The holy grail to TVR ownership
Discussion
Following the sale of a property I now am finally in a position to purchase my first TVR. A long time coming I can tell you. Anyway. I am thinking Chimaera - 4-4.5L. I would value opinions on whether it is better in general to buy a newer plated model with more miles as opposed to older plated with lower miles. I know condition is probably the most important thing - but what about improvements in the technical spec of the car and components?
Excellent news, have you tried the search facility for relevant topics, should be loads. Having said that last time i tried it it wasnt working, not sure if its fixed now. The 450 is cracking, but then I'm baised, but if nothing else - IIRC - all the 450s have cross bolted engines which could be considered an advantage in itself.
Obviously more choice with the 4.0l but there seem to be plenty of 450s too, only really the 5.0l where you'll struggle for choice. Had you considered one of the well repsected middle men like James Agger and others who seem to have helped a lot of prospective owners.
Happy hunting!
>> Edited by tahiti450 on Friday 1st April 16:37
Obviously more choice with the 4.0l but there seem to be plenty of 450s too, only really the 5.0l where you'll struggle for choice. Had you considered one of the well repsected middle men like James Agger and others who seem to have helped a lot of prospective owners.
Happy hunting!
>> Edited by tahiti450 on Friday 1st April 16:37
A lot will depend on your budget. There is a general consensus that you should buy on condition rather than age, but I would also be tempted to find the newest I could as well.
From 97 onwards(facelifted models) there were a lot of revisions to the Chims, from cooling systems, brakes, mirror buttons for doors, cosmetic details on the body etc. Remember that a 94 (11 years old) with only 30k could potentially have more problems due to having not been driven much/sat around than a 5 year old with 70k on it.
Whatever you decide to go for get it inspected for peace of mind as there are some dogs out there.
From 97 onwards(facelifted models) there were a lot of revisions to the Chims, from cooling systems, brakes, mirror buttons for doors, cosmetic details on the body etc. Remember that a 94 (11 years old) with only 30k could potentially have more problems due to having not been driven much/sat around than a 5 year old with 70k on it.
Whatever you decide to go for get it inspected for peace of mind as there are some dogs out there.
zippee said:
Lots of sensible things
I've certainly heard of a number of people who have had problems with low mileage cars - Chims certainly seem to like to be used.
IMHO (and without wanting to upset anyone else), I would recommend that you go for a post-facelift model if you can find a good 'un within your budget. The changes since the previous model are certainly 'nice to haves'.
The advice about using a decent indie/finder is sound, especially if you're a TVR newbie. I bought from Adrian Blyth, who I would highly recommend. Rob Ingleby (finder/inspector) and James Agger (finder/seller).
Oh and when you do get the car, you won't believe it. It's the best thing I ever did
While the have been some improvements, a good one will be a good one whatever age it is. And regular usage is likely to keep it that way.
I recommend that you make a list of features/colours that you particularly want/don't want (e.g. full hide, door locks, CD changer, green) and see how that trims down the field.
I recommend that you make a list of features/colours that you particularly want/don't want (e.g. full hide, door locks, CD changer, green) and see how that trims down the field.
V8 Archie said:
I recommend that you make a list of features/colours that you particularly want/don't want (e.g. full hide, door locks, CD changer, green) and see how that trims down the field.
not to mention... - air con, PAS, wheel style / size (eg: griff wheels / 15-16 or 16-16 inch) dash finish, instrument colour, carpet colour / piping, etc etc.
That's exactly what I did and I got exactly what I wanted... Brilliant! First thing's first.
Drive a PAS and non PAS car and decide which you prefer, the non-PAS is better but it depends on whether you can live with it in parking situations etc. Some can't
As for miles, I should never be put off by mileage, the rule is condition, condition, condition!
Chimaeras respond better to a bit of regular use here and there generally the cars that get laid up for the winter and do minimal mileage will suffer more faults than the ones that are used.
Get a feel for the previous owner by talking to them, check when the car was last waxoyled, the roof treated etc, whether it was garaged, what it was used for.
If the car is in the hands of a dealer, ask for the name/number of the previous owner and give them a call. Any dealer who is worth his salts and confident it the product will supply this to you.
Echo the facelifted cars, 96/97 on, with these you are assured of getting the T5 gearbox, better cooling, brakes and stying.
Buying a 450 over a 400 also makes sense for the future as these cars are a little more sought after so residuals will also benefit.
Good luck!
Drive a PAS and non PAS car and decide which you prefer, the non-PAS is better but it depends on whether you can live with it in parking situations etc. Some can't
As for miles, I should never be put off by mileage, the rule is condition, condition, condition!
Chimaeras respond better to a bit of regular use here and there generally the cars that get laid up for the winter and do minimal mileage will suffer more faults than the ones that are used.
Get a feel for the previous owner by talking to them, check when the car was last waxoyled, the roof treated etc, whether it was garaged, what it was used for.
If the car is in the hands of a dealer, ask for the name/number of the previous owner and give them a call. Any dealer who is worth his salts and confident it the product will supply this to you.
Echo the facelifted cars, 96/97 on, with these you are assured of getting the T5 gearbox, better cooling, brakes and stying.
Buying a 450 over a 400 also makes sense for the future as these cars are a little more sought after so residuals will also benefit.
Good luck!
just like to point out that many mods came in before the facelift - if you're not worried about the look ( and the 'open mouth' does have it's charm, IM biased O ) then earlier cars come with the essentials such as serpentine engine and T5 'box ( 94-95 ,)and might prove to be a better deal
I'm biased though
condition, SH, and budget. you'll be alright if you keep your head screwed on and seak advice if you think you need it.
all the best
I'm biased though
condition, SH, and budget. you'll be alright if you keep your head screwed on and seak advice if you think you need it.
all the best
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