Discussion
Am debating as to whether to buy a Chimaera. I currently drive a 2.2l BMW Z3 but this year will have to decide if to keep/swap it out.
I love the look of the Chimaera but wonder if this is really a car for the real enthusiast who does not mind it being a tad unreliable. By this I mean that I have been told by the dealer that the engine is sound but other issues are electric windows that have to be pushed down, various electronis items not working inside of the car etc
Unfortunately I will have to be practical as I will need to use it most days for a 50 mile return journey, predominantly on the motorway.
Also how does the Chimaera handle in the wet? The Z3 is okay but does not hold the road as well as most cars but appreciate that this is normal for a rear wheel drive.
I like driving and like to drive a car that has a bit of Woomph but would not say that I'm competition for "The Stig"
So the question is, will the Chimaera be wasted upon me? How reliable is it? Should I stick with my hairdresser's car?
Would love to hear comments from anyone who has made this leap from the an ordinary road runner to what is possibly a magnificent beast.
I love the look of the Chimaera but wonder if this is really a car for the real enthusiast who does not mind it being a tad unreliable. By this I mean that I have been told by the dealer that the engine is sound but other issues are electric windows that have to be pushed down, various electronis items not working inside of the car etc
Unfortunately I will have to be practical as I will need to use it most days for a 50 mile return journey, predominantly on the motorway.
Also how does the Chimaera handle in the wet? The Z3 is okay but does not hold the road as well as most cars but appreciate that this is normal for a rear wheel drive.
I like driving and like to drive a car that has a bit of Woomph but would not say that I'm competition for "The Stig"
So the question is, will the Chimaera be wasted upon me? How reliable is it? Should I stick with my hairdresser's car?
Would love to hear comments from anyone who has made this leap from the an ordinary road runner to what is possibly a magnificent beast.
Yes you should make the move. The cars are powerful and require respect in both the dry and wet but not something to be terrified of.
I moved from a 318 BMW to the Chim and haven't looked back.
With respect to the machine you appear to be looking at I would avoid it. Everything should work when you buy the car and there are plenty of Chims around that are in A if not A+ condition that are worth every penny.
BTW you will receive more advice from this group than you will know what to do with.
I moved from a 318 BMW to the Chim and haven't looked back.
With respect to the machine you appear to be looking at I would avoid it. Everything should work when you buy the car and there are plenty of Chims around that are in A if not A+ condition that are worth every penny.
BTW you will receive more advice from this group than you will know what to do with.
Take one for a test drive. That'll make your mind.
Just so you know, that grin you get when you test drive it doesn't go away. Ever. (Unless you sell it of course. But that would be very silly)
Mine was laid up for 3 weeks and I was still grinning in anticipation of the impending hoon when its fixed.
Just so you know, that grin you get when you test drive it doesn't go away. Ever. (Unless you sell it of course. But that would be very silly)
Mine was laid up for 3 weeks and I was still grinning in anticipation of the impending hoon when its fixed.
Check my profile to see the chain of automotive events in my life:
To cut a long story short, I went from an N reg 4.0HC to a T reg 4.0 (facelift model).!!
Time frame between the two Chims was approx 4yrs.
They need a bit more love and attention than the mundane motor boxes that are two a penny, but it repays you in spades.
It's an experience that someone who hasn't 'done it', cannot comprehend - sounds a bit w*nkey but you'll see what I mean when you do it.
Do it now
You won't look back.................
>> Edited by nick275uk on Monday 7th February 14:31
To cut a long story short, I went from an N reg 4.0HC to a T reg 4.0 (facelift model).!!
Time frame between the two Chims was approx 4yrs.
They need a bit more love and attention than the mundane motor boxes that are two a penny, but it repays you in spades.
It's an experience that someone who hasn't 'done it', cannot comprehend - sounds a bit w*nkey but you'll see what I mean when you do it.
Do it now
You won't look back................. >> Edited by nick275uk on Monday 7th February 14:31
I would certainly say do it, I changed from a 10 yr old Prelude in Jan to my 4.0 Chim and love it. The engines are pretty much bombproof if looked after correclty and electric problems are ususally only minor niggles, the only problem with mine being a poor earth (common fault) that means my handbrake warning light flickers, think I can live with that. As long as the car is serviced regularly and taken care of it will reward you far more than your Z3. You also get noticed sooo much more, with smiles and pointing everywhere you go.
I can even manage a conversation at 70 plus a bit, cruising they are quiet(ish).
Yes they are skittish in the wet, basic rule is dont floor it on the slippery stuff and you'll be fine.
Just take a test drive in one and see how you feel....Bet you end up buying, and remember you've only a couple of months left of the cheap season, as soon as the sun starts coming out prices will go up again.
I can even manage a conversation at 70 plus a bit, cruising they are quiet(ish).
Yes they are skittish in the wet, basic rule is dont floor it on the slippery stuff and you'll be fine.
Just take a test drive in one and see how you feel....Bet you end up buying, and remember you've only a couple of months left of the cheap season, as soon as the sun starts coming out prices will go up again.
These are 2 entirely different cars.
The TVR will let you down occasionally, and it will require respect when you drive it, whilst the BMW really is a soft sports car, with ABS, Traction Control and Air Bags, I bet the demister even works!
Do consider that you get none of these in a Chimaera. If you get T boned in a Chim' then I wouldn't recon your chances of survival.
I'm not saying don't do it but do consider the move carefully.
As for the 'does not hold the road as well as most cars but appreciate that this is normal for a rear wheel drive' comment.
I love my TVR but it's a totally different beast from anything I've owned, but it is closer to the Spitfire than it is to the Zed.
Whatever you choose - enjoy it.
Tim
The TVR will let you down occasionally, and it will require respect when you drive it, whilst the BMW really is a soft sports car, with ABS, Traction Control and Air Bags, I bet the demister even works!
Do consider that you get none of these in a Chimaera. If you get T boned in a Chim' then I wouldn't recon your chances of survival.
I'm not saying don't do it but do consider the move carefully.
As for the 'does not hold the road as well as most cars but appreciate that this is normal for a rear wheel drive' comment.
I love my TVR but it's a totally different beast from anything I've owned, but it is closer to the Spitfire than it is to the Zed.
Whatever you choose - enjoy it.
Tim
We've had our 4ltr Chim for just over a year now. My missus thought I was mad to buy an "unreliable" car like a TVR. It has never failed to start, nothing has dropped off, the only things that have failed we either knew about when I bought it or have been stupid things like renewing targa rubbers etc. In essence GO BUY ONE ... the only regret I have is not having bought one sooner....
I drive a 4.5 daily.. It's my only car, and I bought it just before thw winter. As long as you treat the throttle pedal with respect, you're fine. I've driven in ice and torrential downpours and have done 4500 miles since I bought mine. It had some work done when I bought it (I was aware this NEEDED doing) and since then I've had a new battery… thus far, no problems. You only live once, so you may as well enjoy it. 
Get yourself to the Surrey TVRCC meet (think the person you want is Steve T) and go out in a few...
Get yourself to the Surrey TVRCC meet (think the person you want is Steve T) and go out in a few...
Podie said:
Get yourself to the Surrey TVRCC meet (think the person you want is Steve T) and go out in a few...
www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=154335&f=13&h=0
snorky said:
... the only regret I have is not having bought one sooner....
Same here. I've not had mine very long, but I can honestly say I have never had so much fun in a motor car (and that includes when I was 17 and the car was also for 'entertaining' laydees!). Can't stop grinning........
I've owned my Chim since last August. I've had a few niggles, but none that I couldn't sort out with the advice available through this forum or the TVRCC (I'm a complete mechanical numpty). Luckily the engine is absolutely sound - it has never failed to start.
Common problems are;
Radiator leaks (easy to sort with a re-core £100-200)
Starter Motor Heat Issues (Mod-Wise sell an upgrade for £15ish).
Leaky Roof (easy to re-proof and seal).
Electrics (can be difficult to fix, but not expensive as most of the parts are available from other car - cost comes from hours in the garage).
Weak Headlights (again, Mod-Wise sell an upgrade).
To answer your original question - YES, the Chim is a dream to own and drive. Just be prepared to devote some time - it will become a hobby, not just a (very fast) mode of transport.
If you're going to buy one, I strongly recommend you get it properly inspected by someone who understands TVRs. Chances are, the money you pay them for inspection will be saved back from the cost for the problems they can highlight. At the least, it'll stop you buying a 'dud'.
Common problems are;
Radiator leaks (easy to sort with a re-core £100-200)
Starter Motor Heat Issues (Mod-Wise sell an upgrade for £15ish).
Leaky Roof (easy to re-proof and seal).
Electrics (can be difficult to fix, but not expensive as most of the parts are available from other car - cost comes from hours in the garage).
Weak Headlights (again, Mod-Wise sell an upgrade).
To answer your original question - YES, the Chim is a dream to own and drive. Just be prepared to devote some time - it will become a hobby, not just a (very fast) mode of transport.
If you're going to buy one, I strongly recommend you get it properly inspected by someone who understands TVRs. Chances are, the money you pay them for inspection will be saved back from the cost for the problems they can highlight. At the least, it'll stop you buying a 'dud'.
DOITDOITDOIT 
I went from a Z3 to a chim 450 via a Lotus Elise.
I don't use my chim everyday but the only problems I have had are due to the car not being used enough....discharged battery, brakes sticking on.
The chim is a totally different car. Treat it with respect and its fantastic. I will be using mine at least one a week as well as weekends from now onwards
best of luck
Chris
I don't use my chim everyday but the only problems I have had are due to the car not being used enough....discharged battery, brakes sticking on.
The chim is a totally different car. Treat it with respect and its fantastic. I will be using mine at least one a week as well as weekends from now onwards
best of luck
Chris
I've had my chimp since October and I got it relatively cheap from a private sale. So I allocated a budget knowing it needed things doing to it. I have always found warranties being not worth the paper etc etc in the past so I saved £3000 on the trader price. It is a very fast car and for the £12k I paid I don't believe any other car in that price range would touch it. However, its not the easiest car to drive. If you like sitting upright, seeing your bonnet and get car sickness....forget it. The handbrake is very hard to pull on, mines 2 clicks. The gears are notchy, and it hates traffic / first gear. But smooth as a whistle accelerating and cruising. I still get butterflies when I drive it around the estate and I can't wait for summer. Yes, if I crash it, turn it over, or somebody hits me side on i'll probably be a deadman, but hey, you only live once. What else can I say....buy one now while there are bargains before the summer arrives.
