Buying a Chimera
Discussion
Hi Mike,
I may not be the most knowledgable since ive only owned my Chimaera for about 4 weeks but i have learnt alot in that time and mine was up on the ramps for a pre service inspection earlier this week so i got a full view of the car and was also explained to very clearly (thanks Leven Tech!) all about my car.
I would suggest either an independent inspection (i understand there is a guy who knows alot about TVR's who is happy to do it. Someone here will know who to contact) or if you are very knowlegable yourself, atleast view the car whilst it is on ramps and you can stand underneath and get a good look.
My 5p work is:
The TVR Bible (Chimaera and Griffith 2nd Edition) is a great buy for buying advice.
Make sure you have a good look at the chassis from underneath and check for rust beyond light surface rust.
Check Steering Arms, Suspension components for knocking and wear.
Check Service History (every 6k)
Run Engine and give a good run and check the car keeps between 70 and 90 ish degrees.
When you get back leave engine running and make sure fans cut-in around 90 and that the temperature doesnt start to climb. Should stop at 90. 95 max.
Check all electics work. Windows go up and down fully without getting stuck.
Doors open ok from outside and interior knob.
And if i havent said before, make sure electics work!! (TVR electrics are err a touch unreliable)
Check alarm unlocks doors ok and locks them again.. Try a few times.
Check tyre wear.. if its uneven could be a sign of trouble.
Check diff for wear..(unusual whine etc)
Remember some creaks and rattles are normal for a handmade car with plastic body and steel chassis.
At to be honest, two best bits of advice:
1. Look at a number of different ones to compare. There is a massive difference between identical spec cars due to how theyve been looked after and the fact they are hand made.
2. If you are not an expert, pay a couple of hundred quid, get a full inspection from a TVR car inspector and you'll get a nice one..
Hope that helps a bit.
cheers,
Nick
I may not be the most knowledgable since ive only owned my Chimaera for about 4 weeks but i have learnt alot in that time and mine was up on the ramps for a pre service inspection earlier this week so i got a full view of the car and was also explained to very clearly (thanks Leven Tech!) all about my car.
I would suggest either an independent inspection (i understand there is a guy who knows alot about TVR's who is happy to do it. Someone here will know who to contact) or if you are very knowlegable yourself, atleast view the car whilst it is on ramps and you can stand underneath and get a good look.
My 5p work is:
The TVR Bible (Chimaera and Griffith 2nd Edition) is a great buy for buying advice.
Make sure you have a good look at the chassis from underneath and check for rust beyond light surface rust.
Check Steering Arms, Suspension components for knocking and wear.
Check Service History (every 6k)
Run Engine and give a good run and check the car keeps between 70 and 90 ish degrees.
When you get back leave engine running and make sure fans cut-in around 90 and that the temperature doesnt start to climb. Should stop at 90. 95 max.
Check all electics work. Windows go up and down fully without getting stuck.
Doors open ok from outside and interior knob.
And if i havent said before, make sure electics work!! (TVR electrics are err a touch unreliable)
Check alarm unlocks doors ok and locks them again.. Try a few times.
Check tyre wear.. if its uneven could be a sign of trouble.
Check diff for wear..(unusual whine etc)
Remember some creaks and rattles are normal for a handmade car with plastic body and steel chassis.
At to be honest, two best bits of advice:
1. Look at a number of different ones to compare. There is a massive difference between identical spec cars due to how theyve been looked after and the fact they are hand made.
2. If you are not an expert, pay a couple of hundred quid, get a full inspection from a TVR car inspector and you'll get a nice one..
Hope that helps a bit.
cheers,
Nick
- they'll be able to tell you what needs doing, and a cost... Many a true word spoken in jest Steve- that's how I obtained mine
.
Well, half of mine tbh, as I got a very good insurance payout on a previously written off car, and ended up with a really good Chimaera.
Three years on and no regrets.
Incidently, the forecasters say that this weekend will be the hottest of the year (well, in the south and until Sunday evening). That'll do nicely
On Tuesday, the car goes in for a 3/4 respray so next weekend will be even better for me
Wishing you all a good (and safe) Bank Holiday,
Kenny.
. Well, half of mine tbh, as I got a very good insurance payout on a previously written off car, and ended up with a really good Chimaera.
Three years on and no regrets.
Incidently, the forecasters say that this weekend will be the hottest of the year (well, in the south and until Sunday evening). That'll do nicely
On Tuesday, the car goes in for a 3/4 respray so next weekend will be even better for me
Wishing you all a good (and safe) Bank Holiday,
Kenny.
apprentice said:
Hm, notice you didn't mention GKN vs BTR Pete. Not as big an issue as some would have you believe then?
...will becomes an issue, when you have to find a replacement diff.
Just wondered why you didn't put in the holy trinity - T5, Serp and BTR. You're obviously just slipping in your old age
Don't do as I did ...buy in haste, repent in leisure. take your time , join the TVR club first, compare prices. Good advice for FIRE99. Other things I'd add..
i) Check mirrors ... mine had been broken and glued back in place.
ii) Check tyres are Z rated...my fronts are Vs.
iii) Take the wheels off...my front disc caliper was held on by one bolt.
iv) The one about idling and waiting for the fans is essential...mine was running at 100 degrees..took it back the garage said no problem... two weeks later it boiled, the otter switch failed , learnt how to short it out (thanks to Mr Heaths book... although I'd don't beleive he's got a 74 degree otter switch ...therostat may be). Turned out it was the wrong spec all the time.
v) Get Leven wipers
vi) Get a 12 month waranty
I've had mine for 6 months now, never away from Gorners. They must hate me. But I love the car...troubles and all.
vii) Check the paint colour is original as per handbook, check against engine bay, inside boors, where hood fits
>> Edited by mellow yellow on Thursday 26th May 22:02
i) Check mirrors ... mine had been broken and glued back in place.
ii) Check tyres are Z rated...my fronts are Vs.
iii) Take the wheels off...my front disc caliper was held on by one bolt.
iv) The one about idling and waiting for the fans is essential...mine was running at 100 degrees..took it back the garage said no problem... two weeks later it boiled, the otter switch failed , learnt how to short it out (thanks to Mr Heaths book... although I'd don't beleive he's got a 74 degree otter switch ...therostat may be). Turned out it was the wrong spec all the time.
v) Get Leven wipers
vi) Get a 12 month waranty
I've had mine for 6 months now, never away from Gorners. They must hate me. But I love the car...troubles and all.
vii) Check the paint colour is original as per handbook, check against engine bay, inside boors, where hood fits
>> Edited by mellow yellow on Thursday 26th May 22:02
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