I'm thinking about buying my first TVR
Discussion
I'm thinking about buying a Chimaera as my first TVR. I have only had two previous cars ('86 Golf auto) and current 3.0 X-Type (keeping to accommodate the wife and baby).
Having looked at the classifieds I can see two ’97 models one for £9,900 41k miles and the other for £12,995 33k miles. How much does mileage affect the price on a TVR? Should I buy from a dealer with an extended warranty? What are the top 5 things to look out for? Please advice.
Having looked at the classifieds I can see two ’97 models one for £9,900 41k miles and the other for £12,995 33k miles. How much does mileage affect the price on a TVR? Should I buy from a dealer with an extended warranty? What are the top 5 things to look out for? Please advice.
Four weeks today
adamomer said:
Having looked at the classifieds I can see two ’97 models one for £9,900 41k miles and the other for £12,995 33k miles. How much does mileage affect the price on a TVR? Should I buy from a dealer with an extended warranty? What are the top 5 things to look out for? Please advice.
IMO - while mileage obviously has an effect, it's certainly not the most important thing. The key thing is condition (particularly of the chassis - more on that later). In fact, I'd be put off a very low mileage example, as it seems well documented that these cars like to be driven and misbehave less when they are.
There's no need to buy from a dealer, although there is an added peace of mind that comes from the statutory legal protections one gets when doing so. I'm NOT referring to the warranty, you can still buy privately and then purchase a warranty separately.
The key thing to look for (after making sure it runs and isn't burning oil etc) is the condition of the chassis. Get the bonnet up and have a good look at the wishbones et al. Get underneath the car and check the outriggers - these are very prone to rusting. Remember that what appears to be surface rust could turn out to be structural so have a surreptitious poke around if you can. What you will ideally see is either a mint chassis (unlikely at that age) or else a chassis which has had any rust spots treated, and in either case, a good whacking layer of waxoyl or similar.
Next check the footwells (esp drivers) and the back carpet (esp where the seatbelts are mounted at the top) for signs of mould, damp etc. Leaky cars aren't the end of the world but they're an utter pain in the arse.
I'd also check oil and coolant levels - it gives an idea of how attentive the owner's been.
Obviously you'll need to take it out for a test drive. Make sure you get to experience the car from stone cold (it may be a bit rough when you first fire it up, but should perk up pdq). Make sure it picks up cleanly, and drives and brakes in a straight line. Listen for excessive tapping from the engine (although often the engines can be a bit 'tappety' when cold) - it could indicate blown manifold gaskets.
Good luck!
adamomer said:
the other for £12,995 33k miles.
That 'll be mine then I don't want to turn this into a plug for my car( if people think its over priced thats fine). i do agree that chassis condition is very important but when looking at prices you have to compare like with like .I believe the other quoted is only a 4.0L. Does this matter? only you can decide, also there are a lot of cars for sale that have had nothing done, this doesn't make them bad cars but they are getting older so you should be prepared for some remedial work regardless of how the car has been driven/cared for. To be honest i don't envy you one bit as pricing of cars is an absolute 'mare.
Edited by ray_von on Tuesday 8th August 10:17
Gassing Station | Chimaera | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff