Service intervals

[timmybob]

I'm looking to join the ranks of Chimera owners soon and have seen an interesting looking 1999 example with low miles (~17K). Although it has a FTVRSH, this has been done at mileage points not age, consequently there are some gaps... Should I be running a mile, or just take the usual precautions (e.g. get it seen by a specialist). Any advice welcome!!

[225]

I personally would look else where as it does state 6k or 12 months and the car obviously has been sitting idle for some lemgthy periods or run on lots of short trips. Just me though some more knowledgeable peeps on here may say different.

[2 Smokin Barrels]

That could be an indication it hasn't been loved.

[tvrbob]

1 post in 48 months. That's like 3 services in 6 years.

Seriously though you're probably OK. The issue here is over those things that age regardless of use, brake and clutch fluid for example. I would say those items would not harm the car.

I would be more concerned about the car being low mileage. These cars don't like sitting in garages doing nothing. For reasons that I can't fathom the low mileage cars develop electrical problems and hot & cold running & starting problems. It may be sensible to replace the battery because that is certain to have suffered from long periods of rest.


>> Edited by tvrbob on Thursday 18th August 19:47

[timmybob]

Point take tvrbob! Maybe it's because I'm shy.
There does seem to be a few around with relatively low miles - about 3-5K per year. Is that too low? It'll be a third car for us as well, although will be aiming to do a little more than that!

[2 Smokin Barrels]

Average mileage of TVR is 4,000 per annum.

[chimalsu]

when i bought my car a 1996 4ltr it had 18k on the clockbut no service record since12k,having only covered 3k in last 3 years with same owner.i had no concerns over this because the condition of the carwas good the first thing i did was change the fluids and in 1year and 5k driving has been 100% reliable,only problem ive encountered is with a temperimental immobaliser

[Podie]

Hmm... IMHO that's not good.

If a car is doing less than 6k a year, it should be serviced annually AND have a full (12k) service.

4000 miles a year may be "average" for a TVR, but to be honest any car doing less than 6000 a year is bordering on neglect (again IMHO) - without regular use things like oil seals break down for example. Never ceases to amaze me that people buy these fantastic cars, and then leave them in the garage - what's so wrong with them that you don't want to drive it..?

Coming back to the question, if the servicing has been skimped on, then I'd suspect that the rest of the car may have suffered as well. It may be a good car, but I wouldn't be surprised if there was a big bill or two round the corner. If you do have your heart set on this car, then get it inspected by an independent TVR specialist...

[griffter]

timmybob said:

I'm looking to join the ranks of Chimera owners soon and have seen an interesting looking 1999 example with low miles (~17K). Although it has a FTVRSH, this has been done at mileage points not age, consequently there are some gaps... Should I be running a mile, or just take the usual precautions (e.g. get it seen by a specialist). Any advice welcome!!

I'd argue that a service history which has NOT been done on age or mileage as stated in the service schedule is NOT a FULL service history. "But it's got all the stamps gov..." "Well it wasn't serviced at all last year - and that's not in line with the service schedule is it?..." This line of conversation always seems to leave vendors looking bemused and offended, however! But I derive a perverse enjoyment from it.

However, lengthening service intervals cos they're done on mileage not time is unlikely to cause any great drama (esp. on a 1999 car)- although be aware that things like oil, coolant and brake fluid do go off with time. Try to get a discount on the basis of the 'F' in FSH being misleading, then get it all done when the car's yours - if it's the RIGHT car.