And remember, if you view one and it has faults just get a quote for it and knock down the sellers price. Chances are he will accept it and he damm well knows the faults. I knocked £1250 off mine and I have probably spend £400 on it. Oh, finally I said I'd never have another red car....until I saw a red Chimaera.
Whoooooooooooooooooooshhh............................
And remember, if you view one and it has faults just get a quote for it and knock down the sellers price. Chances are he will accept it and he damm well knows the faults. I knocked £1250 off mine and I have probably spend £400 on it. Oh, finally I said I'd never have another red car....until I saw a red Chimaera.
Whoooooooooooooooooooshhh............................
i think we're all agreed that the weapon of choice here is the chimaera 400HC.
However, it's easy to get caught up in the woo hoo! moment so to speak and forget that there are serious downsides to owning this particular model.
Accordingly, i think a balanced view should be expressed, i've therefore listed a couple of downsides to owning a chimaera 400HC:-
1. looks, smiles and waves from hot babes - This can prove to be a difficult distraction to overcome. Serious care is needed when driving through built up areas.
2. The sexy, throaty noise akin to Barry White gargling with nails - seriously upsets z3 (ahem.) TT drivers and other ladyboys especially when said drivers have their girlfriends in the car (see point 1 above).
To balance this out...and on the upside, the only cars that guys can drive with the hood down and not look like complete fags are TVRs. (soopa cars excluded from this wild and crazy statement).
Yes chimaeras are sexy and cool... but remember it's not all about burning down roads like a prowling tiger.
Hope this helps,
Regards,
N
edited due to laptop keyboard error and also to ask that readers forget the fact that the original post was that of a babe. *sigh* (thank god i didn't mention knicker-elastic.
>> Edited by trinitycall on Tuesday 8th February 10:19
trinitycall said:
1.looks, smiles and waves from hot babes - This can prove to be a difficult distraction to overcome. Serious care is needed when driving through built up areas.
2. The sexy, throaty noise akin to Barry White gargling with nails - seriously upsets z3 (ahem.) TT drivers and other ladyboys especially when said drivers have their girlfriends in the car (see point 1 above).
To balance this out...and on the upside, the only cars that guys can drive with the hood down and not look like complete fags are TVRs. (soopa cars excluded from this wild and crazy statement).
Erm, Whilst I'm sure many of the men (myslef included) very much agree with you on these points, the originator of the post happens to be female so probably isn't too interested in the knicker elastic snapping qualities of the Chimaera. Then again.....
Zippee said:
1.looks, smiles and waves from hot babes - This can prove to be a difficult distraction to overcome. Serious care is needed when driving through built up areas.
2. The sexy, throaty noise akin to Barry White gargling with nails - seriously upsets z3 (ahem.) TT drivers and other ladyboys especially when said drivers have their girlfriends in the car (see point 1 above).
To balance this out...and on the upside, the only cars that guys can drive with the hood down and not look like complete fags are TVRs. (soopa cars excluded from this wild and crazy statement).
Erm, Whilst I'm sure many of the men (myslef included) very much agree with you on these points, the originator of the post happens to be female so probably isn't too interested in the knicker elastic snapping qualities of the Chimaera. Then again.....
...when will i learn?As a daily driver it's very do-able, but it will cost you. The fuel economy is pretty good considering you're running a large engine, because the car is light, but the best you're going to get is 20s to the gallon. Some have achieved late 20s with a 4L, though I tend to achieve early 20s mpg in a steady cruise in my 5L.
Servicing can be carried out at very reasonable cost by a number of good independents in the Surrey area, but intervals are every 6k, so with your mileage they'll come up quite quickly. Reliability wise, mine has done 61k and so far I've not the AA recover me, although I did run it close on the weekend, with a starting issue. I'd say generally they're very reliable, but you have to keep on top of the maintenance.
If you have any questions or want to got out for a run in a Chim', please get in touch. Driving during the week is a bit more limited for me as I'm working pretty long hours, weekends are better. If I can't assist, I'm confident I can find someone who can.
Happy searching,
Steve.
>> Edited by Steve_T on Tuesday 8th February 10:30
Servicing can be carried out at very reasonable cost by a number of good independents in the Surrey area, but intervals are every 6k, so with your mileage they'll come up quite quickly. Reliability wise, mine has done 61k and so far I've not the AA recover me, although I did run it close on the weekend, with a starting issue. I'd say generally they're very reliable, but you have to keep on top of the maintenance.
If you have any questions or want to got out for a run in a Chim', please get in touch. Driving during the week is a bit more limited for me as I'm working pretty long hours, weekends are better. If I can't assist, I'm confident I can find someone who can.
Happy searching,
Steve.
>> Edited by Steve_T on Tuesday 8th February 10:30
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