chimaera 4.0

[fly]

hello all,new to the TVR game, at the moment i am actively looking for a 93/94 chimaera not the newest i know but would appreciate any pointers to what i should be looking for from actual owners

[bouffy]

Welcome Mr fly!

I'm about as technical as a kid with lego, so bought mine from a specialist. I wasn't confident about buying a private car - wasn't really sure about what to look out for, so I did a couple of searches on the net for TVR dealers / TVR specialists. Wish I'd seen this site before I started looking - have learnt more about the intricacies of TVRs on this site than anywhere else!

Eventually found one in the right colour combination / spec from David Gerald in Worcs / Warks? Great guys, and a very large turnover of stock. There are different cars there every time I look on their site (twice a week or so), and I take that to be a good sign.

Some of the guys here will be able to tell you technical stuff about the cars, though!

Best of luck with the search. I hope you find one before the winter starts. (has it already?)

Oh, and don't let all the horror stories on here put you off - touch wood, I haven't had a problem with mine at all...more reliable car than any of the others I've owned, in fact. Having said that, I do have a service booked this w/e...you never now what they might find...

Guy
95 Chim

>> Edited by bouffy on Tuesday 23 July 08:49

[raceboy]

I'd just say go as new as you can, if only to get things like the Borg Warner gearbox, and the door release in it's own recess
Finding us lot is your 1st good move, now just find the right car and theres no turning back!

Steve, 94 Chimaera 4.0

[aorchard]

Hi Fly,

As has already been mentioned try to get the Serpintine Engine, Borg Gearbox model. So I think that is 95..mine is.

I've had mine 18 months and the car has let me down once (alarm / immobiliser packed up).

I drive it to wortk regularly and have taken it to Le Mans this year, went like stink and never complained.

Tons of good advice on the site, so you'll find most of your questions already answered (use the search facility).

Lastly, when you think you've found the car you want get it checked out by an expert..lots of recomendations on the site. Full service history is essential, but does not need to be main dealer, lots of very good independents out there.

Have fun

Regards - Ade

[jacksdad]

Fly,

wise choice, had mine just on a month now. Never let me down and the grin never fades. Post 95 cars are best I gather, Serpentine engine (don't have a clue about the details, concensus is that the design is an improvement) and Borg-Warner gearbox as standard from then on.

Look at some of the similar threads, there is a chap who will find you one for about £500, which they say he negotiates of the price anyway. He is meant to know exactly what he is doing and will allay any fears you may have about private purchase.

One tip, even though it is a very hard thing to do, don't buy the first one you see. The thrill is fantastic and you will see yourself driving it, but shop around ! The market seems quiet at the moment, it will still be there a week later when you have seen others to compare it to. I saw about 10 before I went for mine. Normal reasons, Fernhurst (well known specialist) supplied and serviced, low mileage, new tyres and clean HPI. Also, try www.carsource.co.uk for a buying guide, fairly low level, but will set your mind to ask the right questions.

Good luck...

Alan...


oops, nearly forgot, buy the book from www.tvrbooks.co.uk


>> Edited by jacksdad on Tuesday 23 July 17:56

[dexdringle]

Fly

Where in the country are you ?

Dex

PS don't discount a really nice early one just 'cos some people here talk about serpentines with borg warner gearboxes.........

[fly]

thank you! great help, site gives alot of confidence.To answer your question dex i'm in lancashire.

[TravelsVeryRapid]

I agree with Dex, I have an early 4.3 aproaching 51k I have had it for 18 months and covered 8.5k. I have had the lower wishbones and the rear anti roll bar replaced, but it runs fine and has not let me down. (touch wood)

Steve.