Chimaera advice

[egoold]

I posted a question on the general gassing staion about S2000 Vs elise etc. www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=21871



A lot of people felt that a TVR was the way ahead so I have some questions.

I am sure that most of these questions have been asked a hundred times before but if any one has any time for so quick advice it would be appreciated.
I am curious to know about peoples experience of running a two or three year old Chimaera. servicing reliability? warranties available? servicing costs? depreciation? where best to look or buy from?

[p7ulg]

I bought a three year old Chimaera last year after owning a Cerbera and a Tuscan (its a long story).I have found the Chimaera to be very enjoyable and reliable.Servicing costs have been realistic and probably no more than any other car in this price range.In general it is a pretty straight forward car, with an engine that has been around long enough to have all the problems ironed out.

[squirrelz]

Have a browse through the members cars - quite a few people have kept the history section up to date. You can start with mine, although I got it when it was 4 years old not 2-3.

[Mark.S]

My history section is up to date and a reasonably good guide to average running costs. Its certainly along in line with my expectations anyhow.

Replacing all four tyres earlier than expected threw this years budget out of the window but never mind

[clint888]

the learning curve on any new TVR model is about 2-3 years. The Chim has been around since '94 so it is very well sorted out. Get yourself a god condition 4.5 and get an induction kit from ACT to improve response. You will need a Mark Adams chip and rolling road session for best results.

[egoold]

That was going to be my next question. If I were to look at a 2 year old chim. what one is the best to go for 4.0,4.5,5.0. Also is there any options or specification that is a must when looking for a second hand one? Obviously apart from a full service history.

[yum]

egoold said: That was going to be my next question. If I were to look at a 2 year old chim. what one is the best to go for 4.0,4.5,5.0. Also is there any options or specification that is a must when looking for a second hand one? Obviously apart from a full service history.

Go and try a few, but condition & history are more important than engine size. All are fast.

You need power steering if your other half will drive it (or not if you don't want to encourage her!)

Don't be afraid of older ones, but try to buy one with the door releases under the mirrors 97ish onwards.

R

[c4snhtvr]

HOPE I CAN HELP I HAVE 4L CHIM 1995 23000 MILES NO PAS. & 5L CHIM 1998 28000 MILES WITH PAS ANY ?????? STEVE 01268 732184 8AM - 4PM.

[.Mark]

yum said:

egoold said:

You need power steering if your other half will drive it (or not if you don't want to encourage her!)

R

Yum got to disagree.
We tried both and the wife wouldn't entertain the PAS version, said she felt there was not enough feedback through the wheels and preferred the feel of the handling on the non-PAS - more direct.
The trick is to keep the car moving, however slowly, that stops the steering being heavy when parking etc.

[egoold]

So what you are saying is there is no way I will be able to keep the alloys scuff free. Bugger. Last time I lent the girl I am seeing, my car she drove around all day with a flat tyre knackering both tyre and wheel. silly bun.

[the dodger]

c4snhtvr said: HOPE I CAN HELP I HAVE 4L CHIM 1995 23000 MILES NO PAS. & 5L CHIM 1998 28000 MILES WITH PAS ANY ?????? STEVE 01268 732184 8AM - 4PM.

More details required c4snhtvr. And stop SHOUTING!

Are they in the classified?

[mikeulster500]

Mr Goold check the chimaera classifieds on this website, I have a 1999 500 chimaera for sale, absolutely mint,26000 miles latest rear lights, power steering and not one mark on any of the rims
Cheers

[M@H]

I am curious to know about peoples experience of running a two or three year old Chimaera. servicing reliability? warranties available? servicing costs? depreciation? where best to look or buy from?

Tyr a ten year old one.. on the counts above:

Servicing - same or cheaper
Warranites - you can get a private warranty on most car purchases if you pay for it.. so same.
reliability - much the same I would imagine
Depreciation - much less than a 2-3 yr old
Cost... err save about £10k

[simpo one]

I'd agree with M@H. Even though my experience is with those sleek Griff thingies, costs etc are pretty similar. It all depends on how much money you want to spend and/or lose. A two-year old will depreciate like a grand piano, but a 8/9 year old one will be pretty stable, IMHO (they came out in 93, but as with all TVRs I'd avoid the fist year's crop). You can always tart it up with shiny ally bits, new rear lights etc if you want to make it look newer. Insurance will be significantly less, too.

Hope this helps.

[ATG]

The prices in this site's classifieds give you a pretty good idea of the depreciation curve ... some are hoping for around 22K ... uhm, ahh, well good luck ... whereas there are a load of cars in the low teens and their value seems to be holding up pretty well.