Buying a Chimaera - What to look for?

[Mad Mike]

Hi,
I've today sold my AC Cobra replica and I'm on my way to finalising a deal for a 98 S plate Chimera 400. It's original owner from new , 14k miles and looks in immaculate condition. approx £15k
1. what do I need to look out for??
2. is this a good price ? I've seen a variety of prices 10k to 18k
3. what can I expect for my money?

Thank

Mike

[Big Al.]

Drop me a mail and I'll send you a Chim buyers guide!

[TVRTimH]

Seems a little steep for the cash, but you get very often what you pay for!! Check chassis for rust, needs a full service history - main dealer or specialist, test drive down a bumpy road to check for squeaks and bangs etc - I didnt and have just had the top suspension, gearbox and exhaust bushes replaced, I also need the wishbone bushes doing too!! Main thing is get underneath, on a ramp preferably, and have a good look around. I'm not very mechanically minded so took a mate!! Good luck!

[e2djh]

Hi, great choice!
At that price, are you buying from a dealer?

[Mad Mike]

Thanks for the reply's so far guys

I saw the car outside a service centre and asked if it was for sale, it wasn't but the mechanic said it had hadly been used since last year's service + MOT and he'd ask owner if interested in sale.

He was and after a drive in the car felt it was the ideal replacement for next year's Le Mans run !! and a more practical / usable car than the cobra.

I didn't get chance to get underneath, so will have to look into this

regards

Mike

[TVRTimH]

It could be worth taking a specialist to look over the car, or ask the garage - if TVR. I took Rob Ingleby to look at my first potential!

[Big Al.]

Mad Mike said:

Thanks for the reply's so far guys

YHM

[bernietopcdo]

i suggest you check that it is solid underneath also oil pressure and temprature are ok. you can usally tell if a car has been looked after by lifting the dip stick out and looking at the oil it should be nice and clear ( not black) but i do suggest you take someone who knows these cars backwards

[Mad Mike]

The car was recommended to me by the garage Manager of Webbs of Bristol.
He said it was the best example he'd seen for a long time!

just 2 'watch outs' - 1. slight oil leak - possible rocker cover
- 2. wear on bump stops on front suspension ??

What do you think??

Mike

[Mad Mike]

Clutch Pedal felt stiff, a lot heavier than 3.5ltr rover in Cobra.

Is this normal?

thanks

mike

[hughesieII]

Mad Mike said:

just 2 'watch outs' - 1. slight oil leak - possible rocker cover
- 2. wear on bump stops on front suspension ??

What do you think??

Mike

I think you're mad, Mike
1. slight oil leak - possible rocker cover
Possible Rocker cover, possible new engine, ok, bit extreme, but you get where i'm coming from...

2. wear on bump stops on front suspension ??
number of possibilities, worn suspension, worn wishbones etc....

Get it independently checked out if i was you fella....

[CharlieMoo]

Mad Mike said:

Clutch Pedal felt stiff, a lot heavier than 3.5ltr rover in Cobra.

Is this normal?

thanks

mike

CHECK OUT FOR LEAKS IN THE ROOF ETC .........
damp carpets. they are hard to cure and you usually end up with a wet and rotting carpet!!!

[hughesieII]

Mad Mike said:

Clutch Pedal felt stiff, a lot heavier than 3.5ltr rover in Cobra.

Is this normal?

thanks

mike

Yes and no, mines quite stiff, but it's just had a new clutch and slave/master cylinders.

Its heavier than a 4.0's for sure though, you need to ask if its smooth, and not notchy though to be sure...

[Ed450]

If it was indeed Webbs of Bristol .... I'd expect more of a comprehensive rundown on the car. I've had good experience of them in the past.

1. Clutch pedal stiff - MAN UP! they're all like that

2. Slight oil leak - nothing such as SLIGHT! Either it is or it isn't. If it is, and it's from anywhere in/on the engine itself, FORGET IT!!!!

3. Wear on ther front suspension? As them why the price when you could easiy get a 98' 4.00 chim with no surprises for less than 15K. (probably 12K or less private).

[pjac67]

Welcome to the fold! Are you in the TVRCC? - a few nice Chim's in Bristol! My mechanic (who owns a Chim and services/repairs many TVR's) is based in Severn Beach and I am sure would carry out pre-purchase inspection. Otherwise, as has been said Rob Ingleby is very good.
Whereabouts in Bristol are you?
Paul.

[Mad Mike]

HI Paul, Waiting until purchase of car to join club, but already checking out website.

I'm based at Bradley Stoke. As this is a private sale, I will speak to the manager tomorrow morning and try to re - view the car at Webbs garage.

I would be interested in a fully independant check - could you let me know your mechanic's details if poss

Mike

Edited by Mad Mike on Tuesday 1st August 19:04

[pjac67]

Hi Mike
I've been off-line for a week - hence the delay!
My mechanic is Tony Gaston of JT Classic Services. TEL; 07887 984986 or email; [e-mail]
Give us a call and i will be happy to have a chat.

Paul

[Red V8]

Mad Mike said:

The car was recommended to me by the garage Manager of Webbs of Bristol.
He said it was the best example he'd seen for a long time!

just 2 'watch outs' - 1. slight oil leak - possible rocker cover
- 2. wear on bump stops on front suspension ??

What do you think??

Mike

Oil leak, if it has been maintained properly, then rocker cover leak sounds odd... however, if it's from the sump pan, then common problem... can be fixed easily, but will leak again eventually.

Support what ohers have said, better to get it checked out by someone familiar with these cars

[M@H]

Yeah but a very slightly weepy rocker cover is one of those "must get round to it one day" jobs.. hammeriting the outriggers would always take preference with me. Doesn't mean the car isn't well maintained, its just a fiddly job that isn't going to get any worse or damage anything else so will fall down the jobs list.

[flinny]

Hi all

What are the dimensions of the Chim? I'm seriously thinking about swapping my S for one but don't know if it'll fit in my garage.

Have seen a P plate 4ltr with 35k on clock that's taken my fancy.