Which tvr to buy
Discussion
Hi, I'm looking to buy a tvr for summer use only, it must be a convertible and I like the look of Chimaeras or Griffith's, but what is the big difference, I see several 4ltr Chims for under 10k, but a 5ltr Griff for 25k?.
Also what should I look out for on these models?.
I would like to buy something up to 15k, also I want to have the nice v8 sound.
Any help greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Also what should I look out for on these models?.
I would like to buy something up to 15k, also I want to have the nice v8 sound.
Any help greatly appreciated.
Thanks
The Chimaera was intended to be more of a GT car than its sibling the TVR Griffith. Although it shares much of the chassis and mechanicals it features a larger boot and originally a slightly softer suspension setup.
From http://www.chimaerapages.com/
Either of them are great cars though.
4.0 are considered as "common", so are generally cheaper. 4.5 and 5.0 are more desirable, hence the slightly higher price, as they are also much rarer.
From http://www.chimaerapages.com/
Either of them are great cars though.
4.0 are considered as "common", so are generally cheaper. 4.5 and 5.0 are more desirable, hence the slightly higher price, as they are also much rarer.
Edited by igiveup on Wednesday 15th July 21:38
The Chimaera is a great soft top sportscar,,, probably the best of it's description, ( large boot) etc,
The Chimaera and Griffith models share the same chassis and parts,,,
The big difference is there were far fewer of the Griffith models produced, even fewer still remaining in good condition,
The Griffith is a rare car!
The Chimaera is slightly mess aggressive looking( maybe) prettier than the Griff (maybe)
Both cars are rare in Reality so whatever car you chose go by condition rather than age,
The Chimaera and Griffith models share the same chassis and parts,,,
The big difference is there were far fewer of the Griffith models produced, even fewer still remaining in good condition,
The Griffith is a rare car!
The Chimaera is slightly mess aggressive looking( maybe) prettier than the Griff (maybe)
Both cars are rare in Reality so whatever car you chose go by condition rather than age,
The Chimaera is a great soft top sportscar,,, probably the best of it's description, ( large boot) etc,
The Chimaera and Griffith models share the same chassis and parts,,,
The big difference is there were far fewer of the Griffith models produced, even fewer still remaining in good condition,
The Griffith is a rare car!
The Chimaera is slightly mess aggressive looking( maybe) prettier than the Griff (maybe)
Both cars are rare in Reality so whatever car you chose go by condition rather than age,
The Chimaera and Griffith models share the same chassis and parts,,,
The big difference is there were far fewer of the Griffith models produced, even fewer still remaining in good condition,
The Griffith is a rare car!
The Chimaera is slightly mess aggressive looking( maybe) prettier than the Griff (maybe)
Both cars are rare in Reality so whatever car you chose go by condition rather than age,
There is no great big difference. Buy the one you like the look of. If you are very new to these cars it may be worth getting any car checked by a specialist. A major thing to check is the chassis on any of these cars. Not easy to do when a car is on the ground.
The good news is anything can be fixed, and comparatively cheaply compared to other marques.
The good news is anything can be fixed, and comparatively cheaply compared to other marques.
Griff owners will tell you to buy a Griff, Chimp owners will tell you to buy a Chimp.
Buy a Griff.
You need to try both and see which you prefer. Then decide on engine/colour combos and try and find a match as close as possible. Virtually impossible to do and then only buy on condition.
Local meets are probably your best starting point.
FFG
Buy a Griff.
You need to try both and see which you prefer. Then decide on engine/colour combos and try and find a match as close as possible. Virtually impossible to do and then only buy on condition.
Local meets are probably your best starting point.
FFG
Paulprior said:
Thanks for all your very quick responses, some people state that the reliability is a bit questionable, what are your thoughts?.
Thanks.
Paul
80 90% of those that talk of such things have probably never owned oneThanks.
Paul
,but you have to realize that which ever model you choose they are all getting on in years so can not be compared to be as reliable as a brand new car,saying that you still see the hard shoulder littered with quite modern looking vehicles of all brands.I'm on TVR number three and have never broken down,luck perhaps could be a part of that,but I like to think that I just purchased the right cars in the first place.
You have a good budget to play with better still if choosing a Chimaera as the values of a Griff are increasing at a higher level for the reasons already pointed out.
Both are superb cars and either model will put a huge grin on your face. The reliability issue was there without doubt but as years have passed by the owners will/should have sorted things out.
EDITED
There are also many high teen Chimaera's being advertised,good 500's over 20k but some really good 400's can be found over your budget at some dealers (It's a minefield
) but as daft as it sounds it's a pleasant walk. Edited by TVRJAS on Thursday 16th July 00:11
Mine is blue chimaera on ebay, absolute cracker. I've owned several and my advice is buy on condition alone. I had a speed six cerb between chim 500 and my current. My current has been favourite just for the pure simplicity of the car and in 4 years not a single problem. Buy the best you can afford and again do not buy one that hasn't been cherished.
My opinion (and you can leave aside my obvious bias here) is at £15k you will find yourself a very decent Chimaera 500. It was made in fewer numbers (600ish) than all other variants bar some 430BV early cars, so it has least risk of depreciation as well as all the performance and practicality of any V8 TVR going.
Personally, I don't believe there is much of a downside with fuel consumption compared with its siblings either, I get a regular 21-23mpg from mine with proper mixed driving.
In any case, good luck hunting, take your time, try a few at the meets if you can and enjoy the process.
Personally, I don't believe there is much of a downside with fuel consumption compared with its siblings either, I get a regular 21-23mpg from mine with proper mixed driving.
In any case, good luck hunting, take your time, try a few at the meets if you can and enjoy the process.
TVR = Total Vehicle Reliability.........as long as you drive it at least once a week. It's the weeks standing still, especially over winter, that is no good for reliability on any car, including a TVR.
First thing you do on buying the car is change the battery (unless the previous owner shows you a receipt for a new one since 2012).
Second thing you do is take the car for a suspension check and full four wheel alignment (unless it has had one in the last 12 months). TVRs are very sensitive to misaligned wheels.
First thing you do on buying the car is change the battery (unless the previous owner shows you a receipt for a new one since 2012).
Second thing you do is take the car for a suspension check and full four wheel alignment (unless it has had one in the last 12 months). TVRs are very sensitive to misaligned wheels.
Good advice above re battery & wheel alignment. If you like the look of a chimera, you get more for your money.
Any small car with a V8 is fast so in my view, buy on looks & service history. I have a Griffith BUT for £7k you can buy a cracking 350i ..... I like the looks, my 1st TVR and that's were I recommend you start. Jump in !
Any small car with a V8 is fast so in my view, buy on looks & service history. I have a Griffith BUT for £7k you can buy a cracking 350i ..... I like the looks, my 1st TVR and that's were I recommend you start. Jump in !
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