone corrosion
2. Chassis corrosion
3. Clutch Master Cylinder leak
4. Oil leaks (engine, box and diff)
5. suspension bushes
6. Instrument lighting
7. Roof/window seals
8. Condition of carpets/leather if a leaky example.
9. Stone chips and stress fractures.
10. Radiator !
11. Cooling fans work at 90 something...

You will know a good one when you see/drive it....

PS: TMS, by most accounts are an excellent dealer...you are alos probably close (ish ?) to a guy called David Batty - independant specialist who will inpect the car.


>> Edited by douglasr on Wednesday 10th July 12:40 to add radiator as requested

>> Edited by douglasr on Wednesday 10th July 23:05

[yum]

Don't be afraid of an older one - mine's a 1994 and I have had few probs.

You cash is much better spent with someone who knows TVRs rather than an AA/RAC bod. There are lots of dealers and servicers around the country. given that the car that you find may be local, it may be cheaper to find a local independent to save travelling time.

In addition to the list, you need a service history (not necessarily main dealer) and make sure that the clutch is still around. that's a big bill.

Make sure you do allow for any problems, but find a good one and you'll be wondering why you didn't do it years ago.

R

>> Edited by yum on Wednesday 10th July 12:44

[rdhawkins]

douglasr,

Does David Batty offer an independant inspection service? I'm in Peterborough and I've a car in mind in Cambridge, where is he based? What does he charge?

Thanks,

[squirrelz]

douglasr - you can add 'radiator' to that list.

[ohidunno]

quote:
douglasr,

Does David Batty offer an independant inspection service? I'm in Peterborough and I've a car in mind in Cambridge, where is he based? What does he charge?

Thanks,

David has a garage in Guildford and is always v busy so can't imagine he would travel to Peterborough. I think it's more a case of take a car to him and he will take a look. Top chap.

[Alex200mph]

just a tip
buy the steve heath "Bible" book on the Griffith and Chimaera, you wont regret it

[bennno]

quote:
if I buy a 4-5 year old car (30-40K miles) what sort of things are going to need repairing?

nothing much other than...

engine, gearbox, rear axle, driveshafts, suspension, steering, exhaust, manifolds, electronics....

no you should generally be ok but get inspected fully first at least that way you know. When i sold my 7 month old griff, the aa found a list of stuff wrong which i did not expect from such a new car!

Bennno

[MikeyT]

quote:
douglasr,

Does David Batty offer an independant inspection service? I'm in Peterborough and I've a car in mind in Cambridge, where is he based? What does he charge?

Thanks,

Christ – another Pistonheader in Peterborough – so I'm NOT the only one?! Blimey, I've felt like bloody Robinson Crusoe all these months

Rob, where are you – see my profile – mines a 95 Chimaera 4.0HC!

You're doing the right thing in getting one make no mistake.

[philshort]

There you go! You're best bet is to get someone familiar with the breed to check it out, and there's at least one fellow in your area!! Got to be worth a couple of pints of anyones money.

You MUST look at a number of cars, you will have your head turned by the first one you get to drive but it might be a relative minger. Look at lots, take your time (its still a buyers market), drive a few, become an expert before you commit to anything.

Steve Heaths book is a good starter, it does detail the bits you'll need to look at for corrosion for example.

You could do a LOT worse than join the TVRCC and go along to a local meet, get to know a few of the members and get someone to give you a guided tour of their car. You'll get good impartial advice from people who are interested and generally know their stuff.

[richmartin]

Mikey T,

I live in Peterborough as well but I've only ever seen two TVR's in the city and I've been living there for over 10 years!

Hoping to get a TVR within the next couple of years, when the insurance companies stop laughing at me when I request a quote!

[MikeyT]

Richard,

Another member – crikey – we'll be as common as Surrey members soon

What are the TVRs you've seen in the city – I know of about five. But most of those I only get to see occasionally!

Mike

[richmartin]

I saw a green Chimaera, I think it was a on a V reg, this was about a year ago.

I've also seen a Griffith in the city but I think I saw the same one in Cambridge.

I've just moved back from Cambridge and I saw a TVR everyday when I was there, most people in Peterborough wouldn't have a clue what a TVR is!

So, Mikey T, where are you based in Peterborough (you don't have to be specific eg. NSEW)? I'll keep an eye out for your Chimaera

[MikeyT]

Well, its an N reg Cooper Green Chimaera and I'm in Werrington although you won't see it loitering on the drive as it's in its cosy warm garage all day (picking up dust) .

I know the red Chim that goes on the parkway about 4.30pm (the guy always goes thorugh the red light at Do-It-All (seen him several times), the green S from Deeping area, the red S further down in Werrington and the green M reg Griff from Peakirki area – and that's IT!

Oh and the L reg Ocean Haze Chim at the gym (but haven't seen it for a while)

Where are you?

>> Edited by MikeyT on Wednesday 10th July 15:25

[dexdringle]

Bl**dy hell - if 4 to 5 years old is an 'older one' I'd better get in touch with the British Museum to see if mines collectable or something as it must be clasified as an antique being a 1993 'K' !!!!

[MikeyT]

Hello Dex

[richmartin]

I'm in Hampton Hargate, Werrington is north of the city, isn't it?

I currently drive a Fiat Bravo, which I bought quite recently, I see it as something to fill the gap before the TVR! Just started my own business, web design, one of my sites is a TVR web site and already the TVR looks a lot closer than it did 6 months ago...

[rdhawkins]

Peterborough Massive,

I live in South Bretton, there used to be a Red Griff down the road from me (P reg I think) but I haven't seen it for a while.

I work opposite the gym (if its the LivingHell one in Werrington) never seen a TVR there though or yours MikeyT.

I'm hoping to go and see one in Cambridge on Saturday(advertised on here).

Brave time to start a web design company rich! Hope everythings going well.